Process Safety Research Articles

Nanoparticle ultrasonication: a promising approach for reducing bacterial biofilm in total joint infection-an in vivo rat model investigation.

While the benefits of sonication for improving periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) are well-documented, its potential therapeutic effect against bacterial biofilm remains unstudied. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of a novel nanoparticle ultrasonication process on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacterial biofilm formation in a PJI rat model. This novel ultrasonication process was designed to remove attached bacterial biofilm from implant and peri-articular tissues, without damaging native tissues or compromising implant integrity. Twenty-five adult Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a surgical procedure and were colonized with intra-articular MRSA, followed by the insertion of a titanium screw. Three weeks after the index surgery, the animals received a second procedure during which the screws were explanted, and soft tissue was sampled. The intraoperative use of the nanoparticle sonication treatment was employed to assess the device's safety, while ex vivo treatment on the retrieved tissue and implants was used to evaluate its efficacy. Clinical and histological assessments did not indicate any macro- or micro-damage to the host tissue. Sonication of the retrieved tissues demonstrated an average bacterial removal of 2 × 103CFU/mL and 1 × 104CFU/gram of tissue. Compared to the standard-of-care group (n = 10), implants treated with sonication (n = 15) had significantly lower remaining bacteria, as indicated by crystal violet absorbance measurements (P = 0.012). This study suggests that nanoparticle sonication technology can successfully remove attached bacterial biofilms from explanted orthopedic hardware and the joint capsule, without negatively affecting native tissue. The study provides initial results supporting the potential of nanoparticle sonication as an adjuvant treatment option during a DAIR (debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention) procedure for PJI, paving the way for future clinical trials.

Evaluation and Analysis of the Clinical Effects of Laparoscopic Surgery for Pediatric Direct Inguinal Hernia.

Objective: To assess both the clinical effectiveness and practical experience of utilizing laparoscopic methods for addressing direct inguinal hernia in the pediatric population. Method: The study collected clinical data from 10 pediatric patients with direct inguinal hernia treated at the Children's Hospital of Anhui Province from July 2014 to July 2023. Among them, there were 8 males and 2 females, with an average age of 43.4 ± 22.0 months. All were initially diagnosed with indirect inguinal hernia before surgery. During the laparoscopic procedures, direct hernia was confirmed. Two cases had undergone open hernial sac high ligation surgery due to misdiagnosis as indirect hernia, resulting in recurrent groin bulges postoperatively. For these cases, laparoscopic direct hernia neck ligation with reinforcement and repair using the inner side of the umbilical ligament was performed. Results: All 10 cases of pediatric patients underwent surgeries smoothly without any need for open conversion. The average surgical duration was 29.8 ± 15.0 minutes, with minimal intraoperative bleeding. Patients were discharged on the first day postoperatively, and no significant surgery-related complications were observed. During the 12-month follow-up period, it was noted that the scar at the umbilical ring was superficial and inconspicuous. There were no occurrences of hernia recurrence, testicular retraction, or atrophy. Conclusion: Laparoscopic treatment for pediatric direct inguinal hernia has demonstrated favorable therapeutic outcomes, ensuring a safe surgical process, rapid recovery, and a low postoperative recurrence rate. The laparoscopic approach, specifically utilizing direct hernia neck ligation with reinforcement and repair using the inner side of the umbilical ligament, proves to be a secure and effective treatment for pediatric direct inguinal hernia. It can be considered as a conventional treatment method.

Post operative outcomes of del-nido cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the post-operative results for defibrillator use, length of hospital stay, and ionotropic support in adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery in Del-Nido Cardioplegia. Cardiac enzymes and potassium levels are measured before and after surgery in adult cardiac surgery patients in order to look for arrhythmias. Study Design: Observational Cross-sectional study. Setting: Afridi Medical Complex, Peshawar. Period: October 2022 to March 2023. Methods: 50 Patients were selected randomly by using Non-Probability Convenient sampling method technique. Results: In our study the mean age of patients was (50.92 ±9.429). Cardiac enzyme level post-op after 24 hours (67.3540±23.21292). Potassium level post-op group (4.5590± .65033), and length of hospital stay (8.58±1.486). Post operative outcomes shows significant association p value <0.05. Conclusion: This study concluded that Del Nido Cardioplegia is an intented and brief arrest of heart function, especially in cardiopulmonary Bypass surgery. Better myocardial protection is provided by Del-Nido Cardioplegia and it is very safe and effective process. It Provide good post operative outcome as are available in different literature reviews preceding our study.

A Simple Regeneration Process Using a CO2-Switchable-Polarity Solvent for Cellulose Hydrogels.

Cellulose is one of the main components of plant cell walls, abundant on earth, and can be acquired at a low cost. Furthermore, there has been increasing interest in its use in environmentally friendly, carbon-neutral, sustainable materials. It is expected that the applications of cellulose will expand with the development of a simple processing method. In this study, we dissolved cellulose in aqueous N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium hydroxide solution ([C4mpyr][OH]/H2O) and investigated the cellulose regeneration process based on changes in solubility upon application of CO2 gas. We investigated the effect of transformation of the anion chemical structure on cellulose solubility by flowing CO2 gas into [C4mpyr][OH]/H2O and conducted pH, FT-IR, and 13C NMR measurements. We observed that the changes in anion structure allowed for the modulation of cellulose solubility in [C4mpyr][OH]/H2O, thus establishing a simple and safe cellulose regeneration process. This regeneration process was also applied to enable the production of cellulose hydrogels. The hydrogel formed using this method was revealed to have higher mechanical strength than an analogous hydrogel produced using the same dissolution solvent with the addition of a cross-linker. The ability to produce cellulose-based hydrogels of different mechanical properties is expected to expand the possible applications.

Optimal design and experimental testing of EMPI system for plasma disruption mitigation on J-TEXT

Plasma disruptions can cause significant damage to tokamak. Currently, the primary method for mitigating disruptions is the injection of a substantial amount of impurities. The electromagnetic injection method offers a high injection speed and rapid response time, making it a promising technique for impurity injection. The first Electromagnetic Pellet Injection System (EMPI), developed by the J-TEXT team, is capable of launching pellets at high velocities and features a specialized deceleration rail that ensures safe separation of the armature and pellet. However, this system lacks an armature recovery device and a vacuum system. In this work, a second generation EMPI has been developed, which has a vacuum system and a curved recovery rail. The curved recovery rail facilitates the smooth retrieval of the armature, enhancing the safety of the recycling process. Additionally, this new system employs an augmented rail design that improves launch performance. Test results indicate that the maximum current of the new EMPI has been reduced by approximately 60%, while the maximum launch speed has increased by around 20%.

Modeling and Evaluation of Penetration Process Based on 3D Mechanical Simulation

In biological micromanipulation, cell penetration is a typical procedure that precedes cell injection or oocyte enucleation. During this procedure, cells usually undergo significant deformation, which leads to cell damage. In this paper, we focus on modeling and evaluating the cell penetration process to reduce cell deformation and stress, thereby reducing cell damage. Initially, a finite element model (FEM) is established to simulate the cell penetration process. The effectiveness of the model is then verified through visual detection and comparison of cell deformation with experimental data. Next, various mechanical responses are analyzed, considering the influence of parameters, such as the radius and shape of the injection micropipettes, material properties, and size of the cells. Finally, the relationship between the intracellular stress and the cell penetration depth of biological cells is obtained. The evaluation results will be applied to develop optimized operation plans, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the cell penetration process.

Experimental Assessment of Corrosion Properties for Materials Intended for Heavy Crude Processing

Heavy crude oil processing presents significant challenges owing to its complex composition and requirement for processing conditions, which increase the process safety risk in crude processing units, such as fixed equipment, for instance pressure vessels and pipes. The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of heavy crude oils named A and B and the effect of sulfur-rich compounds and organic acids on the performance at high temperatures of three metallic alloys (5Cr-1/2Mo/ASTM A335GP5, X6CrNiMoTi17122/AISI-SAE 316Ti and Ni66.5Cu31.5/Monel 400) and propose an alternative to be used in pressure vessels and piping in refineries. This work was based on the need to understand the corrosivity of two heavy crude oils (A and B) from eastern Colombia in three materials, evaluated at three temperatures (200 °C, 250 °C and 300 °C) under the same conditions of pressure (200 psi) and rotation velocity (600 rpm) in a dynamic autoclave to simulate atmospheric conditions and conditions in vacuum refinery towers. An understanding of how these factors interact with the fundamental principles of corrosion kinetics is essential for developing an effective corrosion mitigation strategy. The results were interesting for applications requiring high corrosion resistance. X6CrNiMoTi17122/AISI-SAE 316Ti is a solid candidate for this application, with corrosion rates of 0.2 to 0.87 mpy. Ni66.5Cu31.5/Monel 400 exhibited significant corrosion rates up to 74.89 mpy, especially at higher temperatures (300 °C). 5Cr-1/2Mo/ASTM A335GP5 showed a generally moderate corrosion rate (2.04–5.57 mpy) in the evaluated temperature range.

Consequence modeling and analysis of ethanol leakage from storage tank using the ALOHA program

Chemical spills pose a significant threat to the safety of people living nearby, as well as to air quality and occupational safety. Therefore, preventing chemical spills has become a key issue in environmental protection and process safety. This study aims to evaluate the effects of ethanol released from a tank at a chemical plant in Istanbul, Türkiye. The Areal Location of Hazardous Atmospheres model (ALOHA) version 5.4.7 estimates the storage tank's leakage radius and spread risk under three scenarios. ALOHA can assess the area affected by chemical hazards. The model shows that if the spill occurs 10 centimeters from the base of the tank, the toxic concentration of ethanol exceeds the Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) threshold (i.e., 3300 parts per million) at a distance of 31 meters from the place of release. In addition, when the ethanol concentration exceeds 60% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) (i.e., 19800 parts per million), the flammable vapor cloud extends up to 31 meters from the place of release. For a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE), the mass of the fireball is assumed to be 100%, resulting in the worst possible scenario. During BLEVE, it is estimated that the fireball's diameter and time duration, determined by the amount of Ethanol present, would be 141 meters and 10 seconds, respectively. The results show that the thermal radiation effects caused by Ethanol BLEVE are extremely dangerous.

Real-World Video Denoising for Visual Inspection in High-Dose Radiological Environments

In high-dose radiological environments, where precision and safety are of utmost importance, the ability to acquire accurate and clear visual information is of paramount importance for ensuring safety and reliability in critical industrial processes. However, these environments inherently introduce significant challenges due to the adverse effects of radiation on imaging equipment. As a consequence, inspection videos captured within such high-radiation environments often contain a significant amount of noise. This noise substantially complicates the task of identifying and assessing potential defects in vital components. It also diverts attention and resources toward investigating false positives created by noise, leading to inefficiencies, and for industrial processes on the critical path, this can further prolong the outage. Addressing this noise is essential not only for precision, but also for ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency in critical industrial processes. In this paper, we present a custom-designed filter utilizing a priori information about camera position and trajectory to remove the noise from the inspection videos, making the defects easier to manually identify. As the camera movement is in one direction at a constant speed, the proposed approach uses this temporal and spatial information to accurately remove the noise. This approach applies to a subset of visual inspection problems throughout the nuclear industry, as well as many other industries where there is knowledge available about the camera speed and direction of travel. The proposed approach is compared with three accepted/well-known approaches, median filtering, bilateral filtering, and fast nonlocal means denoising, and an additional state-of-the-art deep learning model is also used for comparison. It was found that the proposed approach produces the most accurate video denoising in terms of visual quality and the retainment of the defect features throughout the videos tested.

Influence of donor and harvesting protocol on 30 day mortality after heart transplantation

Abstract Purpose Heart transplantation continues to be the gold standard for the treatment of advanced HF, as it promotes increased survival, exercise capacity and quality of life. The choice of the potential donor, as well as the safety of the harvesting process, graft preservation and transportation are fundamental to the success of the procedure. With the territorial extension of Brazil and a large number of donations in other states and regions, evaluating donors remotely, as well as structuring an adequate fundraising plan are fundamental. Therefore, the study of these variables and their influence on the outcome at 30 days was the objective of this study. Methods A retrospective cohort was conducted involving patients aged 18 or over, who underwent heart transplantation from July 2012 to July 2022 at our center. Patients who underwent re-transplantation and those who not used the bicaval technique were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA Software version 18. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to obtain the overall survival curve and, to identify risk factors for death, Cox proportional hazards. The Log test -rank was used for comparisons between groups. Results 255 cases of heart transplantation were studied, with a 30-day survival rate of 86.6%. The average age of donors was 29 years old and the main cause of death was traumatic brain injury.Regarding the factors that increase the risk of mortality in 30 days, the longest CPB time (HR 1.01; 95% CI 1.002-1.014; p = 0.011) and the donor's age (HR 1.08; 95% CI 1.023-1.139; p = 0.005) were statistically significant. In the univariate analysis, the donor's nutritional status (overweight or obese) was also significant (p = 0.03).The donor's length of hospital stay, use of vasoactive drugs or antimicrobials, serum sodium level or history of previous PCR did not influence the recipient's 30-day survival. Distance organ retrival surgery did not influence the outcome as long as the ischemia time of less than 240 minutes was respected. Conclusion The distance harvesting protocol used in our institution proved to be safe and effective. Adequate evaluation of the donor through echocardiography as well as management of vasoactive drugs and electrolytes may have influenced the non-relevance of classic factors that affect the outcomes of patients after heart transplantation.

Redefining Chronic Disease Care: Unleashing the Potential of Phytomedicines.

Phytomedicines represent a diverse array of plant-derived compounds renowned for their therapeutic potential. Traditionally, these mixtures were extracted using water or ethanol, but simpler methods like tea infusions are gaining prominence. However, ensuring the efficacy and safety of phytomedicines demands high-quality plant material and stringent production processes. Advancements in biological screening techniques have shed light on the mechanisms of action of phytomedicines, emphasizing the significance of synergistic interactions among their constituents. Ten widely-used phytomedicines are outlined, detailing their applications, efficacy, and safety profiles, underscoring their global importance in healthcare. Moreover, ongoing research in phytomedicine development showcases the rich biodiversity's capacity to yield novel medicinal compounds. These studies highlight the potential of untapped plant sources in providing innovative solutions to medical challenges, offering promising avenues for future therapeutics. In essence, the utilization of phytomedicines underscores a fusion of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches, emphasizing both the importance of respecting ancient remedies and harnessing contemporary advancements for improved healthcare outcomes.

Application of microencapsulated phase change materials for controlling exothermic reactions

Abstract Thermal runaway is a frequent source of process safety issues, and the uncontrolled release of chemical energy puts reactors at risk. The design of the exothermic reactor faces challenges due to the selective sensitivity of the product to high temperatures and the need to increase the lifetime of the catalyst, optimize the product distribution, and improve the thermodynamic properties. Phase change material (PCM) encapsulation is recommended to reduce leakage, phase separation, and volume change problems. This work introduces encapsulated PCMs to improve reactor temperature control and minimize thermal runaway in exothermic processes. The warning temperature value setting effectively inhibits fugitive exothermic reactions and enhances heat transfer. When a sufficient quantity of encapsulated PCMs is input, the response speed will automatically accelerate. Spontaneous acceleration of the reaction rate due to thermal runaway of the reaction may be completely avoided by adding a sufficient amount of encapsulated PCM. Microencapsulation is used to control volume changes and inhibit thermal reactions. Preventive strategies include cooling, depressurization, safety release, emergency resources, and reaction containment. Encapsulated PCMs improve mechanical and thermal properties, surface-to-volume ratio, heat transfer surface, thermal capacity, and efficiency.

What to do with your maintenance records for protection layers?

AbstractCollecting and analyzing operation and maintenance data is essential to process safety. The analysis aims to demonstrate that what is installed in the field achieves the required performance so that adjustments can be made if the required performance is not met. Very large organizations routinely have data collection systems and resources for data analysis. Midsized and smaller organizations collect the same data in various ways but often need help to analyze it. This paper presents examples of American Petroleum Institute (API) 754 Tier 3 and 4 metrics related to protection layers and how to use available plant data to support their analysis.

Predictive Modeling of the Hydrate Formation Temperature in Highly Pressurized Natural Gas Pipelines

In this study, we aim to develop advanced machine learning regression models for the prediction of hydrate temperature based on the chemical composition of sweet gas mixtures. Data were collected in accordance with the BOTAS Gas Network Code specifications, approved by the Turkish Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA), and generated using DNV GasVLe v3.10 software, which predicts the phase behavior and properties of hydrocarbon-based mixtures under various pressure and temperature conditions. We employed linear regression, decision tree regression, random forest regression, generalized additive models, and artificial neural networks to create prediction models for hydrate formation temperature (HFT). The performance of these models was evaluated using the hold-out cross-validation technique to ensure unbiased results. This study demonstrates the efficacy of ensemble learning methods, particularly random forest with an R2 and Adj. R2 of 0.998, for predicting hydrate formation conditions, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of gas transport and processing. This research illustrates the potential of machine learning techniques in advancing the predictive accuracy for hydrate formations in natural gas pipelines and suggests avenues for future optimizations through hybrid modeling approaches.

Designing comprehensive workforce safety frameworks for high-risk environments: A strategic approach

High-risk industries such as oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing face significant challenges in safeguarding their workforce due to the inherent dangers of their operations. This paper presents a strategic approach to designing comprehensive workforce safety frameworks that address both personal and process safety. Personal safety focuses on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), behavior-based safety programs, and training, while process safety aims to manage operational risks such as equipment malfunctions and hazardous materials. The interdependency of these two safety pillars is essential in reducing workplace accidents and ensuring a safer operational environment. Challenges in implementing safety frameworks, such as complex operations, human factors, and technological and regulatory barriers, are also discussed. To overcome these challenges, the paper proposes a series of strategic solutions, including risk assessment, technology integration, continuous improvement, and stakeholder collaboration. By adopting these recommendations, industries can develop customized safety frameworks that protect their workforce and enhance operational efficiency. Keywords: High-Risk Industries, Workforce Safety, Personal Safety, Process Safety, Risk Assessment, Safety Frameworks.

Resilience optimization analysis of smart mining cluster cyber-physical systems based on the NK model

This paper explores the challenges and opportunities presented by the digitization and intelligent clustering in the mining industry, focusing on the security and inter-system influences within Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) of smart mining clusters. Utilizing the NK model and complex adaptive systems theory, we construct a dual-layered network and cascade failure model, alongside a dynamic repair strategy that adapts to environmental changes. By analyzing the critical parameters of node number (N) and relationship density (K), we assess the resilience of smart mining CPS under cascade failures with dynamic repairs. Our findings reveal that dynamic repair strategies significantly enhance network resilience against both random and deliberate attacks, with N and K acting as crucial regulators of repair effectiveness. This suggests that adapting N and K can improve repair outcomes and system resilience, despite increasing complexity. The paper discusses the practical implications of these strategies through simulation and real-world scenarios, highlighting the need for adaptive repair strategies in enhancing smart mining CPS resilience and process safety. Introducing the NK model to CPS resilience research offers new insights into the resilience of smart mining cyber-physical systems and provides a comprehensive risk analysis method for these systems in complex scenarios.

Advance industrial monitoring of physio-chemical processes using novel integrated machine learning approach

With the rapid transition of Industry 4.0 to 5.0, modern industrial physio-chemical processes are characterized by two critical challenges: process safety and the quality of the final product. Traditional industrial monitoring methods have low reliability in accuracy and robustness, and they are inefficiently providing satisfactory results. This paper introduces a novel integration technique that employs machine learning (ML) to tackle the challenges associated with real industrial monitoring in physical and industrial processes. The proposed framework integrates distributed canonical correlation analysis - R-vine copula (DCCA-RVC), global local preserving projection (GLPP), and 2-Dimensional Deng information entropy (2-DDE). The framework's ability and productivity are assessed utilizing existing approaches such as wavelet-PCA, MRSAE, and DALSTM-AE and the new proposed novel integrated machine learning-based (DCCA-RVC) approach as benchmarks for model performance. The proposed novel approach has been validated by testing it on the ethanol-water system distillation column (DC) and Tennessee Eastman Process (TEP), utilizing it as actual industrial benchmarks. The results demonstrate that the novel integration ML-technique (DCCA-RVC) T22 – GLP monitoring graphs for the fault class type 1 in the distillation column showed a (FAR) of 0 %, a (FDR) of 100 %, a precision of 100 %, F1-score of 100 % and an accuracy of 100 %. However, for the TEP process failure event 13, the (FAR) was 0 %, the (FDR) was 99 %, the accuracy was 100 %, the F1-score was 99.5 %, and the accuracy was 99.5 %.

The future of metronomic chemotherapy: experimental and computational approaches of drug repurposing.

Metronomic chemotherapy (MC), long-term continuous administration of anticancer drugs, is gaining attention as an alternative to the traditional maximum tolerated dose (MTD) chemotherapy. By combining MC with other treatments, the therapeutic efficacy is enhanced while minimizing toxicity. MC employs multiple mechanisms, making it a versatile approach against various cancers. However, drug resistance limits the long-term effectiveness of MC, necessitating ongoing development of anticancer drugs. Traditional drug discovery is lengthy and costly due to processes like target protein identification, virtual screening, lead optimization, and safety and efficacy evaluations. Drug repurposing (DR), which screens FDA-approved drugs for new uses, is emerging as a cost-effective alternative. Both experimental and computational methods, such as protein binding assays, in vitro cytotoxicity tests, structure-based screening, and several types of association analyses (Similarity-Based, Network-Based, and Target Gene), along with retrospective clinical analyses, are employed for virtual screening. This review covers the mechanisms of MC, its application in various cancers, DR strategies, examples of repurposed drugs, and the associated challenges and future directions.

Research on Safety Evaluation of Stadium Reconstruction Construction Based on Combination Weighting Extension Model

As an important carrier of sports services and the main force participating in the “short board” project of urban development, the renovation and upgrading of old stadiums have become an important trend for the sustainable development of venues in the context of urban renewal, consumption upgrading, and national fitness. However, owing to the complexity of the transformation process, the probability of safety accidents continues to increase, posing a serious threat to national property security. In order to reasonably evaluate the safety of the stadium renovation construction process and reduce the incidence of accidents in the renovation project, this study proposed a safety evaluation model for the stadium renovation construction based on the combination weighting extension model. First, according to the 5M1E theory, 27 influencing factors were selected, a safety evaluation index system for stadium reconstruction construction was constructed, and the safety evaluation grade of the index was quantified. Second, based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and improved entropy weight method, the combination weight of the index was determined, and a safety evaluation model was constructed using the matter–element extension theory. Finally, the established evaluation model was applied to the example of stadium renovation, and the construction safety level of the renovation project was obtained. The research results showed that the model has strong operability, and the evaluation results are reasonable and reliable, providing a new concept for the safety control of stadium reconstruction construction.

Improved Production Process Map and Safety of Millet‐Based Fermented Beverage

ABSTRACTThe present study aimed to develop a standardized process map to produce a microbiologically safe and consumer‐acceptable Brukina beverage. Field interactions and observations were employed for the baseline data, while an improved production process was developed and utilized to produce a Brukina beverage. The microbial safety of the new approach was assessed by determining the total coliform, yeast and mold, as well as Staphylococcus aureus. A consumer preference test was conducted to validate the contribution of the improved and hygienic steps to the overall acceptability. The existing production processes for manufacturing Brukina beverage did not embrace Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and as such, the resultant beverage was contaminated with coliforms and S. aureus. Moreover, the sensory characteristics including taste, mouthfeel, viscosity and overall acceptability, were negatively affected. The inclusion of food safety management practices and efficient production steps has a greater tendency of producing microbiologically safe and market‐acceptable fermented millet‐based beverages while safeguarding consumers’ health and satisfaction.