Sealed Cap Research Articles

Risk‐based area of review estimation in overpressured reservoirs to support injection well storage facility permit requirements for CO2storage projects

AbstractThis paper presents a workflow for delineating a risk‐based area of review (AOR) to support a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Class VI permit for a carbon dioxide (CO2) storage project. The approach combines semianalytical solutions for estimating formation fluid leakage through a hypothetical leaky wellbore with the results of physics‐based numerical reservoir simulations. The workflow is demonstrated using a case study for a hypothetical 180,000‐metric‐ton‐per‐year storage project located in the Plains CO2Reduction (PCOR) Partnership region, which includes all or part of 10 states in the United States and four Canadian provinces. Under the scenario where the leaky wellbore is open to a saline aquifer (thief zone) between the overlying seal (cap rock) and the underground sources of drinking water (USDW), the risk‐based AOR is no larger than the areal extent of the CO2plume in the storage reservoir because the pressure buildup in the storage reservoir beyond the CO2plume is insufficient to drive formation fluids up a hypothetical leaky wellbore into the USDW. However, even under the conservative assumption that the leaky wellbore is not open to a thief zone, the incremental leakage beyond the areal extent of the CO2plume is less than 400 m3over 20 years. The approach outlined in this paper is designed to be protective of USDWs and comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act requirements and provisions for the EPA Class VI Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program (Class VI Rule) and North Dakota Administrative Code Chapter 43‐05‐01. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Laparoscopic circular stapled gastrointestinal anastomosis using novel device of sealed cap access after total laparoscopic gastrectomy

Intracorporeal classic gastrointestinal anastomosis using circular stapler in totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLG) for gastric cancer requires intracorporeal anvil placement and suitable access for introduction of the circular stapler to the abdominal cavity without gas leak. The novel techniques for anvil placement have been updated, but there is no progress for proper access for circular stapler. In the study, intracorporeal circular-stapled gastrointestinal anastomosis were successfully accomplished using a novel device of sealed cap access with a central hole (WLB-60/70-60/100, Wuhan Widerep Medical Instrument Co.,Ltd, China) customized to the incision protection retractor for the simple and accessible introduction of the circular stapler and anvil under the optimal maintenance of pneumoperitoneum pressure in TLG. In these 3 cases, there was no gas leakage and the pneumoperitoneum was well maintained when performing the gastrointestinal anastomosis, and there was no transition to laparotomy or other anastomosis techniques. The result suggests that the sealed cap access could be a novel choice for introduction of the circular stapler to the abdominal cavity in order to obtain laparoscopic circular-stapled gastroin-testinal anastomosis in TLG.

Liquid metal motor.

SummaryLiquid metal has demonstrated an enormous potential for developing soft functional devices and machines. However, current liquid metal enabled machines suffer from several issues, such as the requirement of a liquid environment, generation of weak actuating forces, and insufficient maneuverability. To overcome these restrictions, here, a motor is developed based on the electrical actuation of liquid metal droplets without the need for conventional electromagnets. The approach is distinguished by (1) the encapsulation of electrolyte and multiple liquid metal droplets within an enclosed system, and (2) the creation of stable and continuous torque outside a liquid environment. In addition, a liquid metal electrical brush is introduced to operate the motor with low friction and low wear. The unique driving mechanism endows the motor with several advantages, including low friction, no sparking, low noise, versatile working environment, and being built from soft materials that could offer new opportunities for developing soft robotics.

Bleeding Cessation in a Mouse Jugular Vein Puncture Wound Model Is Caused By Extravascular Capping, Not Hole Infill

Introduction: Vascular damage comes in many forms with the puncture wound likely the longest known to humans. Experimentally, vascular damage has typically been visualized in mouse models in which there is little bleeding. Under these conditions, damage is limited mostly to the endothelial layer lining the vessel. Visualization has varied from light to scanning electron microscopy. Interpretation has been dominated by intravital microscopy outcomes in which an initial layer of p-selection-exposed, i.e., α-granule secretion-positive, platelets is deposited in association with the damaged vessel wall and extended by the accumulation of a less activated outer layer of platelets. These results have given rise to a Core and Shell model of platelet-rich thrombus formation [Tomaiuolo et al., 2017]. Recently, new mouse models have been presented in which the vessel is punctured to create a 300 to 600 micron wound hole [Tomoiuolo et al., 2019]. Bleeding is now profuse. The puncture wound results have been interpreted within a Core and Shell model. However, two important aspects of the experimental data [Tomoiuolo et al., 2019] suggest that the existing model may not explain the actual results. First, p-selectin expression as a marker for α-granule secretion and platelet activation was present in limited areas towards the periphery of the resulting thrombus, not as well-defined Core. Second, the hemostatic thrombus when viewed at early stages, ex vivo, showed a pebbly distribution of platelet aggregates suggestive of nucleated platelet accumulation rather than the smooth layers that would follow from a Core and Shell model. We hypothesize that nucleated accumulation of platelet aggregates within the puncture hole could provide pedestals upon which localized accumulation of platelets form the infrastructure of a vaulted thrombus whose extravascular capping leads to bleeding cessation. Methods: To test the proposed hypothesis, we visualized the interior and overall structure of the forming puncture wound thrombus in full 3D at sub-platelet level resolution. To achieve this end, we took our proven serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) protocols for visualizing platelet organelles in 3D [Pokrovskaya et al., 2018] and adapted them to the visualization of forming thrombi over 1000s of image. To localize samples for electron microscopy, we used in vivo antibody labeling [Tomaiuolo et al., 2019]. This approach had the added advantage of enabling correlative light microscopy mapping overall p-selectin, a marker of platelet secretion, and fibrin distributions against 3D, platelet resolution, thrombus morphology. Results: We found that a 1 min thrombus, pre-bleeding cessation, was structured about the localized accumulation of pedestal-like platelet aggregates along the sides of the puncture hole, extended and spaced along the extravascular adventitia. Subsequent pedestal extension formed a "pontoon" bridge that "capped" extravascularly the puncture hole. At 5 min, full bleeding cessation, we found that forming platelet thrombus had a Swiss cheese-like interior of vaults that were continuous with the intravascular vessel lumen and framed by columns of platelets, presumed pedestal extensions. The thrombus was sealed on the extravascular side by a platelet "cap" (Figure). As expected after bleeding cessation, red blood cells accumulated on the intravascular side of the cap. Formation of a tightly sealed cap was dependent on α-granule secretion as indicated by the effect of knockout of VAMP-8, the primary SNARE protein involved in a-granule release. Based upon morphology, vaults within the forming thrombus were lined with apparent procoagulant platelets providing a potential protected surface for coagulation factor activation. Conclusions: We conclude that bleeding cessation in a true puncture wound occurs from the extravascular side of the thrombus rather than through the formation of a platelet plug that fills the hole. We propose an alternative model of bleeding cessation in which localized platelet aggregates are the starting pedestal upon which all subsequent steps in puncture thrombus formation build, i.e., "Cap and Build". The extent to which properties differ among systems remains an open question. Tomaiuolo et al. 2017. Intervent. Cardiol. Clin. 6: 1-12. Pokrovskaya et al. 2018. Blood Adv. 2: 2947-2958 Tomaiuolo et al. 2019. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 116:2 243-2252 Figure Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Storage Stability Assessment of Red Palm Olein in Comparison to Palm Olein

Sixty-four bottles of red palm olein and palm olein (constituted as control) samples were stored at permutations of common home setting variables which are: temperature (room temperature (24°C) or 8°C), light (kept in dark or exposure under light) and oxygen (opened or sealed caps). The effects of temperature, oxygen and light on the stability of red palm olein and palm olein were studied over 4 months of storage at simulated domestic conditions. The degree of auto- and photo-oxidations was evaluated by monitoring the following quality parameters: acidity, peroxide and p-anisidine values, fatty acids composition, carotenes and vitamin E. It is noted from the study that opened bottles of red palm olein was found to be stable for 4 months in comparison to its counterpart (palm olein) evidenced from their primary oxidative constituents (peroxides) and hydrolytic behavior (free fatty acids). Opened bottles are better off when stored at 8°C and protected from light for a longer shelf-life. Sealed bottles of palm olein showed better storage stability in the dark at 8°C; whereas sealed bottles of red palm olein was found to be stable at both temperatures studied without the influence of light. After 4 months of varying storage conditions, the fatty acid composition, vitamin E and carotenes of both oils remained unchanged. The phytonutrients in red palm olein rendered better storage stability when compared to palm olein.

Bright Spot Validation from 3-D Seismic Data: A Study of Naso-Field, Niger Delta Province, Nigeria

The validation of identified bright-spots A, B and C on 3D seismic data as Direct Hydrocarbon Indicator (DHI) in Naso field, Niger Delta was achieved through the integration of four surface attributes. These attributes include root mean square, average reflection strength, total energy, and total amplitude which are all amplitude dependent, where region of high value in every attribute indicated possible hydrocarbon prospects. Seismic data and check-shot data were used, which provided positive input for velocity extraction and structural mapping interpretation. A series of NW-SE trending normal growth faults A, B & C were interpreted defining the reservoir structural framework while fault D, E, F & G are post-depositional minor faults which also supported the trapping mechanism. Bright-spot A was mapped between 2,400-2550 milliseconds, while bright-spot B was mapped between 2,600-2,720 milliseconds and bright-spot C between 2,750-3,050 milliseconds. Two hydrocarbon prospects were identified. Prospect-1 was estimated to cover about 907.17, 1323.59 and 1075.44 acres, with subsurface total vertical depth of 9514.3ft, 10499.6ft, 10963ft in BS_A, B & C respectively. Prospect-2 covered about 653.49, 1080.33 and 493.77 acres with subsurface total vertical depth of 8650ft, 9525ft, and 10120ft, respectively. Hence, prospect-1 is considerably more prolific in hydrocarbon yield than prospect-2. The total area of the hydrocarbon prospects in-place has been estimated to about 5,533.79 acres which is likely to yield a prolific reserve for commercial purpose. The gas Chimney and push down highlight the subsurface leakage of gas from a poorly sealed cap rock and show a deep petroleum migration process. The study has been able to validate bright spot during exploration studies in effect to evaluate hydrocarbon reservoir, prospect identification and reservoir prediction.

Transmission of Mobile Colistin Resistance (mcr-1) by Duodenoscope.

Clinicians increasingly utilize polymyxins for treatment of serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Emergence of plasmid-mediated, mobile colistin resistance genes creates potential for rapid spread of polymyxin resistance. We investigated the possible transmission of Klebsiella pneumoniae carrying mcr-1 via duodenoscope and report the first documented healthcare transmission of mcr-1-harboring bacteria in the United States. A field investigation, including screening targeted high-risk groups, evaluation of the duodenoscope, and genome sequencing of isolated organisms, was conducted. The study site included a tertiary care academic health center in Boston, Massachusetts, and extended to community locations in New England. Two patients had highly related mcr-1-positive K. pneumoniae isolated from clinical cultures; a duodenoscope was the only identified epidemiological link. Screening tests for mcr-1 in 20 healthcare contacts and 2 household contacts were negative. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli were recovered from the duodenoscope; neither carried mcr-1. Evaluation of the duodenoscope identified intrusion of biomaterial under the sealed distal cap; devices were recalled to repair this defect. We identified transmission of mcr-1 in a United States acute care hospital that likely occurred via duodenoscope despite no identifiable breaches in reprocessing or infection control practices. Duodenoscope design flaws leading to transmission of multidrug-resistant organsisms persist despite recent initiatives to improve device safety. Reliable detection of colistin resistance is currently challenging for clinical laboratories, particularly given the absence of a US Food and Drug Administration-cleared test; improved clinical laboratory capacity for colistin susceptibility testing is needed to prevent the spread of mcr-carrying bacteria in healthcare settings.

Rapid on-line microextraction method for the analysis of glyphosate in soy and pepper based on fiber-spray/mass spectrometry

We report on the design and testing of a rapid, on-line microextraction kit based on fiber-spray/mass spectrometry. The kit consists of a section of a porous-polypropylene hollow fiber, a serum bottle, a seal cap with a gasket and an electromagnetic stirrer. The kit is placed between the mass inlet and the ESI needle. Using this configuration, glyphosate can be extracted from a very dilute solution and then evaporates and escapes from the fiber surface. When glyphosate molecules make contact with the ESI plume, which arises from the ESI needle tip, they are ionized and then detected by a mass spectrometer. Using the setup, it was possible to improve the limit of detection for glyphosate after microextraction by ∼1000-fold, resulting in a limit of detection of 10 ppb.

Efecto de aditivos químicos en la composición del ensilado de avena ("Avena sativa" L)

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of chemical additives (urea, sodium urea-benzoate, sodium benzoate, ammonium urea sulfate) in the bromatological composition of oat silage. The silages were elaborated in the Professional Academic of Zootecnia of the National University of Huancavelica by tubes of PVC of 10cm (Width) x 40 cm (Height), with sealed caps. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 5 treatments and 5 replicates. The microsils were opened 60 days after silage. None of the additives were effective in the reduction of neutral detergent fiber (FND), acid detergent fiber (FAD), hemicelluloses and FND-hemicelluloses ratio of silages. The treatments with UR, UR + BS, UR + SA favored lower values of soluble carbohydrates, in relation to silage without additives. Oat silage without additives is a strategy that can be improved with additives satisfactorily in crude protein content alone or in association with BS.

Design and testing of a new sampler for simplified vacuum-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction

The design and testing of a new and low-cost experimental setup used for vacuum-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction (Vac-HSSPME) is reported here. The device consists of a specially designed O-ring seal screw cap offering gas-tight seal to commercially available headspace vials. The new polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) cap was molded by a local manufacturer and had a hole that could tightly accommodate a septum. All operations were performed through the septum: air evacuation of the sampler, sample introduction and HSSPME sampling. The analytical performance of the new sampler was evaluated using 22 mL headspace vials with 9 mL water samples spiked with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Several experimental parameters were controlled and the optimized conditions were: 1000 rpm agitation speed; 30 min extraction time; 40 °C sampling temperature; polydimethylsiloxane-divinylbenzene (PDMS-DVB) fiber. The lack of accurate Henry's law constant (KH) values and information regarding how they change with temperature was a major limitation in predicting the phase location of evaporation resistance during Vac-HSSPME. Nevertheless, the combined effects of system conditions indicated the increasing importance of gas phase resistance with increasing degree of PCBs chlorination. Stirring enhancements were not recorded for the higher chlorinated PCBs suggesting that the hyperhydrophobic gas/water interface was the preferred location for these compounds. Analytically, the developed method was found to yield linear calibration curves with limits of detection in the sub ng L−1 level and relative standard deviations ranging between 5.8 and 14%. To compensate for the low recoveries of the higher chlorinated PCB congeners in spiked river water the standard addition methodology was applied. Overall, the compact design of the new and reusable sample container allows efficient HSSPME sampling of organic analytes in water within short extraction times and at low sampling temperatures compared to other published HSSPME methods.

Improving interoperability of catalytic sensors

A huge number of combustible gas leaks occur every year at industrial and home facilities. These leaks may have grave consequences for health, environment and property. In this work we demonstrate the approach for improving the interoperability of catalytic sensors which are widely used in industrial monitoring applications for combustible gas leaks. To ensure methane detection within the broad concentration range (100ppm–100% vol.), we propose using of two sensors with catalysts in the modified Wheatstone sensing circuit and to cover them with sealed caps with different holes to enable gas diffusion control.

Three dimensional finite element analysis of 4 inch smart flange on offshore pipeline

Smart flanges are used for pipeline and riser repair in subsea. In a typical case in the gas export pipeline project, the end cap bolts of a 4inch smart flange were broken during operation, and in turn leakage occurred. This work presents the detail of three dimensional finite element analysis of the smart flange to support the observed end cap bolts failure. From finite element analysis it turns out that in the presence of external bending moment, an uneven contact distribution is present between seal and end cap, which in turn changes the uniform load distribution on bolts and threaten the integrity of bolts. On the other hand, 3D finite element analysis of interaction between pipeline and seabed is presented by means of Abaqus to explore the distribution of bending moment along the pipeline route. It is found that lateral buckling occurs in the pipeline which introduces large bending moment.

Effect of Cap Rock Thickness and Permeability on Geological Storage of CO2: Laboratory Test and Numerical Simulation

Geological storage of CO2 is considered widely as an efficient method of mitigation of greenhouse gas emission. CO2 storage mechanism includes structural trapping, residual gas trapping, solubility trapping and mineral trapping. The shale cap rock acts as a seal for the storage when CO2 accumulates at the top of the reservoir. The injected CO2 may migrate through the cap rock under buoyancy force or pressure build-up which depends on the seal capacity of the cap rock. As a result, the effectiveness of containment of injected CO2 in the reservoir is largely dependent on the migration rate of CO2 through the cap rock. This paper investigates the effects of CO2 leakage through cap rock by a combination of experimental studies and numerical simulation. Firstly, experimental measurements on shale core samples collected from Australian cap rocks were conducted to determine properties, such as capillary pressure, pore size distribution and permeability. Based on the measured cap rock properties, the effect of thickness and permeability of cap rocks on CO2 leakage was studied using a commercial compositional simulator. Experimental results show that the permeabilities of the shale samples measured by transient pulse technique range from 60 to 300 nD; a non-Darcy calibration factor which equals the ratio of the measured permeability divided by 1000, is identified for samples with permeability lower than 1000 nD. Numerical simulation results show that the largest leakage of CO2 through the seal (cap cock) is about 7.0% with seal thickness of 3m and vertical permeability of 90 nD; both shale thickness and permeability affect the CO2 leakage significantly; with a given seal permeability, the leakage rate has a power relationship with shale thickness.

A Chemical Proteomics Approach to Profiling the ATP-binding Proteome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide despite extensive research, directly observed therapy using multidrug regimens, and the widespread use of a vaccine. The majority of patients harbor the bacterium in a state of metabolic dormancy. New drugs with novel modes of action are needed to target essential metabolic pathways in M. tuberculosis; ATP-competitive enzyme inhibitors are one such class. Previous screening efforts for ATP-competitive enzyme inhibitors identified several classes of lead compounds that demonstrated potent anti-mycobacterial efficacy as well as tolerable levels of toxicity in cell culture. In this report, a probe-based chemoproteomic approach was used to selectively profile the M. tuberculosis ATP-binding proteome in normally growing and hypoxic M. tuberculosis. From these studies, 122 ATP-binding proteins were identified in either metabolic state, and roughly 60% of these are reported to be essential for survival in vitro. These data are available through ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000141. Protein families vital to the survival of the tubercle bacillus during hypoxia emerged from our studies. Specifically, along with members of the DosR regulon, several proteins involved in energy metabolism (Icl/Rv0468 and Mdh/Rv1240) and lipid biosynthesis (UmaA/Rv0469, DesA1/Rv0824c, and DesA2/Rv1094) were found to be differentially abundant in hypoxic versus normal growing cultures. These pathways represent a subset of proteins that may be relevant therapeutic targets for development of novel ATP-competitive antibiotics.

Transumbilical Single-Port Splenectomy

Laparoscopic approach is now considered the gold standard technique for the treatment for many hematologic diseases requiring splenectomy, both in case of a normal or enlarged spleen. During the last few years, new surgical approaches such as natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and single-port laparoscopic surgery have been described. We describe details of the surgical technique for transumbilical single-port splenectomy. A 55-year-old man was referred to our department for spleen removal, a treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenia and immune anemia. He had no previous significant medical history. Reusable single-port device and coaxial curved instruments were used to perform splenectomy, reproducing the same technique used in the standard laparoscopic approach. For single-port laparoscopic splenectomy, we use a reusable single-port access system (Endocone® Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG) that was designed to enable instrument triangulation. The proximal conical section of the Endocone® is capped with a separate seal cap (bulkhead), which houses eight valved instrument seals: two along large midline (for instruments up to 15 mm in diameter) and six (three on either side) for instruments up to 5 mm in diameter. The patient is placed in right lateral decubitus as in standard laparoscopic splenectomy, and the surgeons second the camera assistant stand on the side of the bed. The pneumoperitoneum is established using a Veress needle inserted in the umbilicus; at this point, a 5-mm-longitudinal incision is performed right through the umbilical scar and a standard trocar inserted for exploration of the abdominal cavity to evaluate the local condition and contraindications to the single-port approach such as severe adhesions and abnormal anatomy. At this point, the umbilical scar is pulled out using toothed forceps, and the incision is enlarged for up to 3 cm longitudinally: this technique will later allow to hide the scar inside umbilicus itself. A size small surgical wound protector (Alexis O; Applied Medical Rancho Santa Margarita) is inserted through the incision to protect the abdominal wall as well as to improve the stability of the port system and facilitate its introduction. As in standard laparoscopic splenectomy, the procedure starts with division of the small vessels of the lower pole of the spleen by means of combination of bipolar electrocautery and harmonic scalpel (Ethicon Endosurgery). The procedure carries on with the isolation of the main splenic artery that can be then closed by endoscopic clips and divided; surgical stapler can also be used according to surgeon's preferences. Once the artery is divided, the main vein is dissected gently and then closed and divided with an endoscopic surgical stapler with a vascular cartridge (Ethicon Endosurgery). At this point, the short gastric vessels are divided using the harmonic scalpel, and finally the spleen is mobilized by division of the splenodiaphragmatic, splenogastric, and splenocolic ligaments. A large endobag is then introduced through the Endocone®, and the spleen retrieved inside it through the incision. The surgical filed is finally checked for hemostasis, and the incision is carefully closed with an interrupted reabsorbable suture. The operative time was 95 minutes, and there were no intra- or postoperative complications. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 2. No competing financial interests exist. Runtime of video: 6 mins 11 secs

Dominant Factors Governing the Rate Capability of a TiO2 Nanotube Anode for High Power Lithium Ion Batteries

Titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) is one of the most promising anode materials for lithium ion batteries due to low cost and structural stability during Li insertion/extraction. However, its poor rate capability limits its practical use. Although various approaches have been explored to overcome this problem, previous reports have mainly focused on the enhancement of both the electronic conductivity and the kinetic associated with lithium in the composite film of active material/conducting agent/binder. Here, we systematically explore the effect of the contact resistance between a current collector and a composite film of active material/conducting agent/binder on the rate capability of a TiO(2)-based electrode. The vertically aligned TiO(2) nanotubes arrays, directly grown on the current collector, with sealed cap and unsealed cap, and conventional randomly oriented TiO(2) nanotubes electrodes were prepared for this study. The vertically aligned TiO(2) nanotubes array electrode with unsealed cap showed superior performance with six times higher capacity at 10 C rate compared to conventional randomly oriented TiO(2) nanotubes electrode with 10 wt % conducting agent. On the basis of the detailed experimental results and associated theoretical analysis, we demonstrate that the reduction of the contact resistance between electrode and current collector plays an important role in improving the electronic conductivity of the overall electrode system.

OXYGEN CONCENTRATION CONTROL DURING OLIVE OIL EXTRACTION PROCESS: A NEW SYSTEM TO EMPHASIZE THE ORGANOLEPTIC AND HEALTHY PROPERTIES OF VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

The olive oil extraction process is a combination between a mechanical separation of lipid fraction from the olive paste and a complex enzymatic transformation of same compounds. The enzymes are released after the disruption and smashing of the olive cell structure due to the crushing process. The fruit enzymes catalyze both desirable and undesirable reactions during the olive paste mixing. The oxygen plays a primary role in both circumstances. In order to produce an excellent extra virgin olive oil correct strategies have to be used to optimize the oxygen employment during the extraction process. The control of this parameter, coupled to the right choice of crushing machine, is able to emphasize the organoleptic and healthy properties of product. Experimental tests were carried out in order to verify the influence of oxygen on olive oil quality. Virgin olive oil samples were extracted employing an industrial plant equipped with an innovative mixer instead of a traditional type. The mixer was made with a hermetically sealed cap, and valve for inert gas. Oxygen measurement were carried out employing an oximeter. The experimental data showed that resistance to the oxidation and total phenols were higher in the olive oils extracted employing inert gas in the head space of the malaxer, while pleasant volatile compounds were higher in the olive oils extracted utilizing low concentration of oxygen in the composition of atmosphere in contact with olive paste.

A novel benzene–water azeotrope route to new Na-based metal fluorosulphates NaFeSO4F and NaFeSO4F·2H2O in one minute

A one-step benzene–water azeotrope method has been carried out for the first time for the selective preparation of NaFeSO4F and NaFeSO4F·2H2O starting from FeSO4·7H2O and NaF in a short time (1 min) at a low temperature (200 °C) in an autoclave with different sealed caps using benzene as a reaction medium and dehydrant.

The magnetic-distortion probe: Velocimetry in conducting fluids

A new type of velocimeter, capable of local velocity measurements in conducting fluids, is introduced. The principle of the "magnetic-distortion probe" is based on the measurement of the induced magnetic field by the flow of a conducting fluid in the vicinity of a localized magnetic field. The new velocimeter has no moving parts, and can be enclosed in a sealed cap, easing the implementation in harsh environments, such as liquid metals. The proposed method allows one to probe both the continuous part and fluctuations of the velocity, the temporal and spatial resolution being linked to the actual geometric configuration of the probe. A prototype probe has been tested in a gallinstan pipe flow and in a fully turbulent flow of liquid gallium generated by the counter rotation of two coaxial impellers in a cylinder. The signals have been compared to a reference potential probe and show very good agreement both for time-averaged velocities and turbulent fluctuations. The prototype is shown to detect motion from a few cm s(-1) to a few m s(-1). Moreover, the use of the magnetic-distortion probe with large-scale applied magnetic field is discussed.

Development of polypropylene coated hollow fiber membranes as passive sampler for field equilibrium sampling of odorous compounds in environmental waters.

A new passive sampling device was developed for field equilibrium sampling of geosmin (GSM) and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) in surface water. The sampling device was prepared by coating a 50 cm length polypropylene hollow fiber tubing (50 μm wall thickness, 280 μm inner diameter) with polypropylene glycol 4000. The sampler was brought into equilibrium with the sample in the field, and then transferred and immersed into 100 μL of methanol held in a little desorption device for room temperature desorption and preservation of the sampled analytes. After being transported to the laboratory, the analytes were determined by headspace solid-phase microextraction-GC-MS. The large surface area-to-volume ratio of the developed sampler facilitated the reaching of sampling equilibrium in 1 h, while the equilibrium sampling minimized the effects of environmentally relevant sampling conditions. Variation of sample pH (4.0-9.0) and salinity (0-100 mM NaCl) had no significant effects on the distribution coefficients of analytes to the sampler. The desorption device, constructed with a 200 μL glass insert, and a 2 mL brown glass vial with PTFE sealed screw cap, has no loss of analytes during the storage of the sampler. The proposed procedure had detection limits of 4 and 9 ng L-1 for GSM and MIB, respectively. This developed sampler was successfully applied to field sampling in Taihu Lake (China), with MIB and GSM detected in the range of 0.11-0.61 μg L-1 during a medium out-break of blue-green algae bloom.