Special Pump Research Articles

Toroidal dipolar excitations in all-dielectric nanostructures

We have numerically investigated toroidal dipolar excitation at optical frequencies in Si nanostructures. Our results show that, through either special structured pump illumination, or by adding an additional layer associated with geometric tuning, we are able to excite strong toroidal dipolar responses with suppressed electric dipolar excitations. These findings may further pave the way to exploit future applications of toroidal resonances including optical nonlinear enhancement, induced transparency for narrow-band filter, etc.

Method of computer-aided profiling of components of flow passages of centrifugal pumps for fuel and energy complex

Today, the fuel and energy complex (FEC) is the basis of Russian economy. It includes the most dynamically developing industries, such as petrochemical, oil refining, etc., associated with the production, transportation and processing of various fuels, as well as industries engaged in the production and distribution of electricity: thermal engineering, hydropower engineering and nuclear power engineering. The nomenclature of FEC centrifugal pumps includes a wide list of names: singleand multistage centrifugal pumps of low, medium and high pressure for clean water, water with impurities and various aggressive media [1, 2], pumps for oil production and transportation (trunk, booster, electric centrifugal production pumps, pumps for pumping leaks, etc.) and special pumps used in oil refining (cracking, cantilever chemical, etc.) [3]. The development of technical solutions aimed at improving energy efficiency as well as reliability and durability is one of the trends in the development of centrifugal pumps FEC that are most widely covered in engineering literature [4.9]. Along with this, reducing the complexity and cost of production of these pumps due to the automation of the design process remain just as important. In the given article, questions of development of a method of automated profiling of components of flow passage of centrifugal pumps for needs of FEC are considered. The description of the proposed method and the results of its approbation on the example of profiling of the flow passage of the impeller of the centrifugal cantilever chemical pump AH 12.5/50 are presented. Comparison with other known methods is carried out. The estimation of time costs for design works is carried out. It has been found that the automated profiling of the flow passage of the impeller according to the presented method took 720 times less time than manual profiling using conventional methods.

Study on the Coalbed Methane Development under High In Situ Stress, Large Buried Depth, and Low Permeability Reservoir in the Libi Block, Qinshui Basin, China

Coalbed methane (CBM) has been exploited in the deep area of the coal reservoir (>1000 m). The production of CBM vertical wells is low because of the high in situ stress, large buried depth, and low permeability of the coal reservoir. In this paper, efficient and advanced CBM development technology has been applied in the Libi Block of the Qinshui Basin. According to the characteristics of the coal reservoir in the Libi Block, the coiled tubing fracturing technology has been implemented in four cluster horizontal wells. Staged fracturing of horizontal wells can link more natural fracture networks. It could also expand the pressure drop range and control area of the single well. This fracturing technology has achieved good economic results in the Libi Block, with the maximum production of a single horizontal well being 25313 m3/d and the average single well production having increased by more than 60% from 5000 m3/d to 8000 m3/d. Based on the data regarding the bottom hole pressure, water production, and gas production, the production curves of four wells, namely, Z5P‐01L, Z5P‐02L, Z5P‐03L, and Z5P‐04L, were investigated. Furthermore, a production system with slow and stable depressurization was obtained. The bottom hole pressure drops too fast, which results in decreasing permeability and productivity. In this work, a special jet pump and an intelligent remote production control system for the CBM wells were developed; hence, a CBM production technology suitable for the Libi Block was established. The maximum release for the CBM well productivity was obtained, thus providing theoretical and technical support for CBM development with geological and engineering challenges.

Performance Comparison Between Ellipse and Circular Intake Shapes of Propeller Flow Cooling System (PFCS) with Numerical and Experimental Methods

This research carried out an analysis on the use of high pressure flow behind propeller to cool the ship main engine known as Propeller Flow Cooling System (PFCS). The system is commonly found on relatively small fishing boats at South Sulawesi area of Indonesia. Using the system, the special pump for engine cooling purpose is not needed. The present research conducted an investigation on PFCS intake shape that would be optimal for delivering water to main engine which was arisen from the propeller rotation and to find the difference of water capacity produced from different shapes of intake. The implemented research methods were numerical and experimental methods that analysed the shape of two intake shapes namely, circular and elliptical shapes. In numerical computation, ANSYS CFX software was adopted. The result from numerical computations was an initial prediction to the tendency of the results. In order to verify the results, an experiment in a tank facility known as Circulating Water Channel (CWC) tank was conducted. In the experiment, measurements were performed at 2 (two) different locations which were at the center of propeller and at 0.7R of propeller blade. The results of the research found that the performance of the elliptical intake shape is more optimal compared to the circular one.

Virtual Assessment and Experimental Validation of Power Loss Contributions in Swash Plate Type Axial Piston Pumps

The understanding of the power loss contributions of each loss source is essential for an effective development of swash plate type axial piston pump. However, it is difficult to obtain the assessment of the power loss distribution due to the lack of methodologies that allow an independent evaluation of each source. This paper addresses this challenge using the most recent simulation methods. It describes the determination of each source, along with the corresponding loss of performance, and the principle of their prediction during the design phase. It also reports the validation of the simulation model by comparing the simulated dynamic displacement chamber pressure and the solid body temperature distribution with measurements obtained from a special pump prototype. This proposed virtual assessment of power loss contributions is demonstrated on a commercial hydraulic unit and the detailed results are reported in this paper.

The sperm pump and genital coupling of Panorpodes kuandianensis (Mecoptera: Panorpodidae)

Males of Panorpodidae possess a special sperm pump, through which they directly transfer seminal fluid to the female spermatheca. However, the sperm pump has not been studied in Panorpodes to date. Here, the structure of the sperm pump and the internal coupling of genitalia were investigated in the short-faced scorpionfly Panorpodes kuandianensis Zhong, Zhang, and Hua, 2011 using light and scanning electron microscopy. The sperm pump mainly consists of a piston, a pumping chamber, the anterior region of the aedeagal complex, the posterior region of the ejaculatory sac, and associated muscles. The piston as a propulsion apparatus is controlled by levator and depressor muscles. Its posterior region connects dorsally to the aedeagus via a joint. The pumping chamber is located between the piston and the aedeagus. The dorsal and ventral parameres were attached by retractor muscles. During copulation, the male phallotreme connects to the female copulatory pore to transfer sperm. Male gonostyli and parameres grasp the female to restrict the genitalia movement and impede her medigynium from retreating. The sperm ejaculatory mechanism of Panorpodes and the evolution of sperm transfer mode in insects are briefly discussed based on the structure of the sperm pump and the internal coupling of genitalia.

Peculiarities of hydrodynamics of pumps for the extraction of high-viscosity oil

Special features of the offshore fields currently under development are the high production rate of wells (~104bpd) and the high viscosity of the produced water-oil emulsion ~102-103сP, depending on the water cut. There are no special pumps designed for these conditions, so the production is carried out by the traditional centrifugal pumps suitable for the low-viscosity applications. For the selection purpose their testing on benches is performed according to the methods adopted in the oil industry at a frequency of up to 58 Hz (3500 rpm). The only difference is that instead of the traditional low-viscosity working fluid (water) high-viscosity Newtonian fluids (such as glycerin and oil) are used. Such tests only approximately correspond to well conditions; the following factors are not taken into account: the change in the properties of the liquid along the pump, the increase in the energy efficiency of pumps at increased shaft speeds, and, finally, the non-Newtonian rheology of the extracted emulsions. In our bench tests the shaft speed and the number of pump stages varied. The tests were carried out both on high-viscosity Newtonian fluid and water-oil emulsion. It was shown that the viscosity of the Newtonian fluid, due to its heating along the pump decreased by 20-30%. Moreover, the heating is not only due to internal friction, but also due to the compression of the liquid. A method of measuring of the effective viscosity of emulsions (which depends not only on the properties of the emulsion, but also the nature of its flow) based on the pump testing results has been proposed. It is shown that when the pump supply is changed the effective viscosity changes by approximately a factor of 3 times. The important phenomenon of increase of the efficiency of the pumps by 10 % during growing the frequency of rotation of the shaft from a traditional 50 Hz to 100 Hz was established. This effect occurs on both Newtonian fluids and emulsions.

Amplification of orbital angular momentum modes in an erbium-doped solid-core photonic bandgap fiber

Abstract A new kind of erbium-doped solid-core photonic bandgap fiber (ED-SC-PBGF) for amplification of orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes is proposed and investigated. The configurations of annular erbium-doped profile with special design and multi pump modes are used to amplify the signal modes evenly. Using an optimized ED-SC-PBGF pumped with l = 1 and 2 modes, differential mode gains of 0.9 dB and gain of more than 20 dB can be achieved for l = 1 and 2 OAM signal modes across the full C-band. This OAM-in-fiber amplification techniques would have potential application in ultra-long distance and high capacity OAM optical communication systems and other systems that utilize high power OAM light.

The Development of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Evolving from the development of heart-lung machines for open-heart surgery, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has reemerged as a rescue modality for patients with acute respiratory failure that cannot be supported by conventional modes of ventilation. The history of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation begins with the discovery of heparin, fundamental to the success of extracorporeal circulation and membrane lungs. Engineers and scientists created suitable artificial membranes that allowed gas exchange while keeping gas and blood phases separate. Special pumps circulated blood through the devices and into patients without damage to delicate red cells and denaturing plasma. Initial attempts in adults ended in failure, but Robert Bartlett, first at Loma Linda, CA, then at Ann Arbor, MI, succeeded in applying the technology in newborn infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension. Preserved in the critical care of infants, the technology in time could be reapplied in the life support of older children and adults.

Progress of establishing a standard for measuring the performance of mechanical booster vacuum pump by ISO TC 112

Mechanical booster vacuum pumps (MBVPs) are widely used in many industrial applications in recent decades. While the performance measurement standard for MBVPs characterizing is still inadequate due to the strong dependence on the backing pump being not always known in advance. In order to ensure that the performance measurement of MBVPs is, as far as possible, carried out by uniform procedures and under uniform conditions, special pump characteristics are discussed and analyzed including the maximum tolerable pressure difference Δpmax, effective compression ratio Keff, compression ratio with zero throughput K0 and by-pass valve pressure difference Δp1. These parameters are practically proved to be sufficient and necessary to indicate the properties of MBVPs in the end. Simplified methods are introduced and discussed based on K0 to estimate the performance of MBVPs. Based on the results of practical usage and the existing standard of different countries, a corresponding experimental system is set up and detailed experimental principle is considered. It is intent that, as a result, measurements conducted by different manufacturers or in different laboratories, and statements of performance quoted in manufacturers' literature will be on a properly comparable basis to the benefit of both users and manufacturers.

Boost Your Sludge and Membrane System Pumps

Sludge and membrane applications differ from typical water and wastewater applications, often requiring special pump and sizing considerations. Evaluate these systems' key operational factors to secure reliability and control energy consumption.

Hemospray for Recurrent Oesophageal Band Ulcer Bleeding

Background: Rebleeding after initially successful Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) occurs in 20–60% of patients, most commonly from band ulcers, and is associated with 20–50% mortality. Hemospray is a relatively new non-contact haemostatic modality utilized in the management of bleeding peptic ulcers. Case Summary: A 53-year-old diabetic gentleman presented to his local hospital a year ago with hematemesis from bleeding oesophageal varices and was managed with EVL. Subsequently he experienced 2 further episodes of variceal bleeding managed with EVL and Sclerotherapy. In our Hospital he underwent upper GI endoscopy which showed a large deep ulcer in the oesophagus at 20 cm from the incisors, with no signs of active bleeding. A week later he was readmitted with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding requiring intensive care. Endoscopy revealed active ooze from the oesophageal ulcer. Hemospray was sprayed onto the bleeding ulcer using the special CO2 delivery pump provided with the kit. Haemostasis was successfully achieved. Again he developed another episode of GI bleed a week later from the same site and was treated with further Hemospray. His ulcer gradually healed and he subsequently underwent successful deceased donor liver transplantation. Conclusion: Although band ulcer bleeds have been treated in a number of different ways, no single therapeutic intervention has shown a clear benefit. Hemospray is a relatively new non-contact haemostatic modality utilized in the management of bleeding peptic ulcers. It is a nano powder that can be sprayed over a larger mucosal area (Figure 1). The authors have none to declare.

Foam soap is not as effective as liquid soap in eliminating hand microbial flora

Foam soaps are aerosolized liquid soaps dispensed through a special pump mechanism. Currently there are no studies comparing liquid soap with foam soap in regard to efficacy of reducing hand microbial burden. In 3 separate experiments and with 2 different brands of foam soap, it was observed that nonantimicrobial foam soap was not as effective in reducing hand bacterial load as the liquid soap.

ENERGY EFFICIENT DESALINATOR

Objectives. The aim of the research is to develop a thin-film semiconductor thermoelectric heat pump of cylindrical shape for the desalination of sea water. Methods. To improve the efficiency of the desalination device, a special thin-film semiconductor thermoelectric heat pump of cylindrical shape is developed. The construction of the thin-film semiconductor thermoelectric heat pump allows the flow rates of incoming sea water and outflowing fresh water and brine to be equalised by changing the geometric dimensions of the desalinator. The cross-sectional area of the pipeline for incoming sea water is equal to the total area of outflowing fresh water and brine. Results. The use of thin-film semiconductor p- and n-type branches in a thermo-module reduces their electrical resistance virtually to zero and completely eliminates Joule's parasitic heat release. The Peltier thermoelectric effect on heating and cooling is completely preserved, bringing the efficiency of the heat pump to almost 100%, improving the energy-saving characteristics of the desalinator as a whole. To further increase the efficiency of the proposed desalinator, thermoelectric modules with radiation can be used as thermoelectric devices. Conclusion. As a consequence of the creation of conditions of high rarefaction under which water will be converted to steam, which, at 20° C, is cold (as is the condensed distilled water), energy costs can be reduced. In this case, the energy for heating and cooling is not wasted; moreover, sterilisation is also achieved using the ultraviolet radiation used in the thermoelectric devices, which, on the one hand, generate electromagnetic ultraviolet radiation, and, on the other, cooling. Such devices operate in optimal mode without heat release. The desalination device can be used to produce fresh water and concentrated solutions from any aqueous solutions, including wastewater from industrial enterprises. The construction materials of the desalination device are environmentally friendly.

Study on friction and wear reducing surface micro-structures for a positive displacement pump handling highly abrasive shale oil

In the recent years the capability of laser manufactured micro-structures to reduce friction has been investigated. The aim of this paper is to investigate the potential of surface texturing through ultra-short-pulse laser ablation to improve the performance of special positive displacement pumps handling shale oil, which contains highly abrasive particles. In this work pin-on-disc tests were carried out on picosecond laser structured samples. The most suitable texturing parameters were experimentally found and the effect of each parameter on friction reduction was analyzed. Results revealed that friction and wear generated on the pumps may be considerably reduced and that the aspect ratio of the applied micro-dimples is in this case the most critical texturing parameter.

Carried out laboratory tests and validation of the special type centrifugal pump

Carried out laboratory tests and validation of the special type centrifugal pump

Numerical investigation of output beam quality in efficient broadband optical parametric chirped pulse amplification

We theoretically analyzed output beam quality of broad bandwidth non-collinear optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (NOPCPA) in LiB3O5 (LBO) centered at 800nm. With a three-dimensional numerical model, the influence of the pump intensity, pump and signal spatial modulations, and the walk-off effect on the OPCPA output beam quality are presented, together with conversion efficiency and the gain spectrum. The pump modulation is a dominant factor that affects the output beam quality. Comparatively, the influence of signal modulation is insignificant. For a low-energy system with small beam sizes, walk-off effect has to be considered. Pump modulation and walk-off effect lead to asymmetric output beam profile with increased modulation. A special pump modulation type is found to optimize output beam quality and efficiency. For a high-energy system with large beam sizes, the walk-off effect can be neglected, certain back conversion is beneficial to reduce the output modulation. A trade-off must be made between the output beam quality and the conversion efficiency, especially when the pump modulation is large since. A relatively high conversion efficiency and a low output modulation are both achievable by controlling the pump modulation and intensity.

Optical non-contact pH measurement in cell culture with sterilizable, modular parts

A non-contact real time pH measurement using fully modular optical parts is described for phenol-red medium cell cultures. The modular parts can be sterilized, and once the measurement is started at the beginning of culture, no recalibration or maintenance is needed till the end of the culture. Measurements can be carried out without any special manual attention. The modular assembly of LED and sensor cassettes is unique, robust, reusable and reproducible.pH is measured in an intact closed flow system, without wasting any culture medium. A special pump encapsulation enables the system to be effortlessly functional in extremely humid incubator environments. This avoids lengthy sample tubings in and out of the incubator, associated large temperature changes and CO2 buffering issues.A new correction model to compensate errors caused e.g. by biolayers in spectrometric pH measurement is put-forward, which improves the accuracy of pH estimation significantly. The method provides resolution down to 0.1 pH unit in physiological pH range with mean absolute error 0.02.

A magnetically actuated cellular strain assessment tool for quantitative analysis of strain induced cellular reorientation and actin alignment.

Commercially available cell strain tools, such as pneumatically actuated elastomer substrates, require special culture plates, pumps, and incubator setups. In this work, we present a magnetically actuated cellular strain assessment tool (MACSAT) that can be implemented using off-the-shelf components and conventional incubators. We determine the strain field on the MACSAT elastomer substrate using numerical models and experimental measurements and show that a specific region of the elastomer substrate undergoes a quasi-uniaxial 2D stretch, and that cells confined to this region of the MACSAT elastomer substrate undergo tensile, compressive, or zero axial strain depending on their angle of orientation. Using the MACSAT to apply cyclic strain on endothelial cells, we demonstrate that actin filaments within the cells reorient away from the stretching direction, towards the directions of minimum axial strain. We show that the final actin orientation angles in strained cells are spread over a region of compressive axial strain, confirming previous findings on the existence of a varied pre-tension in the actin filaments of the cytoskeleton. We also demonstrate that strained cells exhibit distinctly different values of actin alignment coherency compared to unstrained cells and therefore propose that this parameter, i.e., the coherency of actin alignment, can be used as a new readout to determine the occurrence/extent of actin alignment in cell strain experiments. The tools and methods demonstrated in this study are simple and accessible and can be easily replicated by other researchers to study the strain response of other adherent cells.

Experimental measurements and visualisation of a viscous fluid flow in Y-branching modelling the common carotid artery bifurcation with MR and Doppler ultrasound velocimetry

In our experiments, we investigate a flow of a viscous fluid in the model of the common carotid artery bifurcation. The studies are carried out using three hardware equipments: two magnetic resonance scanners by Philips and Bruker, and intravascular guidewire ComboWire. The flux is generated by a special pump CompuFlow that is designed to reproduce a flow similar to the one in the blood vessels. A verification of the obtained data is carried out. Conducted research shows the capabilities of the measurement instruments and reflects the character of fluid flow inside the model.