Test Port Research Articles

A vacuum measurement method of liquefied natural gas vacuum pipeline based on the principle of temperature field.

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) has widely been used as an efficient and clean energy source. However, the storage and transportation of LNG is a big problem that the vacuum degree is difficult to measure in LNG pipeline transportation, especially without the vacuum test port. A measurement method for the vacuum degree of the LNG pipeline based on the second law of thermodynamics (the principle of temperature field) was proposed, and the vacuum degree of the pipeline was measured in this paper. The vacuum degree was obtained as a function of the ambient temperature T0 and the outer wall temperature T1 of the outer tube. The feasibility of this method was verified through test bench and field experiments, and the functional expressions of the outer wall temperature of the outer pipe and pipeline vacuum degree at 22, 24, and 26 °C were combined and verified, which provided a powerful way for measuring LNG pipeline vacuum.

Scenario-based preferences modeling to investigate port initiatives resilience

• Scenario-based preference modeling was used for testing port system resilience. • The model describes the influence of different scenarios on the port initiatives. • The approach ranks initiatives in each scenario based on level of importance. • The most disruptive scenario was S 3 (economic crisis). • S 5 (compelling circumstance) was the least disruptive scenario. Port systems are sensitive and complicated, yet they are subject to various forms of disruptiveness. Therefore, during the port life cycle, the port can be exposed to unexpected crises that include economic meltdowns, inappropriate designs, and the unavailability of resources. Scenario-based preference modeling was designed to define the nature of the system resilience in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port (MKP), Kuwait. The model described the influence of different scenarios on the port initiatives among a set of criteria. The initiatives in each scenario were ranked based on their level of importance. Results showed that the most disruptive scenario was s 3 (economic crisis), while s 5 (compelling circumstance) was the least disruptive scenario. The results also revealed that the most robust and highly prioritized initiatives were x 1 (soil treatment for the main road construction and MKP harbor) and x 25 (maintenance of the connecting channel —the channel links MKP to Khor Abdullah).

The Case for Medical Device Cybersecurity Hygiene Practices for Frontline Personnel

The Case for Medical Device Cybersecurity Hygiene Practices for Frontline Personnel

Systematic and Random Errors in the Net Power Measurement Using a Reflectometer

Net power delivered to a device is one of the important quantities to obtain various free field parameters in the radio frequency band, such as electric field strength, and a reflectometer is one practical choice for the real-time net power measurement. In carrying out the net power measurement, a pair of reflectometer calibration coefficients obtained by assuming the coupler idealities is used to estimate the forward and reverse traveling powers at the test port. In this article, the systematic and random errors of the measured net power by using the reflectometer are thoroughly discussed in terms of the terminal condition at the test port. In addition, useful parameters to evaluate the quality of the dual-directional coupler as a component of the reflectometer are proposed.

Virtual measurement system for UHF-transistor amplifiers

Introduction. Measurement systems for research of telecommunication devices and of their elements are difficult to maintain and expensive. Therefore when possible, its may be replaced by virtual measurement systems (VMS), which allow one to perform measurements based on physical parameters of testing device. Aim. VMS development for measuring of amplifiers parameters by means of simulation modeling based on amplifier topology. Methods and materials. VMS is to be used for research of a small signal amplifier (a part of transceiver). It consists of program modules and graphic interface, realized by LabVIEW. The program part contains text modules in LabVIEW syntax, which calculate S-parameters frequency dependencies for an amplifier. For definition of parameters amplifier circuit by a decomposition technique is being split into sequential two-port net-works, which can be described by corresponding matrixes. After determination of frequency dependent matrixes elements, the matrixes are being converted and multiplied. It allows one to obtain frequency dependencies of parameters of an amplifier. VMS interface is a 3-D-rendered on a computer screen front panel of a virtual vector network analyzer with a device under test connected to its test ports. Results. VMS for UHF-amplifiers research based on given topology was described. The calculations of amplifier transmission lines and amplifier in the whole parameters based on corresponding matrixes and their conversions were presented. The algorithm of a measuring system operation was described. 3D measuring complex and objects under test visualization were shown. The comparison with existing software for design and simulation of UHF-devices such as Microwave Office was realized. Conclusions. Contrary to Microwave Office, aimed to solution of synthesis tasks, VMS is aimed to research tasks. It has a realistic visualization of measurement devises and simple parameters input, do not need big computer resources and is free. VMS can be used in educational process, especially for online education, when using of Microwave Office is impossible.

COMPUTATIONAL AND EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION OF ENERGY LOSS OF THE OPERATING FLUID IN THE INTAKE SYSTEM OF THE AUTOMOBILE PISTON PNEUMATIC ENGINE USING THE EXERGY METHOD

The application exergy method of the thermodynamic analysis for determining the energy loss of the operating fluid in the intake system of the automobile piston pneumatic engine using experimental data of its engine test rigs has been considered. The analysis of the performed exergy calculational and experimental research on the evaluation of energy loss in the intake system of the engine for current modes of its operation has been presented. The sample of a piston pneumatic engine for a combined automobile power unit created at the ICE Department of KhNAHU requires further improving and developing especially such components and systems as those connected to the burn process. A compressed air intake system is one of them. Compressed air is not only some working fluid for a pneumatic engine but the energy source for its intake system. The energy loss factor like reliability and durability is referred to the performance and efficiency factors. The object of the study is a pneumatic engine created by converting a gasoline four-cylinder four-stroke ICE at the ICE Department of KhNAHU. The experimental research was carried out by laboratory engine test rigs of the pneumatic engine with speed characterization provided that two thermodynamic parameters of compressed air at the intake were kept constant for each characteristic: pressure p s = idem and temperature Т s = 293 K. In each test mode all external parameters of the pneumatic engine were recorded and indicator diagrams of the first cylinder were taken. Each speed characteristic consisted of 6–8 modes p s = idem and Т s = 293 К = idem with changing the rotational rate of the crankshaft n, rpm, from minimally stable (about n=200 rpm) to maximum possible n = 1000 ± 50 rpm It should be noted that there is an operating fluid pressure drop in the intake system chamber due to available inconvertibilities: throttling in the test port, hydraulic loss along the intake port as a result of fluid friction, swirls and other gas-dynamic phenomena. The exergy loss of the operating fluid enthalpy in the intake system D вп =Е вп -Е нап with the intake pressure р s = 0.5 MPais 13.3 kW, with the intake pressure р s = 0.7 MPa is 15.0 kW, with the intake pressure р s = 0.9 MPa is 16.9 kW, with the intake pressure р s = 1.1 MPa is 19.7 kW.

VNA Measurement of Common-Mode Impedance of Coupling/Decoupling Networks in Conductive Immunity Testing

Different methods to determine the common-mode impedance of coupling/decoupling networks (CDNs) are investigated. They are based on vector network analyzer (VNA) measurements by using a test adapter between the coaxial 50 $\Omega$ VNA test port and the equipment under test port of the CDN. It is shown that the influence of the test adapter should be taken into account above 50 MHz, which is far below the upper test frequency bound as defined in the IEC 61000-4-6 standard. Measurement results for the presented approaches are given for a CDN-M3 and a CDN-M5 type up to 500 MHz along with associated measurement uncertainties.

Experimental evaluation of mutual coupling influence on the isolation characteristics of a dual-port v-type line impedance stabilization network

This research investigates the influence of parasitic coupling on the dual-port V-type line impedance stabilization network (LISN) characteristics. The measurement results demonstrate that the mutual interaction between two lines in a dual-port LISN could affect the isolation characteristics between the AC power line ports, receiver ports, equipment under test ports.

Calibration Methods for AC-Coaxial Adapter Used in AMN Impedance Measurements

Conducted disturbance measurements on the mains cable are seriously affected by the equipment under test port impedance of the artificial mains network (AMN). This impedance is called the AMN impedance. In order to measure the AMN impedance, an ac-coaxial adapter has to be used to connect the AMN to impedance measuring equipment. Accordingly, the adapter has to be accurately calibrated. This paper describes theoretical and experimental investigations on the characteristics of the conventional adapter calibration methods, i.e., open/short termination method, electrical length correction method, and Kriz's method. In addition, this paper proposes a novel calibration method named S-parameter method. Uncertainties are also evaluated for each calibration method. It is found that the open/short termination method, Kriz's method, and the S-parameter method yield almost the same corrected value of the AMN impedance.

Analysis of the impacts of the J-TEXT TBM mock-up on the equilibrium magnetic field

The Test Blanket Module (TBM) will be used in the test port of ITER to demonstrate tritium self-sufficiency and the extraction of high grade heat for electricity production. J-TEXT TBM mock-up using reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel as structural material was designed and fabricated to perform and validate relevant electromagnetic and thermal technologies of the China Helium-Cooled Ceramic Breeder Test Blanket Module (CN HCCB-TBM) on the J-TEXT. Its size is one third of the CN HCCB-TBM. By using the finite element analysis technology, this paper analyzed the impacts on the equilibrium magnetic field over the plasma region after introducing the structure material RAFM steel. The distribution of toroidal field (TF) ripple and the magnitude of the error field with the mock-up at different positions were given. Simulation shows the distribution of the null field region formed by poloidal field (PF). The influence to tokamak discharge has been evaluated by drawing the magnetic field lines. Based on the results above, we have optimized and finished the installation of the mock-up to J-TEXT which meets the needs of the experiments and to ensure the normal discharge.

Improvement of LISN Measurement Accuracy Based on Calculable Adapters

The line impedance stabilization network (LISN) is mostly used in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for conducted and radiated radio frequency emission and susceptibility tests. The input impedance is one of the most important parameters in LISN calibration. To measure the input impedance, an adapter is required to connect the vector network analyzer to the equipment under test port of the LISN. For EMC test laboratories, it is of best interest to perform this calibration with high accuracy. Until now, the impact of the adapter used has not been clearly demonstrated theoretically. This paper explains the magnitude and phase impedance errors caused by the adapter. Theoretical and practical methods for the elimination of generated error are given. We present the design of two sets of adapters and their associated modeling, a method for removing their impact from the measurement, the theoretical error on magnitude and phase input impedance, and the uncertainties related to the impedance measurement.

Testing port choice models using physical and monetary data: a comparative case study for the Spanish container trades

ABSTRACTTransport costs are useful explanatory variables in port choice research. Nevertheless, the availability of such information usually poses a problem. Thus, the formulation of an alternative approach, to be used as a proxy of these variables, would be desirable. The objective of this study is to improve the analysis of container port choice using logit models by adopting physical non-monetary indicators based on maritime distance and ship size. The statistical tests of logit models on port choice using these new variables are compared with the result of using cost variables for the same data set of choice positions. The statistical outcome is good and allows us to present this new approach as a contribution to the literature on port choice modeling.

SU‐E‐T‐243: Design of a Novel Testing Port for Radiation Protection and Shielding Measurements

Purpose:The majority of radiation shielding research utilizes Monte Carlo simulation because of the difficulty in eliminating secondary radiations from measurements. We have designed a test port into a primary barrier of our newest vault to allow for shielding measurements while ensuring adequate protection to the public and staff during normal machine operation. This port allows for measurement of attenuation values of shielding materials, differential dose albedos, and radiation scatter fractions.Methods:The vault design utilized the maze as part of a compound primary barrier. The test port is contained within the maze and is centered along isocenter. The inner 30 cm has a 20×20 cm2 opening, while the remaining length has a 30×30 cm2 opening. The block that contains the port has a density of 200 pcf to minimize internal scatter. The 30×30 cm2 opening is occupied by removable 215 pcf concrete blocks. The innermost and outermost blocks activate an interlock wired into the beam‐enable loop. This disallows beam‐on in treatment mode if the interlock isn't closed. The interlock can be overridden in service mode, or by‐passed via an override switch in case of circuit failure.Results:The test port was installed in August. The beam is disabled when the interlock is tripped. Measurements taken when the primary beam is not incident on the port are indistinguishable from background. Ambient dose levels surrounding the vault with the designed shielding blocks in place are all within allowable limits for occupational workers.Conclusions:We have designed and installed a unique testing port for radiation protection and shielding measurements. This port is appropriately interlocked and designed to mitigate any risks of incidental exposure to staff or members of the public. The test port design allows measurements with “good geometry” and efficient removal of contaminating sources of radiation present in many shielding measurements.Daniel Harrell and Jim Noller are employees of Shielding Construction Solutions, Inc, the shielding construction company that built the vault discussed in this abstract. Manjit Chopra is an employee of Universal Minerals International, Inc, the company that provided the aggregates for the high density concretes used in the vault construction.

SU-E-T-271: Direct Measurement of Tenth Value Layer Thicknesses for High Density Concretes with a Clinical Machine

Purpose: Use of high density concrete for radiation shielding is increasing, trading cost for space savings associated with the reduced tenth value layer (TVL). Precise information on the attenuation properties of high-density concretes is not readily present in the literature. A simple approximation is to scale the TVLs from NCRP 151 according relative increase in density. Here we present measured TVLs for heavy concretes of various densities using a built-in shielding test port. Methods: Concrete densities tested range from 2.35 g cc−1 (147 pcf) to 5.6 g cc−1 (350 pcf). Measurements were taken using 6MV, 6FFF, and 10FFF on a Varian Truebeam linear accelerator. Field sizes of 4x4, 9x9 and 30x30 cm2 were measured. A PTW 31013 Farmer chamber with a buildup cap was positioned 5.5 m from isocenter along the beam CAX. Concrete thicknesses were incremented in 5 cm intervals. Comparison TVLs were determined by scaling the NCRP 151 TVLs by the density ratio between the sample and standard density. Results: The trend from the first to equilibrium TVL was an increase in thickness, compared with MC modeling, which predicted a decrease. Measured TVLs for 6 MV were reduced by as much as 8.9 cm for TVL₁ and 3.4 cm for TVLE compared to values scaled from NCRP 151. There was 1–3 mm difference in TVL between measurements done at 4x4 versus 30x30 cm2. TVL₁ for 6FFF was 1.1 cm smaller than TVL₁ for 6MV, but TVLE was consistent to within 4 mm. TVL₁ and TVLE for 10FFF were reduced by 8.8 and 3.7 cm from scaled NCRP values, respectively. Conclusions: We have measured the TVL thicknesses for various concretes. Simple density scaling of the values in NCRP 151 is a conservatively safe approximation, but actual TVLs may be reduced enough to eliminate some of the expense of installation. Daniel Harrell and Jim Noller are employees of Shielding Construction Solutions, Inc, the shielding construction company that built the vault discussed in this abstract. Manjit Chopra is an employee of Universal Minerals International, Inc, the company that provided the aggregates for the high density concretes used in the vault construction.

Letters/Crossword

Letters/Crossword

NeutrOn Beam Line for Observation and Research Use (BL10)

In May 2007, construction of NOBORU, a neutron beam line of 1 MW spallation neutronsource JSNS, has been completed in the Materials and Life Science Experimental Facilityof J-PARC. A primal mission of NOBORU is to study neutronic performance of JSNS.We will start experimental activities from the Day-One scheduled in May 2008, and arenow planning an experimental program. The experiments aim at contributing for stableoperation, design validation and integrity check of JSNS. NOBORU is also expected asa test port to accommodate R&D activities and trial users to bring out new researchactivities. In this article, a brief overview of NOBORU with the experimental program will be presented.

Non-Contact Probes for On-Wafer Characterization of Sub-Millimeter-Wave Devices and Integrated Circuits

We present a novel non-contact metrology approach for on-wafer characterization of sub-millimeter-wave devices, components, and integrated circuits. Unlike existing contact probes that rely on small metallic tips that make physical contact with the device on the chip, the new non-contact probes are based on electromagnetic coupling of vector network analyzer (VNA) test ports into the coplanar waveguide environment of integrated devices and circuits. Efficient signal coupling is achieved via a quasi-optical link between the VNA ports and planar antennas that are monolithically integrated with the test device. Experimental validation of the non-contact device metrology system is presented for the first time to demonstrate the accuracy and repeatability of proposed approach for the 325-500-GHz (WR2.2) and 500-750-GHz (WR1.5) bands.

Error analysis and uncertainty estimation for a millimeter-wave phase-shift measurement system at 325 GHz

Error analysis and uncertainty estimation for a millimeter-wave phase-shift measurement system at 325GHz are presented. The measurement errors due to inductive voltage divider, receiver noise, phase drift, mismatch at test ports, gauge-block attenuator, leakage and repeatability have been identified and evaluated. The standard uncertainty of these error components have been estimated and combined to obtain the expanded uncertainty in phase-shift measurement. The differential phase-shift measurement uncertainty for a 0–60dB WR-03 rotary vane attenuator is estimated to be 0.57–1.3° at 325GHz.

Calibration Method for Vector Network Analyzers Using One or Two Known Reflection Standards

A novel method for the calibration of a vector network analyzer (VNA) is presented where a through connection of the VNA test ports, two known high-reflective calibration elements serving as calibration standards, and a termination of arbitrary unknown reflection are required. The latter has to be connected to both ports and may, for example, be a low-reflective load or a flush short. If it is possible to connect the same known high-reflective element to both ports, the VNA is then calibrated by the use of only one known standard. As only one two-port connection, namely a through, is required, the new method is advantageous especially for measurements in waveguides at very high frequencies if we compare it with the well-known through-reflect-line (TRL) and line-reflect-line (LRL) calibration methods where two two-port connections, namely a through and a line (TRL) or two lines (LRL) are needed. Measurements of various low- and high-reflective devices under test (DUTs) in the WR-10 and WR-03 waveguide bands agreed well with TRL and LRL reference measurements, respectively. The influence of nonideal calibration elements or of reflection variations of the unknown termination on the S-parameter measurements of DUTs has also been theoretically and experimentally investigated.

New progress on design and R&D for solid breeder test blanket module in China

ITER will be used to test tritium breeding module concepts, which will lead to the design of DEMO fusion reactor demonstrating tritium self-sufficiency and the extraction of high grade heat for electricity production. China plans to test the HCCB TBM modules during different operation phases. Related design and R&D activities for each TBM module with the auxiliary system are introduced.The helium-cooled ceramic breeder (HCCB) test blanket module (TBM) is the primary option of the Chinese TBM program. The preliminary conceptual design of CN HCCB TBM has been completed. A modified design to reduce the RAFM material mass to 1.3 ton has been carried out based on the ITER technical requirement. Basic characteristics and main design parameters of CN HCCB TBM are introduced briefly. The mock-up fabrication and component tests for Chinese test blanket module are being developed. Recent status of the components of CN HCCB TBM and fabrication technology development are also reported. The neutron multiplier Be pebbles, tritium breeder Li4SiO4 pebbles, and structure material CLF-1 of ton-class are being prepared in laboratory scale. The fabrication of pebble bed container and experiment of tritium breeder pebble bed will be started soon. The fabrication technology development is proceeding as the large-scale mock-up fabrication enters into the R&D stage and demonstration tests toward TBM testing on ITER test port are being done as scheduled.