Thermo Research Articles

Beyond tradition: Exploring the potential of a novel drainage technique for indwelling pleural catheter.

There are guidelines recommending the use of Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC), but there is no established consensus or guidelines regarding the modality of drainage post-IPC insertion. We have devised a novel drainage technique that combines the advantages of both aggressive and symptom-guided drainage. This was a prospective intervention trial in which patients with malignant pleural effusion, drained with IPC, were initially given one week of 'high-intensity' drainage on an outpatient basis using a low-pressure suction pump, followed by symptom-based home drainage using vacuum bottles. Patients were assessed for improvement in breathlessness, the number of autos pleurodesis, and the number of vacuum bottles consumed. A total of 25 patients with malignant pleural effusion who satisfied the inclusion criteria were selected. The mean breathlessness as per the visual analogue scale (VAS) was 87 before the insertion of IPC, which decreased to 48.2 immediately after IPC insertion and drainage. The 'high-intensity' drainage was able to maintain this fall in VAS. Thirteen patients (52%) achieved pleurodesis, of which 10 achieved pleurodesis after 5 weeks of IPC insertion, and 3 achieved pleurodesis after 7 weeks of IPC insertion. Eleven patients (44%) had the IPC in situ until death. One patient had the IPC removed due to empyema. None of the 10 patients who achieved pleurodesis within 5 weeks of IPC insertion had to use vacuum bottles at home for 'symptom-guided' fluid drainage. This novel method of draining malignant pleural effusion brought about symptomatic improvement, increase auto-pleurodesis, and thereby reduce the number of vacuum bottles consumed in the study population.

Memory high temperature production logging technology and applications

Abstract As oil exploration and development gradually move towards exploring deep oil and gas reservoirs, the formation temperature and pressure have significantly increased. Taking the Bohai buried hill oil and gas reservoir as an example, the formation temperature is generally above 180 °C, and conventional testing instruments cannot work stably under such high temperature conditions. Related instrument and equipment manufacturers optimize and innovate logging instruments in multiple directions such as welding, modularization, and material selection. To solve the temperature resistance problem of instruments, thermal insulation coatings, vacuum flask, and other methods are commonly used for temperature isolation. This article mainly introduces a high-temperature production logging Vulcan™ developed by SDI Company. The FLS 1.44 series instrument has the characteristics of small outside diameter(OD) and high temperature resistance, and adopts a memory measurement method to avoid short circuit and operating costs of high-temperature cables. Through on-site operation in Well A, multiple consecutive production profile tests were conducted in a high-temperature environment with a formation temperature of about 185 °C. The sensors sensor exhibits good characteristics in stability, and the response of each parameter measurement curve was good under different passes. The testing task was successfully completed, and the application effect of the testing instrument was good.

How to expand the thermos cup market through network publicity and product positioning

With the steady growth of the global stainless steel thermos cup market, social platform marketing plays a key role in enhancing brand influence and product sales. Through the study of Standly's case, this paper first describes the strategy of making thermos cups into "fashion accessories", and Stanley has achieved remarkable market expansion by increasing the attention of female consumers; Then, the actual effect of this strategy is analyzed, that is, the sales volume of its star product Quencher series has increased greatly. Finally, suggestions on using new technologies and social media marketing are put forward to meet the needs of consumers and enhance brand influence. It is concluded that continuous innovation and optimization of market positioning are the key to maintain the leading position in the competition of vacuum flask industry. Research on marketing strategy is very important for enterprises to succeed in the rapidly changing market. It can not only help enterprises identify market opportunities and optimize resource allocation, but also meet customer needs, enhance brand influence, and ultimately promote the sustainable development and growth of enterprises.

Suitability of Residues from Seaweed and Fish Processing for Composting and as Fertilizer

There is a need to find novel sources of fertilizers to meet the increasing food demands of a growing human population and alternatives to mined and synthetic fertilizers for the certified organic sector. Composting is a common method for processing and stabilizing organic residues for use in horticulture. To that end, a small-scale composting experiment with six combinations of dried and ground rockweed (Ascophyllum nodosum), algae fiber from chemically processed rockweed, ground bones and fishmeal from cod (Gadus morhua), and ground blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) was conducted in Dewar flasks to assess whether these residues are suitable for composting and have potential for use as fertilizers. Expanded clay aggregates were used as a bulking material. Physicochemical analyses were performed on the residues and their mixtures before and after composting, and the temperature in the flasks was monitored for 92 days. Suitability was determined by evaluating the temperature dynamics, changes in physiochemical parameters, and nutrient profiles. All treatments generated heat, with reductions in C/N ratio, weight, and volume, demonstrating suitability for composting. The treatments with algae fiber had a higher mean temperature (34.5 vs. 29.0 °C) and more degree days above the thermophilic range (mean = 176- vs. 19-degree days), the greatest reduction in volume (mean = 35% vs. 27%), and the lowest C/N ratios at the end of active composting (18 vs. 24) compared to the treatments with dried and ground seaweed. In terms of fertilizer value, none of the finished composts were balanced for use as fertilizers alone and, in some cases, contained too much Na, but contained sufficient concentrations of K, S, Mg, and Ca and could be a valuable source of these nutrients and organic matter in combination with other N- and P-rich sources.

Facile barometric calibration of photoluminescence-based oxygen sensors on a standard rotary evaporator system with a digital vacuum pump

A simple setup and methodology for barometric calibration of quenched phosphorescence oxygen sensors are described, which utilize a standard rotary evaporator (Rotavap) system equipped with a digital vacuum pump. They were demonstrated with a panel of different sensing materials based on PtBP dye, including solid-state sensor coatings on different substrates (membrane inserts, stickers or inner wall of the vacuum flask), as well as liquid sensor formulations. The sensors inside the flask were exposed to different conditions created by the Rotavap system (dry or humid air, water, temperatures ranging 2°C-40°C, residual total pressure), and their intensity, lifetime or phase shift signals were measured with handheld sensor readers Optech (Mocon) and Firesting (PyroScience) in a contact-less manner to generate multi-point calibration curves. Several critical points of the method, which require careful consideration, have been revealed, including sensor mounting inside the Rotavap, its temperature control during calibration, choice of the reader. Finally, a detailed characterization of several sensor types was carried out and their key operational parameters (τ0, KSV, heterogeneity, T-coefficients), and calibration equations for the different conditions were determined and compared to each other and the results of conventional O2 calibration. Overall, barometric calibration method using Rotavap provides a useful alternative to conventional O2 calibration methods, being simple, accurate, convenient and versatile.

Modelling of electromagnetic transients in multi-unit high-voltage circuit-breakers

High-voltage (HV) circuit-breakers (CBs) often consist of several making and breaking units (MBUs) in series. A multi-unit circuit-breaker EMTP® model is proposed to analyse the effects of non-simultaneity between MBUs of the same pole. The model allows for simulations of high-frequency voltage and current transients during opening or closing operations. The simulations include the non-simultaneity of MBUs of the same pole or differences in dielectric withstand characteristics for vacuum circuit-breakers (VCBs) and SF6 CBs. According to simulation results, the maximum non-simultaneity of MBUs of the same pole, as permitted per international standards, can lead to multiple re-ignitions during opening or excessive overvoltages during closing operations. These phenomena are rarely simulated with conventional CB models. The simulations also highlight the important challenges facing high-voltage VCB design due to the inherent characteristics of vacuum bottle technology. The proposed models serve as useful tools for understanding and studying the effect of multi-unit CBs in various system studies and advanced diagnostics.

Comparative Simulation Studies on Fabrication of Thermos Flask Using Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastics and Stainless Steel

This paper investigates the fabrication of a thermos flask using reinforced plastic, with a focus on incorporating glass fiber reinforcement. The primary objective is to explore the feasibility of glass fiber as an alternative to traditional stainless steel in thermos flask construction, particularly in terms of heat retention and overall performance. A series of experiments and comparative analyses were conducted to evaluate the material’s effectiveness. The findings reveal that while glass fiber-reinforced plastic offers advantages like reduced weight and increased flexibility, it does not surpass stainless steel in thermal insulation or durability. Despite these benefits, its lower performance in retaining heat limits its potential as a replacement for stainless steel in thermos flasks. Consequently, this study recommends further research into other reinforced plastics with better thermal insulation properties or enhancing glass fiber composites to improve their heat retention capabilities. The project underscores the need for continued innovation in material science to create more efficient, sustainable, and lightweight alternatives for thermal insulation applications, contributing to advancements in the design of thermos flasks and similar products.

A Retrospective on how Cryostats have changed with Cryostat Use and the Cooling Methods used to keep Superconducting Magnets Cold

Prior to the invention of the vacuum flask by James Dewar in 1895, cryogenic temperatures below 100 K could not be sustained very long. The Development of the modern cryostat was an extension of the basic Dewar vacuum flask. The design of the cryostat, its insulation, and the cold mass support system is a function of the cryostat’s intended use. The type of refrigeration available also influenced the development insulation systems, support systems, transfer lines and electrical leads that are part of the cryostat. In recent years the availability and the cost of helium has been a significant factor in cryostat design and the methods used to cool and cool-down cryostats. This paper explores the historical development of today’s cryostats and how that can be tied to the source of cryogenic cooling. This paper is focused on earth bound cryostats. Some of the same principles can be applied cryostats used in space.

Development of a dual flow transfer system with a centrifugal pump for liquid helium

At research institutes, liquid helium is commonly transferred to mobile dewar vessels via a single flow transfer line, driven by a pressure build-up in the storage vessel. In this process, a considerable amount of the liquid evaporates according to the prevailing pressure drop and due to the heat leak into the transfer line. Further, the generated flash gas must undergo an energy intensive recovery and liquefaction procedure again. To significantly reduce these transfer losses, the cryogen can be transferred to the target dewar using a centrifugal pump. At the same time, the displaced cold gas is guided back to the storage dewar in a cold return line within the same insulated transfer housing. This article presents the current development status of the transfer system, including the thermo-hydraulic modeling and simulation.

Tele-ICU Management of a Trauma Patient at a Peripheral Center

Methods: A 23-year-old male was admitted to a peripheral center following a fall from a tractor. Examination at admission revealed a conscious, stable patient with significant chest pain. The tele-ICU (intensive care unit) was called, and when they received the patient, he was stabilized and managed immediately. The tele-ICU connection was provided through the Command Center in Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, India, which is connected to multiple spoke locations at peripheral centers using audio-visual aids. An intensivist is available 24 h daily to provide critical care services to the peripheral centers through audio-visual aids. The tele-ICU connection is provided to the peripheral centers through commercial audio-visual and bedside data transfer devices. The tele-ICU team supervised the primary survey remotely via a central monitor, viewing the patient’s vitals along with the audio/video calling capabilities of the cameras as a part of the tele-ICU program. Results: Chest X-rays showed bilateral pneumothorax, lung compression, and multiple rib fractures. The team at the peripheral center was immediately advised to institute bilateral intercostal drainage (ICD). High-resolution CT chest (HRCT) reveals extensive right and minor left pneumothorax, bilateral lung contusions, a right clavicle medial end fracture, and multiple rib fractures. Ultrasonography of the abdomen showed altered splenic echo texture and moderate left pleural effusion. Flail chest and paradoxical breathing pattern warranted endotracheal intubation. The patient was ventilated for 4 days. On day 3, the patient experienced an air leak from the left ICD, increased drain output, and decreased hemoglobin. The tele-ICU team consulted the cardiothoracic surgeon regarding the air leak and followed their advice to attach a vacuum bottle to the ICD. The patient’s breathing improved gradually. Mechanical ventilator settings (i.e., tidal volume, respiratory rate, and peak airway pressures) were reviewed daily by the tele-ICU team during the regular morning and evening rounds. In addition, the ventilator and the bedside monitor were continuously monitored from the Command Center through video conferencing, which is integrated with electronic software and regularly captures the patient’s vitals. After 4 days of mechanical ventilation, the patient was extubated and started on oxygen therapy. Oxygen was gradually tapered and stopped. After 8 days of uneventful hospitalization, the patient was discharged. Conclusion: Studies show that telemedicine can provide expert-guided mentoring for life-saving procedures, including pre-hospital assessment and triage for polytrauma, tube thoracotomies, and extended focused assessment with sonography in trauma (eFAST). Technology may help resource-constrained places adopt telemedicine and its benefits.

Evaluation and reduction of background interference caused by airborne particles in gamma spectrometry measurements

Gamma-ray spectrometry has wide applications in various fields of science, technology, medicine, and basic research. Despite many advantages of this technique, background quantification constitutes one of the challenges in performing measurements. This study aimed to show the effect of air pollution on gamma spectrometric measurements and provide a low-cost system to improve their quality. To improve the background parameters of the spectrometer, a special system was implemented to ventilate the detector chamber, where the air stream is cleaned using a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter and nitrogen evaporating from the dewar's vessel.. A strong correlation was observed between the concentrations of particulates in the air and the level of count rates in specific areas of the gamma spectrum. For example, the results show a significant effect of reductions in the average number of counts within the 46.5 keV line of the 210Pb isotope, where the background decreased by 71 %.

Stability of Charge

Electricity is fire as electricity produces heat and light which are the properties of fire. Electricity has charge. Thus, charge is also fire or fire is charge. Stability of charge is given by temperature. This could be verified from applications in daily life such as making of bricks at high temperature, storage of heated water in thermos flask or simply for keeping the fire burning one needs temperature. Thus, it could be seen that stability of charge is given by temperature since fire is charge (as described above). As shown in [1] source of fire is mass, thus temperature could be used to make strong and stable mass since stability of charge contained inside the mass is temperature.

B-043 Thermal Evaluation and Field Study of Labcorp TrueThermTMpackaging System for Protecting Sub-Milliliter Blood Samples

Abstract Background Many diagnostic assays require temperature-controlled sample storage and shipment to ensure accuracy. Here we present, the Labcorp TrueTherm, designed for thermal-controlled shipment of small volume blood samples. The reusable TrueTherm combines a stainless steel vacuum bottle with a custom internal cold pack and insulating stopper. Users refrigerate the cold pack to protect against warm or cold temperature excursions. The whole system is relatively compact, measuring about 10in (25cm) in length, 3 inches (8cm) in diameter, and 2.5 pounds (1kg) in weight. Methods In order to evaluate thermal performance, the TrueTherm system was exposed to both ISTA-7D summer and winter conditions and internal temperature was recorded for 96hrs. Subsequently, venous blood samples were collected from n = 40 subjects, and immediately aliquoted into BD SST (Serum separator) Microtainers®. For each subject, sub-samples were subjected to centrifugal separation (provided by the Labcorp TrueSpinTM battery-powered centrifuge), serum removal, and 24hr insulated shipping on ice packs compared to a variety of 72hr cross-country shipping conditions with and without centrifugal separation and with and without insulated packaging (including TrueTherm) during August 2022. Results TrueTherm maintained temperature between 2 and 20C for 72hrs under simulated summer and winter conditions. Under actual cross-country summer commercial shipping conditions, both centrifugal separation and thermal control via TrueTherm expanded the number of valid analytes compared to unprotected whole blood (see Table 1). Conclusion The results suggest that TrueTherm is an effective system for protecting small blood samples from thermal extremes during extended shipping. Portable thermal moderation was complimentary with portable centrifugal separation to maximize stability of common analytes.

Thermal and thermo-mechanical analysis of a novel pass-through all-glass evacuated collector tube by combining experiment with numerical simulation

The collector tube could be a significant component of a solar water heater (SWH), that directly determines its performance and application eventualities. Here, a completely unique pass-through all-glass evacuated collector tube (ETC) is projected, which includes an easy structure composed inner and outer layers with each ends amalgamate along and no free ends. In addition, the flow pattern of the working medium in the tube also changes from laminar to turbulent flow, and natural convection changes to forced convection, greatly improving the convective heat transfer efficiency. Such a solar collector tube reaches 50% thermal efficiency at 54 °C in operation temperature and DNI = 1000W/m2, and might reach about 82 °C stagnation temperature at identical condition. Compared to standard Dewar tube, the pass-through ECT includes a higher thermal efficiency thanks to a lower inner layer temperature and better exit temperature. Completely different thermal expansions cause thermal stress within the glass structure, however the utmost stress between the inner and outer tubes was unbroken at intervals 40–120 MPa guaranteeing safe and stable operation at intervals the attainable temperature regime.

Colliding gravitational waves and singularities

We have investigated a model of colliding plain gravitational waves, proposed by Szekeres, whose structure of singularities is determined. We have evaluated a total energy of matter as a volume integral of the energy–momentum tensor (EMT), whose contributions arise only at these singularities. The total matter energy is conserved before a collision of two plane gravitational waves but decreases during the collision and becomes zero at the end of the collision. We thus interpret that this model of colliding plane gravitational waves is a space–time describing a pair annihilation of plan gravitational waves. We have also calculated a matter conserved charge proposed by the present author and his collaborators. The matter charge is indeed conserved but is zero due to a cancelation between two plain gravitational waves. This seems natural since nothing remains after a pair annihilation, and gives a hint on a physical interpretation of the conserved charge, which we call the gravitational charge. By modifying the space–time for the pair annihilation, we newly construct two types of a scattering plane gravitational wave and a pair creation of plane gravitational waves, and combining all, a Minkowski vacuum bottle, a Minkowski space–time surrounded by two moving plane gravitational waves.

Thermal Management System of Vapor Compression for Downhole Instrument

Abstract As the depth of oil and gas exploration increases, downhole electronics face the threat of high-temperature failure. At present, passive cooling technology has the problem of short working time, while active cooling technology has low energy utilization. This paper presents a thermal management system of vapor compression with a combination of active and passive cooling. The system uses insulation materials to isolate the high-temperature environment, thermally conductive silicone grease to strengthen the heat exchange in the evaporator, and vapor compression refrigeration cycles to absorb internal heat. The coefficient of performance (COP), exergy destruction and exergy efficiency of octane, nonane, and cyclohexane as refrigerants were examined, and the effects of different insulation materials on refrigeration performance were studied from both theoretical and numerical perspectives. The results showed that cyclohexane exhibited the best cooling capacity with a COP of 1.296 and a exergy efficiency of 49.21%. The thermal management system cooling performance is optimal when the insulation material is a vacuum flask, with an effective cooling capacity of 121.7 W.

Review on Smart Thermoware - A Development in Assistive Self-Health Care Manangement

Abstract: Numerous applications and uses for thermal flasks are found by millions of people across the world. In this article, the developments of the vacuum flask's design and construction are covered. It now has technology to perform other tasks in addition to serving as a receptacle holding liquids, such as controlling temperature and serving as an alarm system. Consumers now anticipate that their vacuum vessel will preserve the freshness of the stored beverages. The vacuum flask should be able to sustain both hot and cold temperatures so that users can enjoy their beverages wherever they are and whenever they choose. People who have demanding and unpredictable work schedules are increasingly looking for reminders about how much fluid they should be consuming at all times to maintain a balanced diet

Development of a lab-device for evaporation-free supply of pure liquid nitrogen for droplet- and jet-generation

Cryogenic liquids such as liquid nitrogen are of relevance for numerous processes in engineering, and the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, as a result of its strong evaporation at ambient conditions, its handling for laboratory purposes and experimentation is so far cumbersome. In the present work an original design approach for a supply device for liquid nitrogen is developed and characterized in detail. With the device pure liquid nitrogen is supplied from a pressurized dewar flask to a hypodermic needle without contamination of the liquid with its own vapor or frost, finally enabling to generate a free liquid jet or single droplets in a way comparable to the handling of non-cryogenic liquids using a syringe and a hypodermic needle. Compared to previous approaches for the generation of liquid nitrogen droplets in scientific studies which mostly rely on a reservoir for liquid nitrogen from which droplets form at a bottom outlet due to gravity, the present design allows generation of droplets and free liquid jets in a significantly better controlled and more flexible way. The device is experimentally characterized for varying operational conditions during generation of a free liquid jet, and its versatility for laboratory research purposes is further briefly demonstrated.

Effect of Food Matrix, Cooking and Preservation Modalities on the Outgrowth of Bacillus cereus Spores in Some Starchy Foods

Aim: Starchy products are very important in the fight against food insecurity in developing countries, where they are widely consumed. This study is aimed to assess the impact of cooking and storage methods on the spoilage of some cooked starchy products by spore-forming bacteria
 Place and Duration: Department of Microbiology of the University of Yaoundé I betweenJune 2020 and September 2022
 Methodology: In order to better understand the alteration of these foods by spore-forming bacteria, a survey was carried out among some households and restaurant owners in the city of Yaoundé to determine the cooking and preservation methods for cassava, maize and rice couscous. Then, cooking parameters and conservation modalities from the survey were simulated in the laboratory in order to assess the deactivation kinetics of Bacillus cereus.
 Results: It emerged from this experiment that cooking time varies according to the foodstuffs, the most important being maize. The packaging is mainly done in non-food plastic bags, and the thermos is used more often than the fridge and the pot. Cassava flour was more contaminated in aerobic spore (1.105 spores/g) than maize and rice (5.103 and 9.103 spores/g) after cooking of different starchy food enriched with Bacillus cereus spores, their inactivation was more important in rice followed by cassava and maize couscous as indicated by the Weibull scaleparameters which were respectively 1.1; 0.52 and 0.08. It was also noted that increase in cooking time also reduced the time for spores to initiate outgrowth and this time was affected by the type of flour. These two parameters also affected the time of spore outgrowth to 5logufc/g.
 Conclusion: Storage in the fridge is still the best way to store food, but the thermos flask is more often used. The use of electric thermostats set at temperatures around 60°C would increase the optimal shelf life and significantly reduce the risk of spoilage and foodborne illness.

Rapid detection of the vacuum failure of logging tools based on the variation in equivalent thermal conductivity

The logging tool is the key downhole facility used for oil and gas exploration. A vacuum flask is indispensable for protecting the inside electronics of the logging tool from extreme working environments. During transport, assembly, or working processes, vacuum flask failure can lead to the destruction of the logging tool. The existing test methods are unable to detect vacuum failure quickly and accurately. To solve this problem, a rapid test method based on the variation in equivalent thermal conductivity before and after vacuum failure was proposed. First, the principle of this method was illustrated in detail, and a simplified 1D heat transfer model was calculated by the finite difference method. We found that the temperature rise ratio between the insulator and heat source (defined as P) can be used as the testing indicator with a 1 h testing time. Subsequently, a rapid test device was designed, and numerical simulations were performed to determine the critical values of the testing indicator for actual vacuum flasks. The simulated results showed that independent of the heating power and initial temperature, the P values for vacuum flasks in normal and abnormal states are 0.391 and 0.299, respectively, with a critical value of 0.351. Finally, experimental tests were conducted to test the effectiveness of the rapid test method and testing indicator. The experimental results showed that the measured P values of normal and abnormal vacuum flasks were above or below the critical value (Pe) under different test conditions, respectively, indicating that the proposed rapid test method can quickly and accurately detect vacuum failure. The maximum error between the simulated and experimental results was only 8.7%.