Ultrasonic Flow Research Articles

Right mini-thoracotomy for concomitant aortic valve replacement and right coronary artery bypass graft

Background Full sternotomy is the standard approach for combined surgery. Evidence of the minimally invasive approach’s advantages for aortic and mitral valve surgery has been reported. Our aim was to report our experience with minithoracotomy for elective patients presenting with aortic valve stenosis associated with right coronary artery disease. Material and methods Between January 2016 and August 2021, 17 patients underwent concomitant aortic valve replacement and right coronary artery bypass grafting by right anterior thoracotomy. Results The mean age was 73.3 years and the mean EuroSCORE 2 was 2.07 ± 1.24. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were 148 ± 29 min and 111 ± 20 min. Thirteen patients (76.0%) had femoral cannulation. Nine saphenous veins (53%), seven right internal thoracic arteries (41%), and one radial artery (6%) were used as a graft. Twelve patients benefited from ultrasonic flow measurements to control the graft. The mean flow rate was 47 ± 39 ml/min, and the mean pulsatility index was 2.4 ± 1.2. The mean postoperative transvalvular gradient was 10.9 ± 4 mmHg. Two patients presented with Grade 1 aortic insufficiency (12%). There was no 30-day mortality. Conclusions Combined aortic valve replacement and right coronary artery bypass grafting through right anterior thoracotomy is reliable and reproducible in selected patients.

Surface Post-Treatments of Different Lattice Structures Manufactured by 3D Printing using Selective Laser Melting

Selective laser melting (SLM) offers great potential for the fabrication of Ti6Al4V lattice structural components, but the resulting surface roughness of the manufactured products severely limits the use of the parts in biomedical applications. To reduce the influence of high surface roughness, the post processing process techniques applicable to all different lattice structures. In this study, two techniques were combined: ultrasonic abrasive flow and electro polishing treatment. To analyze Selective laser melted parts after post processing process, porosity and microstructural analyses were done. Furthermore, checking the influence of Electro polish time on surface of lattice structures. EP treatment conducted, applying a voltage of 20 ,18, and 16(V) And also (8), (6) and (4) minutes sequentially at a temperature of (4-7) C⁰ for HC, FCC, and BCC lattice structure specimens, sequentially. Acid-based electrolyte to perform Electro Polish, its solutions proved to be effective in reducing average surface roughness Ra from 7.325,7.465 and 6.7732.7 μm to 4.661 .3.911 and 4.20 for hexagonal, face center cubic and body center cubic lattice structures. In addition to, Rz from 36.766 ,35.768 and 30.029 to 22.482 ,17.88 and 18.249 μm sequentially. After post processing process, the findings of surface roughness, Young’s modulus, yield strength, and Porosity percentage are compatible with the properties of bone, allowing it to be utilized as a scaffold.

Segmental post-PCI physiological gradients using ultrasonic or optical flow ratio

Abstract Background Segmental pressure gradients post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may detect residual disease and potential targets for optimization. Ultrasonic flow ratio (UFR) or optical flow ratio (OFR) provide simultaneous physiological and morphological data using a single imaging catheter. Notably, both have been validated against wire based FFR Objectives To evaluate the utility of UFR and OFR to identify residual disease post-PCI. Methods The present study is a sub analysis of the ASET (Acetyl Salicylic Elimination Trial) JAPAN pilot study Phase I which showed the feasibility and safety of low dose prasugrel monotherapy following PCI in Japanese patients presenting with chronic coronary syndrome and an anatomical SYNTAX score <23. Patients with complete intra-vascular imaging pullback data were included with UFR/OFR acquired in all patients post-PCI. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of IVUS or OCT pullbacks was performed by automatically delineating vessel, lumen, and stent contours every 0.5 mm using QCU-CMS (version 4.69, Division of Image Processing, Leiden University Medical Centre). UFR or OFR was calculated using the respective IvusPlus or OctPlus software, Pulse Medical, Shanghai, China.(13)(15) All UFR and OFR tracings, and IVUS and OCT pullbacks were analyzed at the CORRIB Core lab, Galway, Ireland by two analysts blinded to clinical and procedural data. Anatomically focal lesions distal and proximal to the stent were evaluated in segments ≥5mm long. UFR/OFR virtual pullback curves were used to calculate intra-stent pressure gradients and physiologically define lesions as focal or diffuse by segmental pressure drops ≥0.05 over lengths <10mm or ≥10mm, respectively. Results The median post-PCI UFR/OFR was 0.93 (0.88-0.96) with 69/195 vessels (35.4%) having a UFR/OFR≤0.90. There were significantly more focal anatomical and physiological lesions proximal and distal to the stent in vessels with a UFR/OFR≤0.90 versus >0.90. In vessels with a UFR/OFR≤0.90 there was moderate agreement (weighted kappa=0.553, p<0.001) between anatomical and physiological focal lesions proximal to the stent, whilst it was fair (weighted kappa=0.219, p=0.002) distally. In-stent gradient had poor discriminative ability to detect significant stent under-expansion. The performance of a proximal or distal virtual FFR gradient to detect proximal or distal anatomically focal disease was good (AUC–0.835 and 0.877, respectively) Conclusions UFR/OFR enables suboptimal vessel physiology post-PCI to be detected and helps identify the precise anatomical location with corroboration from intra-vascular imaging. Adequately powered physiology optimization trials using UFR/OFR will determine the role of combined morphology and physiological evaluation post PCI in improving clinical outcomes.

Fundamental Study of Phased Array Ultrasonic Cavitation Abrasive Flow Polishing Titanium Alloy Tubes.

A new method of machining ultrasonic cavitation abrasive flow based on phase control technology was proposed for improving the machining efficiency of the inner wall of TC4 (Ti-6Al-4V) titanium alloy tubes. According to ultrasonic phase control theory and Hertzian contact theory, a model of ultrasonic abrasive material removal rate under phase control technology was established. Using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1 software, the phase control deflection effect, acoustic field distribution, and the size of the phase control cavitation domain on the inner wall surface were examined at different transducer frequencies and transducer spacings. The results show that the inner wall polishing has the most excellent effect at a transducer frequency of 21 kHz and spacing of 100 mm. In addition, the phased deflection limit was explored under the optimal parameters, and predictive analyses were performed for voltage control under uniform inner wall polishing. Finally, the effect of processing time on polishing was experimented with, and the results showed that the polishing efficiency was highest from 0 to 30 min and stabilized after 60 min. In addition, the change in surface roughness and material removal of the workpiece were analyzed under the control of the voltage applied, and the experimental results corresponded to the voltage prediction analysis results of the simulation, which proved the viability of phase control abrasive flow polishing for the uniformity of material removal of the inner wall of the tube.

Analysis and numerical simulation of different flowmeters based on an open channel in an irrigation area

ABSTRACT This study establishes an ultrasonic open channel flow measurement test and numerical simulation model and systematically compares the performance and reliability of the ultrasonic method and the traditional flowmeter in flow measurement in the irrigation area by observing and analysing the test data and combining it with the numerical simulation. In the indoor ultrasonic flowmeter flow measurement experiments in the trapezoidal nullah section, the flow rate measurement was carried out by using a high-precision variable slope flume and a variety of flow measurement tools. A numerical study was carried out using the VOF method to calculate the flow in the open channel flume under two-phase flow conditions. Combining experimental measurements and numerical simulations, this study aims to quantify the magnitude of flow measurement errors and water surface fluctuations in open channel flumes and to address the discrepancies between different flow measurement methods in open channels in irrigation areas.

TCT-526 Comparative Analysis of Optical Flow Ratio (OFR) Derived From Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Images and Ultrasonic Flow Ratio Derived From Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) at Sequential Side Branches Within the Same Segment of the Coronary Vessel

TCT-526 Comparative Analysis of Optical Flow Ratio (OFR) Derived From Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Images and Ultrasonic Flow Ratio Derived From Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) at Sequential Side Branches Within the Same Segment of the Coronary Vessel

Enhancing commercial check valves in downhole pump applications through laboratory testing system development

In this study, we aim to enhance the performance and longevity of downhole pumps employed in crude oil extraction in the oil industry. Downhole pumps play a pivotal role in the rod-pump system, comprising traveling and standing valves that function similarly to ball check valves. However, these valves often experience premature wear and tear. To address this concern, we embarked on experiments involving various check valve alternatives to conventional ball valves within downhole pumps. The testing conditions were controlled precisely. Furthermore, we evaluated four distinct check valve types, the original (representing the incumbent ball valves), spring-poppet (C), spring-ball (CB), and spring-poppet with soft-seated (S6C) check valves, within a controlled laboratory environment. We employed a TEXAPON N70 solution to replicate the properties and temperature conditions of crude oil. A portable ultrasonic flow meter was used to quantify the pump flow rate and assess its volumetric efficiency. In addition, we recorded data on the polished-rod load and plunger displacement to generate dynamometer cards, thereby enabling a comprehensive evaluation of the operational performance of the pump. Furthermore, we conducted a vacuum test to scrutinize valve leakage, which is a crucial indicator of the operational lifespan of a downhole pump. Our findings show that incorporating the CB check valve with the RHB pump in oil wells operated by the PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP) could result in a 15 % increase in volumetric efficiency and a remarkable 160 % improvement in durability compared to the original ball check valve.

Experimental Characterization of Process Pressure Variations on The Accuracy and Performance of Liquid Ultrasonic Flow Meters

This paper investigated the influence of process pressure variations on the accuracy and performance of ultrasonic flow meters. Process measurement technology provides a tool for optimizing production processes and dosing operations. Accurate measurement is key and primary to profitability in the business of supply and purchase of liquids like petroleum, gas and chemical products. Three 6” size ultrasonic flow meters were mounted on a skid and used to carry out the experiment parallel in connections each other to take flows from a common header, measure and discharge their individual flows into a common discharge header. The three meters were designate 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Meters 1 and 2 being service meters while Meter 3 is the calibrated master meter. The experiment was carried ten times to increase reliability of results. Experimental data were collected and analyzed using computational formulae technique. Results showed that; Meter 1 had an optimum process pressure of 12.38 and 9.43 bar with respect to flow rate and meter factor respectively as performance indicator. While Meter 2 had an optimum process pressure of 12.4 and 12.41 bar with respect to flow rate and meter factor respectively as performance indicator. Findings indicated significant relationship between process pressure, flow rate and meter factor using ultrasonic flow meter. The outcome of this study will be a useful guide to users of ultrasonic flow meters to maintain optimum process pressures of each meter during fluid supply.

Influence of torque flow, pressure on the performance of a fire pump at the gas complex level

In recent years, motor pumps have played an increasingly important role in transferring fluids by increasing pressure, such as in power plants, hydrocarbon complexes and oil companies. Although these companies have advantages, their lack of maintenance can negatively impact their production, resulting in wasted costs and time, as well as putting human lives at risk. Restoration and modernization with improper maintenance or wrong policies can lead to critical and dangerous situations for equipment, the environment and people. And in this sense, we will be interested in the problem of protection against a fire in a gas installation; with the aim of carrying out a performance test of the electric pump which aims to evaluate the performance of the pump of the firefighting network of the gas complex. To achieve our objective according to the NFPA 20 Standard we have the following approach: Verification of measuring instruments. Installation of an ultrasonic flow meter. Application of the performance test on the fire pump. Controls flow according to pressure. Projection of the results obtained on the manufacturer's performance curve. The comparison between the manufacturer's performance curve and the performance curve obtained. Analysis of the results obtained. Finally, to monitor pump performance, we recommend the immediate installation of a permanent flow meter at the pump discharge level and avoid any type of risk.

Temporoorbital pulse rate can be obtained in ball pythons (Python regius) of any size and age and agrees with heart rate.

Currently, a standardised technique to obtain pulse rate in reptiles is lacking. We evaluated the feasibility of obtaining a temporoorbital pulse rate in ball pythons of various ages and sizes and whether it agreed with the heart rate. Heart rate and pulse rate were recorded in 40 ball pythons (Python regius) weighing between 0.05 and 2.2 kg using a standard veterinary ultrasonic Doppler flow detector. The temporoorbital pulse rate was obtained on the dorsal aspect of the head at the level of the temporoorbital artery. Each measurement was performed in a randomised fashion by two operators, who were blinded to each other's results. Pulse rate and heart rate were successfully obtained for all snakes. The median heart rate was 60beats per minute (bpm)(range 48‒88 bpm), and the median pulse rate was 60bpm (range 48‒88 bpm). The mean difference between the pulse rate and heart rate was 1.2 beats (95% limits of agreement: ‒10.6 to 13.0). When pulse rate and heart rate were measured at the same time, they were synchronous. Only healthy snakes were included. Temporoorbital pulse rates can be easily obtained in ball pythons of any size. This novel method to assess peripheral pulse allows for a more complete cardiovascular evaluation in this species.

A Study of Mechanical Scanning High-frequency Ultrasonic Color Flow Imaging

Abstract High-frequency Ultrasonic imaging can promote high-resolution images and detailed diagnostic information, which has great clinical application prospects. However, due to the difficulty and high cost of high-frequency multi-channel ultrasound systems and multi-array element transducers, it is not conducive to popularization. Mechanical scanning high-frequency ultrasound imaging system is an alternative and low-cost method. However, current mechanical scanning systems cannot perform ultrasound flow imaging, and hemodynamic information is clinically important. Therefore, an improved high-frequency, miniaturized mechanical scanning system for color flow imaging was designed and developed. The system uses a crank linkage structure to drive a miniature transducer with a center frequency of 12 MHz for reciprocating scanning imaging within a range of 15 mm. By optimizing the clutter filter and dynamic domain flow imaging process, two methods are realized: real-time rapid ultrasound imaging and highly sensitive ultrasound flow imaging. The two optimized methods used power Doppler and color flow Doppler for flow phantom imaging, and the final measured blood flow error was less than 5%, which indicates that the mechanical scanning high-frequency ultrasonic color flow imaging system has a good application prospect.

Application of free forearm flap in reconstruction of postoperative defect of external nasal malignant tumor

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of free forearm flaps in repairing the postoperative defect of external nasal malignant tumor. Methods:Six patients with nasal malignant tumor were treated with radical operation of external nasal malignant tumor and simultaneous reconstruction of external nasal defects with free forearm flap. Preoperative Allen experiment, ultrasonic Doppler blood flow meter or CT angiography confirmed that the forearm blood vessels were in good condition. Results:The free forearm flaps were obtained from six patients, and completely survived. During the follow-up period of 6-12months, all patients had good external nasal morphology, good nasal function, no nasal obstruction and anterior nostril stenosis, no obvious complications in donor hand and no local cancer recurrence. Conclusion:The free forearm flap is a reliable method to reconstruction the postoperative defect of external nasal malignant tumor, with a high success rate and good recovery of morphology and function recovery.

Signal processing method of ultrasonic gas flowmeter based on transit-time mathematical characteristics

To address the issue of timing errors caused by attenuation and jitter in the echo signal with the conventional threshold method, this paper presents a signal processing method for ultrasonic gas flow meters based on the mathematical characteristics of transit time. First, an improved weighted recursive filtering algorithm based on the mathematical characteristics of transit time is proposed. Then,based on the aforementioned filtering algorithm, a feedback-type threshold adjustment method has been proposed. Finally, the results for the flow meter meeting the performance criteria for a Class 1 accuracy ultrasonic gas flow meter at range of 2∼300 m3/h. This signal processing technique can be implemented at comparatively low cost on existing conventional fixed-threshold flow measurement infrastructures, with the potential to significantly improve accuracy and reliability.

On the use of perforated disk inserts in a round pipe to form a gas flow of the required structure in front of an ultrasonic flow meter

Unlike conventional gas meters, ultrasonic flow meters have such advantages as contactless operation, minimal pressure loss and high accuracy. When developing ultrasonic flow meters, like any other devices, assumptions and simplifications related to the theory of ultrasonic flow meters are used. When developing such devices, researchers do not always have the necessary space to deploy such structures. Therefore, the question arises of developing devices that can replace large sections of pipelines with various turns in the role of local resistances. The paper presents some studies conducted during the development of a perforated disk capable of forming a flow profile similar to the profile after a double bend. The presented results of a study of the influence of the perforated disk geometry on the gas dynamics and flow structure. The calculations were carried out using three-dimensional computer modeling. The analysis of the influence of the hole location, their sizes and the angles of inclination of the holes relative to the disk axis on the velocity distribution and the formation of the velocity profile downstream of the disk is the purpose of this study. Scalar and vector fields of velocities downstream of the perforated disk are obtained. Velocity profiles in sections behind the disk are constructed. A comparative analysis of different designs of perforated disks is carried out. The design principles of such flow formers are indicated. The geometric factors influencing the flow structure after the former are revealed. The revealed subtleties and described design principles made it possible to develop straighteners and flow formers based on perforated disks. The final samples of disks and the results of their operation are shown

Modeling of Water Age in Distribution Systems- Case Study

Ensuring water quality in water distribution systems (WDS) is crucial for public health. Water authorities aim to provide consumers with an adequate supply of high-quality water at optimal pressure. This study focuses on a segment of Erbil City's WDS to analyze hydraulic parameters and water quality, particularly water age, using observed and documented data. The primary objective is to determine the age of water as it travels within the distribution system. The research utilizes EPANET 2.2 for a comprehensive case study, with digital loggers monitoring pressure and ultrasonic flow meters measuring discharges. The findings are expected to help develop new water projects and improve existing infrastructure, contributing to responsible water management and public well-being. Access to clean drinking water significantly impacts society, the economy, health, and the environment.

On the use of a confuser to improve the accuracy of an ultrasonic flow meter

On the use of a confuser to improve the accuracy of an ultrasonic flow meter

Physics Constrained High-Precision Data-Driven Modeling for Multi-Path Ultrasonic Flow Meter in Natural Gas Measurement.

Ultrasonic flow meters are crucial measuring instruments in natural gas transportation pipeline scenarios. The collected flow velocity data, along with the operational conditions data, are vital for the analysis of the metering performance of ultrasonic flow meters and analysis of the flow process. In practical applications, high requirements are placed on the modeling accuracy of ultrasonic flow meters. In response, this paper proposes an ultrasonic flow meter modeling method based on a combination of data learning and industrial physics knowledge. This paper builds ultrasonic flow meter flow velocity prediction models under different working conditions, combining pipeline flow field velocity distribution knowledge for data preprocessing and loss function design. By making full use of the characteristics of the physics and data learning, the prediction results are close to the real acoustic path flow velocity distribution; thus, the model has high accuracy and interpretability. Experiments are conducted to prove that the prediction error of the proposed method can be controlled within 1%, which can meet the needs of ultrasonic flow meter modeling and subsequent performance analysis in actual production.

Microstructure evolvement and wear properties of Ni60-based coating by ultrasonic power-assisted laser cladding

Ultrasonic vibration is known to cause significant refinement of microstructure, the effect of ultrasonic power on grain size, grain orientation and Schmid factor by laser cladding in the Ni60/WC composite coating was studied systematically. Meanwhile, the effect of microstructure on wear properties and hardness was elucidated. The results show that the performance of the cladding layer is the best when the ultrasonic power is 600 W, which is due to the combined effect of ultrasonic cavitation and acoustic flow. The average grain diameter is refined from 28.36 μm to 23.02 μm, and the refinement range is 18.9%. The formation of low Angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) is promoted by ultrasound, and the dislocation density is increased. The texture strength of the coating is distributed over {100}, {110} and {111} surfaces, and the strength decreases from 12.307 to 5.447 The microhardness is increased by 16% (from 768.85HV1 to 896.95HV1), the wear mechanism gradually from adhesive to abrasive wear and the average friction coefficient decreases from 0.47 to 0.216 with the increase of ultrasonic power, which improve the wear resistance of the coatings. Based on the understanding of microstructure evolvement, the grain refinement mechanism effected by ultrasonic power was explained from the aspect of cavitation processes.

THE MEASUREMENT QUALITY EVALUATION OF AN ULTRASONIC FLOW SENSOR WITH A COMPLEX MEASURING PATH TRAJECTORY

Over the past ten years, ultrasonic measuring instruments have become most widespread in industrial measurements of the flow and quantity of various energy resources. Such instruments differ in design, method of obtaining the output signal, number and topology of acoustic waves propagation and, accordingly, have different metrological performances. The accuracy of the measured signal formation is determined by the quality of the flow sensor. At the same time, the components of quality are metrological performances, manufacturability of the design, ease of setup, cost and others. The purpose of the work is to compare, analyze and evaluate the quality of flow measurements when using a single-channel ultrasonic sensor with a complex trajectory of the measuring beam and a multi-path (multichord) ultrasonic sensor. As a result of simulation modeling, distributions of flow velocities in longitudinal sections and cross sections were obtained, correction factors for the measured signal were determined, and pressure losses were calculated. A comparative analysis of the measurement quality of the investigated flow sensors made it possible to identify the advantages of using a single-path flow transducer with acoustic wave reflection. We are talking about the possibility of accurately outputting a useful signal, higher metrological sensitivity, higher measurement accuracy, as well as minimal impact on the measured medium due to the creation of smaller geometrically sized local hydrodynamic resistance along the length of the measuring path. The further research prospect is the study of ultrasonic flow measuring sensors with different topologies of acoustic channels when measuring and recording flow and quantity for different flow regimes of the measured medium.

Ultrasonically enhanced zinc powder replacement method for cobalt removal: Electrochemical behavior, numerical simulation

The zinc powder replacement method for Co removal is characterized by several challenges, such as poor mass transfer and agglomeration. To solve this problem, the ultrasonically enhanced zinc powder replacement method was developed and used to remove Co from the sulfate solution, and a 95.02% removal rate of Co was achieved under the optimized condition. Compared with conventional conditions, the removal rate increased by 24.5%. The behavior and mechanism of zinc powder replacing Co were comprehensively analyzed through electrochemistry and COMSOL Multiphysics. Chronoamperometry curves showed that after the introduction of ultrasound, the reaction current increased by approximately two times compared with the conventional condition. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) curves showed that the reduction potential of Co positively shifted, accompanied by an increase in peak current. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests showed that the nuclear transmission resistance decreased by approximately 1.6 times compared with conventional conditions. In addition, the COMSOL simulation revealed that, after the system was subjected to ultrasonic conditions, the temperature, flow rate, and sound pressure physical field increased, which accelerated the heat and mass transfer process in the solution. The removal behavior of the system was studied using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Ultrasonic waves decomposed the insoluble substances on the surface of zinc powder, refined the particles, and improved the removal rate of Co. This provides new insights into the ultrasound-enhanced reaction.