bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Critical Design of Electro-Hydrostatic Actuators Small in Size and Light in Weight
Authors: Komagata Mitsuo , Ko Tianyi , Yamamoto Ko , Nakamura Yoshihiko ,   Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan,   Research into Artifacts, Center for Engineering (RACE), Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
Published: October 2020

Actuation systems for robots and other machines used in critical applications is an area that requires further research. In such applications, a machine works in a human environment and physically interacts with humans. Reliability and backdrivability are still insufficient in current systems. An electro-hydrostatic actuator has the potential advantage of high reliability by nature and high backdrivability in mechanical simplexity when it is designed to be small and light. This study provides a theoretical investigation of the methods for evaluating internal leaks and other mechanical losses, such as Coulomb and viscous friction, and experimentally evaluates two types (trochoid and involute gear) of prototyped hydraulic pumps.
Development of a Tetrahedral-Shaped Soft Robot Arm as a Wrist Rehabilitation Device Using Extension Type Flexible Pneumatic Actuators
Authors: Tian Wei-Hang , Jhan Cian-Cheng , Inokuma Misaki , Akagi Tetsuya , Dohta Shujiro , Shimooka So ,   Department of Intelligent Mechanical Engineering, Okayama University of Science  1-1 Ridai-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-0005, Japan
123 University Road, Section 3, Donliou, Yunlin 64002, Taiwan,   Department of Control Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Matsue College  14-4 Nishiikuma-cho, Matsue, Shimane 690-8518, Japan
Published: October 2020

Based on aging Japanese society, there has been a strong desire for development of rehabilitation devices that patients can use at home. The purpose of this study is to develop a home-based compact, lightweight, flexible, and safe rehabilitation device. In this study, a flexible robot arm for wrist rehabilitation that can be used, while patients hold the top of the robot arm, is proposed and tested. The proposed robot arm consists of three extension type flexible pneumatic actuators (EFPAs) restrained by 22 PET sheets. To achieve suitable bending stiffness of the robot arm, three EFPAs are restrained so as to form a tetrahedral shape. The robot arm can bend toward each radial direction. In this paper, the construction and operational principles of the tested robot arm are described. Additionally, the analytical model of the robot arm for attitude control is also described. In addition, the tracking control using the robot arm for the desired orbit is performed. As a result, the tested robot arm can trace the desired orbit based on the model. It is confirmed that the robot arm has the possibility for application as a wrist rehabilitation device for patients.
Study on Human Behavior Classification by Using High-Performance Shoes Equipped with Pneumatic Actuators
Authors: Hayakawa Yasuhiro , Kimata Yuta , Kida Keisuke ,   Department of Control Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Nara College 22 Yata-cho, Yamatokoriyama, Nara 639-1058, Japan,   Advanced Mechanical Engineering Course, National Institute of Technology, Nara College 22 Yata-cho, Yamatokoriyama, Nara 639-1058, Japan
Published: October 2020

In Japan, accidents involving the falling of elderly people are increasingly becoming a problem. To solve this problem, walking training is effective for preventing falls of elderly people. In this study, a walking training system was developed in which high-performance shoes are used to improve the efficiency of walking training. The high-performance shoes have three functions: 1) measurement of plantar pressure using changes in the inner pressure of the insole, 2) leg movement measurement using a six-axis motion sensor, and 3) applying stimulus to the sole of the foot by changing the shape of the insole. A unique rubber element was developed for these functions. Furthermore, a system to predict the behavior of patients during walking training was developed. Based on experimental results, four types of behavior of patients during walking training were predicted. Moreover, leave-one-person-out cross validation was performed by the random forest (RF) machine-learning algorithm, and the F-measure was calculated. As a result, the four types of behavior were classified with an F-measure of 78.6%.
Realistic and Highly Functional Pediatric Externally Powered Prosthetic Hand Using Pneumatic Soft Actuators
Authors: Taniguchi Hironari , Takemoto Nobuo , Yakami Ren , Wakimoto Shuichi , Oshikawa Takero , Morinaga Kosuke , Kanda Takefumi ,   Osaka Institute of Technology 1-45 Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 530-8568, Japan,   Okayama University 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama 700-8530, Japan,   Hiroshima International University 555-36 Kurose-Gakuendai, Higashi-hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-2695, Japan
Published: October 2020

It is known that introducing a pediatric externally powered prosthetic hand from an early age has certain merits such as the recovery of body image. However, this process is not popular in Japan. The high cost and technological problems of the hand have resulted in difficulty in its popularization. The pediatric prosthetic hand must be lighter and smaller than the adult one. Furthermore, parents of users prefer a prosthetic hand, such as a human arm and hand. We developed a prosthetic hand that demonstrates certain functionalities and appearances similar to a real human hand. The prosthetic hand consists of miniature McKibben actuators and is manufactured from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin and covered by a silicon glove. It has flexible joint structures and can grasp objects of various shapes. In this paper, we present a prototype of the pediatric prosthetic hand and the results of gripping experiments, bending and extension of finger experiments, and user tests.
. Increasing the efficiency of casting manufacture in small-scale and single-unit production
Authors: Sadokha M. A. , Rovin S. L.
Published: October 2020

Foundryisa multidisciplinary industry of engineering, providing cast blanks from various metals and alloys. The seriality of production has a great impact on the efficiency and quality of the castings being received. Single-unit and small-scale foundry production is an important part of modern engineering. Structural analysis of casting technology is presented in the article, individual technological changes are considered both in terms of impact on the efficiency of casting, and in terms of high quality assurance at minimal cost. Taking into account the need for a single-unit and small-scale casting in the fl xibility of the processes, schemes of organization of technological preparation of production and technological equipment are proposed. Examples of the equipment used are given.
Development of the composition of a lubricant for injection under pressure with high sedimentation stability
Authors: Pivovarchyk A. A. , Mikhaltsov A. M. , Tsishkova Ya. I.
Published: October 2020

The article describes the requirements for the lubricant used in injection molding of non-ferrous alloys. A methodology for conducting research to determine the sedimentation stability of a prepared lubricant is presented, as well as the results of a study of the sedimentation stability of a lubricant used in non-ferrous alloy die casting. It was established that in order to significantly increase the sedimentation stability of the compositions of lubricants for casting silumin based on the selected components, it is necessary to pre-heat the initial components to a temperature of at least 80 °C and mix them at a rotational speed of the dispersant blades of at least 6000 min–1. The optimal mode of lubrication with high sedimentation stability (more than 200 days) is observed at the following temperature and time indicators: the temperature of the heating of the starting components is at least 90 °C, the mixing time is 5 minutes, and the mixing frequency is 18000 min–1.
Estimation of quality of hot pressed briquettes as a type of metallurgical charge materials
Authors: D’jakonov O. M. , Litvinko A. A. , Sereda V. Yu.
Published: October 2020

The basic principles of construction are formulated in the work and a description of the technological process of hot briquetting of ferrous metal waste as a way of converting fine metal particles into a dimensional semi-finished product of a given size and chemical composition is given. The description of equipment for the implementation of this process with highly efficient non-oxidizing heating and complete safe neutralization of flue gases is given. The results of melting of hot-pressed briquettes in various melting units are presented. It is shown that briquettes cleaned from coolant with a density of 6500–7100 kg/m3 are full-fledged substitutes for bulk scrap. Recommendations and a feasibility study on the feasibility of introducing the hot briquetting process into production at the enterprises of the bearing, machine-building and metallurgical industries, followed by the use of hotpressed briquettes to produce cast billets for their own purposes, are given.
Surface morphology, magnetic resonance and antistatic properties of fabric with carbon coating, modified by metal clusters
Authors: Anisovich A. G. , Akula I. P. , Laskovnev A. P. , Markevich M. I. , Chekan N. M.
Published: October 2020

The morphology of the surface, the magnetic resonance and antistatic properties of the 07C11-KV blended fabric manufactured by Mogotex LLC with a carbon coating doped with metal clusters are studied.

The coating was applied by pulsed cathodic-arc deposition in vacuum of 3.5 · 10–3 Pa. It is established that during the coating

a droplet phase is formed. The size of the drops reaches 20 – 25 microns. The result of measuring the surface resistivity on fabric 1 side / 2 side is 3.2 · 107 and 1.9 · 107 Om, respectively. On the EPR spectrum are recorded two lines. The first line is a broad spectral line with an effective g-factor of 2.27 ± 0.01 and a width of 94.4 mT. The second line is narrow spectral line with an effective g-factor of 2.04 ± 0.01 and a width of 4.3 mT. This is corresponds to carbon coating clusters.

From the ratio of the signal intensities of the filled resonator and the calibration sample, it follows that the non-resonant absorption of the microwave electromagnetic field in the system is slightly attenuated.
Plasma coatings made of mechanically synthesized composite powders based on the «iron-aluminum» system
Authors: Lovshenko F. G. , Fedosenko A. S.
Published: October 2020

Theregularitiesof the formation of plasma coatings obtained from powders based on the Fe-Al system synthesized by the reaction mechanical alloying method are established. The influence of the processing modes of the compositions in the mechanoreactor on the properties of coatings is revealed. An effective method for controlling the porosity of coatings from developed powders based on a change in the power consumed by the installation is proposed.

Plasma coatings have a nonequilibrium phase composition, which, in contrast to the equilibrium one, contains a wide range of metal oxides of the base and alloying elements formed during the spraying. The coating retains submicra – microcrystalline type of structure of powders with a highly developed grain and subgrain boundary. The basis of the coating is intermetallic FeAl. The role of hardening phases is played by ultrafine compounds of intermetallics and oxides.

Powder annealing has a significant effect on the structure and properties of coatings and, first of all, on layers from compositions with complex alloying with oxides. Heat treatment increases the density and hardness of coatings and reduces porosity. The study of coating samples after high temperature indicates high heat resistance and the preservation of the microcrystalline type of structure of their bases.
Artifacts in metallography: dust.
Authors: Anisovich A. G.
Published: October 2020

The article discusses the identification of dust particles on the surface of metallographic samples. It is noted that the volume of literature on metallographic artifacts is very small one. This is due to the fact that the Russian – language literature of the metallographic direction was wtitten long ago when the structure was fixed using the photographic method on photographic plates or film. The complexity of the process and the lack of photographic materials excluded the generation of information about metallographic artifacts.

Modern metallographic complexes capture structure images digitally. Therefore, in addition to images of the structure, it is possible to record sample preparation artifacts without restrictions. Dust particles on the surface of metallographic sections and their difference from non-metallic inclusions are illustrated. The use of dark-field illumination and polarized light to identify artifacts is considered. Some effects arising from metallographic etching are illustrated.
High-temperature aluminum composite materials with special physical and mechanical properties produced by mechanical alloying
Authors: Lovshenco F. G. , Lozikov I. A. , Khabibulin A. I.
Published: October 2020

High-temperature aluminum composite materials with special physical and mechanical properties produced by mechanical alloying. The study is aimed at making high-temperature aluminum composite materials with special physical and mechanical properties. An effective way to solve the problem is to use a technology based on reactive mechanical alloying. The processes of phase composition formation, the structure and properties that occur at all stages of the technology implementation and the effect of alloying components on these processes have been analyzed, and the composition «aluminum (PA4) – surfactant (С17Н35СООН – 0.7 %)» has been found to be the most appropriate. The microcrystalline structure of its base, regardless of the composition of constituent materials, is preserved at subsequent stages of production of materials and determines high values of high-temperature strength, which are significantly higher than those of analogue materials. The microcrystalline structure of the base is characterized by a well-developed surface of grain and subgrain boundaries and is stabilized by nanosized inclusions of aluminum oxides and carbides formed during mechanical alloying. Additional alloying, which provides special properties, does not change the «structural phase» type of the developed materials. They are considered to be dispersion hardened composite microcrystalline materials.
Developing Students' Social Skills and Career Preparedness within Petroleum Engineering Seminar Class at Satbayev University, Kazakhstan
Authors: Nussipkozhayev Aibol , Syzdykov Murat , Jamankulov Arman , Haynes Byron
Published: October 2020

Many Kazakhstani oil and gas companies, especially the Western majors, such as Chevron, Eni, and Shell have indicated a serious gap in poor social skills and a lack of career preparedness among the local university graduates. Satbayev University has addressed this eminent problem by introducing and designing a new Petroleum Engineering (PE) Seminar class in the undergraduate curriculum. This paper presents not only the overall framework and results, but also lessons learned to apply these educational technologies across the region. The PE Seminar class is distinct from other traditional class settings since it has included practical sessions on developing students' communication and public speaking, teamwork, resume, and cover letter writing skills, building professional network early in their careers. In order to prepare students for job interviews, class instructors directed students through mock job interviews, in a few cases these interviews were conducted by the invited HR professionals. Overall, the class evenly balanced core technical writing and oral skills. Since the class is being conducted in two spans in 2018 and 2019 years, the results are comprehensive and demonstrate the significant improvement on the students' perspective. Petroleum engineering faculty and, more importantly, industry professionals have assessed class outcomes during informal meetings. For example, in TED Talk-format presentation sessions, faculty members could evaluate students' problem-solving and public speaking skills. Prior to the sessions, students were grouped and given specific topics in the oil and gas industry. It was their main task to come up with original solutions, investigate and present study results. Moreover, the industry representatives and HR trainers have organized mock interviews and technical writing courses, and the latter has tremendously helped students in writing their undergraduate diploma projects. A class survey and students' direct feedback have confirmed promising accomplishments but also indicated a room for further improvement. It is implied the more industry is involved, the more students become motivated, educated and skilled for the future workforce demand. This article supplements the current petroleum engineering literature by providing the first successful case of implementing the seminar class in the Russia and Caspian region. It further emphasizes the necessity of career preparedness and soft skills development in the university settings with clear goals, components, and resources aligned with the industry requirements.
Well Planning and Operational Practices to Decrease Differential Sticking Risk in Tengiz Field, Kazakhstan
Authors: Tussupbayev Ilyas , Tlepbergenov Nurbolat , Jung Kyle Jonathan , Issayeva Inzhu , Sargunanov Marat , Manakhayev Ruslan
Published: October 2020

Drilling in a mature reservoir can involve multiple added risks over time including reservoir depletion that may cause serious drilling problems and significant cost increase. Effective management of these problems during well planning stage and during execution is crucial to prevent issues with drill pipe, casing and logging tools that are at a higher risk for differential sticking,

Differential sticking has the potential to become a significant issue for drilling operations because of the wide variation in pressure in different parts of the Tengiz reservoir. The degree of depletion depends on the variability of the reservoir, which itself is dependent on the properties of the different geological facies. Reservoir hole section can have different pressure regimes, which require higher mud weight and thus high potential for differential sticking problems. Consequently, as the Tengiz reservoir pressures depletes, the risk of differentially stuck pipe, casing or logging tool increases. During current drilling campaign there were three wells that experienced major issues caused by differential sticking and lead to significant cost associated with sidetrack operations and lost in hole charges.

Pore pressure predictions and proposed well trajectory are some of the most important factors for prediction of differential sticking issues. For predictions during well planning "differential factor" was defined, which incorporates well angle and reservoir pressure. As a result, it helps to understand if differential sticking risk is high and use preventative measures if needed to reduce it. Guidelines were developed to help to mitigate potential problems while drilling across differentially pressured zones and include identification of signs of sticking, bottom hole assembly design considerations, preventative mud treatments and reactive measures to optimize ability to drill wells and reduce non-productive time associated with differential sticking. After implementation of above mentioned measures there were only two minor differential sticking events observed.
Use of Logging While Drilling Equipment in Washdown Mode under Managed Pressure Drilling Conditions in Tengiz
Authors: Manakhayev Ruslan , Tussupbayev Ilyas , Sargunanov Marat , Kalzhekov Nurymbet , Kulov Galym , Tlepbergenov Nurbolat
Published: October 2020

Open hole logging is challenging in Tengiz reservoir where lost circulation events and abundance of natural fractures lead to wireline tool conveyance issues. In order to address conveyance issues, several alternative methods were reviewed and logging while drilling in washdown mode was selected as the most appropriate technique for given conditions.

Alternative solutions such as hole finders, pipe conveyed logging, through bit logging were rejected due to inability to provide required results within the specified time constraints or due to well control risks. Conventional logging while drilling method was declared not feasible due to excessive shocks and vibration under managed pressure drilling technique that is currently being used in Tengiz for drilling through fractured reservoir with significant fluid losses. Therefore, logging while drilling equipment, together with the newly developed procedures on preparing hole conditions, pumping rates and logging speeds were utilized to log reservoir section in washdown mode.

Prior to commencing of logging in a fractured zone with significant losses, extensive trial was conducted on two stable wells to develop and refine logging procedures. In order to assure quality log data acquisition, full suite of wireline open hole logs was also acquired from these two wells. Further comparison and calibration of logging while drilling data vs. wireline log data allowed to achieve required accuracy and repeatability. Procedures developed on stable wells then applied to wells with significant losses considering specific pump rates to achieve constant stream of log data to surface. It is critical for Tengiz operations to establish and maintain continuous log telemetry and stream data in real time for efficient rig time utilization. The challenge was to sustain positive pipe pressure in a well with total losses to enable mud pulse telemetry. This issue was successfully resolved by increasing pump rates and use of flow restrictor sub as a part of logging tool string.

The novel approach of the described logging method enables log data acquisition on a well that experienced total losses and had significant obstructions for conveyance of wireline tools. Method allows to efficiently collect critical log data required for well completion and reservoir characterization.
Improvement of Hydraulic Fracturing Through Advanced Simulation, Production History Matching and Forecasting
Authors: Abdrazakov Dmitriy , Bigeldiyev Asfandiyar , Batu Assem , Sidorov Dmitriy , Kovyazin Dmitriy , Kudalsha Aimurat , Mukanov Adil
Published: October 2020

The current work is intended to show how Central Asian region adopted the industry's latest developments in hydraulic fracturing design optimization. The suggested workflow includes advanced proppant and acid transport modeling combined with production forecasting via connection of comprehensive hydraulic fracturing and reservoir simulators. The field examples from Kazakhstan are given to support the strengths of the suggested workflow.

The suggested workflow significantly differs from the standard propped fracturing approach used in Kazakhstan. The new workflow uses one software platform for hydraulic fracturing simulations and hydrodynamic modeling. First, the comprehensive hydraulic fracturing simulator with advanced proppant and acid transport model, chemical and physical processes is used to perform a first approximation of the hydraulic fracturing design. Second, the designed fractures are incorporated into the dynamic simulator for a thorough sensitivity, uncertainty and probability analysis. Finally, the model is validated against historical production and used for forecasting and hydraulic fracturing treatment optimization.
Integration of the Temperature Data for Control of Water Injection Conformance
Authors: Atakishiyev Fuad , Sheydayev Ali , Zett Adrian , Zavyalov Denis , Murray Laurence
Published: October 2020

Operated by BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Limited, Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) is a giant field located in the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan. Primary pressure support in the ACG field is achieved by water injection into co-mingled reservoirs completed across Fasila and Balakhany horizons. There are different types of down hole completion across ACG's water injection well stock; in some of those a permanent fibre optical cable is installed recording continuous DTS (distributed temperature sensing) data throughout the well life. Limited 4D seismic resolution, restricted access to the wells, a high cost of intervention and a time limitation for extended logging programs means that, in most cases, temperature in combination with pressure transient and well performance data are the only surveillance data that can be used for understanding and control of injection conformance.

This paper discusses multiple case studies using the integrated approach and methodology for temperature data acquisition and interpretation to control water injection conformance over the life of the ACG field.

There are many factors that affect the quality and accuracy of temperature log data which have been well described in the industry, hence these will not be looked at in detail in this paper. The paper will describe the importance of the multi-disciplinary teamwork required for a comprehensive logging program to ensure the most accurate and representative temperature data are acquired.

The paper also discusses the process of planning and execution of a temperature data acquisition program, together with real field examples of qualitative evaluation of water injection conformance.

The integration of the acquired temperature data with other static and dynamic surveillance data allows the operator to make critical decisions on water injection management.
Case Study: Plunger Lift Application Doubled Oil Production
Authors: Nurkas Zhassulan
Published: October 2020

Plunger Lift is an efficient method of producing hydrocarbons for a "specific" well conditions. The most important part of the application process is to select the wells with appropriate conditions. Typical Plunger Lift applications are (E. Beauregard, L. Ferguson, 1982): removal of liquids from gas wells;high gas liquid ratio wells;paraffin and hydrate control;increasing efficiency of gas lift applications (especially for an intermittent gas lift);

Further technology studies as well as field pilot projects extended application range of the systems and to the date plungers also being used to (E. Beauregard, S. Morrow, 1989): 5)produce liquids in extremely low pressure reservoirs;6)produce liquids in retrograde condensate wells;7)remove water from coal seam methane gas wells;8)produce liquids in deviated and horizontal wells;9)prevent downhole freezing problems in high pressure gas wells.

Besides applications listed above, there is also a specific window for a Plunger Lift – well conditions with high gas liquid ratio, where traditional SRP and ESP systems are severely challenged.

Despite the wide and effective application range of the technology and quick payout period, the major obstacle to more widespread utilization of plungers has been a lack of education. This has been a problem not only with operational personnel but engineering and management as well. Key figures on Plunger Lift technology, founders of PCS Ferguson company, Beauregard and Ferguson were mentioning this early in 80-s as the main barrier. Since this period number of Plunger Lift installation is continuously growing in North America and reached up to 4% of total well count, which is today about 30 000 wells.

Nevertheless, in Eastern Hemisphere implementations of plungers are only at the beginning stage. This paper discusses the latest Plunger Lift applications in Kazakhstan, obtained results, there are also some operational guidelines on more effective implementation ways.
A Robust Downscaling Method for Integration of Static and Dynamic Models
Authors: Dair Yerkinbek , Li Dachang , Saifutdinov Raif , Yergaliyeva Bakyt , Karabakiyeva Gulsina , Ehighebolo Ivbade Thaddeus
Published: October 2020

In order to run reservoir simulation efficiently, a coarse scale (CS) dynamic model is created by upscaling of a fine scale (FS) static model. All history match (HM) changes usually done in the CS dynamic model need to be downscaled to FS for geological justifications and consistency maintenance between the FS static and CS dynamic models. This paper proposes a robust downscaling method for integration of FS static and CS dynamic models. The proposed method downscales a HMDM (dynamic model) to HMSM (static) in multiple steps. Scale-up the ISM (initial) to CS to create an IDM. Identify the cell changes between HMDM and IDM, and transfer the changes to FS to create a MSM (modified). Scale-up the MSM to CS to create to a MDM and calculate the ratios between HMDM and MDM for all cell properties. Transfer the ratios to FS to create a HMSM. Scale-up the HMSM to CS to confirm its identity to the HMDM. Selection of sampling and zone mapping methods is critical in all steps. The proposed method has been successfully applied in a giant carbonate oil field in the Caspian Sea that consists of a matrix dominated platform and a fracture/karst dominated rim. Due to the field's complex geology and high H2S content (15%), a dual porosity, dual permeability compositional model has been created to model compositional sour crude flow within/between matrix and fracture/karst. The FS static model contains a 236m × 236m horizontal grid with 593 layers while the CS dynamic model has the horizontal cell sizes in a range of 236m to 944m with 73 layers. Rock regions, permeability, and reservoir connectivity in the CS dynamic model were calibrated using the field historical production data (e.g., static pressure, PLT, interference test, and GOR/water-cut data) to create a HMDM. Since the HM process was performed only in the CS dynamic model, the FS static model and HMDM became inconsistent. Appling the proposed downscaling method has helped the HM team to resolve this issue and resulted in a seamless link between the FS static and CS dynamic models for current and future HM and model updates.
A Study on New Copolymer Coated Material for Managing Pararffin Wax Deposition in Pipelines Production Operations
Authors: Mombekov Bagdat , Aliyu Sulaimon Adebayo , Saaid Ismail Bin , Dairov Zhassulan
Published: October 2020

The deposition of wax on the inner surface of subsea pipelines is a prevalent problem during the production and transportation of waxy crude oil. It can reduce effective diameter and restrict fluid flow through the pipeline. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Steel pipe, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe and Ethylene-Tetra-Fluoro-Ethylene (ETFE) – coated – pipe on wax deposition at different temperatures and flow rates. A flow loop facility was designed to investigate the effect of different pipe surfaces on wax deposition or inhibition. Increasing temperature differential between crude oil and pipe wall, generally increased the aggregates in the three pipes. However, the amount of deposited wax gradually reduces as deposition thickness increases due to increasing trapped oil within the wax aggregates. Thus, the volume of the trapped oil increases with temperature differential. Conversely, as flow rate increases, the deposition thickness reduces, indicating less trapping of the oil as the concentration of the deposited wax increases. The least amount of deposition was observed for the ETFE – coated – pipe and a higher wax deposition reduction efficiency (70 % in average) obtained compared to steel pipe and PVC pipes. The ETFE – coated – pipe reduces wax deposition by modifying the wetting properties of the inner walls of the pipe and reducing the free surface energy of the pipe wall. ETFE has low thermal conductivity which prevents heat loss thereby making it more effective in reducing wax deposition.
Streamline-Based Miscible Gas Flood Performance Evaluation and Pattern Balancing: A Case Study from the Giant Kashagan Field
Authors: Ashenov Nurken Nurlanovich , Francia Luigi , Haynes Jr. Byron
Published: October 2020

Miscible gas injection in the Kashagan platform started in 2017 and has been ongoing for three years. Gas injection in the platform carries both EOR and a facilities de-bottlenecking component. Initial flood assessment studies done using classical FD simulation have not provided the full picture of the reservoir dynamics to understand the performance of miscible gas injection. Areal reservoir depletion, pressure support and gas breakthrough events were challenging to quantify and characterize in terms of standalone full field FD simulation. Reservoir management strategy for operating the gas injection area was to maximize production from nearby producers and inject the full compressor potential. However, due to the fact that wells have different potentials driven by reservoir heterogeneity, areal distribution of cumulative reservoir fluid withdrawals and injection ended up being significantly different, which lead to flood pattern imbalances.

The operator has implemented a modeling workflow that combines post-processing of history matched numerical simulation model with streamline tracing and integration of time-lapse well allocation factors (WAFs) to quantify and analyze flood performance. This paper presents how to use streamline modeling to estimate well-pair dynamic control volumes and a numerical integration workflow of the dynamic WAFs to evaluate pattern performance to guide flood balancing strategy.

Streamline-based modeling workflow provides additional value by 3D visualization of the dynamic flood patterns and quantification of the individual pattern metrics. Numeric integration of injector-producer allocation factors (WAFs) and control volumes (CVs) allowed the construction of well pair conformance plots. Ranking of the patterns and I-P pairs filtered the outlier patterns with over injected and produced volumes and helped to focus on specific areas in need for pattern balancing.

A list of producers with the highest pore volumes of gas injected were identified as at-risk wells for gas breakthrough and GOR elevation, which was confirmed by well test results. The first three wells with a rise in GOR and breakthrough sequence perfectly matched with the prediction of pattern performance. Those were identified as at-risk producers based on streamline modeling outputs. Verification of the analysis by field surveillance data gave confidence in reliability of the streamline-based flood evaluation approach. The outcomes of this study helped to understand miscible gas front movement and depletion dynamics in the gas injection area. This case study demonstrates how complementing finite-difference modeling with streamline analysis is necessary for achieving a complete assessment of the miscible gas flood performance.
Multiple Realization Approach in 3D Dynamic Modeling Under Hydraulic Fracturing and Geological Uncertainties
Authors: Bigeldiyev Asfandiyar , Abdrazakov Dmitriy , Kovyazin Dmitriy , Batu Assem , Malyshev Vladimir , Sidorov Dmitriy , Voigtlaender Gernot , Nauruzov Talgat
Published: October 2020

This study suggests a robust multiple realization approach to determine optimum production stimulation strategy. Unlike the majority of existing similar studies, the suggested approach concentrates both on geological uncertainties and improving of hydraulic fracturing modeling. Existing similar studies either concentrate on the reservoir uncertainties (i.e., ignoring the importance of hydraulic fracturing simulation and calibration), or vice versa, concentrate on the sensitivity of the hydraulic fracturing parameters (i.e., ignoring the wide range of geological uncertainties).

The key feature of the suggested approach is the use of a single platform for static geological model, hydraulic fracturing simulator, and hydrodynamic modeling.

The study shows the example of suggested approach implementation on one of the complex oilfields in Western Kazakhstan, where approach helped to determine the probability of stimulation success and allowed to determine the optimum stimulation strategy.
Improvements in Ice Thickness Measurements Techniques in Ice Environment
Authors: Tlepkaziyeva Aruzhan Abzalkyzy , Yergaliyev Abzal Tlepkaziyevich
Published: October 2020

Today, the Oil&Gas industry is seeking for new technologies to reduce the cost of projects and work for profit in period for low price natural hydrocarbons on stock market. Present paper is representing the use of mobile ice thickness radar antenna to measure the profile of ice in a real-time mode. This technique was for the first time implemented in Kazakhstan along the NCOC N.V. pipeline in 2019 to monitor the ice thickness for bearing capacity of vehicles for safe transportation of personnel and equipment in floating ice conditions.
Social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality: Toward reducing situations of isolation and vulnerability
Authors: Levasseur Melanie , Routhier Sonia , Clapperton Irma , Doré Chantal , Gallagher Frances
Published: October 2020

Background: Social participation is restricted for approximately half the older adult population but is critical in fostering community vitality, promoting health, and preventing disabilities. Although targeted through interventions by community organizations, healthcare professionals and municipalities, little is known about the needs of older adults to participate socially, especially in rural areas. This study thus aimed to identify and prioritize the social participation needs of older adults living in a rural regional county municipality.Methods: A participatory action research was conducted in a rural regional county municipality (RCM) in Quebec, Canada, with a convenience sample of 139 stakeholders, including older adults, caregivers, healthcare and community organization managers, healthcare and community organization workers, community partners and key informants.Results: Facilitators and barriers to social participation are related to personal factors (e.g., health, interests, motivation), the social environment (e.g., availability of assistance or volunteers) and the physical environment (e.g., distance to resources, recreational facilities and social partners). Nine older adults’ needs emerged and were prioritized as follows: 1) having access to and being informed about transportation options, 2) being informed about available activities and services, 3) having access to activities, including volunteering opportunities, suited to their interests, schedule, cost, language and health condition, 4) being accompanied to activities, 5) having access to meeting places near home and adapted to their health condition, and 6-9 (no preferred order) being reached when isolated, being personally invited and welcomed to activities, having a social support network, and being valued and recognized. Differences emerged when prioritizing needs of older adults with disabilities (greater need for assistance, accessibility and adapted activities) and older adults living in a rural area (greater need for transportation).Conclusions: To promote active participation in the community, the social participation needs of older women and men living in rural areas must be addressed, especially in regard to transportation, information, adapted activities, assistance and accessibility. The first part of this action research will be followed by community selection and implementation of initiatives designed to ultimately foster their social participation.
Neuroprotective effect of Indobufen against pyroptosis following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury both in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Zhang Tian , Xu Dan , Li Fengyang , Liu Rui , Hou Kai , Gou Xue , Liu Jia , Fang Weirong , Li Yunman
Published: October 2020

Background: Indobufen is a new generation of antiplatelet agents and has been shown to have antithrombotic effects in animal models. However, the efficacy of Indobufen on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and its mechanisms remain to be investigated. Methods: In this study, the efficacy of Indobufen with both pre- (5days) and post- (15days) treatment on rats suffering middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R, 2h of ischemia and 24h/15days of reperfusion) was investigated. Furthermore, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured and underwent oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury for in vitro studies. Relationship between Indobufen and pyroptosis associated NF-κB/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway was preliminarily discussed. Results: The pharmacodynamic tests revealed that Indobufen ameliorated I/R injury by decreasing the platelet aggregation, infarct size, brain edema and neurologic impairment in rats and rescuing cell apoptosis/pyroptosis in HUVECs. The underlying mechanisms were probably related to pyroptosis suppression by platelet inhibition induced regulation of the NF-κB/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.Conclusion: Overall, these studies indicates that Indobufen exerts protective and therapeutic effects against I/R injury by pyroptosis suppression via downregulating NF-κB/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.
Association between lipoprotein cholesterol and future cardiovascular disease and mortality in older adults: a Korean nationwide longitudinal study
Authors: Kim Seung Hee , Son Ki Young
Published: October 2020

BackgroundDyslipidemia is an independent health risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a leading cause of mortality in older adults. Despite its importance, there have been few reports on the association between lipoprotein cholesterol and future CVD and cardiovascular (CV) mortality among elderly Asians. This study investigated the association between lipoprotein cholesterol and future CVD and CV mortality in an elderly Korean population using a large nationwide sample.MethodsFrom the cohort database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service, a total of 62,604 adults aged 65 years or more (32,584 men and 30,020 women) were included. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values were categorized by quartiles. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between the quartiles of lipoprotein cholesterol and CV events or CV mortality.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 3.3 years. The incidence rates of ischemic heart disease and ischemic brain disease were 0.97 and 0.61 per 1,000 person-years, and the mortality rates from these diseases were 0.22 and 0.34 per 1,000 person-years. In a completely adjusted model, high HDL-C and LDL-C levels were not associated with the total CV events and deaths from CVD. However, high LDL-C levels were significantly associated with a lower incidence of ischemic brain disease. Furthermore, diabetic patients with high LDL-C were more likely to have higher CV mortality, whereas non-smokers with high LDL-C were less likely to be at risk of CV events.ConclusionsNeither high LDL-C nor HDL-C was significantly associated with future CV mortality in older adults aged ≥ 65 years. Older adults with diabetes were significantly associated with a higher risk of CV mortality in high LDL-C levels.
Comparison of Reversal of Rat Pulmonary Fibrosis of Nintedanib, Pirfenidone and Human Umbilical Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Wharton’s Jelly
Authors: Chu Kuo-An , Yeh Chang-Ching , Kuo Fu-Hsien , Lin Wen-Ren , Hsu Chien-Wei , Chen Tien-Hua , Fu Yu-Show
Published: October 2020

Background:The present study compared the effects of antifibrotic medications, Pirfenidone and Nintedanib, with transplantation of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) in restoring rat pulmonary fibrosis (PF).Methods:A stable animal model was established via an intratracheal injection of 5 mg bleomycin (BLM). One single transplantation of 2.5 107 HUMSCs or initiation of daily oral Nintedanib/Pirfenidone administration was performed on Day 21 following BLM damage.Results:Pulmonary function examination revealed that BLM rats exhibited a significant decrease in blood oxygen saturation and an increase in respiratory rates. While no significant improvements were found in BLM rats receiving Nintedanib or Pirfenidone, those who transplanted with HUMSCs showed statistical amelioration in blood oxygen saturation and significant alleviation in respiratory rates. Quantification results revealed that a significant reduction in alveolar space and marked increases in substantial cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the left lungs of BLM rats. No significant alteration was observed in BLM rats administered Nintedanib or Pirfenidone. However, BLM rats transplanted with HUMSCs had a significant recovery in alveolar space and noticeable decreases in cell infiltration and collagen deposition. The inflammatory cell numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage was increased in the BLM group. While the rats treated with Nintedanib or Pirfenidone had a lower cell number than the BLM group, a higher cell number was found as compared with the Normal group. In rats transplanted with HUMSCs, the cell number did not differ from the Normal group.Conclusions:Transplantation of HUMSCs could effectively treat PF as opposed to the administration of anti-fibrotic drugs with Nintedanib or Pirfenidone with significant better result in lung volume, pathological changes, lung function and blood oxygen saturation.
Tracking Brownian motion in three dimensions and characterization of individual nanoparticles using a fiber-based high-finesse microcavity
Authors: Kohler Larissa , Mader Matthias , Kern Christian , Wegener Martin , Hunger David
Published: October 2020

The dynamics of nanosystems in solution contains a wealth of information with relevance for diverse fields ranging from materials science to biology and biomedical applications. When nanosystems are marked with fluorophores or strong scatterers, it is possible to track their position and reveal internal motion with high spatial and temporal resolution. However, markers can be toxic, expensive, or change the object's intrinsic properties. Here, we simultaneously measure dispersive frequency shifts of three transversal modes of a high-finesse microcavity to obtain the three-dimensional path of unlabeled SiO2 nanospheres with 300μs temporal and down to 8nm spatial resolution. This allows us to quantitatively determine properties such as the polarizability, hydrodynamic radius, and effective refractive index. The fiber-based cavity is integrated in a direct-laser-written microfluidic device that enables the precise control of the fluid with ultra-small sample volumes. Our approach enables quantitative nanomaterial characterization and the analysis of biomolecular motion at high bandwidth.
WITHDRAWN: Behavior of the cubic double perovskite compound Pb2FeTaO6 through mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties via Ab-initio calculations
Authors: Bekhti-Siad Amaria , Baira M. , Siad A. Bekhti , Monir M. E. , Dahou F. Z.
Published: October 2020

The structural, elastic, electronic and magnetic properties of cubic double perovskite Pb2FeTaO6 have been investigated using self-consistent ab-initio calculation through full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method within the frame work of the spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT), considering generalized gradient approximation (GGA) described by Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE), GGA+U and mBJ-GGA. Pb2FeTaO6 is found as ductile material from the elastic calculations. The obtained magnetic results show that Pb2FeTaO6 is stable in the ferromagnetic state; the electronic properties show a half-metallic behavior using GGA and GGA+U and a semiconducting one with TB-mBJ, magnetic moments of each atom are also discussed in this study. These results confirm the use of this compound in spintronic devices.