Pillar stability is of paramount importance in ensuring the safety of underground rock engineering structures. The stability of pillars directly influences the structural integrity of the mine and mitigates the risk of collapses or accidents. Therefore, assessing pillar stability is crucial for safe, productive, reliable, and profitable underground mining engineering processes. This study developed the application of decision intelligence-based predictive modelling of hard rock pillar stability in underground engineering structures using K-Nearest Neighbour coupled with the grey wolf optimization algorithm (KNN-GWO). Initially, a substantial dataset consisting of 236 different pillar cases was collected from seven underground hard rock mining engineering projects. This dataset was gathered by considering five significant input variables, namely pillar width, pillar height, pillar width/height ratio, uniaxial compressive strength, and average pillar stress. Secondly, the original hard r... [more]

Located in the Kuqa foreland basin, Tarim Basin, the Xinkeshen gas field is a rare ultra-deep and ultra-high-pressure fractured tight sandstone gas reservoir. During the development process, the fluid in the well migrates from the bottom hole to the ground. Due to the huge temperature drop and pressure drop in the wellbore, salting-out and scale-out occur in the well to destroy the oil and gas flow channel, resulting in a decrease in gas production in the well and seriously affecting the normal production of the oil field. Aiming at the problem of wellbore scaling and blockage in the Keshen gas field, this paper takes the wellbore of the Keshen block as the research object. After analyzing the composition of produced water and scale in the wellbore, the solution of ‘fixing scale, clarifying mechanism, early prediction, and fine treatment’ is formulated, and the analysis and evaluation technology of the scale formation process and the prediction model of the gas well model are formed. T... [more]

Given the demand for extremely low sulfur content in 5 wt% Si high-silicon austenitic stainless steel (SS-5Si), smelting utilizes a slag composition of CaF2-CaO-Al2O3-MgO-SiO2 with a basicity of 1 to 3, Al2O3 content ranging from 2.04 to 9.61%, and CaF2 content between 20.8 and 31.62%. Experiments designed to investigate the sulfur content in molten steel at temperatures of 1773 K, 1823 K, and 1873 K over durations of 1, 5, 10, 15, and 30 min, under varying slag compositions, corroborated with a theoretically derived model hypothesizing a “rate-controlling” step in mass transfer, revealed that the mass transfer of sulfur within the molten steel was determined to be the rate-controlling step (RCS) in the (CaO) + [S] = (CaS) + [O] reaction kinetics, and the variability of the mass transfer coefficient of sulfur, kS,m, in the molten steel ranged from 1.04 × 10−5 m∙s−1 to 2.24 × 10−5 m∙s−1. Based on the temperature dependency of kS,m, the apparent activation energy for the desulfurization... [more]

The compatibility of constituents making up a petroleum fluid has been recognized as an important factor for trouble-free operations in the petroleum industry. The fouling of equipment and desalting efficiency deteriorations are the results of dealing with incompatible oils. A great number of studies dedicated to oil compatibility have appeared over the years to address this important issue. The full analysis of examined petroleum fluids has not been juxtaposed yet with the compatibility characteristics in published research that could provide an insight into the reasons for the different values of colloidal stability indices. That was the reason for us investigating 48 crude oil samples pertaining to extra light, light, medium, heavy, and extra heavy petroleum crudes, which were examined for their colloidal stability by measuring solvent power and critical solvent power utilizing the n-heptane dilution test performed by using centrifuge. The solubility power of the investigated crude... [more]

In low-voltage distribution networks, distributed energy storage systems (DESSs) are widely used to manage load uncertainty and voltage stability. Accurate modeling and estimation of voltage fluctuations are crucial to informed DESS dispatch decisions. However, existing parametric probabilistic approaches have limitations in handling complex uncertainties, since they always rely on predefined distributions and complex inference processes. To address this, we integrate the patch time series Transformer model with the non-parametric Huberized composite quantile regression method to reliably predict voltage fluctuation without distribution assumptions. Comparative simulations on the IEEE 33-bus distribution network show that the proposed model reduces the DESS dispatch cost by 6.23% compared to state-of-the-art parametric models.

Most textile manufacturing companies in the world heavily rely on manual labor, particularly in the fabric inspection section, especially for cotton fabric. Establishing smart manufacturing systems like industrial automation in the textile industry for cotton fabric inspection is important for error-free inspection. The proposed make-to-order (MTO) inventory model focuses on the strategic development of a supply chain network under fuzzy uncertainty. The distinctiveness of this research lies in integrating a methodology that involves human and machine interaction, along with allocating resources to investment in smart manufacturing. This article presents a case study of the Jagatjit Cotton Textiles (JCT) manufacturing company in Punjab, India, as an example to validate the model and check the performance of SMT in the fabric inspection process in cotton TC mills. This paper contributes by developing four distinct textile supply chain models with industrial automation under triangular a... [more]

Coal seam pressure is an important parameter for production performance evaluation and prediction of coalbed methane (CBM). CBM production from undersaturated CBM reservoirs can be divided into two stages according to critical desorption pressure. At present, few prediction models of coal seam pressure performance consider the comprehensive influence of critical desorption pressure, dissolved gas, matrix shrinkage, and stress sensitivity. For the purpose of accurately predicting coal seam pressure during gas production for an undersaturated coalbed methane reservoir, the material balance principle is used to establish the analytical method for predicting coal seam pressure, considering the comprehensive influence of the critical desorption pressure, dissolved gas, matrix shrinkage, and stress sensitivity. Then, the proposed method is verified against a numerical simulation case using a computer modelling group (CMG) and two actual coalbed methane wells. Finally, the sensitivities of in... [more]

The accurate determination of crystal formation during crystallization is crucial for obtaining crystal products with consistent quality and quantity. In this study, we aimed to identify the feasibility of using Raman spectroscopy to monitor the crystal growth stage in the crystallization process using cephalosporin intermediate 7-ACT as an example molecule. By observing the changes in the characteristic peak of the 7-ACT crystal (504 cm−1) and the characteristic peak of the solvent acetonitrile (914 cm−1), a correlation between the crystal growth stage and the change in the Raman intensity of the crystal solution was discovered. The determination of the optimal starting time for the crystal growth stage through a Raman analyzer significantly improves the consistency of crystal product quality. This led to a fivefold reduction in the variation in the weight and water content of the final 7-ACT crystal products compared to those obtained via manual control. In addition, our experiments... [more]

This study explores enhancing the resilience of electric and natural gas networks against extreme events like windstorms and wildfires by integrating parts of the electric power transmissions into the natural gas pipeline network, which is less vulnerable. We propose a novel integrated energy system planning strategy that can enhance the systems’ ability to respond to such events. Our strategy unfolds in two stages. Initially, we devise expansion strategies for the interdependent networks through a detailed tri-level planning model, including transmission, generation, and market dynamics within a deregulated electricity market setting, formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem. Subsequently, we assess the impact of extreme events through worst-case scenarios, applying previously determined network configurations. Finally, the integrated expansion planning strategies are evaluated using real-world test systems.

In this paper, coal measure kaolin after flotation decarburization was made into an adsorbent by ball milling and acid modification to absorb methylene blue in water, achieving the treatment of waste with waste. The objective of this paper is to expand the application of coal measure kaolin, reduce its stock, and lower the raw material cost of adsorbents while treating wastewater containing methylene blue. The optimum milling time, acid boiling conditions, and adsorption conditions were investigated. Furthermore, the adsorption mechanism was investigated by kinetic calculation. The results show that the optimum milling time is 7 h. Relatively good acid modification conditions include a boiling temperature of 100 °C, a stirring time of 135 min, a stirring speed of 1000 r·min−1, and a concentration of hydrochloric acid of 8 mol·L−1. When 0.05 g of flotation kaolin adsorbent was used to adsorb the solution with pH 12 and a methylene blue concentration of 100 mg·L−1, the optimal adsorption... [more]

The solvent extraction of gold(III) by undiluted 2-ethylhexanol or dissolved in toluene from a HCl solution has been investigated in this paper. The numerical analysis of gold distribution data suggests the formation of HAuCl4·L and HAuCl4·2L (L = 2-ethylhexanol) species in the organic phase, with formation constants K11 = 38 and K12 = 309, respectively. The results derived from gold(III) distribution have been implemented in a solid-supported liquid membrane system. The influence of several variables on gold transport has been considered: feed and receiving phases’ stirring speeds, HCl and gold concentrations in the feed phase, and carrier concentration in the membrane phase as well as the presence of base metals (Fe, Cu, Ni) and platinum-group metals (PGMs) in the feed phase. Gold transport is influenced by the stirring speed of the feed phase and the variation in HCl and gold (feed phase) and carrier (membrane phase) concentrations. Also, diffusional resistances to mass transfer are... [more]

Blending with light oil is a commonly used and reliable method of crude oil transportation, and the blending ratio is a crucial operating parameter in determining the safe and efficient operation of the pipeline. In this paper, in-house flow and deposition experiments are used to evaluate the flow and deposition characteristics of crude oils with varying blending ratios. The results show that (1) blending with light oil basically does not affect the shape of the DSC curve of crude oil; (2) blending with light oil will not eliminate the thermal treatment effect, and the mixed oil flowability still remains highly dependent on the thermal treatment temperature; (3) blending with light oil can greatly decrease the abnormal point and oil viscosity, in which the low-temperature viscosity decreases more significantly; and (4) a wax deposition model of mixed oil is obtained through the fitting of Huang’s model, where the blending ratio is a crucial factor in the determination of the model para... [more]

Desalination plants, which provide drinking water for residents, rely on electricity generated by fossil fuels. However, the excessive use of fossil fuels leads to their rapid depletion and has detrimental effects on the environment. Thus, the use of renewable energy resources in water desalination has gained popularity. The current research investigates the integration of renewable energy systems with seawater and brackish water desalination technologies. In this regard, three primary renewable energy sources—wind, solar, and geothermal—are selected. Accordingly, a thorough investigation of the related research published and the trend of evolutions between 2013 and 2023 is carried out for Reverse Osmosis (RO), Multistage flash (MSF), and Multi-effect distillation (MED)-based water desalination facilities coupled with renewable energy sources. In our investigation, we particularly focus on performance indicators, energy efficiency, economic factors, and environmental effects. Also, the... [more]

The mixed aerosols formed by fly ash and ammonium sulfate have a vital impact on the scattering characteristics of the atmosphere. This paper proposes to investigate the scattering characteristics of an individual optically levitated mixed aerosol of fly ash and ammonium sulfate using a coupled laser levitation and scattering measuring apparatus. The mixed aerosols were first prepared and characterized by multiple techniques. The results demonstrated that mixed aerosol particles completely encapsulated ammonium sulfate crystals on the rough porous surface of fly ash, resembling the “core-shell” structure. Moreover, the surface formed columnar ammonium sulfate crystals that exhibit the highest regularity when the solid mass concentration of fly ash was 1000 mg/L. The scattering intensity of mixed aerosols was measured, and the comparisons among fly ash aerosol and mixed aerosols were made to evaluate the effect of fly ash concentration on scattering. The measurements demonstrated that t... [more]

In order to reveal the physical properties of CO2 under actual formation conditions, this paper establishes a mathematical model of the temperature field and pressure field in the wellbore under CO2 injection conditions, optimizes the state equation of CO2 physical-property parameters, calculates the change trend of CO2 density, viscosity, and compression factor along the wellbore, and obtains the influence law of CO2 corrosion on the casing and interface. The viscosity showed a downward trend along the well depth; the compression factor showed an upward trend. The surfaces of the three casings were smooth and flat without obvious defects, the cement structure was dense, and there was no obvious pore structure. After corrosion, with the increase of Cr content, the change of interfacial corrosion decreases. The morphology of the Q125 and 3Cr interface is loose after corrosion, while there is no obvious change in the 13Cr interface. With the prolongation of corrosion time, low wellbore i... [more]

In order to improve the cleanliness of steel, non-aluminum deoxidation processes have begun to replace aluminum deoxidation processes. Although the aluminum deoxidation process can reduce the oxygen content in steel to <10 × 10−6, this deoxidation method causes fatigue failure resulting from the formation of large-grained spherical (Ds-type) inclusions composed of calcium−aluminate. It also tends to lead to nozzle blockage during casting. Given the above problems, this study conducted an in-depth investigation of silicon−manganese deoxidation. Thermal experiments and thermodynamic calculations were used to assess the impact of different Mn−Si ratios on the oxygen content and inclusion characteristics during the deoxidation process of molten steel with different initial oxygen contents. The experimental samples were analyzed using an oxygen−nitrogen−hydrogen analyzer, a direct reading spectrometer, and an automatic scanning electron microscope. After that, the samples were electrolyz... [more]

Accurately estimating the gas-flow rate at a wellhead to invert the formation pressure and production capacity information can be the basis for subsequent well-killing parameter design following oil and gas-well drilling blowout and ignition. Based on the multicomponent characteristics of the blowout gas and the turbulence intensity of the blowout flame, as well as the effects of complex factors such as environmental wind direction, wind speed, and wellhead structure, a numerical model for actual drilling blowout ignition is established. Jet-flame experiments are conducted under blowout conditions to verify the accuracy of the model. The temperature and radiation fields and flame morphologies of the well jet flow flame under different lateral wind speeds, well jet flow rates, and wellhead diameters are analyzed. Previous studies have found that as the lateral wind speed increases, the maximum temperature and maximum thermal radiation intensity of the blowout flame first decrease and th... [more]

During fracturing operations, special situations are often encountered. For example, the insufficient proppant-carrying capacity of fracturing fluid can cause quartz sand or ceramsite to settle near the wellbore and form a sand plug. Alternatively, excessive sand injection intensity can lead to severe accumulation of injected sand near the wellbore and also form a sand plug. These special situations are reflected in the fracturing operation curve as an abnormal increase in oil pressure over a short period of time. If not handled promptly, they can have unimaginable consequences. Sand plugs in fracturing operations, characterized by their speed and unpredictability, often form rapidly, within about 20 s. Conventional methods for on-site sand-plug warnings during fracturing include the oil pressure−time double logarithmic slope method and the net pressure−time double logarithmic slope method. Although these methods respond quickly, their warning results are unstable and vary significantl... [more]

The use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for the biocontrol of fungi that cause fruit and vegetable deterioration is a highly promising strategy. However, one of the main challenges lies in maintaining both viability and antifungal activity even in conditions that are unfavorable for LAB. The microencapsulation of LAB can minimize the impact of environmental conditions, helping to maintain viability, but there is still little information on what occurs with respect to antifungal activity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of microencapsulation with several polymer blends on the viability and antifungal activity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TEP15 and L. pentosus TEJ4. Sodium alginate (2%), sodium alginate−gum arabic (2%:1%), sodium alginate−k-carrageenan (2%:0.05%), and sodium alginate−whey protein (0.75%:1.5%) were used as encapsulating polymers. After processing (day 0), as well as after 14 and 28 days of storage, the encapsulation efficiency, moisture... [more]

The selection of entrainers primarily focuses on their ability to alter the relative volatility. However, the impact of feed composition on entrainer selection has often been overlooked. In this study, we conducted two case analyses of the minimum azeotropic mixtures in the ethyl acetate−ethanol and acetone−methanol systems to explore how the feed composition influences the entrainer selection when aiming for maximum economic efficiency. Additionally, the impact of the entrainer type (positive or reverse) on the economic benefits was also investigated. The cases revealed that economic benefits will be notably enhanced when the selected entrainer preferentially targets and removes the low-content component as the light key component. For the two cases studied, when the feed composition was 0.2−0.8, compared to preferentially separating the high-content component, preferentially separating the lower-content component resulted in a reduction in energy consumption by more than 24.14% and 2... [more]

The study of porous liquids (PLs) using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is one of the most interesting and attractive research topics. The possibility of creating permanent porosity in a solvent and increasing its adsorption capacity is very practical. The purpose of the present study is to examine how an MD model can be developed to evaluate the possibility of PL formation. Additionally, the validation of the model was conducted by simulations using two metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) including zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology-1 (HKUST-1) as porogens and water (H2O) and triethylene glycol (TEG) as solvents. The results revealed that H2O and TEG are incapable of penetrating the ZIF-8 pores due to their small size and unfavorable thermodynamics; however, both solvents easily penetrate through the large HKUST-1 pores. These observations aligned with findings from experimental literature studies, thus confirming the validity of... [more]

The subsea control system, a pivotal element of the subsea production system, plays an essential role in collecting production data and real-time operational monitoring, crucial for the consistent and stable output of offshore oil and gas fields. The increasing demand for secure offshore oil and gas extraction underscores the necessity for advanced reliability modeling and effective maintenance strategies for subsea control systems. Given the enhanced reliability of subsea equipment due to technological advancements, resulting in scarce failure data, traditional reliability modeling methods reliant on historical failure data are becoming inadequate. This paper proposes an innovative reliability modeling technique for subsea control systems that integrates a Wiener degradation model affected by random shocks and utilizes the Copula function to compute the joint reliability of components and their backups. This approach considers the unique challenges of the subsea environment and the co... [more]

Sustainable manufacturing practices are becoming increasingly necessary due to the growing concerns regarding climate change and resource scarcity. Consequently, material recycling technologies have gradually become preferred over conventional processes. This study aimed to recycle waste polylactic acid (PLA) from household-disposed cups and lids to create 3D-printed parts and promote sustainable manufacturing practices. To achieve this, the current study utilised virgin and post-consumer PLA (PC-PLA) (sourced from household waste) blends. The PC-PLA wastes were shredded and sorted by size with the aid of a washing step, resulting in a filament with a 1.70 ± 0.5 mm diameter without fragmentation or dissolution. A 50:50 wt.% blend of virgin PLA (vPLA) and PC-PLA was selected as the standard recycling percentage based on previous research and resource conservation goals. The study investigated the impact of three 3D printing parameters (layer height (LH), infill density (I), and nozzle t... [more]

The production of low-dimensional materials is the key topic of nanoscience. The development of new routes to downsize organic and inorganic materials has focused the attention of a great part of the scientific community that is still debating on the best route to pursue. Among nanostructures, 2D species have been investigated since the discovery of graphene. Nonetheless, the production of 2D materials is very complex, and the discussion on which is the most profitable way is still open. Ultrasound-assisted techniques represent one of the best routes for the production of 2D materials with minimum consumption of energy and best performances. Accordingly, we present a concise and exhaustive discussion about the use of ultrasound-assisted techniques for the production of both organic and inorganic 2D materials, also providing a theoretical overview of the mechanism behind the use of ultrasounds in synthetic material science.

Air DTH (Down-The-Hole) hammer percussion drilling (vibration percussion drilling) has proven to be a highly efficient geothermal drilling technique, and percussion fractures near the wellbore benefit geothermal energy development in many ways (such as hydraulic fracturing, perforation, etc.). However, no research has been done on the mechanism of fracture-increasing and permeation-increasing in granite pore walls by air DTH hammer percussion drilling. This article: (1) using an air drilling test device, an air DTH hammer whole bit impact rock fragmentation test was conducted on granite in an atmospheric environment; (2) dyeing experiments, CT scanning, and 3D reconstruction modeling were used to characterize and identify wellbore cracks; (3) research the strength, porosity, and permeability changes of granite wellbore through mechanical and permeability testing experiments; and (4) numerical simulation of impact stress waves using particle flow code (PFC) 6.0 software to demonstrate t... [more]