New Methodology for the Determination of the Vertical Center of Gravity of In-Service Semisubmersibles: Proposal and Numerical Assessment

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan N. Porciuncula ◽  
Claudio A. Rodríguez ◽  
Paulo T. T. Esperança
Keyword(s):  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Center Of Gravity ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Numerical Assessment ◽  
Neutral Equilibrium ◽  
Inclination Angles ◽  
Numerical Tools ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Metacentric Height

Along its lifetime, an offshore unit is subjected to several equipment interventions. These modifications may include large conversions in loco that usually are not adequately documented. Hence, the accurate determination of the platform's center of gravity (KG) is not possible. For vessels with low metacentric height (GM), such as semisubmersibles, Classification Societies penalize the platform's KG, inhibiting the installation of new equipment until an accurate measurement of KG is provided, i.e., until an updated inclining test is performed. For an operating semisubmersible, the execution of this type of test is not an alternative because it implies in removing the vessel from its in-service location to sheltered waters. Relatively recently, some methods have been proposed for the estimation of KG for in-service vessels. However, as all of the methods depend on accurate measurements of inclination angles and, eventually, on numerical tools for the simulation of vessel dynamics onboard, they are not straightforward for practical implementation. The objective of the paper is to present a practical methodology for the experimental determination of KG, without the need of accurate measurements of inclinations and/or complex numerical simulations, but based on actual operations that can be performed onboard. Indeed, the proposed methodology relies on the search, identification, and execution of a neutral equilibrium condition where, for instance, KG = KM. The method is exemplified using actual data of a typical semisubmersible. The paper also numerically explores and discusses the stability of the platform under various conditions with unstable initial GM, as well as the effect of mooring and risers.

Factors affecting constancy of acetate concentration and correct determination of methanogenic activity in pH-stat experiments

2003 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 111-118
Author(s):  
M. Mösche ◽  
U. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Original Method ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Methanogenic Activity ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Acetate Concentration ◽  
Correct Determination ◽  
Ph Stat ◽  
The Stability

The determination of methanogenic activity with a pH-stat titration bioassay is evaluated utilising a mathematical model of this system. For given kinetic parameters and experimental conditions the model calculates the development of titrant flow and acetate concentration during experiments. Simulations of experiments under various conditions are compared. They show that the original method inherently causes a strong drift of acetate concentration during the experiments and a misestimation of methanogenic activity. As a solution to these disadvantages the addition of sodium hydroxide to the titrant and a careful control of pH during flushing the reactor with gas prior to the experiment are recommended. In this way a better constancy of acetate concentration and a more accurate determination of methanogenic activity should be achievable. The accuracy of this method is limited by the stability of pH-electrode calibration parameters.

Factors affecting the stability and estimation of carotene in artificially dried grass and hays

1940 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 622-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. K. Kon ◽  
S. Y. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Chromatographic Analysis ◽  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Total Loss ◽  
Carotene Content ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Ordinary Temperature ◽  
Initial Drop ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Stability

1. The influence of storage in the light and in the dark at ordinary temperature and in a heated room at 70–80° F. on the carotene content of finely ground artificially dried grass stored in paper sacks and jute sacks was studied. There was an initial drop in carotene content from 61·1 to 46·5 mg./100 g., i.e. 23·9%, in the first month, and a total loss of 31·4% during 6 months' storage (August to February). No difference could be detected either between treatments or types of containers.2. There was a marked loss of carotene during 13 months' storage of baled artificially dried grass and of hays, amounting to 30–40% of the original value.3. Two methods of estimating carotene were compared. The method of Ferguson & Bishop (1936) gave higher results than the method of Peterson, Hughes & Freéman (1937). The difference is probably due to incomplete extraction in the latter method.4. Chromatographic analyses of “carotene” fractions from the above grasses showed the presence of coloured impurities amounting to 20·5–33·8% of the total recovered pigments.5. As these impurities are biologically inactive, chromatographic analysis or the use of special solvents are probably necessary for the accurate determination of carotene in forage.

scholarly journals Continuous low-maintenance CO<sub>2</sub>/CH<sub>4</sub>/H<sub>2</sub>O measurements at the Zotino Tall Tower Observatory (ZOTTO) in Central Siberia

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1113-1128 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Winderlich ◽  
H. Chen ◽  
C. Gerbig ◽  
T. Seifert ◽  
O. Kolle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapor ◽  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Central Siberia ◽  
Mixing Ratios ◽  
Air Sample ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2 ◽  
Tall Tower

Abstract. To monitor the continental carbon cycle, a fully automated low maintenance measurement system is installed at the Zotino Tall Tower Observatory in Central Siberia (ZOTTO, 60°48' N, 89°21' E) since April 2009. A cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) analyzer continuously measures carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) from six heights up to 301 m a.g.l. Buffer volumes in each air line remove short term CO2 and CH4 mixing ratio fluctuations associated with turbulence, and allow continuous, near-concurrent measurements from all tower levels. Instead of drying the air sample, the simultaneously measured water vapor is used to correct the dilution and pressure-broadening effects for the accurate determination of dry air CO2 and CH4 mixing ratios. The stability of the water vapor correction was demonstrated by repeated laboratory and field tests. The effect of molecular adsorption in the wet air lines was shown to be negligible. The low consumption of four calibration tanks that need recalibration only on decadal timescale further reduces maintenance. The measurement precision (accuracy) of 0.04 ppm (0.09 ppm) for CO2 and 0.3 ppb (1.5 ppb) for CH4 is compliant with the WMO recommendations. The data collected so far (until April 2010) reveals a seasonal cycle amplitude for CO2 of 30.4 ppm at the 301 m level.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Synthetic Cannabinoid Metabolites in Human Blood in the Absence of Parent Compounds: A Stability Assessment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex J Krotulski ◽  
Sandra C Bishop-Freeman ◽  
Amanda L A Mohr ◽  
Barry K Logan
Keyword(s):  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
The United States ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoid ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Flight Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Acid Metabolites ◽  
The Stability

Abstract Synthetic cannabinoids represent a chemically diverse class of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) responsible for large analytical and interpretative challenges for forensic toxicologists. Between 2016 and 2019, the three most prevalent synthetic cannabinoids in the United States were MMB-FUBINACA (FUB-AMB), 5F-MDMB-PINACA (5F-ADB) and 5F-MDMB-PICA, based on results from seized drug and toxicology testing. In 2018, accurate determination of synthetic cannabinoid positivity was brought into question as it was determined that the metabolites of these drug species were present in the absence of parent compounds in forensically relevant blood samples. During this study, the stability of MMB-FUBINACA, 5F-MDMB-PINACA and 5F-MDMB-PICA was evaluated, as well as the characterization of breakdown products. A liquid–liquid extraction method was assessed for recovery of basic parent compounds and acidic metabolites and deemed fit for use in this study. Analysis was performed by liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF-MS) using a SCIEX TripleTOF® 5600+. All three synthetic cannabinoids were found to be unstable when stored in blood at either room temperature or refrigerated; all analytes were considerably more stable when stored in the freezer. All three synthetic cannabinoids degraded to their respective butanoic acid metabolites: MMB-FUBINACA 3-methylbutanoic acid, 5F-MDMB-PINACA 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid and 5F-MDMB-PICA 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid. All three of these metabolites were studied and determined to be stable in blood at all storage conditions. Considering these results, our laboratory continued testing for synthetic cannabinoid metabolites in blood samples and found 83 positives (21%) for only a synthetic cannabinoid metabolite. A case report is presented herein where 5F-MDMB-PINACA 3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid was identified in the absence of 5F-MDMB-PINACA. Forensic toxicologists should be aware of the results of this study as they directly impact analytical consideration for test development and implementation, as well as interpretation of findings.

An Experimental Study of the Stability of an Externally Pressurized, Gas-Lubricated Thrust Bearing

1966 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Licht ◽  
H. G. Elrod
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Experimental Investigation ◽  
Thrust Bearing ◽  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Experimental Program ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Stability Limits ◽  
Prior Analysis

The subject of this experimental investigation is the phenomenon of self-excited vibrations occurring in externally pressurized, gas-lubricated bearings. The experimental program pursued here is guided by predictions based on prior analysis. An apparatus is designed and instrumented to provide for the variation of governing parameters and for the accurate determination of their critical values. Stability bounds are obtained for a circular thrust bearing and the experimental results are compared and contrasted with previously reported, theoretical stability limits.

scholarly journals A novel approach for detecting HMDSO poisoning of metal oxide gas sensors and improving their stability by temperature cycled operation

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 305-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Schüler ◽  
T. Sauerwald ◽  
A. Schütze
Keyword(s):  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Sensor Data ◽  
Temperature Cycle ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Metal Oxide Gas Sensors ◽  
The Stability

Abstract. In this paper we study the effect of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) vapor on an SnO2-based gas sensor (GGS 1330, UST Umweltsensortechnik GmbH, Geschwenda, Germany) in a temperature cycled operation (TCO). We show that HMDSO poisoning can be quantified at early stages (85 to 340 ppm × min) with a resolution of ±85 ppm × min using TCO. This novel approach for sensor self-monitoring provides a simple method for early detection of HMDSO poisoning. It is thereby possible to detect poisoning before the sensor function is strongly impaired. In this paper we show that by using an appropriate normalization of the sensor data, the stability of gas discrimination by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) can be improved, which in turn facilitates a more accurate determination of the poisoning state by a hierarchical LDA discrimination. For a specific temperature cycle and feature extraction approach, we show that identification of ethanol and carbon monoxide is still possible after poisoning with 900 ppm × min HMDSO, i.e. a HMDSO poisoning dose more than twice as high as required by DIN EN 50194-1.

scholarly journals EFFECT OF BROKEN DOLOSSE ON BREAKWATER' STABILITY

1976 ◽  
Vol 1 (15) ◽  
pp. 145 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Donald Davidson ◽  
Dennis G. Markle
Keyword(s):  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Wave Forces ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Hydraulic Design ◽  
Overall Stability ◽  
Physical Limitations ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Water Bottom

Although the use of rubble-mound structures for protection of coastal areas is common throughout the world and considerable hydraulic design data have been developed to aid the designer, very little data are provided on the structural integrity of individual armor units and the effect of broken units on the stability of such structures. The forces to which such structures are subjected are complicated and vary with type and geometry of the structure, depth of water, bottom configuration seaward of the structure, water level relative to the crown of the structure, and wave dimensions. Since all of these parameters are involved, accurate determination of wave forces cannot be calculated; and although it is not impossible to model the structural strength of armor units or measure forces on individual armor units, there are physical limitations which make the tasks extremely difficult. There is one way, however, that a breakwater stability model, as it exists today, can provide useful information on this subject and that is to purposely break given numbers of armor units and observe the effect on the overall stability of the structure. Such tests have been conducted at the U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station for the Atlantic Generating Station (AGS) Breakwater in which specific answers were desired; thus, the data are limited to the dolos armor unit. The data do provide, however, significant indications regarding the type and extent of breakage (cluster or random) that is most detrimental to the overall stability of the structure; whether costly reinforcing steel is warranted to assure reduced armor breakage; and where necessary, data from this type study can be used as a basis for setting maintenance criteria that will prevent deterioration of the breakwater due to armor unit breakage.

On Dynamically Equivalent Force Systems and Their Application to the Balancing of a Broom or the Stability of a Shoe Box

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Just L. Herder ◽  
Arend L. Schwab
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
The Body ◽  
Resultant Force ◽  
Dynamic Equivalence ◽  
Force Systems ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Metacentric Height ◽  
The Given

The stability of a rigid body on which two forces are in equilibrium can be assessed intuitively. In more complex cases this is no longer true. This paper presents a general method to assess the stability of complex force systems, based on the notion of dynamic equivalence. A resultant force is considered dynamically equivalent to a given system of forces acting on a rigid body if the contributions to the stability of the body of both force systems are equal. It is shown that the dynamically equivalent resultant force of two given constant forces applies at the intersection of its line of action and the circle put up by the application points of the given forces and the intersection of their lines of action. The determination of the combined center of mass can be considered as a special case of this theorem. Two examples are provided that illustrate the significance of the proposed method. The first example considers the suspension of a body, by springs only, that is statically balanced for rotation about a virtual stationary point. The second example treats the roll stability of a ship, where the metacentric height is determined in a natural way.

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