Economic Justification of Mechanical Dry Seals for Centrifugal Compressors

Author(s):  
John Sears ◽  
Derek Hosking

This paper discusses an approach to calculate the economic justification for using mechanical dry seals in centrifugal compressors. This evaluation is based on the full dry gas seal system cost compared to the associated operational and maintenance savings over standard oil seal systems. The economic evaluation is applicable for both the retrofit of existing equipment and for the installation into new equipment. However, the focus of this paper is on the cost savings with respect to the dry gas seal retrofits. Although the economic justifications are shown for centrifugal compressors in pipeline and refinery services, the same basic philosophy can be used to evaluate the economic justification of dry gas seals for compressors in other types of service. Different areas of potential cost savings and environmental drivers are discussed, including a method calculating the associated savings. In addition, an example calculation for a specific compressor is presented. It must be emphasized that the economic benefits and the associated costs are highly dependent on the type and size of compressor as well as the particular application.

Author(s):  
S. O. Uptigrove ◽  
T. A. Harris ◽  
D. O. Holzner

The method for calculating the economic justification related to the use of active magnetic bearings and mechanical dry seals in centrifugal compressors is presented. This evaluation is based on the initial purchase price, and the associated operational and maintenance savings over standard oil bearings and oil seal systems. The economic evaluation is presented for both the retrofit of existing equipment and for the installation into new equipment. Although the economics are shown for centrifugal compressors, the same basic philosophy can be used to evaluate the economic justification of magnetic bearings for any type of rotating machinery. Different areas of potential cost savings are discussed, including a method of calculating the associated savings. In addition, an example calculation for a specific compressor is presented. It must be emphasized that the economic benefits and the associated costs are highly dependent on the type and size of compressor as well as the particular application.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Billu Payal ◽  
Anoop Kumar ◽  
Harsh Saxena

Background: Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) are well known respiratory diseases affecting millions of peoples in India. In the market, various branded generics, as well as generic drugs, are available for their treatment and how much cost will be saved by utilizing generic medicine is still unclear among physicians. Thus, the main aim of the current investigation was to perform cost-minimization analysis of generic versus branded generic (high and low expensive) drugs and branded generic (high expensive) versus branded generic (least expensive) used in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine of Era Medical University, Lucknow for the treatment of asthma and COPD. Methodology: The current index of medical stores (CIMS) was referred for the cost of branded drugs whereas the cost of generic drugs was taken from Jan Aushadi scheme of India 2016. The percentage of cost variation particularly to Asthma and COPD regimens on substituting available generic drugs was calculated using standard formula and costs were presented in Indian Rupees (as of 2019). Results: The maximum cost variation was found between the respules budesonide high expensive branded generic versus least expensive branded generic drugs and generic versus high expensive branded generic. In combination, the maximum cost variation was observed in the montelukast and levocetirizine combination. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study inferred that substituting generic antiasthmatics and COPD drugs can bring potential cost savings in patients.


2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-55
Author(s):  
Savannah Lindsey ◽  
Laura Beth Parsons ◽  
Lindsay Rosenbeck Figg ◽  
Jill Rhodes

Introduction Monoclonal antibodies possess unique pharmacokinetic properties that permit flexible dosing. Increased use and high costs of these medications have led to the development of cost-containing strategies. This study aims to quantify the cost savings and clinical impact associated with dose rounding monoclonal antibodies to the nearest vial size. Methods This study was a single-arm, retrospective chart review assessing all monoclonal antibody doses dispensed at an outpatient community infusion center associated with an academic medical center between August 2014 and August 2015. All monoclonal antibody doses were reviewed to determine the cost of drug wasted using two methods. The waste-cost analysis described the amount of drug disposed of due to the use of partial vials. The theoretical dose savings described potential cost avoidance based on rounding the ordered dose to the nearest vial size. The theoretical rounded dose was compared to the actual ordered dose to explore clinical implications. Results A total of 436 doses were included. Of these, 237 were not rounded to the nearest vial size and included in the analysis. The cost of waste associated with these doses was $108,013.64 using actual wholesale price. The potential cost avoidance associated with the theoretical dose calculation was $83,595.53. Rounding these doses to the nearest vial size resulted in a median 6.7% (range, 1.4–20%) deviation from ordered dose. Conclusions Rounding monoclonal antibodies to the nearest vial size could lead to significant cost and waste savings with minimal deviation from the actual ordered dose.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S947-S947
Author(s):  
Sarah Perreault ◽  
Dayna McManus ◽  
Rebecca Pulk ◽  
Jeffrey E Topal ◽  
Francine Foss ◽  
...  

Abstract Background HSCT patients are at an increased risk of developing PJP after transplant due to treatment induced immunosuppression. Given the risk of cytopenias with co-trimoxazole, AP is utilized as an alternative for PJP prophylaxis. A prior study revealed a 0% (0/19 patients) incidence when AP prophylaxis was given for one year post autologous HSCT. Current guidelines recommend a duration of 3 – 6 months for PJP prophylaxis in autologous HSCT. The primary endpoint of this study was to assess the incidence of PJP infection within one year post autologous HSCT in patients who received 3 months of AP. Secondary endpoint was a cost comparison of 3 months compared with 6 months of AP. Methods A single-center, retrospective study of adult autologous HSCT patients at Yale New Haven Hospital between February 2013 and December 2017 was performed. Patients were excluded if: <18 years of age, received < or >3 months of AP, changed to alternative PJP prophylactic agent or received no PJP prophylaxis, received tandem HSCT, deceased prior to one year post-transplant from a non PJP-related infection, HIV positive, or lost to follow-up. Pentamidine was given as a 300 mg inhalation monthly for 3 months starting Day +15 after autologous HSCT. Results A total of 288 patients were analyzed, no PJP infections occurred within one year post HSCT. Additionally, 187 (65%) patients received treatment post HSCT with 135/215 (63%) receiving maintenance immunomodulatory drugs for myeloma and 40/288 (14%) patients developing relapsed disease. 43% of the chemotherapy regimens for relapsed disease included high dose corticosteroids. The cost difference of using 3 months vs. 6 months of AP is $790, reflecting the cost of drug and its administration. Applying our incidence of 0%, potential cost savings of 3 months vs. 6 months of AP would be $330,000 over 5 years or $66,000 per year. Conclusion Three months of AP for PJP prophylaxis in autologous HSCT patients is safe and effective as well as cost-effective compared with a 6 month regimen. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma Halliwell ◽  
Sandi Dheensa ◽  
Elisabetta Fenu ◽  
Sue K Jones ◽  
Jessica Asato ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Domestic violence and abuse damages the health of survivors and increases use of healthcare services. We report findings from a multi-site evaluation of hospital-based advocacy services, designed to support survivors attending emergency departments and maternity services. Methods Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) were co-located in five UK hospitals. Case-level data were collected at T1 (initial referral) and T2 (case closure) from survivors accessing hospital (T1 N = 692; T2 N = 476) and community IDVA services (T1 N = 3,544; T2 N = 2,780), used as a comparator. Measures included indicators of sociodemographic characteristics, experience of abuse, health service use, health and safety outcomes. Multivariate analyses tested for differences in changes in abuse, health and factors influencing safety outcomes. Health service use data in the six months pre-and post- intervention were compared to generate potential cost savings by hospital IDVA services. Results Hospital IDVAs worked with survivors less visible to community IDVA services and facilitated intervention at an earlier point. Hospital IDVAs received higher referrals from health services and enabled access to a greater number of health resources. Hospital survivors were more likely to report greater reductions in and cessation of abuse. No differences were observed in health outcomes for hospital survivors. The odds of safety increased two-fold if hospital survivors received over five contacts with an IDVA or accessed six or more resources / programmes over a longer period of time. Six months preceding IDVA intervention, hospital survivors cost on average £2,463 each in use of health services; community survivors cost £533 each. The cost savings observed among hospital survivors amounted to a total of £2,050 per patient per year. This offset the average cost of providing hospital IDVA services. Conclusions Hospital IDVAs can identify survivors not visible to other services and promote safety through intensive support and access to resources. The co-location of IDVAs within the hospital encouraged referrals to other health services and wider community agencies. Further research is required to establish the cost-effectiveness of hospital IDVA services, however our findings suggest these services could be an efficient use of health service resources.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-70
Author(s):  
Juan Rendon Schneir ◽  
Konstantinos Konstantinou ◽  
Julie Bradford ◽  
Gerd Zimmermann ◽  
Heinz Droste ◽  
...  

Purpose 5G systems will enable an improved transmission performance and the delivery of advanced communication services. To meet the expected requirements, operators will need to invest in network modernisation, with the radio access network being the most expensive network component. One possible way for operators to reduce this investment would be via sharing of resources by means of a multi-tenancy concept. This implies that a mobile service provider may use the common infrastructure of one or various infrastructure providers, whereby it provides services to multiple tenants. This paper aims to study the expected cost savings in terms of capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX) that can be achieved when using a cloudified 5G multi-tenant network. Design/methodology/approach A cost model was used. The study period is 2020-2030 and the study area consists of three local districts in central London, UK. Findings This paper describes that the total cost reduction achieved when using multi-tenancy for a 5G broadband network in comparison with the case where operators make the investment independently ranges from 5.2% to 15.5%. Research limitations/implications Further research is needed to assess the cost implications of network sharing for 5G on a regional or nationwide basis. Originality/value Very little quantitative research about the cost implications of network sharing under 5G networks has been published so far. This paper sheds light on the economic benefits of multi-tenancy in a 5G broadband network.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. e646-e652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlyn Y.W. Leung ◽  
Matthew C. Cheung ◽  
Lauren F. Charbonneau ◽  
Anca Prica ◽  
Pamela Ng ◽  
...  

Purpose: Cancer drug wastage occurs when a parenteral drug within a fixed vial is not administered fully to a patient. This study investigated the extent of drug wastage, the financial impact on the hospital budget, and the cost savings associated with current mitigation strategies. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in three University of Toronto–affiliated hospitals of various sizes. We recorded the actual amount of drug wasted over a 2-week period while using current mitigation strategies. Single-dose vial cancer drugs with the highest wastage potentials were identified (14 drugs). To calculate the hypothetical drug wastage with no mitigation strategies, we determined how many vials of drugs would be needed to fill a single prescription. Results: The total drug costs over the 2 weeks ranged from $50,257 to $716,983 in the three institutions. With existing mitigation strategies, the actual drug wastage over the 2 weeks ranged from $928 to $5,472, which was approximately 1% to 2% of the total drug costs. In the hypothetical model with no mitigation strategies implemented, the projected drug cost wastage would have been $11,232 to $149,131, which accounted for 16% to 18% of the total drug costs. As a result, the potential annual savings while using current mitigation strategies range from 15% to 17%. Conclusion: The financial impact of drug wastage is substantial. Mitigation strategies lead to substantial cost savings, with the opportunity to reinvest those savings. More research is needed to determine the appropriate methods to minimize risk to patients while using the cost-saving mitigation strategies.


2016 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 356-363
Author(s):  
D. Husselmann ◽  
R. Joubert ◽  
J. R. Burger ◽  
M. S. Lubbe ◽  
M. Cockeran

Background: Schizophrenia is a costly illness to treat, especially during a time of escalating medicine inflation costs, putting a large economic strain on patients, their families and the community. Treatment, however, can become more affordable through generic substitution.Objective: To determine the maximum potential cost-saving through generic substitution for both originator and more expensive generic items while observing the prescribing patterns of antipsychotics.Method: Antipsychotic medicine usage was analysed retrospectively during the study period 2008 to 2013 using data obtained from a nationally representative Pharmaceutical Benefit Management Company. The study population consisted of 4410 patients with ICD-10 codes (F20-F20.9) who had paid claims for an antipsychotic reimbursed from their prescribed minimum benefits. Active ingredients were identified using the MIMS classification system. Maximum potential cost savings were determined by substituting all originator and more expensive generic antipsychotic items with the cost of the least expensive generic antipsychotic item available.Results: Through generic substitution, a total potential cost-saving of ZAR4 642 685.45 could be possible from 2008 to 2013. Average cost per items increased from ZAR600.53 ± ZAR435.00 (median ZAR 539.82) in 2008 to ZAR1 196.59 ± ZAR 942.16 (median ZAR 940.72) in 2013 and had a significant effect on patients' contribution, which increased with 726.94% from 2005 to 2008. Psychiatrists prescribed the majority of antipsychotics. Although generic items claimed increased by 60.31% during the study period, psychiatrist still favoured non-generic prescribing (40.63%).Conclusions: Potential economic benefits can be generated with generic substitution.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Delaplace ◽  
Morgan Gouriou ◽  
Denis Melot

Abstract This paper presents the investigations performed by TotalEnergies and Saipem on the cost effectiveness potential of internal plastic lining for corrosion protection of offshore production lines. Objective was to better understand for a complete EPCI cost comparison the various parameters that could have a significant impact on the potential savings associated with the use of plastic lining instead of CRAs (Corrosion Resistant Alloys) for very corrosive production fluids such as sour gases. An extensive cost comparison study between CRA lining and plastic lining for offshore production lines was performed considering sensitivity on several parameters: 3 pipe diameters, S-Lay, Reel-Lay and J-Lay installation, sensitivity to external thermal insulation requirements, mechanical and design requirements, to pipe length and fixed costs (technologies and vessels). A dedicated calculation tool for system design and cost assessment was built on purpose for this sensitivity study. Costs were assessed for the various cases, starting from pipe design, then assessing procurement costs, fabrication costs then installation costs with preliminary cycle time assessment. Project management and engineering costs have been considered to obtain comparative EPCI (as installed) cost assessments for the various study cases. Plastic lining appears to be a cost-effective solution installed in J-Lay or S-Lay in addition to reeling (up to 45% of potential cost savings on installed line compared to CRA lining). The main driver for the cost savings is associated to the procurement of the pipes and associated lining, including pipe manufacturing. Some smaller savings can also be obtained from the offshore cycle times in J-Lay and S-Lay as the CRA welding add a significant operation time in comparison with standard CS welds. The fixed additional costs associated to the plastic lining (specific tooling for example) can be quickly amortized after a few kilometers thanks to the material cost savings. Integrating them as a company investment allows to unlock costs savings even for shorter lines. The thermal contribution of the plastic liner is also interesting regarding the overall pipe insulation design. This study completes the works already performed by the industry on the offshore costs of plastic lining as it considers the whole EPCI CAPEX costs from the Contractor and Operator points of view and offshore experience. The study integrates the S-Lay and J-Lay installation methods (while previous studies mainly focused on Reel-Lay) and includes an extensive sensitivity study with various key parameters such as pipe sizes, pipe design requirements, material costs and offshore operation times to get a general overview of potential benefits associated with plastic linings for offshore production lines transporting corrosive fluids such as sour gases.


Author(s):  
Pengfei Zhang ◽  
Samuel T. Ariaratnam

Low Impact Development (LID), or green infrastructure, refers to a land planning and engineering design practice to address urban storm runoff. The nature of LID is to mimic the pre-development environment to retain runoff through infiltration, retention, and evaporation. Despite the fact that numerous studies have analyzed the performance of runoff volume reduction and peak flow of various green infrastructures, little is known regarding the economic benefits of adopting LID practices. In this research, three completed construction projects in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area were selected to perform an alternative LID design including extensive green roof (GR) and permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP), to determine the cost effectiveness of using LID to reduce the use of a conventional stormwater storage system. A life cycle cost (LCC) analysis was conducted to better understand the cost benefits of applying LID to meet current drainage design criteria as per the project requirements. The results found that applying LID resulted in an average LCC saving rate of 23% compared to a conventional stormwater storage system over a 50 year service life and 15.1% over a full LID (GR+PICP) strategy.  Furthermore, it was discovered that LID has little cost savings benefits when constructing above-ground retention basins due to cheaper associated construction costs.


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