Proposal of a Method for Implementing Infrared Scanning Inspection Programs in Merchant Vessels

2004 ◽  
Vol 41 (01) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
M. Salvá ◽  
R. Hernández ◽  
C. Sanz

This paper summarizes a proposal for implementing a predictive maintenance program based on infrared scanning inspection in merchant vessels. Current use of infrared inspection in merchant vessels is discussed, with an analysis of the problems and the benefits. Finally, a method for developing an inspection plan is proposed. The method consists of a selection of parameters, with consideration of infrared thermography and which general and specific criteria must be followed. Infrared thermal imaging is currently used for many engineering activities, mainly in industrial plants, in which predictive maintenance is widely used. However, this technique is being applied only in some types of merchant vessels, such as fast ferries and, in general, high-speed crafts. The main objective of the maintenance program proposed in this paper is prevention of loss by reducing the risks of fire and explosion. Twenty percent of the world ship losses in the last 25 years were caused by fire or explosions, the second most common cause of loss after bad weather. The proposed method consists of inspection and diagnostic tasks done on a systematic basis. The measurements of surface temperatures can detect hot spots and, subsequently, potential ignition sources. All the electrical power, distribution, and receptor devices; insulations; and any hot surface in the engine room, such as boiler casings and exhaust pipes, are included in the maintenance program. The second objective is related to the savings achieved by preventive maintenance reduction and the benefits of healthy facilities. Thermal scanning can detect small temperature differences between close points on a surface. This capability allows the detection of potential failures, such as cracks and lack of insulation in pipes and casings, thermal isolations, and small leaks of pressurized fluids such as steam, compressed air, and nonvisible fluids. The authors are currently working on a research project sponsored by the Spanish Maritime Authority within the scope of the development of new technologies focused on increasing maritime safety. One of the tasks of that project is the method of carrying out the inspection programs presented in this paper.

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Clarke ◽  
Matthew Redifer ◽  
Kurt Papathakis ◽  
Aamod Samuel ◽  
Trevor Foster

This paper describes the power and command system architecture of the X‑57 Maxwell flight demonstrator aircraft. The X-57 is an experimental aircraft designed to demonstrate radically improved aircraft efficiency with a 3.5 times aero-propulsive efficiency gain at a “high‑speed cruise” flight condition for comparable general aviation aircraft. These gains are enabled by integrating the design of a new, optimized wing and a new electric propulsion system. As a result, the X‑57 vehicle takes advantage of the new capabilities afforded by electric motors as primary propulsors. Integrating new technologies into critical systems in experimental aircraft poses unique challenges that require careful design considerations across the entire vehicle system, such as qualification of new propulsors (motors, in the case of the X-57 aircraft), compatibility of existing systems with a new electric power distribution bus, and instrumentation and monitoring of newly qualified propulsion system devices.


Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 4826
Author(s):  
Steffen Meinecke ◽  
Leon Thurner ◽  
Martin Braun

Publicly available grid datasets with electric steady-state equivalent circuit models are crucial for the development and comparison of a variety of power system simulation tools and algorithms. Such algorithms are essential to analyze and improve the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in electrical power systems. Increased penetration of DERs, new technologies, and changing regulatory frameworks require the continuous development of the grid infrastructure. As a result, the number and versatility of grid datasets, which are required in power system research, increases. Furthermore, the used grids are created by different methods and intentions. This paper gives orientation within these developments: First, a concise overview of well-known, publicly available grid datasets is provided. Second, background information on the compilation of the grid datasets, including different methods, intentions and data origins, is reviewed and characterized. Third, common terms to describe electric steady-state distribution grids, such as representative grid or benchmark grid, are assembled and reviewed. Recommendations for the use of these grid terms are made.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julien Verdeil ◽  
Julien Manach

Abstract Standard field architecture is generally based on topsides production and distribution of power and chemicals necessary to operate equipment in drill centers. The paper will present efficient field architectures adapted to operate remote tie-backs with different combinations of subsea electrical power distribution, remote power generation and storage, and improved ways to mitigate corrosion, hydrates and wax issues for long tie-backs. Developing remote resources requires several technology bricks that enable a cost effective and reliable technical solution. To reduce the CAPEX, the main objective is to reduce the number of tubes typically with one single heated flowline to avoid a long and costly service line or with one small power cable and local distribution of power to avoid a heavy and expensive large umbilical. Alternatively, power can be generated and stored at drill center location and chemicals can also be managed locally with limited OPEX. A significant focus was done recently on technology developments enabling long distance tie-back developments. Domain of application and interest of each technology is generally well known and the delivered value is well presented. Looking for the most appropriate combination of technologies on a new field development is now the new challenge to figure out new opportunities. This paper proposes to group the long distance tie-backs fields in three main categories based on extensive studies done for several operators and to present the best architecture for each category. The first category groups very long distance single end tie-backs for which a cold flow system combined with full electrical equipment at drill center location is adapted. The second one is applicable for more consequent development where several drill centers are combined to one long and heated export line; with subsea electrical distribution to power each branch of the remote field and local management of chemicals at each drill center. The third category groups all daisy chain developments for which a heated line gathers the production coming from each fully electrical drill center. Each field development can generally be categorized in one out of the three categories presented in this paper. Based on this categorization, the right combination of low carbon and reliable new technologies enables valuable development of long tie-backs and then increases utilization area of each existing asset.


Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 575
Author(s):  
Jelena Ochs ◽  
Ferdinand Biermann ◽  
Tobias Piotrowski ◽  
Frederik Erkens ◽  
Bastian Nießing ◽  
...  

Laboratory automation is a key driver in biotechnology and an enabler for powerful new technologies and applications. In particular, in the field of personalized therapies, automation in research and production is a prerequisite for achieving cost efficiency and broad availability of tailored treatments. For this reason, we present the StemCellDiscovery, a fully automated robotic laboratory for the cultivation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in small scale and in parallel. While the system can handle different kinds of adherent cells, here, we focus on the cultivation of adipose-derived hMSCs. The StemCellDiscovery provides an in-line visual quality control for automated confluence estimation, which is realized by combining high-speed microscopy with deep learning-based image processing. We demonstrate the feasibility of the algorithm to detect hMSCs in culture at different densities and calculate confluences based on the resulting image. Furthermore, we show that the StemCellDiscovery is capable of expanding adipose-derived hMSCs in a fully automated manner using the confluence estimation algorithm. In order to estimate the system capacity under high-throughput conditions, we modeled the production environment in a simulation software. The simulations of the production process indicate that the robotic laboratory is capable of handling more than 95 cell culture plates per day.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 01037 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciej Kozak

The paper presents the background and results of numerical simulation and experimental research of a system using auctioneering diodes used to distribute the electrical power between two power converters connected with intermediate circuits in parallel, direct connection. Presented non-isolated power distribution system which utilizes blocking diodes placed in DC branches are used in the selected ship's electrical systems, however, they create problems related to control and handling ground faults. Another issue occurring during the operation of this type of systems is increased heat dissipation while diodes switching. Selected problems related to the operation of experimental system have been identified by means of simulation studies and experiments carried out in a 11 kVA laboratory system and the theoretical basis along with results are provided in the article.


Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (24) ◽  
pp. 4717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvester Johansson ◽  
Jonas Persson ◽  
Stavros Lazarou ◽  
Andreas Theocharis

Social considerations for a sustainable future lead to market demands for electromobility. Hence, electrical power distribution operators are concerned about the real ongoing problem of the electrification of the transport sector. In this regard, the paper aims to investigate the large-scale integration of electric vehicles in a Swedish distribution network. To this end, the integration pattern is taken into consideration as appears in the literature for other countries and applies to the Swedish culture. Moreover, different charging power levels including smart charging techniques are examined for several percentages of electric vehicles penetration. Industrial simulation tools proven for their accuracy are used for the study. The results indicate that the grid can manage about 50% electric vehicles penetration at its current capacity. This percentage decreases when higher charging power levels apply, while the transformers appear overloaded in many cases. The investigation of alternatives to increase the grid’s capabilities reveal that smart techniques are comparable to the conventional re-dimension of the grid. At present, the increased integration of electric vehicles is manageable by implementing a combination of smart gird and upgrade investments in comparison to technically expensive alternatives based on grid digitalization and algorithms that need to be further confirmed for their reliability for power sharing and energy management.


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