Mechanical Properties of API Class C Cement Contaminated with Oil-Based Mud OBM at Elevated Temperatures and Early Curing Time

The catastrophic events faced by the Oil and Gas industry in the past depict the importance of maintaining the integrity of the well. The cement acts as a crucial barrier throughout the life cycle of the well. The contamination of the cement occurs due to inefficiency in cementing practices and operations. Experimental investigations have been done on the reduction in mechanical properties of different API class cement considering contamination with water-based mud and oil-based mud. This study focuses on analyzing the changes in mechanical properties of API Class C cement on varying the following parameters: OBM contamination (0%, 0.6%, 1.1%, 2.2%, 4.3%) Curing time (4 hrs, 6 hrs, 8 hrs, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days) Temperature (25˚C, 75 ˚C) API recommendations were followed for preparing the cement slurries. The destructive, as well as non-destructive tests were carried out on the cement samples at ambient room temperature to measure the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) for OBM contaminated class C cement slurries. The general trend observed is that the UCS increases with an increase in curing time and temperature. UCS decreases with an increase in OBM contamination. Logarithmic trends were obtained for UCS vs curing time for different contaminations at a given temperature. Exceptions were observed at lower curing times where contaminated samples showed better results than the neat cement slurries. These observations play a critical role in understanding contaminated cement behavior. This widespread work was carried out only on API Class C cement to provide reliable data for future references. The correlations presented in this paper will help operators estimate the deterioration in mechanical properties of Class C cement in the presence of low OBM contamination. Email: [email protected] & [email protected]

Warmed contrast media temperature loss in traditional manifold systems during angiographic procedures

Background Extrinsic warming of contrast media (CM) to 37 °C before angiographic procedures is performed to improve bolus kinetics and avoid potential adverse effects. Extrinsically warmed CM readily loses temperature after removal from the warming cabinet, but the extent of its cooling has not been previously investigated. Purpose To assess temperature loss of extrinsically warmed CM in tubing of traditional angiographic manifolds during simulated angiography. Material and Methods In total, 35 scheduled diagnostic angiographic procedures were observed in a hospital setting. Relevant time points of CM use during the procedures were recorded. The shortest, median, and longest procedures were then simulated in the experimental laboratory to measure CM temperatures at specific times at three locations along the tubing system. Results The angiographic procedures lasted 7.0–26.6 min (median = 11.7 min), with the total duration dependent primarily on the time from contrast being removed from the warming cabinet to the commencement of imaging. During the simulated procedures, consistent patterns of temperature loss were observed. By the last simulated angiographic run, injected CM temperature decreased by 7.4–16.4 °C, depending on procedure length. Most of the heat loss occurred in the tubing between the CM bottle and coronary control syringe. Conclusion During angiographic procedures, prewarmed CM loses its temperature rapidly with the duration of exposure to ambient room temperature. If no additional measures are employed to maintain its temperature outside of the warming cabinet, extrinsic warming has limited impact on injected CM temperature.

Influence of Silica Modulus and Curing Temperature on the Strength of Alkali-Activated Volcanic Ash and Limestone Powder Mortar

This present study evaluates the effect of silica modulus (Ms) and curing temperature on strengths and the microstructures of binary blended alkali-activated volcanic ash and limestone powder mortar. Mortar samples were prepared using mass ratio of combined Na2SiO3(aq)/10 M NaOH(aq) of 0.5 to 1.5 at an interval of 0.25, corresponding to Ms of 0.52, 0.72, 0.89, 1.05 and 1.18, respectively, and sole 10 M NaOH(aq). Samples were then subjected to ambient room temperature, and the oven-cured temperature was maintained from 45 to 90 °C at an interval of 15 °C for 24 h. The maximum achievable 28-day strength was 27 MPa at Ms value of 0.89 cured at 75 °C. Samples synthesised with the sole 10 M NaOH(aq) activator resulted in a binder with a low 28-day compressive strength (15 MPa) compared to combined usage of Na2SiO3(aq)/10 M NaOH(aq) activators. Results further revealed that curing at low temperatures (25 °C to 45 °C) does not favour strength development, whereas higher curing temperature positively enhanced strength development. More than 70% of the 28-day compressive strength could be achieved within 12 h of curing with the usage of combined Na2SiO3(aq)/10 M NaOH(aq). XRD, FTIR and SEM + EDX characterisations revealed that activation with combined Na2SiO3(aq)/10 M NaOH(aq) leads to the formation of anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8), gehlenite (CaO.Al2O3.SiO2) and albite (NaAlSi3O8) that improve the amorphosity, homogeneity and microstructural density of the binder compared to that of samples synthesised with sole 10 M NaOH(aq).

The Impact of Ambient Temperature Control Across Various Care Settings on Outcomes in Burn Patients: A Review Article

Ambient/room temperature settings in burn treatment areas vary greatly due to a lack of evidence-based guidelines to direct care. While it is generally understood that ambient/room temperature impacts patient body temperature and metabolism, the ideal settings for optimizing patient outcomes are unclear. The literature assessing this topic is scarce, with many of the articles having significant limitations. We aim to summarize the current evidence for ambient/room temperature control, to address gaps in current reviews addressing this topic, and to elucidate topics requiring further research. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were queried for studies which evaluated the effect of the ambient/room temperature on burn patient core body temperature, patient metabolism, and outcomes among those treated in trauma bays, burn ICUs, and operating rooms. Although existing literature lacks sufficient patient outcome data regarding specific ambient/room temperatures, we highlight physiological processes that are impacted by changes in room temperatures in an effort to describe strategies that can allow for improved patient core body temperature control and outcomes in burn care settings.

A Study on Requirement of Cold Chain Maintenance for Reliable Testing of SARS-CoV-2 Samples

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been haunting the world since December 2019 and has grown to pandemic proportions from March 2020. Even after a full year of research and study, the most effective way to control the spread of this infection is early diagnosis and isolation of the cases. Real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) is considered the standard test all over the world for the diagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. All the sample collection guidelines have recommended stringent maintenance of the cold chain for the sample transport. However, it is not possible for the resource constrained developing countries with inadequate infrastructure to comply with these guidelines all the time. Aim: To determine necessity of stringent transport criteria and the effect of temperature on the clinical sensitivity of a RT-PCR assay for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Materials and Methods: In this prospective experimental study conducted in November 2020, 49 positive samples were kept at ambient room temperature and were tested everyday with RT- PCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 Ribonucleic Acid (RNA). The samples were also kept under refrigeration at 4°C and were also tested by RT-PCR and the results were compared with their respective counterparts kept at room temperature till nine days. Python Jupiter notebook SciPy and Anaconda software was used for statistical analysis. Results: It was observed that the positivity of the RT-PCR results were not deteriorated till five days and there was no significant deterioration even after nine days of samples being stored at room temperature suggesting that even if the viral RNA itself is not stable outside strict temperature control but small fragment or target genetic sequences are enough for detection of virus by RT-PCR. Conclusion: It is possible to keep samples at this ambient temperature for five days without any loss of positivity in RT-PCR.

Experimental Validation of a Highly Damped Deployable Solar Panel Module with a Pogo Pin-Based Burn Wire Triggering Release Mechanism

In this present work, a highly damped deployable solar panel module was developed for application in the 3 U CubeSat. The solar panel proposed herein is effective in guaranteeing the structural safety of solar cells under a launch environment owing to the superior damping characteristics achieved using multilayered stiffeners with viscoelastic acrylic tapes. A holding and release action of the solar panel was achieved by a new version of spring-loaded pogo pin-based burn wire triggering mechanism. A demonstration model of high-damping solar panel assembly was fabricated and tested to validate the effectiveness of the design. The holding and release mechanism achieved using a pogo pin was functionally tested through solar panel deployment tests under ambient room temperature and a thermal vacuum environment. The design effectiveness and structural safety of the solar panel module were validated through qualification-level launch and in-orbit environment tests.

Effects of Perforation Mediated-modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) on Shelf Life and Quality of Calcium Chloride Treated Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum)

Background: Capsicums having high respiration, transpiration, and ethylene production rates along with high susceptibility to microbial growth deteriorate rapidly during storage leading to higher loss. The current study was conducted to assess the effects of Perforation mediated- modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) on shelf life and quality of calcium chloride treated bell pepper (Capsicum annum). Methods: For this purposed green mature fruits capsicum annum variety Indra were pretreated with calcium chloride, weighed 1kg and packed in Low-density polyethylene with no perforation (T1), LDPE with 4 perforations(T2), LDPE with 8 perforations(T3), LDPE with 12 perforations(T4), LDPE with 16 perforation(T5) and open tray (T6) and stored at ambient room temperature of laboratory. Three replications were maintained for each treatment with CRD Design and different parameters were evaluated during the study period. Result: Capsicum stored in perforated LDPE packet exhibited less weight loss, higher shelf life and higher vitamin C content compared to capsicum kept in an open tray. With less perforations weight loss was less. Moreover, LDPE with 16 perforations can be considered the best treatment because with higher numbers of pores it exhibited comparatively higher shelf life, optimum quality of fruits and also check the spoilage of the fruits as compared to all treatments.

The effect on the anaesthetised rabbit of warming the breathing circuit with 40°C liquid

During every surgical procedure, one of the aims is to reduce the risk of anaesthesia. Some factors can be influenced, such as core body temperature. The authors wanted to investigate a method that was cheap, efficient and also easy to use in everyday veterinary practice, as well as in more remote settings. The study examined the temperatures of 30 rabbits during inhalational anaesthesia, when using a facemask and T-piece circuit. The rabbits were put in three groups, with two groups inhaling the warmed gas mixture. The inhalational breathing circuit in these two groups was immersed in a 40 ± 1°C heated water chamber. The circuit was 60 cm in the first group and 80 cm in the second group. The third control group inhaled a gas mixture at ambient room temperature. The results indicated that the longer the piece of circuit that was warmed, the less the body temperature of the rabbit dropped. In the control group, at the 40th minute of anaesthesia, the average drop in body temperature was −1.28°C, while in the 60 cm heated group it was −0.65°C, and in the 80 cm heated group it was −0.27°C.