A Novel Subsea Actuator to Electrify Small-Bore Valve

This paper presents the development and qualification of a novel Subsea Electric Actuator, especially designed for rotary small-bore valves. One of the main challenges was to design an electric actuator which is as compact as the existing hydraulic actuators, but able to provide a fail-safe mechanism by field-proven springs and full integration of all necessary components, including the electric drive and controls, inside of a compact enclosure. Furthermore, the design team had to considerably reduce its power consumption and weight in comparison to existing solutions. Finally, the system was designed for lean manufacturing, allowing considerable cost-saving benefits for all the partners due to extensive standardization work. The paper shows the engineering requirements obtained by interviewing different users, the design methodology applied and the qualification of the new system up to TRL 3 with Digital Twin and Rapid Prototyping. Finally, an outlook is presented with the planned TRL 4 and TRL 5 qualification tests and a summary of the technical and economic benefits for the users of this novel Subsea Valve Actuator.

Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) position statement on the use of biosimilar insulin

Biosimilar insulins have the potential to offer the NHS a considerable cost saving. The acceptability and use of biosimilar insulin by clinicians and patients may, however, be limited by lack of experience, understanding and concerns about safety and tolerability. This article summarises information on the advantages and disadvantages of using biosimilar insulins and an overview of the published evidence in relation to efficacy, tolerability and safety of current and expected Biosimilar Insulins. The position of the ABCD on the use of Biosimilar Insulin is stated along with the key practical considerations for healthcare staff involved in insulin prescription and administration.

Optimal Operational Planning of Utility Systems of Petrochemical Industry

In order to meet varied requirements of gas and electricity in petrochemical enterprises, as well as reducing the operation cost and minimizing energy use, optimal operation of utility systems is a must. This paper establishes a model, which accounts for expenses of operation, maintenance, depreciation, and changeover cost. The model is validated against operative data. The results show optimal control strategy can be quickly obtained with improved PSO algorithm, accompanied with considerable cost saving.

A Correctional Model for Multiperiod Optimization of Steam Power Systems with Consideration of Startup/Shutdown Expenses

In order to meet varied requirements of gas and electricity in petrochemical enterprises, as well as reducing the operation cost and minimizing energy use, optimal operation of steam power systems is a must. Based on previous work, this research proposes a mixed integral non-linear planning model (MILNP), which accounts for expenses of operation, maintenance, depreciation, and changeover cost in between startup and shutdown stage. The model is validated against operative data. The results show optimal control strategy can be quickly obtained with improved PSO algorithm, accompanied with considerable cost saving.

An Audit of the Impact of Introducing Microacupuncture into Primary Care

In 1997, one of the partners in a general practice in NW London comprising 6700 patients began using microacupuncture - a very brief form of treatment described by Felix Mann. The computer system used for patient records was modified to allow easy recording of details of acupuncture treatments; the latter being performed opportunistically in standard 10-minute consultations. Over the course of three years, during which time a second partner began using acupuncture, referrals to acute physiotherapy (conditions present for < 3 months) fell by 86%, and referrals to outpatient rheumatology fell by 51%. This is likely to represent a considerable cost saving to the NHS.

Minimum-Cost Well Drilling Strategy Using Dynamic Programming

This paper presents an advanced concept in drilling optimization—the dynamic drilling strategy. The dynamic drilling strategy is a new methodology of drilling process planning and control; it combines theory of single-bit control with an optimal multi-bit drilling program for a well. In the simulation study, the dynamic drilling strategy was compared to conventional drilling optimization and typical field practices; the considerable cost-saving potential of 25 and 60 percent, respectively, was estimated. The method also appeared to be the most cost-effective for expensive and long-lasting PDC bits through better utilization of their performance and reduction in the number of bits needed for the hole.

Controlling sand placement during the building of artificial islands

A new way to construct artificial islands of sand is described. The method shows promise of considerable cost saving. The present high cost of island building is due to the difficulty of making underwater sand slopes steep. Simply dumping sand into the ocean results in slopes of from 12 to 15 horizontal to 1 vertical. These shallow slopes have enormous implications in terms of sand volume and cost. The sand can be tremied into place to form a steep-sided ring or bund. Handling large quantities of sand in this way is expensive. Small-scale model tests show that if the sand is mixed with certain chemicals the resulting 'cohesion' enables the sand to fall through seawater as a block, with little dispersion. Steep underwater slopes result. Low-cost, nontoxic (environmentally safe) chemicals were used in the experiment. Keywords: construction, artificial islands, sand, oceans, dredging.