Qualification of Sealing System for Flexible Pipes Using a Self-Energized Gasket

Author(s):  
Christian Wang ◽  
Martin Halsteen ◽  
Jesper Ries

In order to meet higher technical demands designing flexible pipes at higher pressures and higher temperatures for deeper water depths NOV has introduced and qualified a new sealing system that is self-energized. The sealing material has been qualified and tested in different fluids. The sealing system has shown good functionality at higher pressures as well as at lower pressures. The qualification of the sealing system has been based on multiple full-scale and mid-scale tests according to Recommended Practice API 17B and small-scale tests on the elastomer material including long-term ageing tests and rapid gas decompression tests in high pressure CO2 up to 900 bar. The recommendations of RP API 17B used in the industry has its limitation with regards to qualification of a new sealing system. This paper gives an overview how to qualify a new sealing system on an existing product range achieving different technology readiness levels according to Recommended Practice API 17N from TRL1 up to TRL5. TRL5 covers system integration testing by full-scale testing of flexible pipes such as burst test, tension-pressure test, tension-tension test and deep immersion performance test. All qualification tests have been witnessed by a third-party Bureau Veritas and the enhanced sealing system has archived a TRL5 statement within its current design envelope.

Author(s):  
Jaroslav Tir ◽  
Johannes Karreth

After surveying the literature on the causes, consequences, and management of civil wars, we argue that novel ways of examining civil war management are needed. We advocate for a developmental view of civil wars in order to better understand how to prevent the escalation of low-level armed conflict to full-scale civil war. To prevent full-scale civil war, third parties need to (a) respond swiftly, (b) have the will and ability to impose tangible costs on (and offer benefits to) governments and rebels, and (c) remain involved over the long term. Our analysis shows that typical third-party civil war management approaches (mediation, peacekeeping, and intervention) fail to adequately address at least one of these issues. This motivates our argument in favor of focusing on a different type of third party that could arguably play a particularly constructive role in civil war prevention: highly structured intergovernmental organizations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Kängsepp ◽  
M. Sjölin ◽  
A. G. Mutlu ◽  
B. Teil ◽  
C. Pellicer-Nàcher

Abstract The suspended solids (SS) concentrations in effluent from moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) used for secondary biological treatment can be up to 500 mg/L. Microscreens (Drumfilters or Discfilters) can be used as alternatives to traditional clarification or dissolved air flotation to remove SS and total phosphorus (TP). This study shows how a small-scale municipal WWTP for 5,700 population equivalent (PE) can be upgraded to 12,000 PE by combining MBBR with coagulation-flocculation tanks and a Discfilter with a total footprint of 160 m2. This long-term investigation demonstrated that even though influent turbidity (range 146–431 NTU) and flow (25–125 m3/h) varied considerably, very low effluent turbidities (below 10 NTU) could be achieved continuously. Furthermore, this compact treatment system can provide average reductions of ammonium (NH4-N) from 19 to 0.04 mg/L, COD from 290 to 10 mg/L, and TP from 4.5 to 0.3 mg/L. The results show that effluent requirements can be reached by combining MBBR, coagulation-flocculation and disc filtration at full scale, without a primary clarifier upstream of MBBR.


Author(s):  
Li Ke ◽  
Carol Taravel-Condat ◽  
Jean Kittel ◽  
Rémy Mingant ◽  
Claude Duret-Thual ◽  
...  

Due to its high metallic confinement, the annulus of unbonded flexible pipelines is a specific and mild corrosive medium for carbon steel armour wires. This environment presents high supersaturation levels of dissolved iron, leading to pH values far above thermodynamic equilibrium. Furthermore, the permeation of acidic gases (such as CO2 and H2S) through the polymer pressure sheath occurs at very low flow rates. Since the annulus is supersaturated with dissolved iron, part of the H2S is consumed as it slowly arrives into the annulus. Therefore, the annular medium contains low levels of gas far below those predicted by standard thermodynamic models, and less H2S is available to trigger sour cracking. The recent development of harsher oil field conditions (higher water depths, increased CO2 content, presence of H2S...) induced the need to refine the design of flexible pipes to propose more cost effective solutions. As pH and H2S content are key parameters for the selection of steel grades, taking into account the supersaturation and the H2S consumption in the annulus allows major optimization of flexible pipes by using for instance steel grades with higher strength. Therefore, extensive experimental work was conducted over the past years to better characterize the annulus and predict more realistic pH and H2S levels. In this paper, the following developments are presented: – A kinetic corrosion model named FlexCor was derived from numerous corrosion tests done at various CO2 pressures in confined configuration, with in-situ pH monitoring. These tests were performed over long durations (3 months) in order to capture the effective long term supersaturated pH. The kinetic model is able to simulate the transient and stationary phases of the supersaturated pH evolution up to 45 bara of CO2, providing a good fit with the experimental data. The tests also demonstrated that the annulus environment remains supersaturated even at high CO2 partial pressures. – A methodology taking into account the H2S consumption was developed based on extensive long-term small scale and full scale testing (> 2 years), where low flow rates of H2S were imposed. The experimental results show that H2S consumption is far from negligible, even when the annulus is not fully flooded. This H2S consumption methodology was certified by an Independent Verification Agency and is now being applied on commercial projects.


Author(s):  
Carol Taravel-Condat ◽  
Nicolas Desamais

Flexible pipes have been used for many years in offshore applications for the transportation of crude oil, gas and water. Such structures are subjected to mechanical loads due to tension, high internal pressure and dynamic motions which are sustained by the use of high strength carbon steel wires. The steel wires are located in the annular space that may contain water and acid gas (CO2, H2S) which can be detrimental for steels. For that reason, risks of Sulfide Stress Corrosion Cracking (SSCC) and Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) shall be considered. Moreover, for dynamic conditions, presence of corrosive environment in the annulus could significantly reduce the fatigue performance of flexible pipe compared to air environment. The annulus composition is calculated using a permeability model that has been validated with medium scale tests, full scale tests and field cases [1]. In parallel, corrosion and corrosion fatigue studies have shown that the annulus of a flexible pipe is a very confined space with over-saturation in iron and no renewal of oxygen. This results in a higher pH, much lower corrosion rates and less HIC and SSCC than one would expect based on normal environments. This paper presents, in a first part, the different results obtained during small scale corrosion and corrosion fatigue tests demonstrating the beneficial specificity of the annular space. In a second part, the paper presents the results of pH measurements and corrosion rates obtained during a full scale dynamic corrosion fatigue test in CO2/H2S environment validating the previous results. This test was conducted on a 6” pipe between 1999 and 2003. In a third part, the paper describes how the annulus specificities should be used today to determine the suitability of carbon steel wires for use in flexible flowlines and risers considering SSCC, HIC, corrosion and corrosion fatigue.


Author(s):  
D.M. Seyedi ◽  
C. Plúa ◽  
M. Vitel ◽  
G. Armand ◽  
J. Rutqvist ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takahiro Kinoshita ◽  
Kensuke Moriwaki ◽  
Nao Hanaki ◽  
Tetsuhisa Kitamura ◽  
Kazuma Yamakawa ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hybrid emergency room (ER) systems, consisting of an angiography-computed tomography (CT) machine in a trauma resuscitation room, are reported to be effective for reducing death from exsanguination in trauma patients. We aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of a hybrid ER system in severe trauma patients without severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods We conducted a cost-utility analysis comparing the hybrid ER system to the conventional ER system from the perspective of the third-party healthcare payer in Japan. A short-term decision tree and a long-term Markov model using a lifetime time horizon were constructed to estimate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and associated lifetime healthcare costs. Short-term mortality and healthcare costs were derived from medical records and claims data in a tertiary care hospital with a hybrid ER. Long-term mortality and utilities were extrapolated from the literature. The willingness-to-pay threshold was set at $47,619 per QALY gained and the discount rate was 2%. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results The hybrid ER system was associated with a gain of 1.03 QALYs and an increment of $33,591 lifetime costs compared to the conventional ER system, resulting in an ICER of $32,522 per QALY gained. The ICER was lower than the willingness-to-pay threshold if the odds ratio of 28-day mortality was < 0.66. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that the hybrid ER system was cost-effective with a 79.3% probability. Conclusion The present study suggested that the hybrid ER system is a likely cost-effective strategy for treating severe trauma patients without severe TBI.


2021 ◽  
pp. 003232172110072
Author(s):  
Ramon van der Does ◽  
Vincent Jacquet

Deliberative minipublics are popular tools to address the current crisis in democracy. However, it remains ambiguous to what degree these small-scale forums matter for mass democracy. In this study, we ask the question to what extent minipublics have “spillover effects” on lay citizens—that is, long-term effects on participating citizens and effects on non-participating citizens. We answer this question by means of a systematic review of the empirical research on minipublics’ spillover effects published before 2019. We identify 60 eligible studies published between 1999 and 2018 and provide a synthesis of the empirical results. We show that the evidence for most spillover effects remains tentative because the relevant body of empirical evidence is still small. Based on the review, we discuss the implications for democratic theory and outline several trajectories for future research.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 15-16
Author(s):  
William E. Reichman ◽  
L. Bradford Perkins ◽  
Hilde Verbeek

This symposium will review the latest data on the influence of environmental design and its attributes on the cognitive and psychological wellbeing of older adults living with dementia. The presenters will cover the myriad ways in which the physical environment of care can adapt to the changing demands of older adults with sensory, motor and cognitive deficits and foster optimal functioning and quality of life. The role of emerging technologies will also be reviewed as they complement the contribution of the design of the physical environment to the wellbeing of older adults with cognitive impairment. Information will be offered through a review of the existing research literature as well as case studies that illustrate the impact of environmental modification on fostering wellbeing and minimizing the emergence of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. The presenters will represent and integrate sensibilities that have emerged from the fields of architecture, cognitive neuroscience and psychology.How the Principles of the Culture Change Movement Inform Environmental Design and the Application of Technology in the Care of Older Adults Living with DementiaWilliam E. ReichmanThe culture change movement informs a number of principles that have been applied to more contemporary design concepts for the congregate care of older adults living with dementia. This talk will review the core tenets of the Culture Change Movement as exemplified by the Greenhouse, Dementia Village and other innovative models of congregate long-term care. Specific reference will be made to how these tenets have been operationalized around the world into the design of programming and the creation of residential care environments that foster a better quality of life for older adults and an enhanced work environment for care providers. This talk will also include the emerging role of technologies that complement innovative design of the environment and which foster optimized social and recreational functioning of older adults living with dementia.A Better Life Through a Better Nursing Home DesignL. Bradford PerkinsOver the last 20 years there has been extensive experimentation related to the role of the environment in the housing, care and treatment of persons with Alzheimer’s and other age related dementias. Prior to that time the typical housing and care environment was a locked unit in a skilled nursing or other restrictive senior living facility. In 1991 the Presbyterian Association on Aging in Western Pennsylvania opened Woodside Place on its Oakmont campus. This small 36 bed facility was designed to incorporate the latest research and care experience with persons suffering from these issues. This one small project, as well as the long post occupancy research led by Carnegie Mellon University, clearly demonstrated that individuals with Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia could lead a healthier, happier, higher quality of life in a more residential, less restrictive environment. Not everything in this pioneering project worked, and five generations of living and care models have followed that have refined the ideas first demonstrated by Woodside Place. Bradford Perkins, whose firm designed Woodside Place and over 100 other related projects, will discuss what was learned from Woodside Place as well as the five generations of projects (and post occupancy research) that followed.Innovative dementia care environments as alternatives for traditional nursing homes: evidence and experiences from the NetherlandsHilde VerbeekKey goals of the dementia care environment focus on increasing autonomy, supporting independence and trying to enable one’s own lifestyle for as long as possible. To meet these goals, innovative, small-scale and homelike care environments have been developed that have radically changed the physical, social and organizational aspects of long-term care in the Netherlands. This presentation discusses various Dutch models that have implemented small-scale and homelike care environments, including green care farms, dementia village and citizen initiatives. The models reflect a common care concept, focusing on residents’ remaining strengths, providing opportunity for choice and aiming to sustain a sense of self and control. A small number of residents (usually 6 to 8) live together in a homelike environment and nursing staff are part of the household. Residents are encouraged to participate in daily household activities, emphasizing normalization of daily life with person-centred care. The physical environment resembles an archetypal home. This talk presents the scientific evidence on the impact and effects of these small-scale, homelike models on residents, their family caregivers and staff. Furthermore, the presentation will highlight working approaches and how these initiatives have positively influenced routine care across the long-term care spectrum.


Author(s):  
Patrick Alexander Wachholz ◽  
Deborah Cristina De Oliveira ◽  
Kathryn Hinsliff-Smith ◽  
Reena Devi ◽  
Paulo José Fortes Villas Boas ◽  
...  

This scoping review aimed to explore the characteristics, strengths, and gaps in research conducted in Brazilian long-term care facilities (LTCFs) for older adults. Electronic searches investigating the residents (≥60 years old), their families, and the LTCF workforce in Brazil were conducted in Medline, EMBASE, LILACS, and Google Scholar, within the timescale of 1999 to 2018, limited to English, Portuguese, or Spanish. The reference lists were hand searched for additional papers. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used for critical appraisal of evidence. Data were reported descriptively considering the study design, using content analysis: 327 studies were included (n = 159 quantitative non-randomized, n = 82 quantitative descriptive, n = 67 qualitative, n = 11 mixed methods, n = 6 randomized controlled trials, and n = 2 translation of assessment tools). Regardless of the study design, most were conducted in a single LTCF (45.8%), in urban locations (84.3%), and in non-profit settings (38.7%). The randomized trials and descriptive studies presented the lowest methodological quality based on the MMAT. This is the first review to provide an overview of research on LTCFs for older people in Brazil. It illustrates an excess of small-scale, predominantly qualitative papers, many of which are reported in ways that do not allow the quality of the work to be assured.


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