The critical rate of horizontal wells in bottom-water reservoirs with an impermeable barrier

Barrier impacts on water cut and critical rate of horizontal wells in bottom water-drive reservoirs have been recognized but not investigated quantitatively. Considering the existence of impermeable barriers in oil formations, this paper developed a horizontal well flow model and obtained mathematical equations for the critical rate when water cresting forms in bottom-water reservoirs. The result shows that the barrier increases the critical rate and delays water breakthrough. Further study of the barrier size and location shows that increases in the barrier size and the distance between the barrier and oil-water contact lead to higher critical rates. The critical rate gradually approaches a constant as the barrier size increases. The case study shows the method presented here can be used to predict the critical rate in a bottom-water reservoir and applied to investigate the water cresting behavior of horizontal wells.

Estimation of Critical Rate of Temperature Rise for Thermal Explosion of First Order Autocatalytic Decomposition Reaction Systems by Using Non-isothermal DSC

A method of estimating the critical rate of temperature rise for the thermal explosion of first order autocatalytic decomposition reaction systems by using non-isothermal DSC is presented. The information was obtained on the increasing rate of temperature for the first order autocatalytic decomposition of nitrocellulose containing 13.86% nitrogen converting into the thermal explosion.

Critical cooling rate on carbide precipitation during quenching of austenitic manganese steel

Critical cooling rate to avoid carbide precipitation during quenching of austenitic manganese steel was investigated by means of optical microscopy,image analyzer and numerical analysis.An efficient heat treatment analysis program including temperature-dependent material properties was developed for the prediction of cooling rate and probability of carbide precipitation during quenching by finite difference method.Time-dependent heat transfer coefficient was adopted to achieve more precise results.Area ratio of carbide precipitation was measured by image analyzer to determine the critical point of carbide precipitation.Temperature-dependent critical cooling rate at that point was calculated by the developed numerical program.Finally,the probability of carbide precipitation on the whole area of specimen can be predicted by the proposed numerical program and the numerical result of a specimen was compared with the experimental result.

Simulation of critical cooling rate and process conditions for metallic glasses in vertical type twin-roll casting

Critical cooling rates for producing metallic glasses were evaluated based on a calculated continuous cooling transformation(CCT)diagram.Temperature distributions of the melt in molten pool in the vertical type twin-roll casting(VTRC)process of metallic glasses were simulated,and cooling rates under different casting conditions were calculated with the simulated results.By comparing the results obtained by CCT diagrams and simulation,the possibility of producing metallic glasses by the VTRC method and influences of casting conditions on cooling rate were discussed.The results reveal that cooling rate with3or4orders of magnitude by the VTRC process can be attained in producing Mg-based metallic glasses,which is faster than the critical cooling rate calculated by the CCT diagram.One side pouring mode can improve the temperature distributions of casting pool.VTRC process has a good ability in continuous casting metallic glassy thin strips.

The Mechanism of Critical Strain of Serrated Yielding in Strain Rate Domain

The mechanism of the critical strain of serrated yielding is studied via tension tests at various strain rates. Betore the critical strain, it is deduced that dislocations are not pinned at high strain rates, and dislocations at low strain rates are pinned but cannot escape. The critical strain depends on the first pinning process at high strain rates and on the first unpinning process at low strain rates. The calculated results based on the two criteria are in good consistency with the experiment.

Identifying the critical phosphorus balance for optimizing phosphorus input and regulating soil phosphorus effectiveness in a typical winter wheat-summer maize rotation system in North China

Phosphorus(P)is a nonrenewable resource and a critical element for plant growth that plays an important role in improving crop yield.Excessive P fertilizer application is widespread in agricultural production,which not only wastes phosphate resources but also causes P accumulation and groundwater pollution.Here,we hypothesized that the apparent P balance of a crop system could be used as an indicator for identifying the critical P input in order to obtain a high yield with high phosphorus use efficiency(PUE).A 12-year field experiment with P fertilization rates of 0,45,90,135,180,and 225 kg P_(2)O_(5)ha^(-1)was conducted to determine the crop yield,PUE,and soil Olsen-P value response to P balance,and to optimize the P input.Annual yield stagnation occurred when the P fertilizer application exceeded a certain level,and high yield and PUE levels were achieved with annual P fertilizer application rates of 90-135 kg P_(2)O_(5)ha^(-1).A critical P balance range of 2.15-4.45 kg P ha^(-1)was recommended to achieve optimum yield with minimal environmental risk.The critical P input range estimated from the P balance was 95.7-101 kg P_(2)O_(5)ha^(-1),which improved relative yield(>90%)and PUE(90.0-94.9%).In addition,the P input-output balance helps in assessing future changes in Olsen-P values,which increased by 4.07 mg kg^(-1)of P for every 100 kg of P surplus.Overall,the P balance can be used as a critical indicator for P management in agriculture,providing a robust reference for limiting P excess and developing a more productive,efficient and environmentally friendly P fertilizer management strategy.

Experimental Analysis of the Flow Characteristics of an Adjustable Critical-Flow Venturi Nozzle

The response of an adjustable critical-flow Venturi nozzle is investigated through a set indoor experiments aimed to determine the related critical flow rate,critical pressure ratio,and discharge coefficient.The effect of a variation in the cone displacement and liquid content on the critical flow characteristics is examined in detail and it is shown that the former can be used to effectively adjust the critical flow rate.The critical pressure ratio of the considered nozzle is above 0.85,and the critical flow control deviation of the gas flow is within±3%.Liquid flow can reduce the gas critical mass flow rate accordingly,especially for the cases with larger liquid volume and lower inlet pressure.The set of results and conclusions provided are intended to support the optimization of steam injection techniques in the context of heavy oil recovery processes.

Critical parameters of horizontal well influenced by semi-permeable barrier in bottom water reservoir

It is well-known that barriers have a significant impact on the production performance of horizontal wells developed in a bottom water drive reservoir. In most cases, reservoir barriers are semi-permeable. Based on previous research on impermeable reservoir barrier, a mathematical flow model was derived for a horizontal well of a bottom water drive reservoir with a semi-permeable barrier. Besides, analytical equations were also presented to calculate critical parameters, such as production rate,pressure and potential difference. The effects of barrier, well and reservoir parameters on our model results were further investigated.The results show that the larger the barrier size is or the higher the barrier location is, the higher the critical production rate and potential difference of a horizontal well are. When the barrier permeability equals the formation permeability or the barrier width equals zero, the critical production rates converge to the values same to that of the case with no barrier. When the barrier permeability equals zero, the problem is regarded as a case of impermeable barrier. This model can be applied to predicting horizontal wells' critical production parameters in reservoirs with semi-permeable barriers.

Analysis of Maximum Liquid Carrying Capacity Based on Conventional Tubing Plunger Gas Lift

China’s unconventional gas fields have a large number of low-productivity and low-efficiency wells, many of whichare located in remote and environmentally harsh mountainous areas. To address the long-term stable productionof these gas wells, plunger-lift technology plays an important role. In order to fully understand and accurately graspthe drainage and gas production mechanisms of plunger-lift, a mechanical model of plunger-liquid column uplift inthe plunger-lift process was established, focusing on conventional plunger-lift systems and representative wellboreconfigurations in the Linxing region. The operating casing pressure of the plunger-lift process and the calculationmethod for the maximum daily fluid production rate based on the work regime with the highest fluid recovery ratewere determined. For the first time, the critical flow rate method was proposed as a constraint for the maximumliquid-carrying capacity of the plunger-lift, and liquid-carrying capacity charts for conventional plunger-lift withdifferent casing sizes were developed. The results showed that for 23/8 casing plunger-lift, with a well depth ofshallower than 808 m, the maximum drainage rate was 33 m3/d;for 27/8 casing plunger-lift, with a well depth ofshallower than 742 m, the maximum drainage rate was 50.15 m3/d;for 31/2 casing plunger-lift, with a well depthof shallower than 560 m, the maximum drainage rate was 75.14 m3/d. This research provides a foundation for thescientific selection of plunger-lift technology and serves as a decision-making reference for developing reasonableplunger-lift work regimes.

Effect of strain rate and water-to-cement ratio on compressive mechanical behavior of cement mortar

Effects of strain rate and water-to-cement ratio on the dynamic compressive mechanical behavior of cement mortar are investigated by split Hopkinson pressure bar(SHPB) tests. 124 specimens are subjected to dynamic uniaxial compressive loadings.Strain rate sensitivity of the materials is measured in terms of failure modes, stress-strain curves, compressive strength, dynamic increase factor(DIF) and critical strain at peak stress. A significant change in the stress-strain response of the materials with each order of magnitude increase in strain rate is clearly seen from test results. The slope of the stress-strain curve after peak value for low water-to-cement ratio is steeper than that of high water-to-cement ratio mortar. The compressive strength increases with increasing strain rate. With increase in strain rate, the dynamic increase factor(DIF) increases. However, this increase in DIF with increase in strain rate does not appear to be a function of the water-to-cement ratio. The critical compressive strain increases with the strain rate.

Optimization of Maturation of Radio-Cephalic Arteriovenous Fistula Using a Model Relating Energy Loss Rate and Vascular Geometric Parameters

The main reason for the early failure of radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF) is non-maturity, which means that the blood flow rate in the fistula cannot increase to the expected value for dialysis. From a mechanical perspective, the vascular resistance at the artificially designed anastomosis causes an energy loss that affects blood flow rate growth and leads to early failure. This research studied how to maximize the RCAVF maturity and primary patency by controlling the energy loss rate. We theoretically analyzed and derived a model that evaluates the energy loss rate Eavf in RCAVF as a function of its blood vessel geometric parameters (GPs) for given flow rates. There was an aggregate of five controllable GPs in RCAVF: radial artery diameter (Dra), cephalic vein diameter (Dcv), blood vessel distance between artery and vein (h), anastomotic diameter (Da), and anastomotic angle (θ). Through this analysis, it was found that Eavf was inversely proportional to Dra, Dcv, Da, and θ, whereas proportional to h. Therefore, we recommended surgeons choose the vessels with large diameters, close distance, and increase the diameter and angle of the anastomosis to decrease the early failure of RCAVF. Simultaneously, we could explain the results of many clinical empiricisms with our formula. We found that increasing Dcv and θ was more significant in reducing Eavf than increasing Dra and Da. Based on our model, we could define two critical energy loss rates (CELa, CELb) to help surgeons evaluate the blood vessels and choose the ideal range of θ, and help them design the preoperative RCAVF plan for each patient to increase the maturity and the primary patency of RCAVF.

Removal of Co(Ⅱ) from aqueous solution by complexation-ultrafiltration and shear stability of PAA-Co complex

Removal of Co(Ⅱ) from aqueous solutions by complexation-ultrafiltration was investigated using polyacrylic acid sodium(PAAS) as complexing agent with the help of rotating disk membrane,and the shear ability of PAA-Co complex was studied. The effects of the mass ratio of PAAS to Co(Ⅱ)(P/M) and pH on the rejection of Co(Ⅱ) were studied,and the optimum conditions were P/M=8 and pH=7. The rejection of Co(Ⅱ) was over 97% when the rotating speed of the disk(n)was less than 710 r/min at the optimum P/M and pH. The distribution of the forms of cobalt on the membrane surface was established by the membrane partition model, and the critical shear rate,the smallest shear rate at which the PAA-Co complex begins to dissociate,was calculated to be1.4×10^4 s^-1,and the corresponding rotating speed was 710 r/min.The PAA-Co complex dissociated when the shear rate was greater than the critical one. The regeneration of PAAS and recovery of Co(Ⅱ) were achieved by shear-induced dissociation and ultrafiltration.

Removal of Cd(Ⅱ)from dilute aqueous solutions by complexation–ultrafiltration using rotating disk membrane and the shear stability of PAA–Cd complex

Removal of cadmium(Ⅱ) ions from dilute aqueous solutions by complexation–ultrafiltration using rotating disk membrane was investigated. Polyacrylic acid sodium(PAAS) was used as complexation agent, as key factors of complexation, pH and the mass ratio of PAAS to Cd^(2+)(P/M) were studied, and the optimum complexation–ultrafiltration conditions were obtained. The effects of rotating speed(n) on the stability of PAA–Cd complex was studied with two kinds of rotating disk, disk Ⅰ(without vane) and disk Ⅱ(with six rectangular vanes) at a certain range of rotating speed. Both of the rejection could reach 99.7% when n was lower than 2370 r·min^(-1) and 1320 r·min^(-1), for disk I and disk Ⅱ, respectively. However, when rotating speed exceeds a certain value,the critical rotating speed(n_c), the rejection of Cd(Ⅱ) decreases greatly. The distribution of form of cadmium on the membrane was established by the membrane partition model, and the critical shear rate(γ_c), the smallest shear rate at which the PAA–Cd complex begins to dissociate, was calculated based on the membrane partition model and mass balance. The critical shear rates(γ_c) of PAA–Cd complex were 5.9 × 10~4 s^(-1), 1.01 × 10~5 s^(-1),and 1.31 × 10~5 s^(-1) at pH = 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0, respectively. In addition, the regeneration of PAAS was achieved by shear induced dissociation and ultrafiltration.

Anisotropy in shear-sliding fracture behavior of layered shale under different normal stress conditions

Shear-sliding mode(mode Ⅱ)fracture of rocks is a vital failure form in deep underground engineering.To gain deep insight into the anisotropic shear fracture behaviors of a typical shale under high normal stress conditions,a series of direct shear tests were conducted on double-notched specimens in three typical bedding orientations(i.e.,the arrester,divider,short-transverse orientations)and under five normal stresses.The modeⅡfracture toughness(K_(Ⅱc))is found to exhibit a significant 3D anisotropy.The maximum K_(Ⅱc)is obtained in the divider orientation,followed by those in the arrester and short-transverse orientations.In contrast,the 3D anisotropy in the critical modeⅡenergy release rate(G_(Ⅱc))is not as significant as that in K_(Ⅱc),and G_(Ⅱc)in the arrester orientation is quite close to that in the divider orientation.The anisotropy in the prepeak input energy accumulated during shearing is found to be exactly consistent with that in G_(Ⅱc),which has not been noted before.Furthermore,the anisotropies in the modeⅡfracture resistances will,unexpectedly,not be weakened by the high normal stress.Owing to the layered structures,tensile cracks are involved during the modeⅡfracture process,resulting in the formation of rough fracture surfaces.

Critical Cooling Rate for the Glass Formation of Ferromagnetic Fe_(80)P_(13)C_7 Alloy

In this paper the critical cooling rate, Rc, for the glass formation of Fe80P13C7 alloy has been determined using both Uhlmann＇s and Barandiaran-Colmenero＇s method. In Uhlmann＇s method, all kinds of the expres-sions of △G^l-s （T） and η/（T） determined using the different modes and methods had been investigated. It is indicated that the Rc for the glass formation of FesoP13C7 alloy can be estimated to be 349 K/s by Uhlmann＇s method based on the appropriate expressions of △G^l-s（T） and η/（T）. The calculated result accords with our experimental result. The Rc for the glass formation of Fe80P13C7 alloy has also been determined to be 0.49 K/s using Barandiaran-Colmenero＇s method. This resultant Rc is unreasonable low and it indicates that Barandiaran-Colmenero＇s method does not suit to Fe-based alloy.

On the Development of a Model for the Prediction of Liquid Loading in Gas Wells with an Inclined Section

The ability to predict liquid loading in horizontal gas wells is of great importance for determining the time of drainage and optimizing the related production technology.In the present work,we describe the outcomes of experiments conducted using air-water mixtures in a horizontal well.The results show that the configuration with an inclined section is the most susceptible to liquid loading.Laboratory experiments in an inclined pipe were also conducted to analyze the variation of the critical gas flow rate under different angles,pressure and liquid volume(taking the equal liquid volume at inlet and outlet as the criterion for judging on the critical state).According to these results,the related angle of the inclined section ranges from 45°to 60°.Finally,a modified approach based on the Belfroid model has been used to predict the critical gas flow rate for the inclined section.After comparison with field data,this modified model shows an accuracy of 96%,indicating that it has better performances with respect to other models used in the past to predict liquid loading.

Continuous cooling precipitation diagram of cast aluminium alloy Al-7Si-0.3Mg

The precipitation behaviour during quenching of cast Al-7Si-0.3Mg aluminium alloy was investigated by DSC in the cooling rate range of 0.01 K/s to 3 K/s and by quenching dilatometry for higher rates. Two main precipitation reactions were observed during cooling, a high temperature reaction starting almost directly with quenching from 540℃ and a low temperature reaction starting at about 400℃. Quenching with 3 K/s already significantly suppresses precipitation during quenching. Hardness after T6 ageing increases with increasing quenching rate, due to the increasing content of supersaturated solid solution. By dilatometry and hardness results the critical cooling rate can be estimated as about 60 K/s. Quenched Al-7Si-0.3Mg microstructures have been investigated by light microscopy. The microstructures consist of an aluminium-silicon eutectic structure, aluminium solid solution dendrites and precipitates inside the aluminium dendrites, depending on quenching rate.

Getters: From Classification to Materials Design

The demand for getters with high sorption efficiency has generated a need for resources to assist in qualification of getter materials for their practical use. This paper discusses innovative steps which should provide a dramatic improvement in the selection and application of getter technologies used in various processes. The first step was to build a natural classification of chemisorbents, from which we obtain a corresponding order of suitability related to known getter products. The classification system suggested by the authors is based on criteria which are directly connected with the sorption behavior of the material. This has lead to the challenge of developing of a computing algorithm for characterization of sorption properties of getter materials and for solving the inverse problem—the problem of designing a chemisorbent based on the requirements of a fully realized application. The employment of the new methodology is demonstrated in the example of the calculations supporting the selection of getter films for MEMS.

Glass formation for iron-based alloys by combining kinetic and thermodynamic parameters

The glass formation was intensively studied for Fe-based alloys. Parameters defining kinetics and thermodynamic behavior of crystallization were calculated using calorimetric measurements and physical properties of constituent elements. It is found that the critical cooling rate Rc estimated by combining kinetic and thermodynamic parameters highly correlates with measured Rc found in literatures with correlation coefficient R2=0.944, and alloy compositions with high melting enthalpy AHm can easily form glass even without high undercooling and high value of the ,β-parameter of Tumbull＇s theory, revealing that the glass formation in this group of alloys is mostly controlled by growth limitation. This combination of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters can be used to determine alloy composition with good glass forming ability in Fe-based alloys just using physical properties of alloying elements and calorimetric measurements.

Study of Water Flow in a Single Clay Crack

A model has been constructed to study water flow in a single clay crack, and a new concept of the critical rise rate of water level in the crack has been put forward. When the water level rises faster than this critical rate, the flow in a crack will increase, and vice versa. The flow in a crack is not in proportion to the water level. The maximium water flow in clay is 30-40 times smaller than that in a rock fissure under the same condition. In the process of water discharge, the flow in a crack will lessen gradually, and the crack will grow narrower by 3.0-4.0cm, with its depth reducing by over 50%.