COMPUTER SIMULATION OF VENTILATION PRESSURE BALANCING FOR THE PREVENTION OF SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION IN MINES

Qualitative analysis plus trial and error method are still the routine to achieve ventilation pressure balancing. These methods may cause large errors in pressure balancing so that sometimes the spontaneous combustion can not be extinguished effectively. This paper introduces a quantitative analysis of pressure balancing for different causes of ventilation networks and develops a computer program (SPFPB) specifically written for pressure balancing between faces and connected gobs. It allows a user to choose different metheds to meet his various needs and the underground conditions. The different balancing results are compared, and the proper locations and sizes of the control devices are recommended.

Effect of impeller reflux balance holes on pressure and axial force of centrifugal pump

The size of impeller reflux holes for centrifugal pump has influence on the pressure distribution of front and rear shrouds and rear pump chamber, as well as energy characteristics of whole pump and axial force. Low specific-speed centrifugal pump with Q=12.5 m3/h, H=60 m, n=2950 r/min was selected to be designed with eight axial reflux balance holes with 4.5 mm in diameter. The simulated Q-H curve and net positive suction head(NPSH) were in good agreement with experimental results, which illustrated that centrifugal pump with axial reflux balance holes was superior in the cavitation characteristic; however, it showed to little superiority in head and efficiency. The pressure in rear pump chamber at 0.6 times rate flow is 29.36% of pressure difference between outlet and inlet, which reduces to 29.10% at rate flow and 28.33% at 1.4 times rate flow. As the whole, the pressure distribution on front and rear shrouds from simulation results is not a standard parabola, and axial force decreases as flow rate increases. Radical reflux balance holes chosen to be 5.2 mm and 5.9 mm in diameter were further designed with other hydraulic parts unchanged. With structural grids adopted for total flow field, contrast numerical simulation on internal flow characteristics was conducted based on momentum equations and standard turbulence model(κ-ε). It is found that axial force of pump with radical reflux balance holes of5.2 mm and 5.9 mm in diameter is significantly less than that with radical reflux balance holes of 4.5 mm in diameter. Better axial force balance is obtained as the ratio of area of reflux balance holes and area of sealing ring exceeds 6.

INVESTIGATION INTO EFFECT OF SPRING PRESSURE ON PERFORMANCE OF BALANCED MECHANICAL SEALS

The loads acting on the sealing elements of balanced mechanical seals are analyzed. When the balance factor approaches the back pressure factor, the spring pressure will become main part of the face pressure. The leakage model of balanced mechanical seals is established on the base of M-B model for rough surface. Several GY-70 type balanced mechanical seals are tested. The influences of the spring pressure both on the leakage rate and on the friction characteristic of balanced mechanical seals are investigated. The research results indicate that as spring pressure increases, both the clear-ance between two end faces and the leakage rate will decrease, and the friction will be more serious because lubrication medium between the rotating ring and the stationary ring reduces, though the increase of the spring pressure may not be enough to change the face friction state of mechanical seals. There exists an optimum spring pressure for mechanical seal operation. Under this spring pres-sure, not only leakage rate is small, but also the seal end surfaces have a fine friction characteristic. Under different operating conditions, identical type mechanical seals may possess different spring pressure. Appropriate selection of spring pressure is valuable to realize long-period and small leakage rate operating of balanced mechanical seals.

Feasibility study of tar sands conditioning for earth pressure balance tunnelling

This paper presents the results of laboratory test on the feasibility of soil conditioning for earth pressurebalance （EPB） excavation in a tar sand, which is a natural material never studied in this respect. Thelaboratory test performed is based on a procedure and methods used in previous studies with differenttypes of soils, but for this special complex material, additional tests are also conducted to verify particularproperties of the tar sands, such as the tilt test and vane shear test usually used in cohesive materials, anda direct shear test. The laboratory test proves that the test procedure is applicable also to this type of soiland the conditioned material can be considered suitable for EPB excavations, although it is necessary touse a certain percentage of fine elements （filler） to create a material suitable to be mixed with foam. Thetest results show that the conditioned material fulfils the required standard for an EPB application.

Discrete element simulation of mechanical characteristic of conditioned sands in earth pressure balance shield tunneling

The discrete element method (DEM) was used to simulate the flow characteristic and strength characteristic of the conditioned sands in the earth pressure balance (EPB) tunneling. In the laboratory the conditioned sands were reproduced and the slump test and the direct shear test of the conditioned sands were implemented. A DEM equivalent model that can simulate the macro mechanical characteristic of the conditioned sands was proposed,and the corresponding numerical models of the slump test and the shear test were established. By selecting proper DEM model parameters,the errors of the slump values between the simulation results and the test results are in the range of 10.3%-14.3%,and the error of the curves between the shear displacement and the shear stress calculated with the DEM simulation is 4.68%-16.5% compared with that of the laboratory direct shear test. This illustrates that the proposed DEM equivalent model can approximately simulate the mechanical characteristics of the conditioned sands,which provides the basis for further simulation of the interaction between the conditioned soil and the chamber pressure system of the EPB machine.

Optimal arrangement for pressure measurement points in working chamber of earth pressure balance shield

In order to exactly provide scientific basis for pressure dynamic balance control of working chamber of earth pressure balance shield (EPBS),study on optimal arrangement of pressure measurement points in working chamber was conducted. Based on mathematical description of optimal arrangement for pressure measurement points,fuzzy clustering analysis and discriminant analysis were used to divide pressure regions of nodes on bulkhead. Finally,the selection method of optimal measurement points was proposed,and by selecting d6.28 m EPBS as study object,the case study was conducted. By contrast,based on optimal arrangement scheme of pressure measurement points,through adopting weighted algorithm,the absolute error mean of equivalent pressure of working chamber is the smallest. In addition,pressure curve of optimal arrangement points presents parabola,and it can show the state of pressure distribution on bulkhead truly. It is concluded that the optimal arrangement method of pressure measurement points in working chamber is effective and feasible,and the method can provide basis for realizing high precision pressure control of EPBS.

Modeling approaches to pressure balance dynamic system in shield tunneling

In order to deal with modeling problem of a pressure balance system with time-delay, nonlinear, time-varying and uncertain characteristics, an intelligent modeling procedure is proposed, which is based on artificial neural network(ANN) and input-output data of the system during shield tunneling and can overcome the precision problem in mechanistic modeling(MM) approach. The computational results show that the training algorithm with Gauss-Newton optimization has fast convergent speed. The experimental investigation indicates that, compared with mechanistic modeling approach, intelligent modeling procedure can obviously increase the precision in both soil pressure fitting and forecasting period. The effectiveness and accuracy of proposed intelligent modeling procedure are verified in laboratory tests.

Blood Pressure Balance as a Marker for Early Detection of Cerebral Infarction and a Criterion for Inclusion/Exclusion from Acupuncture Treatment

Background: Early detection of cerebral infarction (CI) by home acupuncturists might be helpful in reducing stroke mortality. We compared vital signs of patients who developed CI and those who did not to ascertain if blood pressure balance is a useful marker for the early detection of CI and for distinguishing cases with potentially effective/ineffective acupuncture treatment. Methods: In this retrospective study, vital signs such as body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, were simultaneously obtained from the right and left arms of patients who received weekly acupuncture treatment. We focused on the differences between values obtained from the right and left arms (the balance) and compared the values of patients who developed CI [CI (+)] (n = 18) and those of age-/gender-matched patients who did not [CI (−)] (n = 18). Results: Left/right blood pressure was significantly more unbalanced in the CI (+) group than in the CI (−) group, especially immediately before the onset of CI. Moreover, all CIs occurred on the side with a lower blood pressure. Discussion and Conclusions: Blood pressure balance might aid in the early detection of CI and to determine whether treatment with traditional or modern medicine is more appropriate. Acupuncture may thus help maintain patients’ quality of life.

Ultrasound based estimate of central venous pressure:Are we any closer?

Central venous pressure(CVP)serves as a direct approximation of right atrial pressure and is influenced by factors like total blood volume,venous compliance,cardiac output,and orthostasis.Normal CVP falls within 8-12 mmHg but varies with volume status and venous compliance.Monitoring and managing disturbances in CVP are vital in patients with circulatory shock or fluid disturbances.Elevated CVP can lead to fluid accumulation in the interstitial space,impairing venous return and reducing cardiac preload.While pulmonary artery catheterization and central venous catheter obtained measurements are considered to be more accurate,they carry risk of complications and their usage has not shown clinical improvement.Ultrasound-based assessment of the internal jugular vein(IJV)offers real-time,non-invasive measurement of static and dynamic parameters for estimating CVP.IJV parameters,including diameter and ratio,has demonstrated good correlation with CVP.Despite significant advancements in non-invasive CVP measurement,a reliable tool is yet to be found.Present methods can offer reasonable guidance in assessing CVP,provided their limitations are acknowledged.

Evaluation and prediction of earth pressure balance shield performance in complex rock strata:A case study in Dalian,China

This research explores the potential for the evaluation and prediction of earth pressure balance shield performance based on a gray system model.The research focuses on a shield tunnel excavated for Metro Line 2 in Dalian,China.Due to the large error between the initial geological exploration data and real strata,the project construction is extremely difficult.In view of the current situation regarding the project,a quantitative method for evaluating the tunneling efficiency was proposed using cutterhead rotation(R),advance speed(S),total thrust(F)and torque(T).A total of 80 datasets with three input parameters and one output variable(F or T)were collected from this project,and a prediction framework based gray system model was established.Based on the prediction model,five prediction schemes were set up.Through error analysis,the optimal prediction scheme was obtained from the five schemes.The parametric investigation performed indicates that the relationships between F and the three input variables in the gray system model harmonize with the theoretical explanation.The case shows that the shield tunneling performance and efficiency are improved by the tunneling parameter prediction model based on the gray system model.

Assessment of the Plantar Pressure, Muscle Strength and Balance in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Cyprus

Aims: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder which affects whole systems of human body. This study aimed to compare the strength of foot muscles, dynamic balance, and peak plantar pressure between diabetic patients before developing polyneuropathy and healthy peers. Methods: 21 people, 11 diabetic patients and 10 age-matched healthy peers, were included in the study. A manual muscle tester (model 01163 Lafayette) was used to assess muscle strength. Pedobarography was the device to determine the distribution of plantar pressure into nine regions of foot. Dynamic balance was also measured by using a mobile platform (Techno-body, PK 200 WL, Italy). Results: Diabetic and control groups had similar muscle strength and dynamic balance (p > 0.05). Most of the plantar pressure findings were also similar (p > 0.05). There were significant differences in only two regions of foot between two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Diabetes Mellitus is not a factor influencing balance and muscle strength before polyneuropathy. However, it is possible to state that it may negatively affect the distribution of plantar pressure so clinians should assess and treat this distribution in the patients with DM.

Cyclic moving average control approach to cylinder pressure and its experimental validation

Cyclic variability is a factor adversely affecting engine performance. In this paper a cyclic moving average regulation approach to cylinder pressure at top dead center （TDC） is proposed, where the ignition time is adopted as the control input. The dynamics from ignition time to the moving average index is described by ARMA model. With this model, a one-step ahead prediction-based minimum variance controller （MVC） is developed for regulation. The performance of the proposed controller is illustrated by experiments with a commercial car engine and experimental results show that the controller has a reliable effect on index regulation when the engine works under different fuel injection strategies, load changing and throttle opening disturbance.

Hydrodynamics of air-kerosene bubble column under elevated pressure in homogeneous flow regime

A multiphase computational fluid dynamics(CFD)model coupled with the population balance equation(PBE)was developed in a homogeneous air-kerosene bubble column under elevated pressure(P).The specific pressure drop(ΔP/L),gas holdup(α_(G)),and Sauter mean diameter(d_(32))were experimentally measured in the bubble column with 1.8 m height and 0.1 m inner diameter,which was operated at a superficial gas velocity of 12.3 mm·s^(-1),and P=1-35 bar(1 bar=10^(5) Pa).A modified drag coefficient model was proposed to consider the effect of bubble swarm and pressure on hydrodynamics of the bubble column.The Luo breakage model was modified to account for liquid density,viscosity,surface tension and gas density.TheΔP/L,α_(G),and d_(32) obtained from the CFD model were compared with experimental data,and the gas density-dependent parameters of the CFD model were identified.With increasing P from 1 to 35 bar,theα_(G) varied from 5.4%to 7.2% and the d32 decreased from 2.3 to 1.5 mm.The CFD-PBE model is applicable to predict hydrodynamics of pressurized bubble columns for gas-organic liquid in the homogeneous regime.

The Effect of Nitrous Oxide on the Intraocular Pressure in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery under Sevoflurane and Remifentanil Anesthesia

Introduction: Although inhalational anesthesia and nitrousoxide (N2O) are known to affect the intraocular pressure (IOP), little is known about the effect of nitrousoxide on the IOP during sevoflurane and remifentanil anesthesia. In the present study, we examined the effect of balanced anesthesia on the IOP. Materials and Methods: After obtaining informed consent, the patients undergoing abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were divided into two groups: N2O group (n = 10) and control group (n = 12). General anesthesia was maintained with remifentanil (0.05 - 0.3 μg/kg/min), 33% O2 and 1.2% sevoflurane to keep ETCO2 of 35 - 40 mmHg following tracheal intubation. After baseline measurement of IOP (T0, 20 minutes after injection of anesthesia), the patients in the N2O group received 67% nitrousoxide, and the patients in the control group received air, with O2 and 1.2% sevoflurane. Then, IOP was measured at 1 hour (T1), 2 hours (T2), and 3 hours (T3) after anesthesia induction in the supineposition. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded at the same time interval. Results: There was no significant difference in the IOP at any period between the two groups. In both groups, the IOP at the T3 was significantly higher than that at T0. Conclusion: These results suggest that N2O does not affect the IOP in patients undergoing abdominal surgery under sevoflurane and remifentanil anesthesia.

Research on New Testing Method and Instrument of Clothing Pressure

This paper discusses the formation of the fabric clothingpressure,the efforts of the human body and the impor-tance of the clothing pressure measurement.Several as-pects such as setting up the scientific and simple measur-ing method of the clothing pressure,the designing andmaking the measuring instruments are emphasized.Bymeans of experimental testing and analysis,some usefulresults can be derived from these works.

DESIGN OF NOVEL HIGH PRESSURE-RESISTANT HYDROTHERMAL FLUID SAMPLE VALVE

Sampling study is an effective exploration method, but the most extreme environments of hydrothermal vents pose considerable engineering challenges for sampling hydrothermal fluids. Moreover, traditional sampler systems with sample valves have difficulty in maintaining samples in situ pressure. However, decompression changes have effect on microorganisms sensitive to such stresses. To address the technical difficulty of collecting samples from hydrothermal vents, a new bidirectional high pressure-resistant sample valve with balanced poppet was designed. The sample valve utilizes a soft high performance plastic ＂PEEK＂ as poppet. The poppet with inapposite dimension is prone to occur to plastic deformation or rupture for high working pressure in experiments. To address this issue, based on the fmite element model, simulated results on stress distribution of the poppet with different structure parameters and preload spring force were obtained. The static axial deformations on top of the poppet were experimented. The simulated results agree with the experimental results. The new sample valve seals well and it can withstand high working pressure.

Evaluating the effects of open/closed eyes and age-related differences on center of foot pressure sway during stepping at a set tempo

This study aimed to examine the effects of open/ closed eyes and age difference on Center of Foot Pressure (COP) sway during stepping. The subjects were 87 healthy males aged 10 - 80 years. COP was measured 20 times when subjects stepped on two force plates (left and right) at a rate of 60 steps/min. The evaluation parameters selected were: total trace length, velocity, circumference, rectangular area,left-right width, and front-back width. The former four of these parameters were found to be significantly lower with eyes open than eyes closed in 80-year-old subjects, while the last parameter was significantly lower with eyes open in 10-year-old subjects. In 70- and 80-year-old subjects with eyes open, circumference was greater than that in 10- and 40 - 60-year-old subjects;their rectangular area was greater than that in 50- and 60-year-old subjects;and, their front-back width was greater than that in 10- and 30 - 60-year-old subjects. With eyes closed, circumference, rectangular area, left-right width, and front-back width in 80-year- old subjects, were greater than those in 10 - 70- year-old subjects. The front-back width during stepping with eyes closed was greater in 70- and 80-year-old subjects than in 30 - 50-year-old subjects. The Romberg quotient for all COP sway parameters revealed no significant age-related differences. From our findings, a difference in body sway was observed in 80-year-old subjects (with eyes open/closed) when compared with the other age groups. In addition, the extent of sway varied little among 80 year-old- subjects have greater body sway during stepping, particularly with eyes closed.

Practical application of pressure regulating technology for fire district in Meiyukou Coal Mine

Based on the simulated laboratory experiment of pressure balance for fire ex- tinguishing,the pressure regulating technology was summarized for the fire district in Meiyukou Coal Mine.The technology includes three measures for air pressure regulation, namely applying the pressure regulating chamber to balance the air pressure of fire district, increasing the air pressure of the working face,and filling the ground surface fractures.A good effect was obtained to prevent and extinguish the fire.When the measures fail to in- crease the pressure of working face or to regulate that of air chamber,the measure to fill the ground surface fractures will play an important role.

Electrostatic and Magnetostatic Forces That Arise from Electrostatic and Magnetostatic Pressures

With the insight provided by a balance equation of electromagnetic momentum, we compare the force on a dielectric slab inside a capacitor with the force on a magnetizable rod inside a solenoid. We conclude that these forces are not exactly analogous, as usually thought. We present a device that is a proper analogy of the case of a dielectric slab inside a capacitor. Our analysis shows the significance of the electrostatic and magnetostatic pressures to the understanding of these effects and shows the conceptual differences between both cases.

Pressure Gradient, Power, and Energy of Vortices

We consider small vortices, such as tornadoes, dust devils, whirlpools, and small hurricanes at low latitudes, for which the Coriolis force can be neglected. Such vortices are (at least approximately) cylindrically symmetrical about a vertical axis through the center of a calm central region or eye of radius . In the region fluid (gas or liquid) circulates about the eye with speed . We take to be the outer periphery of the vortex, where the fluid speed is reduced to that of the surrounding wind field (in the cases of tornadoes, dust devils, and small hurricanes at low latitudes) or deemed negligible (in the case of whirlpools). If , angular momentum is conserved within the fluid itself;if , angular momentum must be exchanged with Earth to ensure conservation of total angular momentum. We derive the steepness and upper limit of the pressure gradients in vortices. We then discuss the power and energy of vortices. We compare the kinetic energy of atmospheric vortices and the power required to maintain them against frictional dissipation with the same quantities for Earth’s atmosphere as a whole. We explain why the kinetic energy of atmospheric vortices must be replaced on much shorter timescales than is the case for Earth’s atmosphere as a whole. Brief comparisons of cyclostrophic flow with geostrophic and friction-balanced flows are then provided. We then consider an analogy that might be drawn, at least to some extent, with gravitational systems, considering mainly spherically-symmetrical and cylindrically-symmetrical ones. Generation of kinetic energy at the expense of potential energy in fluid vortices, in geostrophic and friction-balanced flows, and in gravitational systems is then briefly discussed. We explain the variations of pressure and gravitational gradients corresponding to generation of kinetic energy exceeding, equaling, and falling short of frictional dissipation. In the Appendix, we describe a simple method for maximizing power extraction from environmental fluid (air or water) flows. In summary, we provide an overview of features and energetics of Earth’s environmental fluid flows and of gravitational analogies thereto that, even though mostly semiquantitative, hopefully may be helpful.