Com o objetivo de aumentar o lucro de plantas químicas, a Otimização em Tempo Real (RTO) é uma ferramenta que busca determinar as condições ótimas operacionais do processo em estado estacionário, respeitando as restrições operacionais estabelecidas. Neste trabalho foi realizada a implementação prática de um ciclo RTO em um processo de destilação por recompressão de vapor (VRD), propileno-propano, da Refinaria de Paulínia (Petrobras S.A.), a partir de dados históricos da planta. Foram consideradas as principais etapas de um ciclo clássico de RTO: identificação de estado estacionário, reconciliação de dados, estimação de parâmetros e otimização econômica. Essa unidade foi modelada, simulada e otimizada em EMSO (Environment for Modeling, Simulation and Optimization), um simulador de processos orientado a equações desenvolvido no Brasil. Foram analisados e comparados dois métodos de identificação de estado estacionário, um baseado no teste estatístico F e outro baseado em wavelets. Ambos os métodos tiveram resultados semelhantes e mostraram-se capazes de identificar os estados estacionários de forma satisfatória, embora seja necessário o ajuste de parâmetros na sua implementação. Foram identificados alguns pontos estacionários para serem submetidos ao ciclo RTO e foi possível verificar a importância de partir de um estado estacionário para a continuidade do ciclo, já que essa é uma premissa do método. A partir dos pontos analisados, os resultados deste estudo mostram que o RTO é capaz de aumentar o ganho econômico entre 2,5-24%, dependendo das condições iniciais consideradas, o que pode representar ganhos de até 18 milhões de dólares por ano. Além disso, para essa unidade, verificou-se que o compressor é um equipamento limitante no aumento de ganho econômico do processo. / In order to increase the profits of chemical plants, the Real-Time Optimization (RTO) is a tool that seeks to determine the steady-state optimal process operating conditions to maximize its profit under the operational restrictions. In this work, a practical implementation of a RTO cycle was implemented in a vapor recompression distillation (VRD) process, propylene-propane, from Paulínia Refinery (Petrobras S.A.), from historical plant data. The main steps of a classical RTO cycle are considered: steady-state identification, data reconciliation, parameter estimation and economical optimization. This unit was modeled, simulated and optimized in EMSO (Environment for Modeling, Simulation and Optimization), which is an equation oriented simulator conceived and developed in Brazil. Two steady state identification methods were analyzed and compared, one based on a F-like test and other based on wavelets. Both methods had similar results and showed to be able to identify the stationary states satisfactorily, although parameter tuning is necessary in their implementation. Some stationary points were identified and submitted to the RTO cycle. It was possible to verify the importance of start from a steady-state to continue the cycle, since this is a premise of the method. From the points analyzed, the results of this study show that the RTO is able to increase the economic gain between 2.5- 24%, depending on the initial conditions that is considered, which may represent gains of up to 18 million dollar per year. Furthermore, for this unit, it was found that the compressor is a limiting equipment in increasing economical gain.

Afin de parvenir à une meilleure compréhension des processus d’évolution des magmas réunionnais, nous avons réalisé une étude ayant pour objectifs principaux : (1) la simulation expérimentale du système d’alimentation du Piton de la Fournaise, à partir d’un matériel de départ de composition typique de Steady State Basalt et dans des conditions de pression, température, fO2 et de teneurs en volatils (H2O, CO2) réalistes ; (2) la détermination de la séquence de cristallisation d’échantillons représentatifs des roches plutoniques réunionnaises de façon à les comparer avec les résultats expérimentaux et (3) l’obtention d’une base de données volcanologiques, pétrologiques et géochimiques significative sur le groupe de laves anormales (« Abnormal Group ») permettant de confirmer son existence dans le système d’alimentation du Piton de la Fournaise. La découverte de verres silicatés ayant des compositions caractéristiques de l’Abnormal Group confirme l’implication de ces magmas dans l’activité éruptive. Toutefois, les roches plutoniques n’enregistrent pour la plupart que des séquences de cristallisation témoignant d’une évolution superficielle des magmas. Cette dernière est simulée de façon satisfaisante par les expérimentations réalisées dans la gamme 0.1 à 50 MPa qui conduisent à des modèles pétrologiques et des pressions de stockage en accord avec les données géophysiques. Les expérimentations à plus forte pression démontrent l’existence de paliers au sein du système d’alimentation qui peuvent en grande partie expliquer les diverses compositions réunionnaises, mais posent la question de la composition des magmas parentaux. / To better understand magmatic processes associated with the evolution of La Réunion magmas, we have carried out a multi-approach study aimed at (1) simulating experimentally the feeding system of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, using a Steady State Basalt starting material and P-T-fO2-Volatiles (H2O, CO2) conditions compatible with the natural system; (2) determining crystallization sequences representative of La Réunion plutonic rocks for comparison with the experimental results and (3) constructing a volcanological, petrological and geochemical database for lavas of the Abnormal Group, to confirm the existence of Abnormal melts in the feeding system of the volcano. The discovery of glasses having chemical characteristics similar to the Abnormal Group establishes the implication of Abnormal melts in eruptive processes. However, plutonic rocks record crystallization sequences that for the most part indicate a low pressure magmatic evolution. Experiments in the pressure range 0.1 to 50 MPa satisfactorily reproduce conditions in the shallow magmatic systems and lead to petrological models and magma storage depths in agreement with geophysical data. Experiments at higher pressures demonstrate transitions in magma fractionation mechanisms in the feeding system that can explain the range of erupted compositions, but call into question the compositions of parental magmas.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-09-03Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:40:43Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 meireles_cls_dr_rcla.pdf: 1546933 bytes, checksum: 54fdb56bc59cedfe2e921a5e0219b2a2 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O modelo de avaliação da potência crítica – Pcrit (Monod e Scherrer, 1965) é uma construção teórica, derivada da aplicação de uma série de testes, com cargas constantes até exaustão ou tempos limites (tlim). Muitos estudos têm examinado a aplicação e limitações metodológicas decorrentes da Pcrit em diferentes modalidades de exercícios cíclicos, mas poucos têm analisado as suas respostas aplicadas ao modelo de exercício resistido com peso (ERP). O objetivo geral deste estudo foi verificar a validade do modelo da Pcrit, como método de determinação da máxima fase estável de lactato (MFEL), aplicado ao ERP, no supino reto (SR) e verificar associações entre a capacidade de impulso anaeróbio (CIA), com a carga máxima (Cmax), média (Cmed) e índice de fadiga (IF) obtidos em testes anaeróbios de Wingate adaptado (WgtAd) no SR. Participaram da pesquisa 15 homens, fisicamente ativos em ERP, habituados com exercícios de intensidades elevadas [média (±) dp, idade de 21,33 ± 2,85 anos; massa corporal total de 78,48 ± 13,53 kg; estatura de 178,21 ± 7,44 cm e IMC de 24,63 ± 3,42 kg/m2]. Foram aplicados teste e re-teste de 1-RM, para determinação da carga máxima dinâmica em diferentes pegadas (padrão - PGP, aberta - PGA e fechada - PGF). Determinouse em PGP as cargas relativas a 30%, 40%, 50% e 60% para verificação dos tlim, os quais foram ajustados com procedimentos de regressão linear e não linear, determinando a força crítica (Fcrit) e a capacidade de impulso anaeróbio (CIA). Para a validade do parâmetro aeróbio, foi aplicado o teste de MFEL, levando em consideração três cargas de Fcrit (90%, 100% e 110%), e para o parâmetro anaeróbio, o teste de WgtAd com cargas diferenciadas da massa corporal total (MCT). A creatina quinase (CK), como marcador de lesão muscular, e a frequência cardíaca (FC), com variável hemodinâmica, foram analisadas para... / The evaluation model of Critical Power - PCrit (Monod and Scherrer, 1965) is a theoretical construct, derived from the application of a series of tests with constant load until exhaustion or timeouts (tlim). Many studies have examined the application and methodological limitations arising PCrit into different types of cyclic exercise, but few have analyzed their responses applied to the model of Resistance Exercise with Weight (ERP). The aim of this study was to verify the validity of the model PCrit as a method of determining the Maximum Lactate Steady State (MLSS), applied to the ERP, the Bench Press (BP) and examine associations between the Anaerobic Capacity Boost (CIA) with the maximum load (Cmax), average (Cav) and Fatigue Index (FI) obtained in the Wingate anaerobic test adapted (WgtAd) in SR. Fifteen men participated in this study, physically active in the ERP, used to high exercise intensities [mean (±) SD, age 21.33 ± 2.85 years, total body mass of 78.48 ± 13.53 kg, height of 178.21 ± 7.44 cm and BMI 24.63 ± 3.42 kg/m2]. Were applied to test and re-test 1-RM to determine the maximum load dynamics in different footprints (default - PGP, open - PGA and closed - PGF). PGP was determined in the charges relating to 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% for verification of tlim, which were adjusted by regression procedures for linear and nonlinear, determining the Critical Force (Fcrit) and Anaerobic Capacity Boost (CIA). For the validity of the parameter aerobic test was applied to the MLSS, taking into consideration three loads Fcrit (90%, 100% and 110%), and for parameter anaerobic test WgtAd with different loads of Total Body Mass (MCT). Creatine Kinase (CK) as marker of muscle damage, and Heart Rate (HR), with a variable hemodynamics, were analyzed to determine the sensitivity regarding the volume and intensity imposed during and after the tests. It was concluded that the mathematical model... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-03-15Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:00:55Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 carita_rac_me_rcla.pdf: 596317 bytes, checksum: ae963e507d62f687b35122425b6c0d5b (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O principal objetivo deste estudo foi analisar e comparar as respostas metabólicas e cardiorrespiratórias durante o exercício realizado na MLSS e PC em indivíduos com diferentes níveis de treinamento aeróbio no ciclismo. Participaram do estudo 7 ciclistas (C) bem treinados, especializados em provas de estrada e 9 sujeitos não treinados (NT), sem experiência prévia de treinamento no ciclismo. Os voluntários realizaram em dias diferentes os seguintes testes, em um cicloergômetro: 1) teste incremental até a exaustão para a determinação do limiar anaeróbio (Lan), consumo máximo de oxigênio ( O2max) e da intensidade correspondente ao O2max (I O2max); 2) 2 a 4 testes de carga constante de 30 minutos em diferentes intensidades para a determinação da máxima fase estável de lactato sanguíneo (MLSS); 3) 3 testes de carga constante a 95, 100 e 110% I O2max até a exaustão voluntária para a determinação da potência crítica (PC), e; 4) um teste de carga constante até a exaustão na PC. A MLSS foi considerada como a maior intensidade de exercício onde a concentração de lactato não aumentou mais do que 1 mM entre o 10o e o 30o minuto de exercício. Os valores individuais de potência (95, 100 e 110% I O2max) e seu respectivo tempo máximo de exercício (tlim) foram ajustados a partir do modelo hiperbólico de 2 parâmetros para determinação da PC. A PC para ambos os grupos C (318 ± 29W) e NT (200 ± 33W) foi maior significantemente do que a MLSS para os C (288 ± 35W) e NT (169 ± 34W). A MLSS e a PC foram significantemente maiores no grupo C. Em valores relativos ao O2max a MLSS foi maior no grupo C (83 ± 7%) do que no grupo NT (79 ± 6), porém a PC foi similar entre os grupos (91 ± 5% e 90 ± 5%, respectivamente). Da mesma forma, o consumo de oxigênio na PC ( O2PC) foi significantemente maior do que na MLSS ( O2MLSS) nos grupos NT... / The objective of this study was to analyze and to compare metabolic and cardiorrespiratory responses durin the exercise performed at MLSS and CP in subjects with different aerobic trainning levels in cycling. Participated of this study, 7 well trained cyclists (C), specialized in road events and 9 non-trained subjects (NT), without previous training experience in cycling. Ths subjects performed the following protocols in different days in cyclergometer: 1) incremental test until exhaustion to determine anaerobic threshold (AT), maximal oxygen uptake ( O2max) and the intensity at O2max (I O2max); 2) 2 to 4 constant workload tests in different intensities to determine maximal lactate steadystate (MLSS); 3) 3 constant workload tests at 95, 100 e 110% I O2max until exhaustion to determine critical power (CP), and; 4) constant workload test until exhaustion at CP. MLSS was considered the highest exercise intensity at which the blood lactate concentration did not increase for more than 1 mM between 10th and 30th minute of the exercise. The individual values of power (95, 100 e 110% I O2max) and the respective times (tlim) were adjusted using the hyperbolic model with parameteres to determine CP. CP for C (318 ± 29W) and NT (200 ± 33W) was significantly higher than MLSS in C (288 ± 35W) and NT (169 ± 34W). MLSS and PC were significantly higher in C group. In values relative to O2max, the MLSS was significantly higher in C (83 ± 7%) than NT (79 ± 6), however CP was similar between groups (91 ± 5% and 90 ± 5%, respectively). In the same way, the oxygen uptake at CP ( O2PC) was significantly higher than at MLSS ( O2MLSS) for NT (2627 + 519 e 2323 ± 460 mL.min-1, 11%) e C (3607 ± 505 e 3953 ± 466 mL.min-1, 8%). The slow component at CP in C (375 ± 164 ml.min-1) was similar to NT (412 ± 175 ml.min-1). At this condition, the O2max was not attained (C – 93 ± 5%; NT – 96 ± 7%)... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

We consider both a long-wave model and a first-order weighted-residual integral boundary layer (WIBL) model in the investigation of thin film flow down a topographical incline whilst under the effects of a normal electric field. The liquid is assumed to be a perfect dielectric, although is trivially extended to the case of a perfect conductor. The perfect dielectric case with no topography includes a simple modified electric Weber number which incorporates the relative electrical permittivity constant into itself. Linear stability analysis is carried out for both models, and critical Reynolds numbers which depend on the electric Weber number and the capillary number are produced. Regions of stability, convective instability and absolute instability are then determined for both models in terms of our electric Weber number and Reynolds number parameters in the case of no topography. Time-dependent simulations are produced to corroborate the aforementioned regions and investigate the effect of normal electric field strength in addition to sinusoidal and rectangular topographical amplitude on our system for various domain sizes. For the time-dependent simulations we find strong agreement with the linear stability analysis, and the results suggest that the inclusion of a normal electric field may have some stabilising properties in the long-wave model which are absent in the case of a flat wall, for which the electric field is always linearly destabilising. This stabilising effect is not observed for the same parameters in the WIBL model with a sinusoidal wall, although a similar effect is noticed in the WIBL model with a rectangular wall. We also investigate the simultaneous effect of domain size, wall amplitude and electric field strength on the critical Reynolds numbers for both models, and find that increasing the electric field strength can make large-amplitude sinusoidal topography stabilising rather than destabilising for the long-wave model. Continuation curves of steady solutions and bifurcation diagrams are also produced, and comparisons between the two models are made for various parameter values, which show excellent agreement with the literature. Subharmonic branches and time-periodic solutions are additionally included, similarly showing very good agreement with the literature.

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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important medical imaging technique for visualizing soft tissue structures in the body. It has the advantages of being noninvasive and, unlike x-ray, does not rely on ionizing radiation for imaging. In traditional hydrogen-based MRI, the strongest measured signals are generated from the hydrogen nuclei contained in water and fat molecules.Reliable and uniform water fat separation can be used to improve medical diagnosis. In many applications the water component is the primary signal of interest, while the fat component represents a signal which can obscure the underlying pathology or other features of interest. In other applications the fat signal is the signal of interest. There currently exist many techniques for water fat separation. Dixon reconstruction techniques take multiple images acquired at select echo times with specific phase properties. Linear combinations of these images produce separate water and fat images. In MR imaging, images with high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), that can be generated in a short time, are desired. Balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) MRI is a technique capable of producing images with high SNR in a short imaging time but suffers from signal voids or banding artifacts due to magnetic field inhomogeneity and susceptibly variations. These signal voids degrade image quality. Several methods have been developed to remove these banding effects. The simplest methods combine images across multiple bSSFP image acquisitions. This thesis describes a technique in water fat separation I developed which combines the advantages of bSSFP with Dixon reconstruction in order to produce robust water fat decomposition with high SNR in a short imaging time, while simultaneously reducing banding artifacts which traditionally degrade image quality. This algorithm utilizes four phased-cycled bSSFP acquisitions at specific echo times. Phase sensitive post-processing and a field map are used to prepare the data and reduce the effects of field inhomogeneities. Dixon reconstruction is then used to generate separate water and fat images.

Measuring nuclear fuel thermal conductivity in-pile can provide much needed data for understanding fuel performance during irradiation and yield thermophysical property data needed for simulation codes and fuel databases. The objective of this research is to develop and compare two in-pile thermal conductivity methods in a laboratory setting using surrogate fuel materials. A steady-state radial heat flow method was investigated to understand its viability as an in-pile steady-state thermal conductivity technique. By using Joule heating to simulate volumetric heat generation within a surrogate fuel rod, thermal conductivity was measured with two thermocouples at different radial positions within the rod. Examinations were completed on two batches of surrogate materials over the temperature range of 500 to 700 °C. The selected surrogate rod was fabricated from the only material identified to possess the required thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity required for the selected laboratory approach. Evaluations estimated a measurement uncertainty of 12% and values were within 33% of values obtained using laboratory material property measurement systems for this surrogate material. Results indicate that the selected surrogate rod material limited the ability to assess this approach at higher temperatures in a laboratory setting. A transient needle probe method adapted from American Standard Test Method standards was also used to measure temperature-dependent thermal conductivity of surrogate fuel rod materials for temperatures ranging from room temperature to 400 °C. The needle probe has a heating element and a temperature sensor contained in a metal sheath, and it is inserted into the surrogate fuel rod whose thermal conductivity is to be measured. The thermal conductivity is calculated from the power applied to the heating element, and the temperature rise detected in the sample. Needle probes were designed and fabricated using materials recommended for in-pile application. Scoping room-temperature values obtained using the needle probe method were within acceptable accuracies defined by the ASTM needle probe reference standard. Temperature-dependent values were within 2% of values for the well-characterized ASTM recommended reference material, fused silica. A measurement uncertainty under 6% was calculated for the needle probe method. As a result of this study, the needle probe method was selected for additional testing at the Idaho National Laboratory for anticipated testing in Materials Test Reactors. This would result in the first-ever transient in-pile thermal conductivity sensor.