The fact that many of the giant hydrocarbon reservoirs, such as the Ghawar field in Saudi Arabia and the Grosmont formation in Alberta, are formed from carbonates make these rocks important research topics. Compressional and shear wave velocities (at 1 MHz) and the quasi-static strains of thirty seven carbonate rock samples were measured as functions of saturating fluid and confining pressure. Furthermore, P- and S-wave velocities of the saturated samples were measured at constant differential pressure of 15 MPa. The quasi-static strains of the samples under jacketed and unjacketed conditions were also simultaneously acquired. The lithology, mineralogy, porosity and pore type and size distribution of each sample were obtained using a combination of thinsection and scanning electron microscopy, helium porosimetry and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Due to the lack of closing microcracks and compliant pores in low porosity samples, the travel times show slight changes with the confining pressure. Whereas the high porosity samples show remarkable reduction of travel time with the increase of confining pressure in both P- and S-wave. The samples show no changes in travel time with increasing confining pressure under constant differential pressure, and this behavior is taken to be representative of full saturation of the sample and hence used as a measure of quality control. The comparisons of Biot, Gassmann, squirt-Biot and squirt-Gassmann model predictions with the measured water saturated velocities show that the squirt mechanism is not active on all the studied samples. Biot mechanism is likely to be the principle dispersion mechanism in these samples. For S-wave velocities, Gassmanns model consistently over-predict the saturated at low pressure and closely fit the measured velocities at high pressure, whereas, Biot model over-predicts the saturated velocities in most of the studied samples. The strains over the horizontal axis are higher than the vertical axis suggesting that the majority of the compliant pores and crack-like pores are oriented almost in direction parallel to the length of the sample. The static bulk modulus is always lower than dynamic one for all measured samples. The measured grain bulk modulus is reasonably close to the bulk modulus of the constituent mineral. / Geophysics

No description available.

Published Article / The design, manufacture and use of diaphragm valves in the minerals industry is becoming increasingly important since this sector is restricted from using excessive amounts of water for their operations. This forces a change in the flow properties of these devices from turbulent to laminar in nature and thus necessitates the characterization of these flows for future designs. Furthermore, diaphragm valves have a short service life due to a variety of reasons that includes the abrasive nature of the flow environment. This paper describes the activities of the Adaptronics Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory (AMTL) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in the research and development of diaphragm valves using rapid prototyping technologies. As a first step, an experimental diaphragm valve was reverse engineered and retrofitted with ultrasonic transducers used in Ultrasonic Velocity Profiling (UVP) measurements. The use of this device enables measurements of velocity profiles to gain insight into the flow structure within the valve and the increased pressure losses generated within the valve. It also showed that components fabricated using the Z-Corporation machine could withstand the working environment of diaphragm valves. Research is now conducted on ultrasonic transducer placement in the device to further enhance the velocity profiling through the device. As a second step we produced a thin-walled stainless steel diaphragm valve using rapid prototyping technology and investment casting processes. A study of the durability of this device will be conducted and certain geometric and manufacturing aspects of this valve will be discussed.

Master of Science / Department of Geology / Abdelmoneam Raef / In this study, laboratory measurements of ultrasonic frequency P- and S-wave velocities were collected and analyzed from two sets of cores. The first set is from a near surface study in southeastern Kansas, and the second set was from the deep subsurface and obtained from a newly drilled well (Wellington KGS 1-32) in Sumner County, KS. Ultrasonic velocities acquired from the second set of cores were then compared with in situ sonic and dipole sonic frequencies of P- and S-waves from well logs. Well log data, core data, and ultrasonic velocity measurements were integrated for Gassmann fluid replacement modeling. The understanding of the velocity and elastic moduli variations at ultrasonic frequencies, along with the comparison of well log velocities can potentially provide improved understanding to establish a beneficial calibration relationship. It could also allow for estimation of shear wave velocities for wells lacking dipole sonic log data. The ability to utilize cost-effective ultrasonic measurements of velocities and elastic moduli in the laboratory, for fluid replacement modeling (Gassmann) in CO[subscript]2-sequestration, as well as, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects, would be a significant advance. Potential alternative use of ultrasonic velocities for determining the effects of fluid replacement using Gassmann modeling, when log data is lacking, is an ongoing effort. In this study, the fluid replacement modeling is executed based on sonic and dipole sonic P- and S-wave velocities and compared with results from theoretical modeling. The significance of this work lies in the potential of establishing a calibration relationship for the representative lithofacies of the carbon geosequestration target zone of the Wellington KGS 1-32 well in Sumner County, and enabling the use of ultrasonic measurements of body wave velocities and elastic moduli in Gassmann fluid replacement modeling. This work, when integrated with continuing effort in mapping lithofacies of the Arbuckle and Mississippian groups, would potentially be of great importance to fluid flow simulation efforts and time-lapse seismic monitoring. This study will utilize Gassmann modeling and a range of measurements and data, which include: well logs and ultrasonic laboratory P- and S-wave measurements and core analysis data.

The use of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods was needed for the conservation studies of historic timber structures. The aim of this study was to develop combined use of ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) measurements and infrared (IR) thermography, together with visual analyses for soundness assessment of timber. An important timber structure in Ankara, Aslanhane Mosque and traditional timber dwellings, in AyaS and istiklal District were selected for in-situ analyses. Representative laboratory samples such as mud brick, fired brick, mud mortar, mud plaster, lime plaster, historic timbers of different species and some new timbers were used for analyses in the laboratory to develop reference data for in-situ analyses. This study has shown that direct and indirect UPV measurements taken parallel to fiber direction were good at estimating the soundness of timber elements. UPV measurements taken from timber samples were affected by atmospheric humidity, at which the timber was in equilibrium with or by its water content, cuts of timber and type of species. Quantitative Infrared thermography (QIRT) was good at soundness assessment and defect inspection of timber. The study showed that, the even or heterogeneous distribution of surface temperatures, different thermal inertia characteristics, reflected by the rates of heating and cooling of materials and their ratios to sound timber were good parameters to assess the state of deterioration of timber elements, dampness problems and the compatibility of neighbouring materials with timber. The joint use of QIRT and UPV methods combined with laboratory data has enhanced the accuracy and effectiveness of the survey.

This study includes examination of the machinability characteristics of two medium carbon steel types (SAE 1040 and SAE 1050) as a result of spherodizing treatment. Both steel types were handled into four categories according to their spherodizing treatment parameters (temperature and time). Microstructural investigation, hardness and ultrasonic sound velocity measurement (with both longitudinal and transverse waves) of these steels were performed, and effect of applied heat treatments on microstructure, hardness and ultrasonic sound velocity was investigated. Pulse-echo method has been used for ultrasonic sound velocity measurements, and measurements were performed with 5 and 10 MHz longitudinal and 5 MHz transverse wave probes. Tool life criterion was used for determining the machinability characteristics of the steels. For this purpose, flank wear land measurements were performed on the cutting tools. Results have showed that, by appliying heat treatment it is possible to change the microstructure, hardness, ultrasonic sound velocity and machinability characteristics of a steel.

Crispness is one of the most desirable textural characteristics of breaded fried foods. Consumers often judge the quality of breaded fried foods based on the perceived crispness of the product. Furthermore, today's consumers are showing increasing concern over fat intake. As a result, there is great interest in being able to enhance the crispness and reduce the fat uptake in breaded fried foods without sacrificing other quality attributes. To achieve these goals, modifications to both frying equipment and product formulation have been explored in this study. In this study, two edible film coatings, methylcellulose (MC) and whey protein isolate (WPI) were incorporated into the batter and pre-dust to determine their effect on the crispness of breaded fried chicken nuggets held under a heat lamp for varying time intervals. Crispness was evaluated by both objective (ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation system) and subjective methods. An untrained sensory panel was used to obtain subjective measurements of product crispness. Panelists rated product attributes such as crispness, juiciness, oiliness and flavor on a simple intensity scale. Additionally, panelists rated the liking of the products on a nine-point hedonic scale (1=dislike extremely, 9=like extremely). Two pressure sources (nitrogen gas and steam naturally released from the food material) were used to determine their effects on product crispness, texture, pressed juice, moisture content, fat content and color. Products fried with nitrogen gas as the pressurizing medium produced samples that were comparable to or exceeding the quality of products generated by frying with steam, as it relates to product crispness, texture, pressed juice, moisture content, fat content and color. As related to objective crispness, chicken nuggets fried with nitrogen were significantly crispier (p<0.05) than those fried with steam. Coating type and application also had a significant effect on product crispness. Samples coated with MC in the pre-dust were crispier than samples coated with WPI. However, no significant differences were found in product crispness, juiciness, oiliness or flavor, and overall liking among samples tested by the sensory panel. The results of this study demonstrated that applying an edible film coating to the pre-dust and using nitrogen gas as the pressurizing medium can enhance and maintain the crispness of breaded fried foods. / Master of Science

La pierre monumentale subit au fil du temps des mécanismes de dégradation physiques, chimiques et biologiques qui détruisent l’épiderme des monuments et affectent la structure porteuse et sa stabilité. La compréhension des mécanismes de dégradation est nécessaire pour les gestionnaires d’ouvrages surtout que les études menées jusqu’à présent sont souvent incomplètes. Dans cette problématique, une étude de la dégradation de la pierre calcaire de Blaye est réalisée en collaboration avec le projet européen Medachs et la mairie de Blaye. Cette étude est composée de deux parties principales réalisées sur le site et en laboratoire. L’étude in-situ consiste à appareiller une pierre de façon à avoir la température de l’air et à la surface, à l’extérieur et à l’intérieur du bâtiment, et à 3 profondeurs dans la pierre. Un modèle numérique alimentée par les résultats des mesures expérimentales est élaboré pour estimer la valeur de la conductivité thermique du matériau. La pierre est alors découpée en 3 épaisseurs et la conductivité thermique est calculée pour chaque épaisseur en appliquant une méthode d’optimisation (Powell). La variation de la conductivité est directement liée à celle de la porosité et donc de l’état d’altération du matériau. L’étude au laboratoire est réalisée en deux étapes. En premier temps, des éprouvettes du matériau vierge en provenance de la carrière locale sont utilisées pour caractériser l’état initial du matériau. Pour cela, des paramètres physiques (masse volumique, porosités) et des paramètres mécaniques (vitesse ultrasonore et résistance mécanique) sont mesurés et identifiés. En deuxième temps ,nous réalisons des essais de vieillissement accéléré par action des sels et par action des cycles hygrothermiques. Les essais montrent la fragilité du matériau et mettent en évidence une résistance très faible face à la cristallisation de sels. Le travail réalisé, à la fois en laboratoire et in-situ, met en évidence la nécessité de mieux comprendre les mécanismes de dégradation et de mieux connaitre le matériau en particulier au niveau de l’action des sels. On propose de réaliser des essais qui prennent plus en compte les conditions d’exposition de la pierre (température, nature des sels, etc.). / Monumental stone is exposed to alteration caused by physical, chemical and biological mechanisms of degradation. With time, these mechanisms can destruct the monument epidermis and endanger the structure stability. The complex mechanisms of stone degradation are not fully understood. Our scientific knowledge is incomplete. Within the framework of the maintenance of historical monuments, a study of Blaye limestone alteration is realized with the collaboration of the European project Medachs and the town hall of Blaye. Our study can be divided into two major parts : an in-situ study and a laboratory study. The on site study consists on measuring the temperature evolution at the internal and external surface of a chosen stone in the building as well as the temperature evolution at the air in the inside and the outside of the building and at three depths in the stone. A numerical model is built in order to estimate the thermal conductivity of the stone based on the measurements results. The model consists on considering that the stone is composed of three layers characterized with three different values of the thermal conductivity. These values are estimated by using an optimization algorithm (Powell). The thermal conductivity varies with the porosity and thus can be considered as an indicator of the stone damage On the other hand, the laboratory study is realized in two stages. At first, the physical and the mechanical parameters of the original material are estimated by carrying out different measurements (relative density, porosiy, ultrasonic velocity, and compressive resistance). The samples that were used for the measurements were extracted from the local quarry. Then two types of accelerated ageing tests were realized : salt crystallization and hydro-thermal cycles. The results of the tests showed a low resistance of the material especially to salt crystallization. At the end, the results of the in-situ and the laboratory study show the fragility of the material and highlight the need and the importance of a better understanding of the degradation mechanisms. The effect of the environmental conditions should be included in the studies in order to have a clear image about the variation of the material resistance to salt crystallization with the exposure conditions (temperature, type of salts, etc.).

Thesis (DTech (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2011 / Ultrasonic Velocity Profiling (UVP) is both a method and a device to measure an instantaneous one-dimensional velocity profile along a measurement axis by using Doppler echography. UVP is an ideal technique since it is non-invasive, works with opaque systems, inexpensive, portable and easy to implement relative to other velocity profile measurement methods. Studies have suggested that the accuracy of the measured velocity gradient close to wall interfaces need to be improved. The reason for this is due to, depending on the installation method, distortion caused by cavities situated in front of ultrasonic transducers, measurement volumes overlapping wall interfaces, refraction of the ultrasonic wave as well as sound velocity variations. A new ultrasonic transducer, which incorporates a delay line material optimised for beam forming could reduce these problems (Wiklund, 2007). If these could be addressed, UVP could be used for the measurement of velocity profiles in complex geometries (e.g. contractions, valves, bends and other pipe fittings) where the shape of the velocity profile is critical to derive models for estimating fluid momentum and kinetic energy for energy efficient designs. The objective of this research work was to optimise the UVP system for accurate complex flow measurements by evaluating a specially designed delay line transducer and implementing advanced signal processing techniques. The experimental work was conducted at the Material Science and Technology (MST) group at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). This work also formed part of a collaborative project with SIK - The Swedish Institute for Food and Biotechnology. Acoustic characterisation of the ultrasonic transducers using an advanced robotic setup was done at SI K. Different concentrations of the following non-Newtonian fluids exhibiting different rheological characteristics were used for testing: carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solutions, kaolin and bentonite suspensions. Water was used for calibration purposes.

This diploma thesis deals with the study of possible interactions between hyaluronan (HA) and plasmid DNA (pDNA). Plasmid DNA was isolated from E. coli JM109 (pUC19) and resuspended in TE buffer as well as high molecular weight hyaluronan. Individual samples of pDNA, HA and pDNA-HA were characterized by gel electrophoresis, CD spectroscopy and high resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy. Agarose gel electrophoresis examined the effect of the addition of hyaluronan to plasmid DNA on the migration of samples to the positive electrode. Structural changes in pDNA-HA samples were examined using CD spectroscopy. Individual CD spectra describes the dependence of the difference in absorption coefficients for left-hand and right-handed elliptic polarized light at wavelength. High resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy has been used to study interactions. It is an analytical method based on ultrasonic velocity and attenuation. We classify this technique as a non-destructive method because the passing waves do not affect the structure of the analyzed sample.