Modern bottom-hole assemblies are equipped with various sensors which measure the geological and directional information of the borehole while drilling. It is very crucial to get the measured downhole information to the surface in real time in order to be able to monitor, steer and optimize the drilling process while drilling. The transmission of the information to the surface is most commonly carried out by coded pressure pulses (the technology called mud pulse telemetry) which propagate through the drilling mud inside the drill string towards the surface. However, hardly any specific experimental research on the hydraulic data transmission can be found in the literature. Moreover, it is essential to use a reliable model/simulation tool which can more accurately simulate the pressure pulse propagation in fluids inside drill strings under various drilling operation conditions in order to improve the performance of the data transmission process. The aims of this study are to develop and test a laboratory experimental setup, a simulation model and a novel method for detecting and decoding of measurement while drilling pressure pulse propagation in fluids inside drill strings. This thesis presents a laboratory experimental setup for investigating the process of data transmission in boreholes by mud pulse telemetry. The test facility includes a flow loop, a centrifugal pump, a positive mud pulser or alternatively a mud siren, pressure transducers at four different locations along the flow loop and a data collection system. Moreover, it includes an “actuator system” for the simulation of typical noise patterns created by the common duplex or triplex mud pumps. This laboratory setup with great capabilities opens the way for testing and developing new concepts for data transmission. A theoretical model using ANSYS CFX11 (Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) commercial code) was successfully developed to simulate dynamic pressure pulse transmission behavior in the fluid inside the flow loop. The collected laboratory data which simulate various data transmission processes in boreholes were used to verify and calibrate the theoretical method. A pretty good agreement is achieved between the predicted and measured pressure pulses at different locations along the flow loop for positive pulses with various durations using different flow rates and for continuous pressure pulses using different carrier frequencies. A novel approach (continuous wavelet transformation) for detecting and decoding the received continuous pressure pulses in a noisy environment was applied to various simulated drilling operation conditions for data transmission in boreholes in the laboratory. The concept was registered at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) for a patent in 2011. The results indicate that the continuous wavelet transformation can be used to clearly identify and better detect the continuous pressure pulse periods, frequencies and discontinuity positions in the time domain compared to the conventional method (Fourier transformation). This method will contribute to the possibility of transmitting the data at higher rates and over longer distances. A concept for developing an innovative pulser using electrical discharge or acoustic sources for inducing pulses keeping the drill strings fully open (eliminating the problem of plugging the pulser by pumped lost circulation materials) and without any mechanical moving parts (eliminating the failure related to the pulser moving parts) was also registered at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) for a patent in 2012. With this pulser, it is expected that it would be possible to transmit the data over longer distances and at higher rates. Realizing the concept of the new pulser and using continuous wavelet transformation for detecting and decoding the pulser signal are recommended for future work.

In the continuous search for Hydrocarbon and Geothermal resources in the earth, wells are drilled for various purposes. Wildcat, Appraisal, Production and Injection wells are drilled for proper field development and operation. Based on the purpose and plan for the wells, trajectory and targets are defined. During drilling, continuous monitoring of trajectory, rock and fluid characteristics are required to achieve defined objectives. Measurement while Drilling (MWD) and Logging while Drilling (MWD) systems are included as part of the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) to perform continuous measurement and transmission of downhole data to the surface. Measured data are converted to binary form and transferred to the surface for further processing and interpretation. Several methods of data transfer are possible albeit with various pros and cons. Currently, the most widely used method of transfer still remains the Mud Pulse Telemetry (MPT) system which makes use of the mud (drilling fluid) within the system for transmission of data. The major focus of this research was to further expand the envelope in the research towards increasing data transmission rates using the mud siren, a form of mud pulse telemetry. This research includes practical investigations which was conducted within the unique Flow Loop Laboratory at the Institute of Drilling and Fluid Mining, TU Bergakademie Freiberg. Within the research, minor adjustments were made to the flow loop facility to align with realities expected on the Rig. Effects of the changes made were evaluated and presented. The pulser section of the flow loop was also redesigned and new mud sirens manufactured to allow for the practical investigation in series and parallel. The major concept for increasing data transmission rate investigated in this research is the Multifrequency Mud Siren transmission in series and parallel. Following up with previous research, simulation of the flop loop scenario using ANSYS CFX was done to allow for numerical evaluation of the multifrequency transmission concept. Simulation runs were performed with various scenarios both in series and parallel, results evaluated and analyzed thereafter. A little mention on the amplification theory was also investigated and results shown. For the practical experiments, the pulser section was redesigned to allow investigations both into the series and parallel conditions for multifrequency transmission. Various experimental flow runs were successfully performed, observations recorded, data analyzed using MATLAB and results discussed. In closing, a conceptual design that contributes towards the possible field application of the Multifrequency transmission concept was developed. The Compact Double Multifrequency Siren concept was designed to aid easier adaptation of the Multifrequency transmission concept both in series and parallel.:Table of Contents Declaration ii Abstract iii Acknowledgements v List of Abbreviations vi List of Symbols viii Table of Contents x 1. Introduction 1 2. Literature Review and Fundamentals 5 2.1. Historical perspective 5 2.1.1. Introduction 5 2.1.2. Mud Pulse Telemetry 6 2.1.3. Telemetry drill pipe 7 2.1.4. Electromagnetic telemetry 7 2.1.5. Acoustic Telemetry 8 2.2. Mud Pulse Telemetry devices 9 2.2.1. Positive Pulser 9 2.2.2. Negative Pulser 10 2.2.3. Mud Siren 11 2.2.4. Oscillating Shear Valve 12 2.3. Modulation Techniques for Data Transmission 13 2.3.1. Baseband Transmission 13 2.3.2. Passband Transmission 15 2.4. Signal Transformation and Processing 16 2.4.1. Fourier Transformation 17 2.4.2. Short time Fourier Transformation 17 2.4.3. Continuous Wavelet Transformation 18 2.5. Summary of Previous Research Work on the Flowloop 19 3. Flowloop setup and current changes 21 3.1. Description of Flowloop 21 3.1.1. General overview of Flowloop 21 3.1.2. Pulser Prototypes 25 3.2. Improvement in Flow Loop Set-Up 28 3.2.1. Pump Change Justification 28 3.2.2. Pump replacement 35 3.2.3. Analysis of Pump Replacement 36 4. ANSYS Modelling and Simulation of the Multi Frequency Mud Siren in Series and Parallel 47 4.1. Basics of Numerical simulation with ANSYS CFX 48 4.2. Mesh Generation and Quality 51 4.3. Modelling 53 4.4. CFX-Pre Set-up and Post view 54 4.5. Flow Simulation Results in Series and Parallel 57 5. Laboratory Investigation on the Multi-Frequency Mud Siren Concept 64 5.1. Experiment Background and setup 64 5.2. Laboratory Practical Results and Analysis 68 5.2.1. Series Transmission Test 1: Single Siren vs Double Siren, Same Frequency 69 5.2.2. Series Transmission Test 2: Double Siren, Multi Frequency 72 5.2.3. Series Transmission Test 3: Double Siren, Multi Frequency Data String Transmission 75 5.2.4. Parallel Transmission Test 1: Single Siren vs Double Siren, Same Frequency 79 5.2.5. Parallel transmission test 2: Double siren, multi frequency 82 5.2.6. Parallel transmission test 3: Double siren, multi frequency Data String Transmission 84 6. Discussion on the Multi-Frequency Mud Siren Simulation and Practical Results 89 6.1. Result Discussion 89 6.2. Challenges and Sources of Errors 93 7. Outlook 100 7.1 Future Work (Compact Multifrequency Mud Siren) 100 7.2 Recommendations 106 8. Conclusion 107 9. References 111 10. List of Figures 114 11. List of Tables 120 12. Appendix 121

Signaling the moon, packing balls of mud, carving a big sphere, cleaning with a giant unwieldy mop, playing with indigo, wrangling cardboard, setting sunflowers ablaze, playing a tune with a soda bottle, taking a walk with other people’s laundry, kindling smoke signals, weaving a bed, cracking seeds all night, listening to sleep, dressing a plant, these are some of the activities that have been incorporated into my work over the last two years. Most ideas begin in the studio and then are realized outside. Many of the tasks mentioned allow me to easily integrate into a crowd, where the project and I go unnoticed and remain indistinguishable from the buzz of day to day life. Other projects however, have been done with more consideration for its secrecy. The narratives that are incorporated in this thesis, both personal and culled from research, attempt to unpack some of the fleeting yet conceptually interwoven curiosities that have propelled me to search for these experiences.

Bien que la persistance du virus H5N1 dans l'environement soit possible, il n'existe aucune méthode bien définie, standardisée, pour détecter du virus à partir de l'eau, du sol ou de la boue. De plus, il n'y a que très peu de données relatives au rôle du virus H5N1 dans l'environnement en pays tropical. Dans ce travail, des méthodes de concentration, d'identification, et de quantification du virus influenza dans l'eau et dans la boue ont été développées, validées puis utilisées pour l'analyse de prélèvements de l'environnement collectés au cours d'investigations d'épidémies de virus H5N1 au Cambodge et pour l'étude de la survie du virus influenza aviaire dans des biotopes aquatiques artificiels reproduisant le plus possible les conditions naturelles observées dans les mares ou les lacs au Cambodge. L'ARN du virus H5N1 été détecté dans 19% des échantillons environnementaux de terrain collectés au décours des épidémies. Des particules virales infectieuses ont été isolées dans un échantillon d'eau d'une ferme. Dans des systèmes expérimentaux, le virus H5N1 infectieux persiste seulement 4 jours dans l'eau de pluie. Mais l'ARN viral peut encore être détecté jusqu'à 20 jours dans l'eau de pluie et 7 jours dans l'eau de mare ou de lac. Dans la boue, les particules virales infectieuses ne semblent pas pouvoir survivre bien que l'ARN puisse persister au moins 2 semaines. La faune et la flore aquatique n'ont aucune influence sur la persistance du virus infectieux dans l'eau. Ces organismes semblent être essentiellement des concentrateurs et des transporteurs passifs du virus plutôt que des hôtes autorisant la réplication du virus. Nos résultats montrent que l'environnement au cours d'épidémies est fortement contaminé par le virus H5N1 et pourrait constituer une source potentielle de contamination humaine et/ou animale. Une restriction de l'accès à l'eau potentiellement contaminée doit être recommandée autour des foyers épidémiques. La surveillance de l'environnement doit être intégrée dans les programmes de lutte contre la grippe aviaire qui doivent par conséquent prendre en considération des mesures de désinfection de l'environnement. / Although the persistence of the H5N1 virus in the environment is possible, there is no well-defined and standardized method for the detection of viruses from water, soil or mud. In addition, there is very little data available regarding the role of H5N1 virus in the environment in the tropics. In this work methods of concentration, identification, and quantification of influenza viruses in water, mud and soils have been developed, validated and used to test environmental samples collected following H5N1 outbreaks in Cambodia and to analyze samples obtained during experiments in artificial aquatic biotopes aiming to reproduce as faithfully as possible the characteristics observed in ponds and lakes in Cambodia. The H5N1 viral RNA was detected in 19% of environmental samples. Among these, infectious viral particles were isolated in a single water sample. In experimental systems, the infectious H5N1 virus survived only 4 days in the rain water. But viral RNA persisted up to 20 days in rain water and 7 days in pond and lake water. In mud, infectious viral particles did not survive even viral RNA could persist for at least 2 weeks. Aquatic flora and fauna have no influence on infectious H5N1 virus persistence in water. These organisms seem to concentrate and to passively carry the virus but do not allow virus replication. Our results showed that following outbreaks, the environment is widely contaminated by H5N1 virus and therefore can act as a potential source of human and/or animal contamination. Restricted access to potentially contaminated water should be recommended during outbreak episodes. Monitoring the environment is recommended in the effort to fight against avian influenza and measures including environment disinfection should also be considered.

Thesis advisor: Gail C. Kineke / Experiments were conducted in the Petitcodiac River in New Brunswick, Canada during June and August 2006 to study high-concentrations of suspended sediment in a turbulent system. This study will evaluate the conditions necessary for fluid mud formation by investigating 1) the suppression of turbulence at gradient Richardson numbers greater than 0.25; 2) a threshold condition for the amount of sediment a flow can maintain in a turbulent suspension; and 3) the influence of flocculation on vertical suspended-sediment transport. Direct measurements of salinity, temperature, current velocity, and suspended-sediment concentration were collected during accelerating and decelerating flows and when fluid mud formed. In June, current velocities were typically above 1 m s<super>-1</super> and suspended-sediment concentrations were generally less than 10 g l <super>-1</super>. In August, current velocities were typically less than 1.5 m s<super>-1</super>, suspended-sediment concentrations were greater than 10 g l <super>-1</super>, and a high-concentration bottom layer formed rapidly during decelerating flood currents. Gradient Richardson numbers for concentrations greater than 10 g l <super>-1</super> were generally greater than 0.25, suggesting strong density gradients have the ability to suppress turbulence. Results from the Petitcodiac suggest a carrying capacity threshold might exist, but is based on a critical gradient Richardson number between 1.0 and 2.0 rather than the previously accepted value of 0.25. Differences in the evolution of disaggregated grain size distributions for settling suspensions suggest flocculation plays an important role for fluid mud formation by enhancing settling of fine sediments. / Thesis (MS) — Boston College, 2009. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Geology and Geophysics.

A Lama Negra de Peruíbe é utilizada em tratamentos terapêuticos, tais como, psoríase, dermatites periféricas, acne e seborreia, além de utilizações em mialgias, artrites e processos reumáticos não articulares. Assim como a demais argilas medicinais ela pode não estar isenta de possíveis efeitos danosos à saúde, sendo os principais, a ocorrência de minerais perigosos ao sistema respiratório e possíveis efeitos devido à presença de elementos tóxicos. Uma vez utilizado com finalidade terapêutica, um material deve ser completamente caracterizado e, desta forma, amostras da lama negra de Peruíbe foram analisadas para determinar suas propriedades físicas e químicas: teor de umidade, matéria orgânica e perda ao fogo; pH, granulometria, capacidade de troca catiônica e grau de inchamento; composição elementar determinada por Análise por Ativação Neutrônica, Absorção Atômica com Forno de Grafite e fluorescência de raios X e composição mineralógica determinada por difração de raios X. Outra ferramenta bastante utilizada para avaliar o comportamento de elementos traço em diversas matrizes ambientais é a extração sequencial. Sendo assim, foi feito um processo de extração sequencial para fracionar a lama em formas geoquímicas específicas e verificar como e em que quantidade os elementos estão contidos nela. Considerando os diversos procedimentos de extração seqüencial, foi utilizado o método BCR-701 (Community Bureau of Reference) por ser o mais reprodutivo entre eles bem como uma extração simples com suor artificial a fim de se avaliar quais elementos estão potencialmente disponíveis para absorção pela pelo do paciente durante um tratamento tópico. Os resultados indicaram que a lama é constituída basicamente por um material silto-argiloso, rico em matéria orgânica e com boa capacidade de troca catiônica. Não foram observadas variações significativas na composição mineralógica e elementar das formas in natura e maturada da lama. As análises por extração sequencial e extração simples indicaram que os elementos que estão eventualmente disponíveis em maior quantidade para serem absorvidos pela pele durante o tratamento são Ca, Mg, Mn e Na. / The Peruíbe Black mud is used in therapeutic treatments such as psoriasis, peripheral dermatitis, acne and seborrhoea, as well as in the treatment of myalgia, arthritis, rheumatism and non-articular processes. Likewise other medicinal clays, it may not be free from possible adverse health effects due to possible hazardous minerals leading to respiratory system occurrences and other effects, caused by the presence of toxic elements. Once used for therapeutic purposes, any given material should be fully characterized and thus samples of Peruíbe black mud were analyzed to determine physical and chemical properties: moisture content, organic matter and loss on ignition; pH, particle size, cation exchange capacity and swelling index. The elemental composition was determined by Neutron Activation Analysis, Atomic Absorption Graphite Furnace and X-ray fluorescence; the mineralogical composition was determined by X-ray diffraction. Another tool widely used to evaluate the behavior of trace elements, in various environmental matrices, is the sequential extraction. Thus, a sequential extraction procedure was applied to fractionate the mud in specific geochemical forms and verify how and how much of the elements may be contained in it. Considering the several sequential extraction procedures, BCR-701 method (Community Bureau of Reference) was used since it is considered the most reproducible among them. A simple extraction with an artificial sweat was, also, applied in order to verify which components are potentially available for absorption by the patient skin during the topical treatment. The results indicated that the mud is basically composed by a silty-clay material, rich in organic matter and with good cation exchange capacity. There were no significant variations in mineralogy and elemental composition of both, in natura and mature mud forms. The analysis by sequential extraction and by simple extraction indicated that the elements possibly available in larger quantities to be absorbed by the skin during treatment are Ca, Mg, Mn and Na.

A questão ambiental é um tema muito importante em nossos dias, é por isso que muitas empresas têm interesse em valorizar seus resíduos, seja para minimizar custos ou para vender um produto que pode ser usado como matéria-prima em outras indústrias. O estabelecimento de uma legislação mais rigorosa sobre o destino final dos resíduos sólidos tem sido acompanhado, de uma progressiva rejeição das disposições tradicionalmente aceitas. Por isso é necessário estudar novas alternativas para a disposição de resíduos industriais e pesquisar algumas aplicações para transformá-los em materiais com um valor agregado. Este trabalho tem como objetivo estudar a incorporação de dois resíduos em massas cerâmicas: lodo gerado no processo de tratamento de esgoto doméstico e lama vermelha (resíduo do processo Bayer de produção de alumina). Além desses resíduos foram empregadas umas argilas que são usadas na fabricação de materiais de cerâmica vermelha. Tanto os resíduos como as argilas tiveram sua composição mineralógica caracterizada por difração de raios X (DRX) e composição química por fluorescência de raios X (FRX). Esses resíduos foram misturados com argila e foram produzidas massas cerâmicas para avaliar seu desempenho nas propriedades fundamentais (resistência mecânica à flexão, densidade aparente, porosidade e absorção de água). Os corpos de prova foram conformados por prensagem uniaxial (25 MPa, 60×20×~4 mm³), e foram estudadas várias composições e duas temperaturas de queima (950°C e 1050°C), temperaturas usuais de queima em produtos de Cerâmica Vermelha. Alguns dos resultados obtidos cumprem com os parâmetros exigidos para a fabricação de diferentes tipos de produtos cerâmicos como tijolos, telhas e revestimentos cerâmicos. / Nowadays the environmental protection is an important matter. For that reason many companies are concerned about giving value to their residues, either to minimize operation costs or to sell raw material to other industries. With more restrictive legislation about wastes management, the traditional disposals are being rejected. Therefore, it is necessary to study new alternatives of final disposal and research new applications to transform industrial wastes into added-value products. This work aims to study the incorporation of two industrial wastes in ceramic materials; sewage sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant and red mud (a by-product of the Bayer process to produce alumina). In addition to those residues, it was used two local clays that are usually incorporated in ceramic bricks. Both residues as well as the clay were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The residues and the clay were mixed, and prismatic probes were conformed to evaluate their technological properties (bending resistance, bulk density, porosity and water absorption). The ceramic probes were pressed uniaxially (25 MPa, 60×20×~4 mm³) and two temperatures (950°C and 1050°C), normally used in traditional ceramic industry, were studied. Some of the results fulfill the required parameters for the fabrication of different kinds of ceramic products as bricks, roof tiles and floor tiles.

Neste trabalho, vidros contendo um resíduo industrial denominado lama vermelha, foram desenvolvidos e caracterizados. Foi utilizada a quantidade mínima de 60% em massa de lama vermelha na produção dos vidros para promover a utilização desse resíduo. De acordo com os resultados de difração de raios X obtidos, observa-se que é possível produzir materiais a partir da lama vermelha com fases amorfas consideráveis, embora fases cristalinas referentes ao Fe originário do resíduo estejam presentes. O material denominado 60L40S, o qual possui 60% em massa de lama vermelha na sua composição nominal, apresentou as melhores propriedades dentre as composições estudadas, porém apresentou também alta temperatura de fusão. Ajustes na composição desse material foram realizados buscando diminuir essa temperatura. Os resultados mostram que os ajustes foram satisfatórios no desempenho de diminuir a temperatura de fusão, porém perdas na propriedade química desse material foram observadas. Elementos comumente encontrados na composição química de rejeitos nucleares foram adicionados aos vidros produzidos neste trabalho visando estudar os efeitos dessa adição nas propriedades químicas e térmicas desses materiais. Foi observado que é possível adicionar até 15% em massa de elementos simuladores aos materiais produzidos e essa adição promove a diminuição da temperatura de fusão. Acima de 15% em massa os elementos adicionados se precipitam na estrutura do material. Foi observado que, embora haja perdas na durabilidade química do material 60L40S após a adição dos elementos simuladores, esse material, quando em contato com água, mantém os elementos simuladores confinados em sua estrutura. Esse resultado é promissor, pois sugere que o material 60L40S é capaz de imobilizar em sua estrutura elementos provenientes de rejeitos nucleares. / Glasses based on red mud, a residual material from bauxite processing, were developed and characterized in this work. In order to promote its use, a minimum 60 wt% of red mud was used in the production of the glasses. According to XRD results, materials containing considerable amorphous phases were produced when using red mud as raw material. These amorphous phases were observed even though crystalline phases associated to Fe coming from the red mud itself were present. The material denominated 60L40S, which has a nominal composition of 60 wt% red mud showed the best properties comparing with the others compositions studied. However, these materials presented a high melting temperature. Changes in the composition of this material were made with the objective of lowering this temperature. Results indicated that the changes made to the material were successful in the reduction of the melting temperature. However, a reduction in the chemical properties of the resulting material was observed. Elements usually found in the chemical composition of nuclear wastes were added to the glasses produced. It was done with the objective of determining the effect of these elements on the chemical and physical properties of the red mud based glasses obtained. It was found that it was possible to add up to 15 wt% of these elements to the materials produced. The addition of these simulants materials promoted a reduction in the melting temperature of the resulting material. Above 15 wt%, the added elements precipitate in the structure of the resulting material. Even though the reduction in the chemical durability of the 60L40S material when simulant elements were added, it was observed that this material contained the simulant elements confined in its structure when in contact with water. This is a promising result, since it indicates that the 60L40S has the potential to immobilize elements from nuclear wastes.

A pesquisa teve como propósito reconstituir a trajetória e a construção de novas habitações para um grupo de índios da etnia Xucuru-Kariri, remanejados do agreste alagoano para a Reserva de Caldas, município do sul de Minas, localizada na Fazenda Boa Vista, a 6 Km da área urbana. As habitações foram construídas empregando a \'terra armada\', através de uma adaptação tecnológica do bajareque mexicano associado à taipa de mão ou pau-a-pique que passou a ser denominada como \'novaterra\'. Depois de concluídas as habitações, foram realizadas análises relativas ao desempenho térmico, com o objetivo de se estabelecerem comparações entre o desempenho térmico de uma das unidades de terra e o de uma habitação edificada no mesmo local empregando materiais convencionais. Em períodos distintos de primavera-verão e outono-inverno e em situações distintas - na ausência e com a presença de forros, as variações de temperatura foram aferidas junto aos dois tipos de construção. Finalmente, entendeu-se a importância da elaboração de um \"guia de procedimentos da tecnologia adaptada\", com o objetivo de disseminar seu emprego em habitações, principalmente em regime de autoconstrução. Também concluiu-se sobre o importante papel do emprego da \'novaterra\' como reinterpretação das tecnologias de terra trazidas para o Brasil durante o período colonial, estabelecendo-se parâmetros para outras pesquisas sobre habitações sustentáveis e de baixo impacto para o meio ambiente. / The proposal of this study was to rebuild the path and build new houses for a Brazilian native Indian ethnic group Xucuru-Kariri, moved from the Alagoas countryside area (agreste) to the Caldas reserve, located in a city in the south Minas Gerais, at the Boa Vista farm, 6 km from the urban area. These new houses were earth-built through an adaptation from the Mexican bajareque technique associated with loam or lath-and-plaster, which was named novaterra. After the conclusion and occupation of the houses; in order to establish a thermal comparison, these novaterra houses temperatures were measured and compared to custom built ones, also located in the Caldas reserve. In distinct periods of spring-summer and autumn-winter the thermal variations were measured in both building types, also in distinct situation with and without ceiling. For the purpose of disseminating this technique and its application, mainly in self- building, a procedure guide of this adapted technique was prepared. In conclusion, the use of the novaterra technique and its importance as as an understanding of earth building techniques brought to Brazil in the colonial period, were understood establishing parameters for the research of sustainable, and low environmental impact habitations.

Fangoterapia é o uso de fangos (lamas, lodos, limos e barros) com objetivo terapêutico, que embora amplamente utilizada em todo mundo, tem seus mecanismos de ação terapêuticos apenas parcialmente compreendidos, principalmente considerando as diferentes origens e composições dos materiais utilizados. Este estudo, inédito no Brasil, teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia do fango usado tradicionalmente e conhecido como Lama Negra de Peruíbe (LNP) em pacientes portadores de osteoartrite de joelho. Para esta avaliação foram observados 41 indivíduos, tratados com este fango por 15 semanas, sendo que 20 usaram o fango preparado de forma tradicional e 21 o mesmo fango, esterilizado por radiação gama. Admite-se que o efeito da fangoterapia esteja relacionado às características físico-químicas das lamas usadas e por este motivo foram realizadas caracterizações através das técnicas de fluorescência de raios X, análise por ativação neutrônica, espectrometria gama, análise elementar, cinética de resfriamento e potencial de redução. A avaliação do efeito terapêutico se deu por informações subjetivas através dos questionários WOMAC e SF-36 e por informações objetivas pelo uso de radiografias analisadas pela escala de Kellgren e Lawrence. Foi proposto um manual de boas práticas para a extração, preparo, armazenamento e uso deste pelóide. As características da LNP não divergem das da maioria dos fangos estudados, ressaltando que a concentração do enxofre foi maior do que em todas as encontradas. Quanto aos resultados clínicos e radiográficos, os integrantes dos dois grupos apresentaram resposta positiva e estatisticamente significativa sem diferença entre os grupos, indicando que o uso LNP foi efetivo no tratamento da OA e que o uso da radiação gama não alterou a resposta terapêutica. / Mud therapy is the use of mud (sludge, clay and slime) for therapeutic purposes, which although widely used worldwide has its therapeutic mechanisms only partially understood, especially considering the different origins and compositions of the used materials. This study, unpublished in Brazil, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a traditionally used mud known as Peruíbe Black Mud (PBM) in knee osteoarthritis treatment. For this evaluation, 41 individuals were treated with this mud for 15 weeks, 20 of them used the mud prepared in the traditional way and 21 the same mud sterilized by gamma radiation. It is assumed that the effect of mud therapy is related to the physico-chemical characteristics of the used peloid and for this reason characterizations were performed using X-ray fluorescence, neutron activation analysis, gamma spectrometry, elemental analysis, cooling kinetics and potential reduction. The evaluation of the therapeutic effect was given by subjective information through the WOMAC and SF-36 questionnaires and by objective information from the use of radiographs analyzed by the Kellgren and Lawrence scale. A manual of good practices for extraction, preparation, storage and use of this pellet has been proposed. The characteristics of the LNP did not differ from those of most studied muds, emphasizing that the concentration of the element sulphur was greater than in all the found ones. Regarding the clinical and radiographic results, the members of both groups presented a positive and statistically significant response with no difference between the groups, indicating that LNP was effective in the treatment of OA and that the use of gamma radiation did not alter the therapeutic response.