A review of environmental impacts of salts from produced waters on aquatic resources

Salts are frequently amajor constituent ofwastewaters produced during oil and gas production. These produced waters or brines must be treated and/or disposed and provide a daily challenge for operators and resourcemanagers. Some elements of salts are regulated with water quality criteria established for the protection of aquatic wildlife, e.g. chloride (Cl−), which has an acute standard of 860 mg/L and a chronic standard of 230 mg/L. However, data for establishing such standards has only recently been studied for other components of produced water, such as bicarbonate (HCO3 −), which has acute median lethal concentrations (LC50s) ranging from 699 to N8000 mg/L and effects on chronic toxicity from 430 to 657 mg/L. While Cl− is an ion of considerable importance inmultiple geographical regions, knowledge about the effects of hardness (calciumand magnesium) on its toxicity and about mechanisms of toxicity is not well understood. A multiple-approach design that combines studies of both individuals and populations, conducted both in the laboratory and the field, was used to study toxic effects of bicarbonate (as NaHCO3). This approach allowed interpretations about mechanisms related to growth effects at the individual level that could affect populations in the wild. However, additional mechanistic data for HCO3 − , related to the interactions of calcium (Ca2+) precipitation at the microenvironment of the gill would dramatically increase the scientific knowledge base about how NaHCO3 might affect aquatic life. Studies of the effects of mixtures of multiple salts present in produced waters and more chronic effect studies would give a better picture of the overall potential toxicity of these ions. Organic constituents in hydraulic fracturing fluids, flowback waters, etc. are a concern because of their carcinogenic properties and this paper is not meant to minimize the importance of maintaining vigilance with respect to potential organic contamination

A review of environmental impacts of salts from produced waters on aquatic resources

Salts are frequently amajor constituent ofwastewaters produced during oil and gas production. These produced waters or brines must be treated and/or disposed and provide a daily challenge for operators and resourcemanagers. Some elements of salts are regulated with water quality criteria established for the protection of aquatic wildlife, e.g. chloride (Cl−), which has an acute standard of 860 mg/L and a chronic standard of 230 mg/L. However, data for establishing such standards has only recently been studied for other components of produced water, such as bicarbonate (HCO3 −), which has acute median lethal concentrations (LC50s) ranging from 699 to N8000 mg/L and effects on chronic toxicity from 430 to 657 mg/L. While Cl− is an ion of considerable importance inmultiple geographical regions, knowledge about the effects of hardness (calciumand magnesium) on its toxicity and about mechanisms of toxicity is not well understood. A multiple-approach design that combines studies of both individuals and populations, conducted both in the laboratory and the field, was used to study toxic effects of bicarbonate (as NaHCO3). This approach allowed interpretations about mechanisms related to growth effects at the individual level that could affect populations in the wild. However, additional mechanistic data for HCO3 − , related to the interactions of calcium (Ca2+) precipitation at the microenvironment of the gill would dramatically increase the scientific knowledge base about how NaHCO3 might affect aquatic life. Studies of the effects of mixtures of multiple salts present in produced waters and more chronic effect studies would give a better picture of the overall potential toxicity of these ions. Organic constituents in hydraulic fracturing fluids, flowback waters, etc. are a concern because of their carcinogenic properties and this paper is not meant to minimize the importance of maintaining vigilance with respect to potential organic contamination

Powertrain modelling for engine stop-start dynamics and control of micro/mild hybrid construction machines

Engine stop-start control is considered as the key technology for micro/mild hybridisation of vehicles and machines. To utilize this concept, especially for construction machines, the engine is desired to be started in such a way that the operator discomfort can be minimized. To address this issue, this paper aims to develop a simple powertrain modelling approach for engine stop-start dynamic analysis and an advanced engine start control scheme newly applicable for micro/mild hybrid construction machines. First, a powertrain model of a generic construction machine is mathematically developed in a general form which allows to investigate the transient responses of the system during the engine cranking process. Second, a simple parameterisation procedure with a minimum set of data required to characterise the dynamic model is presented. Third, a model- based adaptive controller is designed for the starter to crank the engine quickly and smoothly without the need of fuel injection while the critical problems of machine noise, vibration and harshness can be eliminated. Finally, the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed modelling and control approaches have been validated through numerical simulations. The results imply that with the limited data set for training, the developed model works better than a high fidelity model built in AMESim while the adaptive controller can guarantee the desired cranking performance

Alternative investment opportunities in real estate for individual investors

Thesis (S.M. in Real Estate Development)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Program in Real Estate Development in Conjunction with the Center for Real Estate, 2011.This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.Cataloged from student-submitted PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 79-80).This thesis will evaluate whether an unsatisfied need to access private commercial market real estate investment opportunities exists on the behalf of individual investors via their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)s and, if so, what the optimal investment structure is to accommodate that need given certain investment parameters. Institutional Investors, with few exceptions, maintain some percentage of their investment portfolios in commercial real estate assets. That allocation to real estate assets can be achieved in any combination of the following investment vehicles: direct ownership (separate accounts), public real estate investment trusts (REITs), closed and open-ended commingled private equity funds, and joint ventures with local partners or developers. According to the Pension Real Estate Association (PREA), the average institutional investor currently allocates approximately 9% of its investment portfolio to real estate, with public REITs only serving as 5% of that allocation. The remaining 95% is composed of direct investment, closed and open-ended commingled funds, and joint ventures. Institutional investors have a long time horizon and a myriad of resources at their disposal to optimize their asset allocations. But can individual investors with similar long-term liabilities replicate institutional real estate strategies within their own retirement portfolios? Individual investors are increasingly becoming their own fiduciaries through defined contribution programs; defined benefit plans' percentage of total retirement assets in the US has been in significant decline for decades, with no sign of reversal. Real estate is an important asset class for pension plans in terms of providing current yield, inflation protection and diversification; it should be equally important in individual investors' portfolios. This thesis argues that one way for individual investors to efficiently gain private market commercial real estate investment exposure is through a multi-manager core fund held within a collective investment trust.by Jeffrey D. Harper.S.M.in Real Estate Developmen

Angiotensin in ECMO patients with refractory shock

https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146149/1/13054_2018_Article_2225.pd

Powertrain modelling and engine start control of construction machines

This paper aims to develop an engine start control approach for a micro/mild hybrid machine for a capable of cranking the engine without injection. First, the powertrain is physically modelled using a co-simulation platform. Second, experiment data of the traditional machine is acquired to optimize the model. Third, a model-based adaptive controller is designed for the starter to crank the engine quickly and smoothly to minimize the operator discomfort. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated through numerical simulations with the established model

Challenges of micro/mild hybridisation for construction machinery and applicability in UK

In recent years, micro/mild hybridisation (MMH) is known as a feasible solution for powertrain development with high fuel efficiency, less energy use and emission and, especially, low cost and simple installation. This paper focuses on the challenges of MMH for construction machines and then, pays attention to its applicability to UK construction machinery. First, hybrid electric configurations are briefly reviewed; and technological challenges towards MMH in construction sector are clearly stated. Second, the current development of construction machinery in UK is analysed to point out the potential for MMH implementation. Thousands of machines manufactured in UK have been sampled for the further study. Third, a methodology for big data capturing, compression and mining is provided for a capable of managing and analysing effectively performances of various construction machine types. By using this method, 96% of data memory can be reduced to store the huge machine data without lacking the necessary information. Forth, an advanced decision tool is built using a fuzzy cognitive map based on the big data mining and knowledge from experts to enables users to define a target machine for MMH utilization. The numerical study with this tool on the sampled machines has been done and finally realized that one class of heavy excavators is the most suitable to apply MMH technology

Comparison of equations to predict the metabolisable energy content as applied to the vertical strata and plant parts of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

Context: Nutritive values, particularly energy content of tropical forages, need to be accurately assessed so that rations can be more precisely formulated. Aims: The research aimed to collate and compare equations used to predict metabolisable energy content in forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) to ascertain the effect of vertical strata on metabolisable energy content to assist in producing silage of defined quality. Methods: Twenty-four predictive metabolisable energy equations derived from international feeding standards were compared using forage sorghum samples grown under fertiliser and growth stage treatments. Samples were separated into leaf, stem and seed heads (where present) over four vertical strata. Key results: Equations based on digestibility with crude protein were robust in the prediction of metabolisable energy and had application to routine laboratory use. Conclusions: The current study suggests that predictions based on digestibility and crude protein content are best placed for metabolisable energy application. Such equations should be originally based on measured metabolisable energy content to establish a regression so as to be used for predictive purposes, and satisfy the biological requirement of in vivo and the laboratory measurement relationship with acceptable statistical error. Chemical composition relationships predicted different metabolisable energy contents. Implications: Improved accuracy of the prediction of metabolisable energy content in tropical forages will provide better application of production models and more accurate decisions in ration formulation

Comparison of equations to predict the metabolisable energy content as applied to the vertical strata and plant parts of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

Context: Nutritive values, particularly energy content of tropical forages, need to be accurately assessed so that rations can be more precisely formulated. Aims: The research aimed to collate and compare equations used to predict metabolisable energy content in forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) to ascertain the effect of vertical strata on metabolisable energy content to assist in producing silage of defined quality. Methods: Twenty-four predictive metabolisable energy equations derived from international feeding standards were compared using forage sorghum samples grown under fertiliser and growth stage treatments. Samples were separated into leaf, stem and seed heads (where present) over four vertical strata. Key results: Equations based on digestibility with crude protein were robust in the prediction of metabolisable energy and had application to routine laboratory use. Conclusions: The current study suggests that predictions based on digestibility and crude protein content are best placed for metabolisable energy application. Such equations should be originally based on measured metabolisable energy content to establish a regression so as to be used for predictive purposes, and satisfy the biological requirement of in vivo and the laboratory measurement relationship with acceptable statistical error. Chemical composition relationships predicted different metabolisable energy contents. Implications: Improved accuracy of the prediction of metabolisable energy content in tropical forages will provide better application of production models and more accurate decisions in ration formulation

Oxygen Concentration Flammability Thresholds of Selected Aerospace Materials Considered for the Constellation Program

Materials selection for spacecraft is based on an upward flammability test conducted in a quiescent environment in the highest expected oxygen concentration environment. The test conditions and its pass/fail test logic do not provide sufficient quantitative materials flammability information for an advanced space exploration program. A modified approach has been suggested determination of materials self-extinguishment limits. The flammability threshold information will allow NASA to identify materials with increased flammability risk from oxygen concentration and total pressure changes, minimize potential impacts, and allow for development of sound requirements for new spacecraft and extraterrestrial landers and habitats. This paper provides data on oxygen concentration self-extinguishment limits under quiescent conditions for selected materials considered for the Constellation Program