Optimization of downhole pump setting depths in liquid-dominated geothermal systems: A case study on the Balcova-Narlidere field,Turkey

Downhole pumps are being used increasingly more often in low-enthalpy geothermal wells. The depth at which these pumps are installed depends on the physical and chemical characteristics of the geothermal fluid, the production flow rate, and the reservoir pressure and permeability. In this study we have investigated the factors affecting pump setting depths in low-temperature, liquid-dominated geothermal systems and defined the relationship between flow rate and pressure drawdown based on multi-rate test results. The methodology proposed was applied to the Balcova-Narlidere geothermal field, Turkey. It was found that the most important parameters for determining the capacity and setting depth of a downhole pump were flow performance, non-condensable gas concentration, and temperature. The implementation of the methodology is illustrated.     

Mechanical behaviour of SiC fibre-reinforced titanium/titanium aluminide hybrid composites

The viability of developing an SiC fibre-reinforced titanium/titanium aluminide hybrid matrix composite was explored. The hybrid composites are expected to be used at temperatures beyond those attainable in conventional titanium matrix composites while improving the damage tolerance of the titanium aluminide matrix composites. The room-temperature mechanical characteristics studied were tensile strength, fracture toughness, low-cycle fatigue life and fatigue crack growth rate. The mechanisms of damage initiation and propagation under various loading conditions were also characterized. The directions for developing a satisfactory composite with hybrid titanium/titanium aluminide matrix are also addressed.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel polyacrylate-clay sol-gel materials

Organo-functional silanes which were able to form chemical bonds with kaolinite and could also have an affinity to the materials of concern here, were studied by the sol-gel process. Polymethacrylate with trialkoxy silyl functional groups were prepared, hydrolysed and co-condensed with kaolinite. The progress of the hydrolysis, which proceeded very slowly, was followed by Karl-Fischer titration. Thermal behavior was investigated by differential thermal analysis. The extent of the reaction leading to network formation was qualitatively followed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Free-radical polymerization was carried out ultrasonically in the presence of a catalyst. Trimethoxy silane end-capped silane was found to be covalently bonded to kaolinite. The copolymers, with various amounts of kaolinite, were then hydrolysed and co-condensed in the presence of a catalyst to yield sol-gel materials which have a controllable combination of properties of both the polymer and kaolinite.     

Corrosion behavior of tempered dual-phase steel embedded in concrete

Dual-phase(DP) steels with different martensite contents were obtained by appropriate heat treatment of an SAE1010 structural carbon steel,which was cheap and widely used in the construction industry. The corrosion behavior of DP steels in con-crete was investigated under various tempering conditions. Intercritical annealing heat treatment was applied to the reinforcing steel to obtain DP steels with different contents of martensite. These DP steels were tempered at 200,300,and 400°C for 45 min and then coo...     

Dispersion-strengthening effect of Cu-based Mn, Al, and Zn rich alloys

In this systematic study, dispersion-strengthening effect of the Cu–25.91Mn (wt.%), Cu–26.62Mn–8.99Al (wt.%), Cu–22.17Mn–12.32Zn (wt.%) ingot alloys have been investigated. Samples were homogenized at a high fixed temperature in different periods and cooled with different cooling rates. After processes, microanalysis of the samples were interpreted by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and weight percentages of the elements of the occurrence phases in the samples obtained by using electron dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) technique. Additionally, some characteristic properties of the heat treated samples with different conditions of Cu–Mn, Cu–Mn–Al, Cu–Mn–Zn ingot alloys were also discussed.     

A study of ergonomics factors in washbasin design

A 4-week UNESCO-sponsored mission to the Department of Architecture, Karadeniz Technical University in Eastern Turkey, gave an opportunity to apply ergonomics techniques to some aspects of that country's domestic washbasin design. The study was intended to provide experience in questionnaire design and administration, in the application of psycho-physical methods, and to highlight the importance of determining user characteristics and preferences with regard to the built environment. A field study elicited information on dimensions and positioning of existing wash-basins and ancillary equipment and the opinions of users as to the suitability of these features in relation to the activities performed. A laboratory study, using an adjustable rig permitting variation in the heights of basin, taps and mirror/shelf, followed. The data obtained on preferred heights of these items led to the conclusions that basin height should be increased to between 95 and 100 cm to satisfy the majority of users; tap height above the basin should be reduced to about 11 cm; the shelf and lower edge of a mirror sited above the basin should be 136 cm above the floor; and a clear space of 110 cm should be available between the front of the basin and a wall or other obstruction. Suggestions on other design aspects of the bathroom, resulting from the study, are discussed.     

Preparation and properties of selective polyurethane films and their use for the development of biomedical dopamine sensor

Polyurethane films were synthesized by 3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran and different diisocyanates. These prepared polyurethanes were characterized by FT-IR, DSC, DTA, and TGA techniques. For the amperometric applications, synthesized polyurethanes exhibited suitable T_g (°C), good thermal stability and good adhesive properties. In addition, because of their interesting film properties, attempts were made to prepare dopamine-sensing electrode. For this reason, selectivity of film-coated electrodes obtained from the chemically prepared polyurethanes toward electroactive and nonelectroactive species were examined by means of DPV technique. From the electrochemical results obtained, it has been demonstrated that the PU-1-coated electrode can be used for the development of biomedical sensor.     

Friction and Wear Characteristics of Haynes 25, 188, and 214 Superalloys Against Hastelloy X up to 540 <Emphasis Type="Bold">°</Emphasis>C

As demand for more power increases, compression ratios, and operating temperatures keep rising. High speeds combined with high temperatures make turbomachinery sealing applications even more challenging. In order to confirm sufficient service life material pairs should be tested under conditions similar to engine operating conditions. This study presents high temperature friction and wear characteristics of cobalt/nickel superalloys, Haynes 25 (51Co–10Ni–20Cr–15W), Haynes 188 (39Co–22Ni–22Cr–14W), and Haynes 214 (75Ni–16Cr–3Fe–0.5Mn) sheets when rubbed against Hastelloy X (47Ni–22Cr–18Fe–9Mo) pins. Tests are conducted at 25, 200, 400, and 540 °C with a validated custom design linear reciprocating tribometer. Sliding speed and sliding distance are 1 Hz and 1.2 km, respectively. Friction coefficients are calculated with friction force data acquired from a load cell. Wear coefficients are calculated through weight loss measurements. Results indicate that Haynes 25 (H25) has the lowest friction coefficients at all test temperatures. Above 400 °C, H25 and Haynes 188 (H188) exhibit the best wear resistance. Protective cobalt oxide layers are formed on the H25 and H188 at 540 °C in addition to nickel, chrome, and tungsten oxides. Although, it has better oxidation resistance, Haynes 214 has relatively higher wear rates than other tested materials especially at low temperatures. However, its wear performance improves beyond 200 °C.     

Preparation of hybrid PU/PCL fibers from steviol glycosides via electrospinning as a potential wound dressing materials

In this study, the synthesis and application of biocompatible steviol glycosides based polyurethane/poly (ε-caprolactone) (PU/PCL) fibers was performed by electrospinning as a potential wound dressing materials that can be used for the closure of nonhealing wounds. During electrospinning, steviol glycoside-based polyurethane structures were used in blend formation with poly (ε-caprolactone) for easy producibility. Steviol glycosides are a natural abundant and easily accessible source as the main component of the wound dressing material due to their free hydroxyl groups, high biocompatibility, and hydrophilicity. The structure of steviol glycosides is composed of saccharide units and the free OH groups. Thus, steviol glycosides act as a crosslinker within the polyurethane structure and provides mechanical strength. For the production of steviol glycosides based PU/PCL fibers first, the steviol glycosides as a monomer were isolated from the stevia rebudiana. Then, polyurethane structures containing stevia glycoside were synthesized with hexamethylene diisocyanate, lactose and PEG-200 by solution polymerization technique. PCL was added to the prepared polyurethanes in a ratio of 1:2 and formation of nanofiber structure. The prepared wound dressing material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscope techniques. Swelling degree, water content and oxygen permeability assay of the steviol glycosides based PU/PCL wound dressing material was determined. In biocompatibility test, cell viability value of PU/PCL fibrous materials in indirect cytotoxicity test was determined as 86.9% and cell adhesion on hybrid PU/PCL fibers was showed as morphological. In accordance with this target, the steviol glycosides based PU/PCL wound dressing material can be produced easily and low cost. As a result, the wound dressing materials obtained with their high biocompatibility and low costs will be an effective and fast method for the healing of open wounds of diabetics.