Reactions with Thiazolo[3,2-b]-s-triazol-3(2H)-ones

5-Aryl-3-carboxymethylthio-1,2,4-triazoles 2 are cyclised to 6-arylthiazolo[3,2-b]-s-triazol-3(2H)-ones 3 . This structural assignment has been based on IR and NMR spectra. 2-Arylmethylene-6-arylthiazolo[3,2-b]-s-triazol-3(2H)-ones 7 were prepared by several methods. Compounds 3 coupled with diazotised anilines to give 2,3-dihydro-6-arylthiazolo[3,2-b]-s-triazole-2,3-dione 2-arylhydrazones 8 . The action of amines on 3a opens the thiazolone ring with the formation of substituted (5-phenyltriazol-3-ylthio)-acetamides 9 .     

A proposed approach for setup time reduction through integrating conventional SMED method with multiple criteria decision-making techniques

Short setup time is an essential element for the effective implementation of many lean pillars, i.e., JIT, and Kanban. Most of the current setup reduction methodologies are based on Shingo’s Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) that suggests the conversion of internal setup operations to external operations. However, the conventional SMED approach – as proposed by Shingo – does not possess a systematic approach to accomplish this conversion. Thus, a new approach is proposed in order to aid the process engineers in implementing SMED. The proposed approach is based on the conventional SMED, but also it incorporates Multiple Criteria Decision-Making Techniques (MCDM) to the third implementation phase. The MCDM techniques used in this work are Analytical Hierarchal Process (AHP), Preference Selection Index (PSI) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The proposed approach provides a systematic procedure for selecting the best setup technique among the available alternatives, and takes also into consideration other factors that affect the decision-making process; including: cost, energy, facility layout, safety, life, quality and maintenance. A real example of PVC industry is used to exemplify the approach. The results demonstrate the capability of the proposed approach in setup time reduction, which in turn will improve machines’ utilization, and increase the productivity and flexibility of the whole facility.     

On some new operations in soft module theory

In this paper, we introduce the notions of sum and direct sum of soft submodules, small soft submodules and radical of a soft module. Moreover, we obtain basic properties of such soft submodules.     

Permeability prediction and construction of 3D geological model: application of neural networks and stochastic approaches in an Iranian gas reservoir

Determination of petrophysical parameters by using available data has a specific importance in exploration and production studies for oil and gas industries. Modeling of corrected permeability as a petrophysical parameter can help in decision making processes. The objective of this study is to construct a comprehensive and quantitative characterization of a carbonate gas reservoir in marine gas field. Artificial neural network is applied for prediction of permeability in accordance with other petrophysical parameters at well location. Correlation coefficient for this method is 84 %. In the study, the geological reservoir model is developed in two steps: First, the structure skeleton of the field is constructed, and then, reservoir property is distributed within it by applying new stochastic methods. Permeability is modeled by three techniques: kriging, sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) and collocated co-simulation using modeled effective porosity as 3D secondary variable. This paper enhances the characterization of the reservoir by improving the modeling of permeability through a new algorithm called collocated co-simulation. Kriging is very simple in modeling the reservoir permeability, and also, original distribution of the data changes considerably in this model. In addition, the SGS model is noisy and heterogeneous, but it retains the original distribution of the data. However, the addition of a 3D secondary variable in third method resulted in a much more reliable model of permeability.     

A heuristic to solve the synchronized log-truck scheduling problem

We present a synchronized routing and scheduling problem that arises in the forest industry, as a variation of the log-truck scheduling problem. It combines routing and scheduling of trucks with specific constraints related to the Canadian forestry context. This problem includes aspects such as pick-up and delivery, multiple products, inventory stock, multiple supply points and multiple demand points. We developed a decomposition approach to solve the weekly problem in two phases. In the first phase we use a MIP solver to solve a tactical model that determines the destinations of full truckloads from forest areas to woodmills. In the second phase, we make use of two different methods to route and schedule the daily transportation of logs: the first one consists in using a constraint-based local search approach while the second one is a hybrid approach involving a constraint programming based model and a constraint-based local search model. These approaches have been implemented using COMET2.0. The method, was tested on two industrial cases from forest companies in Canada.     

Production of in situ aluminum-titanium diboride master alloy formed by slag-metal reaction

Al-TiB₂ master alloys have received much attention in recent years owing to their potential as efficient grain refiners for aluminum foundry alloys. In this study, the process of production of master alloys was investigated to develop a low cost method, namely, slag-metal reaction. This method can be used to fabricate Al-TiB₂ master alloy in situ from the TiO₂-H₃BO₃-Na₃AlF₆ and Al system. Since the price of the raw materials is low and the technology is simple, the processing technique appears to reduce the cost of the master alloy. Because of exothermic reactions, not much energy is needed to melt materials. In this process, Titanium diboride particles were formed in situ through the reactions of TiO₂, H₃BO₃ and Na₃AlF₆. Results showed that when the aluminum melted, the condensed TiB₂ particles that formed in situ were spherical with an average diameter of 1 μm. Furthermore, these TiB₂ particles were distributed uniformly through the master alloy.     

Practical evaluation of relationship between concrete resistivity,water penetration,rapid chloride penetration and compressive strength

There are several factors and test methods for evaluating the durability of concrete. In recent years a great deal of attention has been paid to research and development of relationships of these parameters for production of sustainable concretes: water penetration and Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT) methods which are most commonly used to evaluate the permeability of concrete are two of the most famous methods specified by BS EN-12390-8:2000 and ASTM C1202 respectively. Concrete surface resistivity (SR) test is also a suitable indicator for concrete penetration and chloride ion permeability. It is a non-destructive, simple, rapid and economical method that can also be used on site.The present study is an exploratory research concerned with the relationship of these methods. Based on the correlation of concrete resistivity with water penetration and Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT) results, two new models for relating these parameters are presented.