Robust optimal operation of continuous catalytic reforming process under feedstock uncertainty

The continuous catalytic regenerative (CCR) reforming process is one of the most significant sources of hydrogen production in the petroleum refining process. However, the fluctuations in feedstock composition and flow rate could significantly affect both product distribution and energy consumption. In this study, a robust deviation criterion based multi-objective optimization approach is proposed to perform the optimal operation of CCR reformer under feedstock uncertainty, with simultaneous maximization of product yields and minimization of energy consumption. Minimax approach is adopted to handle these uncertain objectives, and the Latin hypercube sampling method is then used to calculate these robust deviation criteria. Multi-objective surrogate-based optimization methods are next introduced to effectively solve the robust operational problem with high computational cost. The level diagram method is finally utilized to assist in multi-criteria decision-making. Two robust operational optimization problems with different objectives are solved to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for robust optimal operation of the CCR reforming process under feedstock uncertainty.     

A hybrid homogeneously weighted moving average control chart for process monitoring: Discussion

The sensitivity of a monitoring scheme depends on many factors including the variance of the charting statistic which is very important in the computation of the control limits. This paper discusses the computation of the variance of the recently proposed hybrid homogeneously weighted moving average (HHWMA) $\overline{X}$ scheme which was based on an incorrect assumption. The correct variance is used to evaluate the run-length characteristics of the HHWMA $\overline{X}$ scheme. It is observed that the incorrect variance has a significant impact on the sensitivity (or performance) of the HHWMA $\overline{X}$ scheme.     

A novel quasi-oppositional harmony search algorithm and fuzzy logic controller for frequency stabilization of an isolated hybrid power system

The intermittent wind power in isolated hybrid distributed generation (IHDG) may cause serious problems associated with frequency (f) and power (P) fluctuation. Energy storage devices such as battery, super capacitor, and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) may be used to reduce these fluctuations associated with f and P. This paper presents a study of IHDG power system for improving both f and P deviation profiles with the help of SMES. The studied IHDG power system is consisted of wind turbine generator and diesel engine generator. Both f and P control problems of the studied power system model are addressed in presence or absence of SMES. Fuzzy logic based proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller with SMES is used for the purpose of minimization of f and P deviations. The different tunable parameters of the PID controller and those of the SMES are tuned by a novel quasi-oppositional harmony search algorithm. Performance study of the IHDG power system model is carried out under different perturbation conditions. The results demonstrate minimum f and P deviations may be achieved by using the proposed fuzzy logic based PID controller along with SMES.     

Effect of sintering conditions on structural and morphological properties of Y- and Co-doped BaZrO3 proton conductors

BaZrO₃-based materials doped with a trivalent cation have excellent chemical stability and relatively high proton conductivity which makes them potential proton conducting oxide materials for various electrochemical device applications such as hydrogen processing, high-temperature electrolysis, and solid electrolyte in fuel cells. However, BaZrO₃ showed poor sinterability, requiring high sintering temperatures (1700–2100 °C) with longtime sintering (20–100 h) to achieve the desired microstructure and grain growth. This sintering problem can be solved by slightly doping BaZrO₃ with a sintering aid element. Therefore, in this study, two different zirconate proton conductors: BaZr_0·9Y_0·1O_3-α (BZY) and BaZr_0·955Y_0·03Co_0·015O_3-α (BZYC) were sintered in an air atmosphere and an oxygen atmosphere for 20 h in the temperature range of 1500–1640 °C. The sinterability was evaluated by analyzing the XRD diffraction patterns, lattice constant, lattice strain, crystallite size, relative density, open porosity, closed porosity, surface morphology, grain size, and grain boundary distribution, using the XRD, SEM, EDX, and Archimedes density measurement methods. It is concluded that in an oxygen atmosphere, sintering aid Co not only improves the relative density but also produces highly dense fine particles with clear grain boundaries which are promising for electrochemical hydrogen device applications.     

Strength and dilatancy behaviors of deep sands in Shanghai with a focus on grain size and shape effect

With rapid development of infrastructures like tunnels and open excavations in Shanghai, investigations on deeper soils have become critically important. Most of the existing laboratory works were focused on the clayey strata up to Layer 6 in Shanghai, i.e. at depth of up to 40 m. In this paper, Layers 7, 9, and 11, which were mostly formed of sandy soils at depth of up to 150 m, were experimentally investigated with respect to physico-mechanical behaviors. The stress–strain behaviors were analyzed by the consolidated drained/undrained (CD/CU) triaxial tests under monotonic loading. One-dimensional (1D) oedometer tests were performed to investigate the consolidation properties of the sandy soils. Specimens were prepared at three different relative densities for each layer. Also, the micro-images and particle size analyzers were used to analyze the shape and size of the sand grains. The influences of grain size, density, and angularity on the stress–strain behaviors and compressibility were also studied. Compared to the other layers, Layer 11 had the smallest mean grain size (D₅₀), highest compressibility, and lowest shear strength. In contrast, Layer 9 had the largest mean grain size, lowest compressibility, and highest shear strength. Layer 7 was of intermediate mean grain size, exhibiting more compressibility and less shear strength than that of Layer 9. Also, the critical state parameters and maximum dilatancy rate of different layers were discussed.     

北斗三星无源定位技术

介绍了北斗双星定位系统的特点、功能、系统组成和工作原理,说明了北斗有源定位方式在应用方面的局限性。针对北斗有源定位方式不能无线电静默,和人们对具有无线电隐蔽性的卫星定位的需求,详细介绍一种北斗三星无源定位技术:包括工作原理、实现方法、定位精度分析和目前达到的定位精度。阐述了北斗三星无源定位技术的优点和应用形势。     

Damage Development in Gray Cast Iron under Static Deformation

The authors discuss the results of experimental investigation of structural degradation of gray cast iron at various stages of static tensile deformation. Analysis of the deformation process has revealed that damageability of a material under loading can be assessed by both a special strain parameter and scatter of hardness characteristics or a ratio of the modulus deviation to the current value of the elastic modulus. A correlation between these parameters has been established.     

WuM1-1羽状分支水平井充气钻井液技术

WuM1-1井由1口多分支水平井和1口采气的直井组成。该井斜井段短,井斜率在30°/100 m以上,主井眼和10个分支井段总进尺6182 m,98%以上在煤层中钻进,煤层脆、压实性较好,更易发生掉块。为满足钻井对井壁稳定性、润滑性、井眼净化以及煤层保护等的要求,采用钾铵基聚合物防塌钻井液进行充气欠平衡钻井,在钻进中保持钻井液有合适的粘度、切力,选用合适的注气压力和注气量以及当量钻井液密度;每钻完一个立柱坚持循环几分钟,上下划眼一次,并泵入CMC高粘钻井液,配合有效使用固控设备,尽量使井眼干净;复配使用粉末状固体润滑剂和液体润滑剂。该钻井液性能稳定,易于维护,悬浮携岩能力强,润滑性好,井眼畅通,保证了WuM1-1井安全、快速、优质施工。该井在煤层钻进中无阻卡现象,井壁稳定,没有出现井壁掉块或井垮现象,水平连通一次成功,10口分支井悬空侧钻一次成功,只用57 d即顺利完井,比该地区常规钻井快49倍。     

控制图在土坝粘土填筑干密度控制中的应用

应用统计控制图法，选用平均值——标准差、平均值——极差控制图法，控制24^#坝粘土填筑干密度值及施工偶然异常波动，早期提出警报，以保证土坝的施工质量。     

兰州重离子加速器大型真空室

已建成的兰州重离子加速器的真空室是一个大型整体结构的超高真空容器,直径约10m,高4.5m,重65000kg,内表面积211m~2,容积100m~3,工作真空度为5×10~(-5)Pa。采用有限单元法在计算机上用SAP-5C程序对真空室受力分析进行了计算。真空室结构材料选用瑞典Uddeholm钢厂生产的316 L 超低碳不锈钢。承制此大型容器的是航天工业部风华机器厂。由于结构庞大,首先将真空室分成八大块和几小块在工厂制造,然后运至现场焊制成一整体容器并进行机械加工。所有密封焊缝均用着色渗透液,X-射线探伤和氦质谱探漏仪进行检查和探漏。