Search Results (108)

A novel total internal reflection solar end-pumped laser system has been introduced for the first time, aimed at enhancing the solar-to-laser conversion efficiency. Utilizing a conical solid or cavity reflector, this system refocuses sunlight from a 0.2818 $m^2$ parabolic mirror into a single Ce (0.05 at.%): Nd (1 at.%): YAG crystal rod, measuring 4 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length, thereby promoting total internal reflection and extending the pumping path. Simulation results indicate that under the same solar input power conditions (249.05 W), the conversion efficiencies of the conical solid reflector and cavity reflector systems are 1.2 times and 1.33 times higher than the current highest recorded efficiency of single-rod systems, respectively. At 950 ${W/m}^2$, the conical reflector reaches 5.48% efficiency, while the cavity reflector attains 6.09%. Their collection efficiencies are 52.03 ${W/m}^2$ and 57.90 ${W/m}^2$, with slope efficiencies of 6.65% and 7.72%. Full article

This study focuses on the optimization of valve assemblies in downhole rod pumping units (DRPUs), which remain the predominant artificial lift technology in oil production worldwide. The research addresses the critical issue of premature failures in DRPUs caused by leakage in valve pairs, i.e., a problem that accounts for approximately 15% of all failures, as identified in a statistical analysis of the 2022 operational data from the Uzen oilfield in Kazakhstan. The leakage is primarily attributed to the accumulation of mechanical impurities and paraffin deposits between the valve ball and seat, leading to concentrated surface wear and compromised sealing. To mitigate this issue, a novel valve assembly design was developed featuring a flow turbulizer positioned beneath the valve seat. The turbulizer generates controlled vortex motion in the fluid flow, which increases the rotational frequency of the valve ball during operation. This motion promotes more uniform wear across the contact surfaces and reduces the risk of localized degradation. The turbulizers were manufactured using additive FDM technology, and several design variants were tested in a full-scale laboratory setup simulating downhole conditions. Experimental results revealed that the most effective configuration was a spiral plate turbulizer with a 7.5 mm width, installed without axis deviation from the vertical, which achieved the highest ball rotation frequency and enhanced lapping effect between the ball and the seat. Subsequent field trials using valves with duralumin-based turbulizers demonstrated increased operational lifespans compared to standard valves, confirming the viability of the proposed solution. However, cases of abrasive wear were observed under conditions of high mechanical impurity concentration, indicating the need for more durable materials. To address this, the study recommends transitioning to 316 L stainless steel for turbulizer fabrication due to its superior tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. Implementing this design improvement can significantly reduce maintenance intervals, improve pump reliability, and lower operating costs in mature oilfields with high water cut and solid content. The findings of this research contribute to the broader efforts in petroleum engineering to enhance the longevity and performance of artificial lift systems through targeted mechanical design improvements and material innovation. Full article

To address the low drilling efficiency of the composite rod drill in gas extraction boreholes, key drilling parameters are optimized using coal-seam hardness grading tests and response surface methodology. By conducting mechanical tests on coal samples from the Sangshuping, Zhangcun, and Wangzhuang coal mines, the coal seams are classified into three categories: soft (Pus coefficient 0.87), medium–hard (2.16), and hard (3.47). Multi-factor and multi-level field tests were then performed at different working faces, using Design Expert software to analyze the response surface of three factors: pump pressure, flow rate, and feed pressure. The response surface method was used to determine the influence of drilling factors on drilling time under different coal-seam hardness conditions and the optimal drilling parameters. The results indicate that the technology is not suitable for soft coal seams due to frequent bit jamming. The optimal parameters for medium–hard coal seams are a pump pressure of 4 MPa, a flow rate of 180 L/min, and a feed pressure of 6 MPa (time per 100 m: 62 min 33 s). For hard coal seams, the optimal parameters are a pump pressure of 6 MPa, a flow rate of 200 L/min, and a feed pressure of 8 MPa (time per 100 m: 55 min 27 s). This study provides a theoretical basis for efficient coal seam drilling. Full article

Research on the thermal analysis of laser diode (LD) side-pumped amplifiers is a critical step in the design of high-power solid-state laser systems. Instead of adopting a standard solid modeling approach that only considers a laser rod, a fluid–structure interaction model is employed for analysis using the FLUENT 2021 R1 software. This model integrates the cooling structure, coolant, and laser rod, incorporating their relevant material parameters. By considering both uniform and non-uniform inlet velocity distributions as loading conditions, the study reveals remarkably different thermal simulation results. The correlation between thermal analysis outcomes and the total inlet flow rates is calculated, while temperature and stress distributions are obtained under a varying internal heat source. It was observed that the non-uniform inlet velocity distribution has little impact on the rod’s maximum temperature but significantly influences the maximum equivalent stress. This finding underscores the necessity of accounting for non-uniform inlet distributions during the design of laser amplifiers to achieve more accurate thermal simulation results and optimize structural reliability. Full article

The Na,K-ATPase is a heterodimeric ion pump consisting of various combinations of a catalytic α-subunit (α1, α2, α3, or α4, encoded by ATP1A1–ATP1A4) and a β-subunit (β1, β2, or β3, encoded by ATP1B1–ATP1B3). We have previously shown that Atp1b2 knock-out (ko) mice exhibit rapid photoreceptor cell degeneration, whereas Atp1b2^Atp1b1 knock-in (ki) mice, which express the β1-subunit instead of the β2-subunit under regulatory elements of the Atp1b2 gene, exhibit slowly progressive retinal dystrophy. Here, we performed a detailed analysis of the retinal phenotype of the Atp1b2^Atp1b1 ki mouse. We found that the number of cone photoreceptor cells in the mutant retinas was significantly reduced by postnatal day 28. The retinas of 4-month-old mice were almost devoid of cones. The early onset and rapid loss of cones was followed by a slowly progressive degeneration of rods. Other retinal cell types were unaffected. Nonradioactive in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed that wild-type photoreceptors expressed β3 and high levels of β2, while Atp1b2^Atp1b1 ki photoreceptor cells expressed β3 and low levels of transgenic β1. Additionally, levels of retinoschisin, a secreted retina-specific protein that interacts directly with the β2-subunit, were greatly reduced in mutant retinas. The results demonstrate that the β1-subunit can functionally compensate, at least in part, for the absence of the β2-subunit. The results also show that cones are more susceptible to Na,K-ATPase dysfunction than rods. Taken together, the present study identifies the Atp1b2^Atp1b1 ki mutant as a novel animal model of an early-onset and rapidly progressive cone–rod dystrophy. Full article

Antibiotic resistance is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, in large part due to their misuse and improper disposal. Antibiotics administered to treat human and animal diseases, including feed supplements for the treatment or prevention of disease in farm animals, have contributed greatly to the emergence of a multitude of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Shewanella is one of many bacteria that have developed antibiotic resistance, and in some species, multiple-antibiotic resistance (MAR). Shewanella is a rod-shaped, Gram-negative, oxidase-positive, and H₂S-producing bacterium that is naturally found in the marine environment. In humans, Shewanella spp. can cause skin and soft tissue infections, septicemia, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and ear and wound infections. Some Shewanella have been shown to be resistant to a variety of antibiotics, including beta-lactams, aminoglycoside, quinolones, third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins, and carbapenems, due to the presence of genes such as the bla_OXA-class D beta-lactamase-encoding gene, bla_AmpC-class-C beta-lactamase-encoding gene, and the qnr gene. Bacteria can acquire and transmit these genes through different horizontal gene-transmission mechanisms such as transformation, transduction, and conjugation. The genes for antibiotic resistance are present on Shewanella chromosomes and plasmids. Apart from this, heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and chromium can also increase antibiotic resistance in Shewanella due to co-selection processes such as co-resistance, cross resistance, and co-regulation mechanisms. Antibiotics and drugs enter Shewanella spp. through pores or gates in their cell wall and may be ejected from the bacteria by efflux pumps, which are the first line of bacterial defense against antibiotics. Multiple-drug resistant Shewanella can be particularly difficult to control. This review focuses on the phenotypic and genomic characteristics of Shewanella that are involved in the increase in antimicrobial resistance in this bacterium. Full article

The polished rod dynamometer operates under alternating loads and large temperature differences for a long time, inevitably leading to zero drift and temperature drift issues. At the same time, conventional inversion of polished rod dynamometer cards fails to consider the impact of friction loads, resulting in inaccurate production and liquid level calculations from pump dynamometer cards. Based on the oil-filled environment in the sucker rod and tubing during the upstroke of the pumping unit, this paper proposes a rapid identification method for the four characteristic points of the polished rod dynamometer card to obtain a calculation method for friction loads at the velocity reversal points A and C. The gravity of the polished rod string in the liquid column serves as the benchmark for calibrating the polished rod dynamometer card. Combined with basic well data, a one-dimensional wave equation difference calculation method is used to solve for the pump dynamometer card. An approximation algorithm is employed to achieve rapid calibration of the polished rod dynamometer card and inversion of the pump dynamometer card. Calculation and engineering application results indicate that the accuracy of production and liquid level calculations obtained from the pump dynamometer card through online correction of the polished rod dynamometer card exceeds 90%, achieving the goal of engineering digitization applications. Full article

The complex and variable operating conditions of sucker-rod pumping wells pose a significant challenge for the timely and accurate identification of oil well operating conditions. Effective deep learning based on measured multi-source data obtained from the sucker-rod pumping well production site offers a promising solution to the challenge. However, existing deep learning-based operating condition recognition methods are constrained by several factors: the limitations of traditional operating condition recognition methods based on single-source and multi-source data, the need for large amounts of labeled data for training, and the high robustness requirement for recognizing complex and variable data. Therefore, we propose a semi-supervised class-incremental sucker-rod pumping well operating condition recognition method based on measured multi-source data distillation. Firstly, we select measured ground dynamometer cards and measured electrical power cards as information sources, and construct the graph neural network teacher models for data sources, and dynamically fuse the prediction probability of each teacher model through the Squeeze-and-Excitation attention mechanism. Then, we introduce a multi-source data distillation loss. It uses Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence to measure the difference between the output logic of the teacher and student models. This helps reduce the forgetting of old operating condition category knowledge during class-incremental learning. Finally, we employ a multi-source semi-supervised graph classification method based on enhanced label propagation, which improves the label propagation method through a logistic regression classifier. This method can deeply explore the potential relationship between labeled and unlabeled samples, so as to further enhance the classification performance. Extensive experimental results show that the proposed method achieves superior recognition performance and enhanced engineering practicality in real-world class-incremental oil extraction production scenarios with complex and variable operating conditions. Full article

Eccentric camshaft components serve as critical elements in emergency pump systems for commercial vehicle steering mechanisms. To optimize material utilization efficiency, reduce production costs, and enhance manufacturing throughput, this investigation implemented a vertical upsetting extrusion forming methodology for camshaft forging production. Initial trials revealed defect formation in forged components. By analyzing the causes of the defects, an improved process method was developed to eliminate them. The chemical composition, macroscopic and microscopic morphologies of defects, forging process, and metal streamlines were analyzed and studied by means of a direct reading spectrometer, high-resolution camera, metallographic microscope, DEFORM finite element analysis software, and chemical etching. Findings indicate that the observed defects constitute forging-induced cracks, with subsequent normalizing heat treatment exacerbating decarburization phenomena in defect-adjacent microstructures. During the forging process of the forgings, the metal continuously extruded into the die cavity, and the inflowing metal pulled the dead zone metal downward, causing the flow lines aligned with the contour to bend into S-shaped metal streamlines. Cracks formed when the tensile stress in the dead zone metal exceeded the material’s critical tensile stress. An improved process was proposed: adopting a vertical upsetting extrusion forming method with a 40° diversion angle at the junction between the first step and the thin rod in the die cavity. Numerical simulations confirmed complete elimination of deformation dead zones in the optimized process. Experimental verification demonstrated crack-free forgings. Therefore, the eccentric camshafts formed by the initial process exhibited forging cracks, and the proposed improved method of vertical upsetting extrusion forming with a diversion angle effectively eliminated the forging cracks. Full article

In oilfield extraction activities, traditional downhole condition monitoring is typically conducted using dynamometer cards to capture the dynamic changes in the load and displacement of the sucker rod. However, this method has severe limitations in terms of real-time performance and maintenance costs, making it difficult to meet the demands of modern extraction. To overcome these shortcomings, this paper proposes a novel fault detection method based on the analysis of motor power parameters. Through the dynamic mathematical modeling of the pumping unit system, we transform the indicator diagram of beam-pumping units into electric power diagrams and conduct an in-depth analysis of the characteristics of electric power diagrams under five typical operating conditions, revealing the impact of different working conditions on electric power. Compared to traditional methods, we introduce fourteen new features of the electrical parameters, encompassing multidimensional analyses in the time domain, frequency domain, and time-frequency domain, significantly enhancing the richness and accuracy of feature extraction. Additionally, we propose a new effectiveness evaluation method for the FCM clustering algorithm, integrating fuzzy membership degrees and the geometric structure of the dataset, overcoming the limitations of traditional clustering algorithms in terms of accuracy and the determination of the number of clusters. Through simulations and experiments on 10 UCI datasets, the proposed effectiveness function accurately evaluates the clustering results and determines the optimal number of clusters, significantly improving the performance of the clustering algorithm. Experimental results show that the fault diagnosis accuracy of our method reaches 98.4%, significantly outperforming traditional SVM and ELM methods. This high-precision diagnostic result validates the effectiveness of the method, enabling the efficient real-time monitoring of the working status of beam-pumping unit wells. In summary, the proposed method has significant advantages in real-time performance, diagnostic accuracy, and cost-effectiveness, solving the bottleneck problems of traditional methods and enhancing fault diagnosis capabilities in oilfield extraction processes. Full article

Carbon fiber composite sucker rods represent a technological innovation in oil production systems, exhibiting excellent performance. This sucker rod not only improves oil production efficiency and reduces accidents, but also saves energy and lowers the operating costs of oil wells. However, the working conditions of the carbon fiber composite sucker rod oil extraction system are relatively complex. The carbon fiber composite sucker rod body adopts a symmetrical structure formed by one-time solidification of three layers of fiber (carbon/glass fiber) materials, requiring the use of steel sucker rods in combination, and the impact of various system parameters is not fully understood. This paper focuses on the carbon fiber composite sucker rod as the research object, analyzing the external loads of the carbon fiber composite sucker rod oil extraction system. It also establishes a mechanical model of carbon fiber composite sucker rods, adopts a new finite element modeling method for sucker rod pumping systems, conducts transient dynamic analysis on the lifting motion of carbon fiber composite sucker rods in oil wells, and optimizes system parameters. The example verifies the rationality and feasibility of the finite element model. The results show that the higher the dynamic viscosity of crude oil, the more polished rod dynamometer cars tend to approach a “parallelogram”, and the polished rod load becomes more stable during the lifting process. With larger strokes, the maximum polished rod load increases, the longitudinal vibration amplitude of the carbon fiber composite sucker rod increases, and the load variation becomes more unstable. As the number of strokes increases, the maximum polished rod load and the pump plunger stroke length both increase, leading to higher pump efficiency, but the fluctuation amplitude of the polished rod dynamometer cars also increases, which affects the stability of the sucker rod’s lifting motion. When the carbon fiber sucker rod ratio exceeds 0.5, the difference between the self-weight and polished rod load initially decreases, then increases. As the carbon fiber sucker rod ratio increases, the pump plunger stroke length gradually decreases, and pump efficiency declines. Full article

Flexible ultra-long stroke pumping units (FULSPUs) are widely adopted in low-yield oil wells due to their structural simplicity and high operational efficiency. However, current equipment selection methods lack precision, leading to mismatched configurations, low utilization rates, and unnecessary costs. To address this challenge, this study develops a systematic optimization framework integrating motion dynamics analysis and empirical data. First, a simplified formula for peak polished rod load (PPRL) is concluded by analyzing the unit’s stable motion characteristics. Second, a multi-parameter selection method incorporating stroke length, frequency, pump efficiency, and dynamic liquid level constraints is developed. This method generates interactive selection charts that map maximum liquid production across varying pumping depths, providing a rapid decision-making tool for optimal equipment pairing. A double-layer circle visualization that quantifies equipment utilization by linking pumping unit load and pump load, offering actionable insights for cost-effective upgrades. The model is validated through a field case, where overdesign risks are reduced. Significantly, this work replaces traditional beam-pump selection models with a tailored solution for flexible FULSPUs, delivering two major contributions: (1) a standardized workflow balancing technical feasibility and economic efficiency and (2) a visual tool that when adopted in the oilfield, the efficiency and applicability of equipment selection are improved. These advancements establish a transformative framework for sustainable resource management in mature low-permeability reservoirs. Full article

In deep oil and gas wells, sucker rod strings (SRS) frequently experience breakage and eccentric wear problems. To address this engineering challenge, this study establishes a new coupled three-dimensional (3D) mechanical-mathematical model for sucker rod strings in 3D curved wellbores. The model comprehensively considers well trajectory, rod string structure, and external excitation, analysing the influences of elastic force, inertial force, and friction force on the sucker rod micro-elements. The formulated differential equations are discretised using the central difference method to obtain the configuration of each point on SRS and the 3D distribution of stress and strain, thereby determining the eccentric wear points between the rod and tube. A numerical solution program was developed and successfully applied in the Daqing oilfield. Results from two case studies demonstrate significant improvements: for A1# well, the system efficiency increased from 16% to 20%, while for A2# well, the pump efficiency improved from 39.8% to 58.9% and system efficiency from 33.4% to 35%. The model overcomes previous limitations by considering rod torque, 3D curved tubing spatial coordinates, tubing non-anchoring effects, and forced buckling influence, providing a theoretical basis for dynamic calculations of sucker rod pumping systems in 3D curved wells. Full article

In the process of developing mature deposits, a number of geological and technological complications arise. In order to increase the smooth operation of downhole pumping equipment in oil and gas wells, companies use various methods and techniques. This article presents a novel methodology for predicting downhole pumping equipment failures. A detailed analysis was conducted on historical data regarding downhole pumping equipment failures, which were then incorporated into algorithms to calculate the operation of downhole equipment. As a result, it was discovered that in order to predict failures of downhole equipment, it is crucial to consider the historical data of the field and perform an assessment of the well’s potential. In the process of building a failure prediction model, the authors encountered the quality and completeness of historical data from the pilot field. They concluded that the data classes needed to be more balanced. The authors applied machine learning approaches to an imbalanced dataset. The significance of our approach lies in its ability to forecast equipment failures, thereby ensuring the smooth operation of wells operated by sucker rod pumps. Full article

A multirod Ce:Nd:YAG solar laser approach, using a Fresnel lens as a primary concentrator, is here proposed with the aim of considerably increasing the efficiency of solar-pumped lasers. Fresnel lenses are cost-effective, rendering solar lasers more economically competitive. In this work, solar-pumped radiation collected and concentrated using the Fresnel lens is received by a secondary three-dimensional compound parabolic concentrator which transmits and funnels the light toward the Ce:Nd:YAG laser rods within a water-cooled tertiary conical concentrator that enables efficient multipass pumping of the rods. To explore the full potential of the proposed approach, the performance of various multirod configurations is numerically evaluated. Through this study, configurations with three and seven Ce:Nd:YAG rods are identified as being the most efficient. A maximum continuous wave total laser power of 122.8 W is reached with the three-rod configuration, marking the highest value from a Ce:Nd:YAG solar laser, leading to solar-to-laser conversion and collection efficiencies of 7.31% and 69.50 W/m², respectively. These results represent enhancements of 1.88 times and 1.79 times, respectively, over the previous experimental records from a Ce:Nd:YAG/YAG single-rod solar laser with a Fresnel lens. Furthermore, the above results are also 1.58 times and 1.68 times, respectively, greater than those associated with the most effective three-rod Ce:Nd:YAG solar laser utilizing a parabolic mirror as the main concentrator. The present study also shows the great usefulness of the simultaneous pumping of multiple laser rods in terms of reducing the thermal stress effects in active media, being the seven-rod configuration the one that offered the best compromise between maximum efficiency and thermal performance. This is crucial for the applicability of this sustainable technology, especially if we wish to scale our system to higher power laser levels. Full article