Abstract: A system is disclosed for three-dimensional (3D) printing of multi-directional woven components with hierarchical z-axis reinforcements using pre-impregnated FRP materials. The exemplary 3D printing system includes a primary extrusion nozzle system and a secondary extrusion needle system supported by a multi-axis truss. The primary extrusion nozzle system is comprised of at least two sub-extruders and rotation mechanisms for controllably rotating the extrusion nozzle and rotating the two-sub extruders. The extrusion nozzle assembly and the two sub-extruders can be controllably and independently rotated to extrude a braided yarn with a precise fiber-spacing. Additionally, a separate extrusion needle is provided for vertical interpenetration of the needle into the braided workpiece such that material can be extruded at precise depth through side-facing needle openings thereby providing z-axis reinforcement to the workpiece.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for three-dimensional (3D) printing of multi-directional woven components with hierarchical z-axis reinforcements using pre-impregnated FRP materials. The exemplary 3D printing system includes a primary extrusion nozzle system and a secondary extrusion needle system supported by a multi-axis truss. The primary extrusion nozzle system is comprised of at least two sub-extruders and rotation mechanisms for controllably rotating the extrusion nozzle and rotating the two-sub extruders. The extrusion nozzle assembly and the two sub-extruders can be controllably and independently rotated to extrude a braided yarn with a precise fiber-spacing. Additionally, a separate extrusion needle is provided for vertical interpenetration of the needle into the braided workpiece such that material can be extruded at precise depth through side-facing needle openings thereby providing z-axis reinforcement to the workpiece.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for calibrating the volume of storage containers using ultrasonic inspection techniques. The exemplary ultrasonic calibration system comprises a plurality of acoustic devices controllably deployed in respective positions on the outside surface of the container. The acoustic devices include a transducer for sending acoustic signals across the internal volume of the container and sensors configured to detect the acoustic signals. The acoustic devices are in communication with a diagnostic computing device that controls the positioning and the operation of the acoustic devices and is further configured to determine the time time-of-flight of acoustic signals that travel between the various acoustic devices. Moreover, according to the specific arrangement of acoustic devices and the measured acoustic signal information, the control computer is configured to calculate the dimensions of the container and its internal volume.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for calibrating the volume of storage containers using ultrasonic inspection techniques. The exemplary ultrasonic calibration system comprises a plurality of acoustic devices controllably deployed in respective positions on the outside surface of the container. The acoustic devices include a transducer for sending acoustic signals across the internal volume of the container and sensors configured to detect the acoustic signals. The acoustic devices are in communication with a diagnostic computing device that controls the positioning and the operation of the acoustic devices and is further configured to determine the time time-of-flight of acoustic signals that travel between the various acoustic devices. Moreover, according to the specific arrangement of acoustic devices and the measured acoustic signal information, the control computer is configured to calculate the dimensions of the container and its internal volume.

Abstract: A method of preventing formation of a water and oil emulsion in a downhole formation containing oil, the method comprises preparing a dispersion of water and a plurality of nanoparticles, each nanoparticle in the plurality of nanoparticles having a size of at least 300 nanometers, and injecting the mixture downhole into contact with the oil downhole. Presence of the plurality of nanoparticles prevents formation of an emulsion between the injected water and the oil.

Abstract: A method of preventing formation of a water and oil emulsion in a downhole formation containing oil, the method comprises preparing a dispersion of water and a plurality of non-functionalized nanoparticles, each nanoparticle in the plurality of nanoparticles having a size of at least 300 nanometers, and injecting the mixture downhole into contact with the oil downhole. Presence of the plurality of nanoparticles prevents formation of an emulsion between the injected water and the oil.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for calibrating the volume of storage containers using ultrasonic inspection techniques. The exemplary ultrasonic calibration system comprises a plurality of acoustic devices controllably deployed in respective positions on the outside surface of the container. The acoustic devices include a transducer for sending acoustic signals across the internal volume of the container and sensors configured to detect the acoustic signals. The acoustic devices are in communication with a diagnostic computing device that controls the positioning and the operation of the acoustic devices and is further configured to determine the time time-of-flight of acoustic signals that travel between the various acoustic devices. Moreover, according to the specific arrangement of acoustic devices and the measured acoustic signal information, the control computer is configured to calculate the dimensions of the container and its internal volume.

Abstract: A method of preventing formation of a water and oil emulsion in a downhole formation containing oil, the method comprises preparing a dispersion of water and a plurality of non-functionalized nanoparticles, each nanoparticle in the plurality of nanoparticles having a size of at least 300 nanometers, and injecting the dispersion into contact with the oil downhole. Presence of the plurality of nanoparticles prevents formation of an emulsion between the injected water and the oil.