Abstract: Detergent compositions and methods of preparing and using the detergent compositions are disclosed. The detergent compositions comprise a polymer system comprising at least one polycarboxylic acid polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, an alkalinity source comprising an alkali metal carbonate, a nonionic surfactant and water. The detergent compositions are suitable at alkaline pH and reduce or prevent scale formation, improve soil dispersion, and provide effective detergency.

Abstract: A propulsion and electric power generation system includes a gas turbine propulsion engine, an electrical generator, an aircraft power distribution system, a plurality of auxiliary fans, and a controller. The gas turbine propulsion engine includes at least a low-pressure turbine coupled to a fan via a low-pressure spool, and the low-pressure turbine is configured to generate mechanical power. The electrical generator is directly connected to the low-pressure spool and generates a total amount of electrical power (Pe). The aircraft power distribution system receives a first fraction (Pa) of the total amount of electrical power. The auxiliary fans receive a second fraction (Pf) of the total amount of electrical power. The controller is configured to control a ratio of Pf to Pa (Pf/Pa) such that the ratio spans a range from less than 0.6 to at least 0.9.

Abstract: A propulsion and electric power generation system includes a gas turbine propulsion engine, an electrical generator, an aircraft power distribution system, a plurality of auxiliary fans, and a controller. The gas turbine propulsion engine includes at least a low-pressure turbine coupled to a fan via a low-pressure spool, and the low-pressure turbine is configured to generate mechanical power. The electrical generator is directly connected to the low-pressure spool and generates a total amount of electrical power (Pe). The aircraft power distribution system receives a first fraction (Pa) of the total amount of electrical power. The auxiliary fans receive a second fraction (Pf) of the total amount of electrical power. The controller is configured to control a ratio of Pf to Pa (Pf/Pa) such that the ratio spans a range from less than 0.6 to at least 0.9.

Abstract: A propulsion and electric power generation system includes a dual-spool turbofan gas turbine engine and an electrical generator. The dual-spool turbofan gas turbine engine includes at least a low-pressure turbine coupled to a fan via a low-pressure spool. The low-pressure turbine is configured to generate mechanical power. The electrical generator is directly connected to the low-pressure spool and is disposed downstream of the low-pressure turbine. A first fraction of the mechanical power generated by the low-pressure turbine is controllably supplied to the fan for propulsive power generation (Pt). A second fraction of the mechanical power generated by the low-pressure turbine is controllably supplied to the electrical generator for electrical power generation (Pe). A ratio of Pe to Pt (Pe/Pt), during operation of the dual-spool turbofan gas turbine engine, controllably spans a range from less than about 0.06 to at least 0.18.

Abstract: A turbine engine incorporating a fine particle separation means includes a radial compressor that rotates about a longitudinal axis, a radially-oriented diffuser located downstream and radially outward, with respect to the longitudinal axis, from the radial compressor, and a flow path positioned downstream and radially outward, with respect to the longitudinal axis, from the diffuser, wherein the flow path comprises an outer annular wall and an inner annular wall between which the compressed air flows, and wherein the flow path comprises an arc the redirects the compressed air from flowing in a substantially radial flow direction to a substantially axial flow direction. The turbine engine further includes an extraction slot in the outer annular wall that fluidly connects with a scavenge plenum, the scavenge plenum being positioned adjacent to and radially outward from the outer annular wall at a position downstream axially along the flow path from the arc.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for characterizing a fluid provide for flowing a sample fluid through a microfluidic flow line in a first direction and into contact with a microfluidic sensor, measuring a property of the fluid sample using the microfluidic sensor; and after measuring the property of the fluid sample, flushing the microfluidic sensor by flowing a solvent through the microfluidic flow line in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A system for optical communications may include a multiplicity of optical communications relay platforms that each move above a surface of the earth. Each relay platform may include a relay link for communications between adjacent relay platforms. The system may also include a plurality of ground stations. Each ground station may be configured to communicate with another of the ground stations through at least one of the relay platforms. Each ground station may include an optical communications link for optical communications with successive relay platforms. The optical link of each ground station may be configured for handover connections between the successive relay platforms as the relay platforms move relative to the earth. The system may additionally include a network operations center having a link controller. The link controller may be configured to control switching of the communications links for hitless transmission between the ground stations.

Abstract: A system for optical communications may include a multiplicity of optical communications relay platforms that each move above a surface of the earth. Each relay platform may include a relay link for communications between adjacent relay platforms. The system may also include a plurality of ground stations. Each ground station may be configured to communicate with another of the ground stations through at least one of the relay platforms. Each ground station may include an optical communications link for optical communications with successive relay platforms. The optical link of each ground station may be configured for handover connections between the successive relay platforms as the relay platforms move relative to the earth. The system may additionally include a network operations center having a link controller. The link controller may be configured to control switching of the communications links for hitless transmission between the ground stations.

Abstract: A sensor including a vibrating wire is used to measure a dew point of a fluid.

Abstract: A turbine engine incorporating a fine particle separation means includes a radial compressor that rotates about a longitudinal axis, a radially-oriented diffuser located downstream and radially outward, with respect to the longitudinal axis, from the radial compressor, and a flow path positioned downstream and radially outward, with respect to the longitudinal axis, from the diffuser, wherein the flow path comprises an outer annular wall and an inner annular wall between which the compressed air flows, and wherein the flow path comprises an arc the redirects the compressed air from flowing in a substantially radial flow direction to a substantially axial flow direction. The turbine engine further includes an extraction slot in the outer annular wall that fluidly connects with a scavenge plenum, the scavenge plenum being positioned adjacent to and radially outward from the outer annular wall at a position downstream axially along the flow path from the arc.

Abstract: A system for optical communications may include a multiplicity of optical communications relay platforms that each move above a surface of the earth. Each relay platform may include a relay link for communications between adjacent relay platforms. The system may also include a plurality of ground stations. Each ground station may be configured to communicate with another of the ground stations through at least one of the relay platforms. Each ground station may include an optical communications link for optical communications with successive relay platforms. The optical link of each ground station may be configured for handover connections between the successive relay platforms as the relay platforms move relative to the earth. The system may additionally include a network operations center having a link controller. The link controller may be configured to control switching of the communications links for hitless transmission between the ground stations.

Abstract: A method for determining an asphaltene onset condition of a crude oil is provided. The method includes receiving a crude oil within a downhole tool inside a well and taking a first measurement of an optical property of the received crude oil. The method also includes lowering the pressure or temperature of the crude oil after taking the first measurement of the optical property to cause aggregation of asphaltenes in the crude oil, and then separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil. Further, the method includes taking a second measurement of the optical property of the crude oil within the downhole tool after separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil and determining an asphaltene onset condition of the crude oil through comparison of the first and second measurements of the optical property. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for characterizing a fluid provide for flowing a sample fluid through a microfluidic flow line in a first direction and into contact with a microfluidic sensor, measuring a property of the fluid sample using the microfluidic sensor; and after measuring the property of the fluid sample, flushing the microfluidic sensor by flowing a solvent through the microfluidic flow line in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A method for determining an asphaltene onset condition of a crude oil is provided. The method includes receiving a crude oil within a downhole tool inside a well and taking a first measurement of an optical property of the received crude oil. The method also includes lowering the pressure or temperature of the crude oil after taking the first measurement of the optical property to cause aggregation of asphaltenes in the crude oil, and then separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil. Further, the method includes taking a second measurement of the optical property of the crude oil within the downhole tool after separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil and determining an asphaltene onset condition of the crude oil through comparison of the first and second measurements of the optical property. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining for determining asphaltene onset pressure of a formation fluid are described herein. The method includes the following processes: (a) transmitting light through a sample of the formation fluid; (b) decreasing pressure of the sample; (c) detecting intensity of the transmitted light during depressurization; (d) identifying a change in intensity of the transmitted light during depressurization; (e) increasing pressure of the sample to a fixed pressure; and (f) detecting intensity of the transmitted light at the fixed pressure and at an equilibrated light intensity. Processes (a) to (f) are repeated for a number of different fixed pressures. The asphaltene onset pressure of the formation fluid sample can be determined using (i) the intensity of the transmitted light during each depressurization and (ii) the intensity of the transmitted light at each of the different fixed pressures.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement is provided for a gas turbine engine with a turbine section. The cooling arrangement includes a first conduit to receive cooling air that includes particles; a separator system coupled to the first conduit to receive the cooling air and configured to remove at least a portion of the particles to result in relatively clean cooling air and scavenge air including the portion of the particles; and a second conduit coupled to the separator system and configured to direct the relatively clean cooling air to the turbine section.

Abstract: A system for optical communications may include a multiplicity of optical communications relay platforms that each move above a surface of the earth. Each relay platform may include a relay link for communications between adjacent relay platforms. The system may also include a plurality of ground stations. Each ground station may be configured to communicate with another of the ground stations through at least one of the relay platforms. Each ground station may include an optical communications link for optical communications with successive relay platforms. The optical link of each ground station may be configured for handover connections between the successive relay platforms as the relay platforms move relative to the earth. The system may additionally include a network operations center having a link controller. The link controller may be configured to control switching of the communications links for hitless transmission between the ground stations.

Abstract: A sensor including a vibrating wire is used to measure a dew point of a fluid.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement is provided for a gas turbine engine with a turbine section. The cooling arrangement includes a first conduit to receive cooling air that includes particles; a separator system coupled to the first conduit to receive the cooling air and configured to remove at least a portion of the particles to result in relatively clean cooling air and scavenge air including the portion of the particles; and a second conduit coupled to the separator system and configured to direct the relatively clean cooling air to the turbine section.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the presence and/or rate of a flow of a fluid sample include transmitting light through the fluid sample are disclosed. The methods comprise, applying a series of thermal pulses to the fluid sample, the series comprises a time interval between each thermal pulse, detecting transmitted light using a light detector; and determining at least one of (a) whether or not the fluid is flowing and (b) a flow rate of the fluid, based on an intensity of the transmitted light corresponding to at least one time interval.