Abstract: Provided are techniques for developing a hydrocarbon reservoir that include: determining a reservoir model of a hydrocarbon reservoir that includes columns of gridblocks that represent a vertical segment of the reservoir; acquiring nano-images of a rock sample of the reservoir; determining, based on the nano-images, properties of an inorganic pore network and an organic pore network of the rock sample; generating a divided reservoir model of the reservoir that represents the inorganic and organic pore networks of the reservoir, including: for each of the columns of gridblocks, dividing each of the gridblocks of the column into: a water-wet gridblock associated with the properties of the inorganic pore network determined based on the nano-images; and an oil-wet gridblock associated with the properties of the organic pore network determined based on the nano-images; and generating, using the divided reservoir model, a simulation of the hydrocarbon reservoir.

Abstract: A method and extrusion die to form a laminar integral skin of a honeycomb structure is provided. The method includes extruding a ceramic precursor batch through a die with feedholes in entry side and slots in exit face of the die to form the honeycomb structure. In a region on the periphery of the die configured to form the cell matrix, a series of concentric slots around the matrix in the exit face of the die are configured to feed skin onto the matrix. Ring sections between concentric slots are angled away from the center and a mask is disposed on top of the periphery producing a channel for extruded skin to meet and bond to extruded matrix. Optionally, slots in the skin-forming ring sections enhance knitting between laminar skin layers.

Abstract: An integrated circuit memory device, having: a first wire; a second wire; a memory cell connected between the first wire and the second wire; a first voltage driver connected to the first wire; and a second voltage driver connected to the second wire. During an operation to read the memory cell, the second voltage driver is configured to start ramping up a voltage applied on the second wire after the first voltage driver starts ramping up and holding a voltage applied on the first wire.

Abstract: Provided is a chiller and system that may be utilized in a supercritical fluid chromatography method, wherein a non-polar solvent may replace a portion or all of a polar solvent for the purpose of separating or extracting desired sample molecules from a combined sample/solvent stream. The system may reduce the amount of polar solvent necessary for chromatographic separation and/or extraction of desired samples. The system may incorporate a supercritical fluid chiller, a supercritical fluid pressure-equalizing vessel and a supercritical fluid cyclonic separator. The supercritical fluid chiller allows for efficient and consistent pumping of liquid-phase gases employing off-the-shelf HPLC pumps. The pressure equalizing vessel allows the use of off-the-shelf HPLC column cartridges. The system may further incorporate the use of one or more disposable cartridges containing silica gel or other suitable medium.

Abstract: A particulate filter having a honeycomb structure of a matrix of interconnected porous walls including inlet cells and outlet cells defining a plurality of inlet channels and outlet channels, respectively, wherein at least a portion of the outlet cells are larger than any of the inlet cells, and a cross-sectional shape of at least some of the outlet channels is rectangular. Honeycomb extrusion dies, honeycomb bodies, honeycomb structures, and methods of manufacture are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A pipe alignment tool for aligning a pair of pipes is disclosed. The tool includes an anchor member configured to abut the pair of pipes and a spindle coupled to the anchor member. The tool further includes a block in threaded engagement with the spindle and adapted to move axially along an axis of the spindle in response to a rotation of the spindle about the axis. The block includes a first retention structure and a second retention structure. Furthermore, the tool includes a flexible member for supporting the pair of pipes and adapted to be disposed around the pair of pipes and engaged with the first retention structure and the second retention structure. The flexible member is tightened about the pipes upon the rotation of the spindle in a first direction, wherein the tightening of the flexible member facilitates the alignment of the pair of pipes.

Abstract: A method to form a laminar integral skin of a honeycomb structure is provided. The method includes extruding a ceramic precursor batch through a die with feedholes in entry side and slots in exit face of the die to form the honeycomb structure. In a region on the periphery of the die configured to form the cell matrix, a series of concentric slots around the matrix in the exit face of the die are configured to feed skin onto the matrix. Ring sections between concentric slots are angled away from the center and a mask is disposed on top of the periphery producing a channel for extruded skin to meet and bond to extruded matrix. Optionally, slots in the skin-forming ring sections enhance knitting between laminar skin layers. The die and honeycomb body having uniform integral skin are also provided.

Abstract: An integrated circuit memory device, having: a first wire; a second wire; a memory cell connected between the first wire and the second wire; a first voltage driver connected to the first wire; and a second voltage driver connected to the second wire. During an operation to read the memory cell, the second voltage driver is configured to start ramping up a voltage applied on the second wire after the first voltage driver starts ramping up and holding a voltage applied on the first wire.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for lockout-tagout procedures and systems supporting the same, including, without limitation, lockout devices that can store and maintain digital locks simultaneously by multiple keyholders. In various embodiments, a single user can add multiple keyholders to a digital lock. The user may not be able to remove anyone as a keyholder except herself. Thus, the digital lock may remain in a locked state until each of the added keyholders applies their digital key, password, pin, and/or other personal identifying information to unlock the digital by removing themselves as a keyholder.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for lockout-tagout procedures and systems supporting the same, including, without limitation, locking devices that can store and be locked simultaneously by multiple keyholders. In various embodiments, a single user can add multiple keyholders to a locking device. The user may not be able to remove anyone as a keyholder except himself or herself. Thus, the locking device may remain in a locked state until each of the added keyholders applies their digital key, password, PIN, and/or other personal identifying information to unlock the locking device by removing themselves as a keyholder.

Abstract: A honeycomb body having a honeycomb structure and a peripheral skin, the honeycomb structure having walls defining a plurality of cells including peripheral cells disposed directly adjacent to the peripheral skin. One or more of the peripheral cells is at least partially defined by a first wall surface, a second wall surface, and a skin surface portion extending between the first wall surface and the second wall surface. A continuously-varying radius extends from a first tangent to the first wall surface along the skin surface portion and to a second tangent to the second wall surface. Other honeycomb bodies, structures, and extrusion dies for forming honeycomb structures are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a method for using reservoir simulations. Permeabilities are measured from a rock sample at different pressures using single-component gas and bulk gas viscosity values. The rock sample is representative of rock used in a reservoir simulation. For each gas component of reservoir gas, porosities are determined, including determining mean free paths for a range of temperatures and pressures encompassing conditions for both reservoir simulation input and the measured permeabilities. A characteristic pore radius for the rock is determined using the measured permeabilities and the determined porosities. Viscosity adjustment factors for a predefined range of temperatures and pressures are determined using the measured permeabilities. Adjusted gas viscosities for the predefined range of temperatures and pressures and the measured permeabilities are determined using the viscosity adjustment factors. The reservoir simulator is executed using the adjusted gas viscosities.

Abstract: Provided is a chiller and system that may be utilized in a supercritical fluid chromatography method, wherein a non-polar solvent may replace a portion or all of a polar solvent for the purpose of separating or extracting desired sample molecules from a combined sample/solvent stream. The system may reduce the amount of polar solvent necessary for chromatographic separation and/or extraction of desired samples. The system may incorporate a supercritical fluid chiller, a supercritical fluid pressure-equalizing vessel and a supercritical fluid cyclonic separator. The supercritical fluid chiller allows for efficient and consistent pumping of liquid-phase gases employing off-the-shelf HPLC pumps. The pressure equalizing vessel allows the use of off-the-shelf HPLC column cartridges. The system may further incorporate the use of one or more disposable cartridges containing silica gel or other suitable medium.

Abstract: Extrusion dies and methods of manufacturing extrusions dies, the extrusion die including a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has first upstream and downstream surfaces. A first material of the first plate has a first elastic modulus. The first plate includes pins formed between a plurality of slots. The pins and slots define a discharge face for the extrusion die at the first downstream surface of the first plate. The second plate has second upstream and downstream surfaces. The second plate is joined at the second downstream surface to the first upstream surface of the first plate. A second material of the second plate has a second elastic modulus. The second elastic modulus is greater than the first elastic modulus. A plurality of feed holes extend from the second upstream surface of the second plate through the extrusion die into communication with the slots.

Abstract: A coated ceramic honeycomb body comprising a honeycomb structure comprising a matrix of intersecting porous walls forming a plurality of axially-extending channels, at least some of the plurality of axially-extending channels being plugged to form inlet channels and outlet channels, wherein a total surface area of the outlet channels is greater than a total surface area of the inlet channels, and wherein a catalyst is preferentially located within the outlet channels, and preferentially disposed on non-filtration walls of the outlet channels. Methods and apparatus configured to preferentially apply a catalyst-containing slurry to the outlet channels and non-filtration walls are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An integrated circuit memory device, having: a first wire; a second wire; a memory cell connected between the first wire and the second wire; a first voltage driver connected to the first wire; and a second voltage driver connected to the second wire. During an operation to read the memory cell, the second voltage driver is configured to start ramping up a voltage applied on the second wire after the first voltage driver starts ramping up and holding a voltage applied on the first wire.

Abstract: A honeycomb body (300) including a plurality of radially-extending walls (322) intersecting with a plurality of circumferentially-extending walls (324), the plurality of radially-extending walls (322) and the plurality of circumferentially-extending walls (324) form a plurality of circumferential zones (334A, 334B, 334C) of cells (308). The plurality of circumferential zones (334A, 334B, 334C) of cells (308) includes a first zone of cells (334A) including two or more first rings of cells (330) and having a first cell density, and a second zone of cells (334B) including two or more rings of cells (330) having varying cell densities across the two or more rings of cells. Other structures and extrusion dies are disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic fastener has a head and a shank. The shank has a leading end portion adjacent a distal tip and a trailing end portion adjacent a head. An intermediate portion is positioned between the leading and trailing end portions. At the intermediate portion, the shank increases in diameter. The leading end portion has a first thread which includes one or more self-tapping cutting grooves extending adjacent the distal tip and through a plurality of the first threads. The intermediate portion has second threads extending toward the head from the leading end portion. The second threads of the intermediate portion are larger in outer diameter than the first threads in the leading end portion. The intermediate portion has one or more cutting grooves traversing at each of a leading transition at the leading end portion and at a trailing transition.

Abstract: The invention provides a wellbore fluid which comprises an aqueous continuous phase and, dissolved in said aqueous continuous phase, at least one salt which exists in a liquid state at a temperature below 150° C. and which has an ammonium, phosphonium or sulfonium cation containing at least 5 carbon atoms, or a quaternised nitrogen-containing heterocyclic cation containing at least 6 carbon atoms; provided that said salt is not 2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl ethanaminium acetate; and a method of carrying out a wellbore operation, which comprises introducing into a wellbore in a clay-containing formation, a wellbore fluid according to the invention. The described salts are effective shale inhibitors.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for lockout-tagout procedures and systems supporting the same, including, without limitation, lockout devices that can store and maintain digital locks simultaneously by multiple keyholders. In various embodiments, a single user can add multiple keyholders to a digital lock. The user may not be able to remove anyone as a keyholder except herself. Thus, the digital lock may remain in a locked state until each of the added keyholders applies their digital key, password, pin, and/or other personal identifying information to unlock the digital by removing themselves as a keyholder.