Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a structure using an optical fiber based distributed acoustic sensor (DAS) extending along the length of the structure. The DAS is able to resolve a separate acoustic signal with a spatial resolution of 1 m along the length of the fibre, and hence is able to operate with an acoustic positioning system to determine the position of the riser with the same spatial resolution. In addition, the fiber can at the same time also detect much lower frequency mechanical vibrations in the riser, for example such as resonant mode vibrations induced by movement in the surrounding medium. By using vibration detection in combination with acoustic positioning then overall structure shape monitoring can be undertaken, which is useful for vortex induced vibration (VIV) visualisation, fatigue analysis, and a variety of other advanced purposes. The structure may be a sub-sea riser.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymyxin compound of formula (I) and salts, solvates and protected forms thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I), and the use of the compounds and compositions in methods of treatment, such as methods for the treatment of microbial infections. The compounds of formula (I) are represented thus: wherein —R15 is a group: and —R16 is hydrogen; —R17 is hydrogen; -L- is a covalent bond or methylene; and —Ar is optionally substituted aryl. The groups —X—, —R1, —R2, —R3, —R4, and —R8 are as defined herein.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymyxin compound of formula (I) and salts, solvates and protected forms thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I), and the use of the compounds and compositions in methods of treatment, such as methods for the treatment of microbial infections. The compounds of formula (I) are represented thus: wherein —R15 is a group: and —R16 is hydrogen; —R17 is hydrogen -L- is a covalent bond or methylene; and —Ar is optionally substituted aryl. The groups —X—, —R1, —R2, —R3, —R4, and —R8 are as defined herein.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymyxin compound of formula (I) and salts, solvates and protected forms thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I), and the use of the compounds and compositions in methods of treatment, such as methods for the treatment of microbial infections. The compounds of formula (I) are represented thus: wherein —R15 is a group: and —R16 is hydrogen; —R17 is hydrogen -L- is a covalent bond or methylene; and —Ar is optionally substituted aryl. The groups —X—, —R1, —R2, —R3, —R4, and —R8 are as defined herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a structure using an optical fiber based distributed acoustic sensor (DAS) extending along the length of the structure. The DAS is able to resolve a separate acoustic signal with a spatial resolution of 1 m along the length of the fibre, and hence is able to operate with an acoustic positioning system to determine the position of the riser with the same spatial resolution. In addition, the fiber can at the same time also detect much lower frequency mechanical vibrations in the riser, for example such as resonant mode vibrations induced by movement in the surrounding medium. By using vibration detection in combination with acoustic positioning then overall structure shape monitoring can be undertaken, which is useful for vortex induced vibration (VIV) visualisation, fatigue analysis, and a variety of other advanced purposes. The structure may be a sub-sea riser.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include an apparatus for imaging a volume of material contained inside a vessel. The apparatus includes a plurality of synchronized acoustic sensors positioned at a periphery of an inner volume of the vessel. A processor combines the outputs of the acoustic sensors to identify at least one ambient noise source of the industrial process generating a noise field that illuminates an internal volume of the vessel and to provide an image of the material by temporal and spatial coherent processing of the transmission and reflection of the noise field generated by the noise source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a structure using an optical fiber based distributed acoustic sensor (DAS) extending along the length of the structure. The DAS is able to resolve a separate acoustic signal with a spatial resolution of 1 m along the length of the fibre, and hence is able to operate with an acoustic positioning system to determine the position of the riser with the same spatial resolution. In addition, the fiber can at the same time also detect much lower frequency mechanical vibrations in the riser, for example such as resonant mode vibrations induced by movement in the surrounding medium. By using vibration detection in combination with acoustic positioning then overall structure shape monitoring can be undertaken, which is useful for vortex induced vibration (VIV) visualisation, fatigue analysis, and a variety of other advanced purposes. The structure may be a sub-sea riser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a structure using an optical fiber based distributed acoustic sensor (DAS) extending along the length of the structure. The DAS is able to resolve a separate acoustic signal with a spatial resolution of 1 m along the length of the fibre, and hence is able to operate with an acoustic positioning system to determine the position of the riser with the same spatial resolution. In addition, the fiber can at the same time also detect much lower frequency mechanical vibrations in the riser, for example such as resonant mode vibrations induced by movement in the surrounding medium. By using vibration detection in combination with acoustic positioning then overall structure shape monitoring can be undertaken, which is useful for vortex induced vibration (VIV) visualisation, fatigue analysis, and a variety of other advanced purposes. The structure may be a sub-sea riser.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include an apparatus for imaging a volume of material contained inside a vessel. The apparatus includes a plurality of synchronized acoustic sensors positioned at a periphery of an inner volume of the vessel. A processor combines the outputs of the acoustic sensors to identify at least one ambient noise source of the industrial process generating a noise field that illuminates an internal volume of the vessel and to provide an image of the material by temporal and spatial coherent processing of the transmission and reflection of the noise field generated by the noise source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are useful for determining the flowrate of fluid flowing within a passage. The method comprises the step of measuring the equilibrium temperature of a location of interest within or proximate to the passage within which fluid flows. The temperature of the location of interest is perturbed to a second temperature, and the temperature of the location of interest is then allowed to return to its equilibrium temperature. The temperature of the location of interest is monitored as it transitions between the second temperature and the equilibrium temperature. The monitored temperature transition is then used to determine the flowrate of the fluid flowing within the passage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are useful for determining the flowrate of fluid flowing within a passage. The method comprises the step of measuring the equilibrium temperature of a location of interest within or proximate to the passage within which fluid flows. The temperature of the location of interest is perturbed to a second temperature, and the temperature of the location of interest is then allowed to return to its equilibrium temperature. The temperature of the location of interest is monitored as it transitions between the second temperature and the equilibrium temperature. The monitored temperature transition is then used to determine the flowrate of the fluid flowing within the passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to the extrusion of filamentary strands of reconstituted tobacco through a die plate and the downstream handling thereof. The die plate is configured such that each filament is of a square or rectangular cross-section, the downstream handling of which effects draw down of the extruded filament.