Rev. Téc. Fac. Ing. Univ. Zulia

Dr. Melvin Hoyer Laboratory of Physical and Satellite Geodesy: 28 years of legacy and commitment to Geodesy in Venezuela

Ileanis Arenas — 2025-01-14

En esta entrega del volumen 48 de nuestra Revista Técnica, rendimos homenaje al Laboratorio de Geodesia Física y Satelital Dr. Melvin Hoyer (LGFS-MH), una institución emblemática que ha desempeñado un papel fundamental en el desarrollo de la Geodesia en Venezuela durante 28 años. Desde su fundación en 1997, este laboratorio, adscrito al Departamento de Geodesia Superior de la Escuela de Ingeniería Geodésica, ha sido un pilar en la docencia, investigación y extensión, consolidando su prestigio a nivel nacional e internacional.

Hoy, el LGFS-MH celebra 28 años de trayectoria, consolidándose como referente en la investigación y formación geodésica en Venezuela. A pesar de los desafíos, su labor ha fortalecido el desarrollo científico y tecnológico del país. Su compromiso con la precisión y la innovación sigue siendo clave para el avance de la geodesia en la región.

Sequencing of tasks by algorithms through the theory of lean manufacturing in the cardboard sector

Jairo Orlando Dueñas-Guerra — 2025-03-14

This study on the cardboard sector addressed various processes, such as printing, die-cutting, discarding, folding, and strapping, in a company with previously identified operational issues. Solutions were implemented using Lean Manufacturing tools and task sequencing algorithms. The analysis was structured in four stages: first, operational data was collected; next, Lean Manufacturing techniques were applied to optimize processes. The methodology was empirical-inductive, with data analysis and the implementation of sequencing algorithms. The justification focused on prioritizing a specific printer, achieving a 35% reduction in setup times, which led to a significant decrease in work hours. Sequencing algorithms were used to optimize task organization, leveraging collaborative tools like Google Collaborative. The results demonstrated that these algorithms improved processing times, reducing work hours by 57.6%, suggesting they are a viable alternative for optimizing the printing process in cardboard companies.

Systems dynamics model for the management of an undergraduate university academic program

Oscar Mauricio Gelves Alarcón — 2025-04-14

The objective of this study is to design a system dynamics model that addresses the evolution of the population of an undergraduate program through a systemic and causal approach. The problem statement lies in the lack of comprehensive tools that allow for effective analysis and projection of this dynamics. The objective of this study is to develop a system dynamics model that tackles this issue through a systemic and causal approach. It proposes an approach that integrates key variables such as current student population, tuition costs and program economic outcomes, to provide a comprehensive view of the situation. The methodology is based on the utilization of a Forrester diagram for model construction, which allows for simulating the identified variables up to the year 2043. Additionally, an exhaustive literature review is conducted using databases such as Scopus and Google Academics to contextualize the proposed model. The main results of this research include the model's ability to project different scenarios, such as the lack of governmental economic assistance policies towards universities. Furthermore, it highlights the identification of relevant themes and variables through the literature review conducted. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive and robust model that enables the projection of student population evolution in an engineering program, thus offering a valuable tool for decision-making and long-term strategic planning in the academic field.

Methodology for the Application of Evaluation Matrices for Vibration in the String During Drilling

Juan Ernesto Zambrano Govea — 2025-10-22

The research aims to design a methodology for applying vibration assessment matrices to the drill string during drilling to optimize drilling parameters and string performance; optimize the ROP of the well being drilled; and, in some cases, prevent entrapment or hole collapse due to mechanical effects. This is a projective study that addresses drill string vibrations using documentary and observational techniques for data acquisition. The methodology will be developed in phases: first, research and collection of well data and existing literature; then, classification of the information and analysis of vibration assessment criteria used by different companies. Subsequently, the operational ranges of these companies will be compared to establish a unified method for determining the specific vibration type using real-time recordings (LWD/MWD) and proposing solutions or guidelines. Finally, mechanical vibration assessment matrices will be designed for the drill string, classified by strength and type of vibration (axial, torsional, or lateral), using the studied well profiles as a reference. Once the vibration value has been identified, a real-time recommendation will be issued to correct the anomalies or continue drilling.

Economic-financial analysis for production cost sensitization: case of a Colombian plastics company

Luis Fernando Ospino Arias — 2025-10-23

This paper presents an economic-financial sensitivity analysis focused on the optimization of production costs associated with the printing process in a company of the plastics industry sector, and its impact on operating profits, EBITDA and net income of the organization. For this purpose, the research has an applied approach and a non-experimental and transversal methodological design was adopted. Documentary sources were consulted to obtain preliminary financial data. As a result, the optimization of raw material costs, specifically bioriented polimer (BOPP), was identified as a key factor in the reduction of losses in the production processes of this sector. The analysis made it possible to evaluate the positive impact on the improvement of profits from the optimization of production costs, considering different scenarios within the economic-financial model.

Borehole Stability Model in Presence of Intrussive-Igneous Body, Highly Challenging for Drilling, Yuralpa Field, Oriente Basin, Ecuador

Kelly Noris Rodríguez García — 2025-10-29

This paper presents three cases of wellbore instability in presence of igneous intrusive bodies but also a successful borehole stability model applied to a wellbore in the Yuralpa Field, Oriente Basin, Ecuador. The borehole stability model was integrated with petrophysics analysis from conventional logs to estimate presence of open or partially-open fractures and its impact on borehole stability. In addition, mechanical behavior response analysis during drilling of intrusive body was combined with morphology of caving analysis in real time for diagnose of failure mechanisms and to apply necessary corrective actions. Severe instability problems were observed at the level of the Napo shale, when wells are drilled at an oblique angle to the bedding planes. This condition has an effect on wellbore stability, so that the weak bedding planes of Napo shale can slip, due to having a low rock strength, thus jeopardizing the borehole stability. On the other hand, a significant mud weight can destabilize the wellbore wall due to that mud filtrate and mud itself inject between permeable bedding planes, reducing the already low existing cohesion, and inducing slip on weak bedding planes in wellbore walls. The instability problems have generated significant no production time or investment loss.

Culture safety and safety climate: ¿Could they be aligned to work to enhance organizational´s safety management?

Arelis Josefina Arrieta — 2025-10-30

This work analyzes the evolution of the concepts of safety culture and safety climate, integrating specialized literature to provide their definitions, origins, and constituent factors. The primary objective is to review the numerous definitions of both terms to determine if they can be clearly differentiated or, based on their similarities, aligned into a practical "alliance." This conceptual union aims to serve as a foundation for designing effective occupational health and safety programs in high-risk industries to minimize workplace accidents. The results reflect considerable disagreement among researchers regarding 1) how to define both constructs and 2) whether they are inherently different. Nevertheless, it is concluded that, despite the controversy, the actions of an organization that empowers its employees and leads with a vision of continuous improvement generate a positive safety climate. This climate, in turn, inexorably influences the safety culture, shaping collective beliefs and values about the importance of well-being. The strategic alignment of both concepts could achieve the pinnacle of integrated safety at work, creating a robust model for the prevention and mitigation of accidents.

Two-Dimensional Affine Transformation (AT2D) for Geodetic Velocity Interpolation utilizing SIRGAS-CON Weekly Solutions

Hermógenes David Suárez Acosta — 2025-10-31

Geodetic velocity models are critical for transforming coordinates from a reference epoch to an observation epoch. However, developing these models is often time-consuming, requiring frequent updates to maintain validity. To address the issue of its validity over time, this study examines the use of the Two-Dimensional Affine Transformation (AT2D) method for interpolating velocities at GNSS stations in South America. The AT2D relies on triangulation from surrounding SIRGAS-CON stations, which have well-known velocities, over a specific time interval. The resulting velocities from the AT2D method and VEMOS models were compared against their well-known reference velocities derived from SIRGAS-CON solutions, allowing the calculation of velocity residuals for quality assessment at fifty stations. In 82% of the residual comparisons, AT2D exhibited lower RMSE (±1.4 mm/year) than VEMOS models (±3.6 mm/year). The results show that the AT2D method effectively reproduces SIRGAS-CON velocities when GNSS stations are situated within the same tectonic plate. The primary advantage of the AT2D method is its rapid access and temporal flexibility, allowing for adjustments when abrupt jumps or data discontinuities occur. Therefore, the AT2D method proves efficient and accurate for calculating updated velocities in local or regional contexts relevant to surveying and geodetic engineering.

Proposal for the Adaptation of the Potable Water Treatment System in a Poultry Industry

Ana Francisca Marín Ramírez — 2025-12-03

The treatment of drinking water in the poultry industry is crucial to ensure product quality and worker health. The water composition varies depending on the industrial process, infrastructure, and its use within the facilities. This study evaluated the efficiency of the Drinking Water Treatment System using ion exchange in a poultry company in Zulia. Samples were taken at critical points such as the well, the feeding area, and the egg grading room, analyzing physicochemical and microbiological parameters according to the Venezuelan Sanitary Standard for Drinking Water Quality. The results of the raw water characterization revealed high levels of minerals such as chlorides, hardness, manganese, iron, and sodium, as well as the presence of microorganisms like mesophilic aerobes and coliforms, exceeding the allowed limits. Although the treatment system reduced some impurities, elevated values of true color, total iron, and total solids were still detected in the treated water. Given these findings, it is proposed to adapt the system through improvements in technical documentation, operation, quality monitoring, risk assessment, and the implementation of periodic inspections.

Integration of CFD, Dimensional Analysis and Statistics in the Optimization of Hydrokinetic Turbines

Gustavo José Marturet Pérez — 2025-10-26

This communication explores the optimization of hydrokinetic turbines, key devices for sustainable
energy generation in isolated areas, as evidenced by projects in Scotland and France. To overcome high
experimental costs, the research focuses on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and numerical analysis
methodologies. The main objective is to analyze the integration of CFD, the Buckingham π Theorem, and
Statistics in the optimization of these turbines. The article reviews existing literature, establishing a theoretical
framework for future research. It highlights CFD's role in flow analysis and critical parameter determination,
and how the Buckingham π Theorem simplifies fluid equations and facilitates scaling. Statistics, in turn, are
fundamental for design, optimization, performance evaluation, and the development of predictive models.
Finally, the research emphasizes the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including machine
learning and deep learning, as a novel approach to enhance the design, optimization, and control of
hydrokinetic turbines, opening new avenues for the advancement of this energy technology.