Brazilian Oil Research Articles

A Simple and Green Analytical Alternative for Chloride Determination in High-Salt-Content Crude Oil: Combining Miniaturized Extraction with Portable Colorimetric Analysis

A simple and miniaturized protocol was developed for chloride extraction from Brazilian pre-salt crude oil for further salt determination by colorimetry. In this protocol, the colorimetric analysis of chloride using digital images was carried out in an aqueous phase obtained after a simple and miniaturized extraction carefully developed for this purpose. A portable device composed of a homemade 3D-printed chamber with a USB camera was used. The PhotoMetrix app converted the images into RGB histograms, and a partial least squares (PLS) model was obtained from chemometric treatment. The sample preparation was performed by extraction after defining the best conditions for the main parameters (e.g., extraction time, temperature, type and volume of solvent, and sample mass). The PLS model was evaluated considering the coefficient of determination (R2) and the root mean square errors (RMSEs)—calibration (RMSEC), cross-validation (RMSECV), and prediction (RMSEP). Under the optimized conditions, an extraction efficiency higher than 84% was achieved, and the limit of quantification was 1.6 mg g−1. The chloride content obtained in the pre-salt crude oils ranged from 3 to 15 mg g−1, and no differences (ANOVA, 95%) were observed between the results and the reference values by direct solid sampling elemental analysis (DSS-EA) or the ASTM D 6470 standard method. The easy-to-use colorimetric analysis combined with the extraction method’s simplicity offered a high-throughput, low-cost, and environmentally friendly method, with the possibility of portability. Additionally, the decrease in energy consumption and waste generation, increasing the sample throughput and operators’ safety, makes the proposed method a greener approach. Furthermore, the cost savings make this a suitable option for routine quality control, which can be attractive in the crude oil industry.

Artificial intelligence tools and concepts give access to authenticity and quality information in Brazilian olive oil volatilome

Brazil is the world's second largest importer of olive oil and stared to produce its own oil quite recently in two distinct geographic areas. The production is still very small, and studies regarding oil composition are scarce. Determination of discriminant differences are useful to support appeals regarding origin indication and to detect fraud and adulteration with oils from other countries. In this work the Brazilian extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) volatilome is explored by Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools developed on multiple headspace solid-phase microextraction (MHS-SPME) combined with comprehensive 2D gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and flame ionization detection (GC×GC-MS/FID) data. Using MHS-SPME, external standard calibration, and FID predicted relative response factors (RRF), the accurate quantification of 51 informative volatile compounds was carried out and the odorants responsible for key-positive sensory attributes were used to generate distinctive aroma blueprints aligned with the AI smelling based on sensomics. As authenticity and origin assessment decision-making tool, augmented visualization by computer vision was applied on volatilome 2D fingerprints. By this approach, extra-virgin olive oil samples (n=35), from two olive cultivars (Arbequina and Koroneiki) harvested in the main producing regions in Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul and Serra da Mantiqueira) in 2021 and 2022, were effectively discriminated and mislabeled products regarding their geographical origin were, for the first time, promptly identified.

Brazil Nut Semi-Defatted Flour Oil: Impact of Extraction Using Pressurized Solvents on Lipid Profile, Bioactive Compounds Composition, and Oxidative Stability.

Brazilian nuts are native to the Amazon rainforest and are considered a non-timber forest-product of extreme economic importance to local populations. This study evaluated the lipid profile, bioactive compounds, and oxidative stability of semi-defatted Brazilian nut flour oil (BNSDFO) obtained using pressurized fluids (n-propane at 40 °C and 2, 4, and 8 MPa or a CO2/n-propane mixture at 40 °C and 12 MPa). A Brazilian nut kernel oil (BNKO) processed by conventional cold pressing was also obtained. The BNKO showed a higher concentration of total phenolic compounds and saturated fatty acids, higher antioxidant activity, and the presence of gallic acid derivatives. The oils extracted using pressurized fluids showed a higher concentration of linoleic acid, β-sitosterol, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The utilization of pressurized n-propane resulted in higher yields (13.7 wt%), and at intermediate pressures (4 MPa), the product showed myricetin 3-O-rhamnoside and higher oxidative stability (OSI, 12 h) than at lower pressures (2 MPa). The CO2/n-propane mixture of pressurized solvents resulted in higher concentrations of squalene (4.5 times), the presence of different phenolic compounds, and a high OSI (12 h) but lower yield (2.2 wt%). In conclusion, oils with better fatty acid profiles (oleic e linoleic acids), phytosterol composition, and suitable radical scavenging activity may be obtained using pressurized fluids and Brazilian nut flour, a byproduct of oil extraction. The mixture of solvents may improve the concentration of squalene, whereas using only n-propane may increase oil yield.

Offshore oil spills in Brazil: An extensive review and further development

The present study offers an extensive overview on the evolution and current state of marine oil spill research in Brazil and then discusses further directions. Given the historical and current relevance of this issue, this paper also aims to summarize the exploration, geological background, design of oil spills timeline and assessment of the most important of them. Moreover, it includes a critical comparison of Brazilian oil spill models in terms of their simulation abilities, real-time field data assimilation, space and time forecasts and uncertainty evaluation. This study also presents the perspectives of the Multi-User System for Detection, Prediction, and Monitoring of Oil Spills at Sea (SisMOM) the largest and most important Brazilian project to face the offshore oil spills.

Marooned

Mr. João de Deus, an elderly Afro-Brazilian man, worked on the ground and contributed to the beginning of the modern Brazilian oil industry. His is a story of environmental hope and personal resilience with roots in the deep past and outcomes that reverberate to the present. João de Deus’s story reveals many layers of history beyond human activity, weaving together different temporalities and kinds of hope. This article layers different temporalities—geological, ecological, and human—to emphasize their interconnectedness. As a method, layering various chronological scales helps highlight how they collectively contribute to a complex and nuanced history of a particular individual, community, or place. It considers the simultaneous existence and impact of multiple historical layers, emphasizing the interplay of different historical timescales and historical actors. João de Deus, situated atop ancient geological layers potentially rich in oil, experienced life as a Black man in slavery-era Brazil. Amid the ecological presence of African oil palms and the emerging industrialization of the Maraú Peninsula, he found himself entangled in multiple concurrent histories of different chronological scales, all influencing his destiny.

Hazardous Hope

This special section seeks to reconsider our troubled times and their histories of irreversible toxic pollution through the lens of hopeful yet critical ways of engaging with this unprecedented condition of life. Thinking with “hazardous hope” as a tool of analysis, the five contributions—combining perspectives from ecocriticism, environmental philosophy, film studies, visual arts, and history—showcase alternative presents and futures of living responsibly with a permanently polluted planet. Writing from the perspective of hazardous hope, the section’s editors argue, includes a plethora of conceptual and methodological repositionings to embrace the ambiguity that comes with living responsibly on a permanently polluted planet. Among them is a shift in focus on the acts and modes of hazardous hope as a relational practice that is focused on reorganizing established processes in radically different ways rather than wishing to achieve a predefined outcome, while at the same time remaining mindful of the polluted status quo. Contributions in this special section are situated across the entire troubled planet, from Chernobyl’s exclusion zone to Brazilian oil fields and from Canada’s tar sands to British asbestos-loaded homes.

Finding the needle in a haystack: Evaluation of ecotoxicological effects along the continental shelf break during the Brazilian mysterious oil spill

Oceanic oil spills present significant ecological risks that have the potential to contaminate extensive areas, including coastal regions. The occurrence of the 2019 oil spill event in Brazil resulted in over 3000 km of contaminated beaches and shorelines. While assessing the impact on benthic and beach ecosystems is relatively straightforward due to direct accessibility, evaluating the ecotoxicological effects of open ocean oil spills on the pelagic community is a complex task. Difficulties are associated with the logistical challenges of responding promptly and, in case of the Brazilian mysterious oil spill, to the subsurface propagation of the oil that impeded remote visual detection. An oceanographic expedition was conducted in order to detect and evaluate the impact of this oil spill event along the north-eastern Brazilian continental shelf. The pursuit of dissolved and dispersed oil compounds was accomplished by standard oceanographic methods including seawater polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) analysis, biomass stable carbon isotope (δ13C), particulate organic carbon to particulate organic nitrogen (POC:PON) ratios, nutrient analysis and ecotoxicological bioassays using the naupliar phase of the copepod Tisbe biminiensis. Significant ecotoxicological effects, reducing naupliar development by 20–40 %, were indicated to be caused by the presence of dispersed oil in the open ocean. The heterogeneous distribution of oil droplets aggravated the direct detection and biochemical indicators for oil are presented and discussed. Our findings serve as a case study for identifying and tracing subsurface propagation of oil, demonstrating the feasibility of utilizing standard oceanographic and ecotoxicological methods to assess the impacts of oil spill events in the open ocean. Ultimately, it encourages the establishment of appropriate measures and responses regarding the liability and regulation of entities to be held accountable for oil spills in the marine environment.

Brazilian essential oil of Cymbopogon martinii: positive effects on inflammation-induced human fibroblasts and skin aging.

Brazilian essential oil of Cymbopogon martinii: positive effects on inflammation-induced human fibroblasts and skin aging.

Characterization of Brazilian Cascade and Chinook hops and their dry-hopped beer

The flowers (cones) of Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) have extensive applications in the brewery industry and in Brazil, 98% of which is imported. The Brazilian cultivated hops have multiple flowerings, and therefore the cone cultivation period could be shortened. Herein, Cascade and Chinook whole cones cultivated in Brazil were analyzed and compared with American pellets. Following the European Brewery Convention (EBC) methodology, the contents of alpha acids, polyphenols, and essential oils were quantified and used as comparison criteria. Amidst the Brazilian Cascade essential oils, isoamyl propanoate and 6-methyl heptanoate were identified, both of which were responsible for pineapple aromas and were absent in American pellets. The dry hopping (DH) process promoted higher alcohol beverage value, lower dissolved oxygen, and higher polyphenol values. In comparison with the commercial counterpart, the Brazilian Cascade hops presented similar characteristics, but with different organoleptic properties (terroir), inherent to their growing place. The resulting terroir adds value to the Brazilian Cascade usage, considering the DH overall process and the application in special beers.

MODEL-BASED ANALYSIS TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF POLYMER PROPERTIES AND PHYSICAL PHENOMENA ON POLYMER FLOODING OPERATIONS

Polymer flooding, known for enhancing heavy oil displacement, may encounter efficiency-limiting physical phenomena. This work assesses the impact of key factors like viscosity, shear rate, and adsorption in field applications using a model-based approach on the EPIC001 case, a real offshore Brazilian heavy oil reservoir. In simulation results, increasing the displacing fluid viscosity using apparent or zero-shear functions, oil production and economic returns show improvements over waterflooding. The shear rate effect slightly increases oil production and enhances injectivity loss due to shear-thinning in polymer flow. However, modeling it increases computation costs, as it extends simulation run time from minutes to days, making it impractical for intensive processes like production optimization. An analysis of the method’s effectiveness shows that it varies based on the adsorption level considered. At its highest value, even with a higher oil recovery factor, the economic return was lower than using waterflooding. Combining shear rate and adsorption has a minimal impact on field indicators when compared to adsorption alone. This work enhances the comprehension of physical phenomena and non-Newtonian behavior in tertiary polymer flooding on heavy oil reservoirs and its impact on the production forecast. It also highlights important considerations for modeling-based procedures.

A REVIEW ON CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) – ASPHALTENES INTERACTIONS

WAG - CO2 is an oil enhanced recovery method that has been applied successfully to some of the largest pre-salt fields in Brazilian offshore oil provinces. This recovery method provides the advantage of reducing the emission of green-house gas (CO2) to the atmosphere. However, the re-injection of CO2 gas into reservoirs may also provoke deleterious effects on asphaltenes equilibria under reservoir conditions, promote pore plugging, and inflow formation damage. Thus, it is crucial that researchers investigate with caution the use of WAG- CO2 method to avoid unwanted situations. This technical contribution reviews the state of the art of WAG- CO2 recovery method, provides useful pieces of information of laboratory studies on the behavior of asphaltenes in presence of CO2, and, finally, it presents prescriptive guidelines for addressing pivotal CO2 - asphaltenes issues.

Multivariate evaluation from electrocoalescence to Brazilian crude oils in pilot plant scale

A multivariate evaluation of the electrocoalescence process for crude oil dehydration is presented in this study. The objective is to assess the impact of operational variables and their combined effects on the final water content. To achieve this, a pilot plant unit was constructed for the evaluation of five operational variables in a steady-state regime. The statistical analysis, conducted using results obtained through a factorial experimental design for three types of crude oil, illustrates how the influence of cross-effects impacts dehydration. Different responses from each type of crude oil depend on the combined variables. The findings highlight that a combination of factors, not always immediately apparent, contributes to a reduction in the final water content. Furthermore, the combination of operating factors appears to be more crucial than individual variables. This suggests an opportunity for the optimization of electrocoalescers by simply adjusting field parameters.

Pickering stabilization of water-in-crude oil emulsions by paraffin wax crystals: Insights from X-ray scattering

Previous studies suggest asphaltenes are active materials at the oil-water interface, affecting the formation and stability of crude oil emulsions. However, even oils of low asphaltene content generate stable emulsions, indicating the involvement of other oil fractions. Due to the role of paraffin waxes as Pickering stabilizers or gel network formers in emulsions from other applications, this study explores their stabilization capacity in water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions and their interaction with other fractions with interfacial activity. The extraction and physicochemical characterization of paraffin waxes from two Brazilian crude oils allowed us to correlate their properties with the emulsification of both crude and model oils. Removal of asphaltenes enhances emulsion stability. Emulsion preparation with crude oils without waxes and asphaltenes demonstrates the participation of other amphiphilic components in emulsion formation, whereas waxes are necessary for their stabilization. Experiments with emulsions formed by a model oil confirmed the combined action of waxes and an amphiphilic material in the formation and stabilization of the interfacial film. However, the combination of waxes and asphaltenes are ineffective. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis revealed that waxes only form a lamellar structure when highly purified, suggesting Pickering stabilization rather than the formation of a gel network. In conclusion, polar oil fractions other than asphaltene play a crucial role in emulsion formation, whereas paraffin wax provides Pickering stabilization, even beyond the wax appearance temperature (WAT). This study enhances our understanding of the mechanisms governing waxy Brazilian crude oil emulsions.

Eco-efficiency of power supply systems for offshore platforms

This study compared from an Eco-efficiency point of view three electricity supply alternatives for oil and gas extraction, preliminary treatment, and distribution activities that occur on floating production, storage, and offloading platforms (FPSO) operated off the coast of Brazil. The performance of autonomous systems (AS), in which independent open-cycle gas turbines generate electricity, was confronted with those achieved, respectively, by a Power Hub (PH) system and by an arrangement that associates the Power Hub system with an offshore wind farm (PHWE). The environmental dimension of the Eco-efficiency indicator was specified based on applying the Life Cycle Assessment technique for the impact categories of Global Warming Potential, Primary Energy Demand, and Fine Particulate Matter Formation. The economic dimension followed a similar approach based on Life Cycle costing (LCC) when considering the same units' construction, operation, maintenance, and dismantling costs. Given the characteristics of Brazilian oil fields, a comparison was made for three different stages of the operation cycle: C1: maximum extraction of oil and gas; C2: equity of volumes extracted from fuels and water + CO2; and C3: minimal extraction, but economically viable, of fuels. The results indicated that the PH and PHWE systems accumulate better environmental performance than the AS system, particularly regarding Global Warming Potential (35 % and 55 %, respectively) and Fine Particle Matter Formation (47 % and 59 % reduction). However, more than these gains are needed to compensate for the same systems' construction, operation, and maintenance investments, which were increased by up to 76 % in the case of PHWE. The study also concluded that the PH technology and its variation involving wind electrification are promising but that research efforts should be made to reduce costs. These results provide elements that can both subsidize designers from O&G companies in developing new extraction technologies and support decision processes conducted by other stakeholders and policy formulators linked to this segment.

Potentially explosive atmospheres: preventing accidents in the oil industry

This article presents concepts and real cases, as well as standards and regulations, related to environments with potentially explosive atmospheres, and analyzes the advancement of this topic within the Brazilian oil industry through the analysis of non-conformities found in audits conducted in offshore oil facilities. The main purpose of this study is to identify opportunities for improvement and help disseminate the importance of this topic within the Brazilian territory. As will be presented, this subject is increasingly present in our daily lives, but still suffers from a lack of knowledge by a large portion of industry professionals. Additionally, this work has the potential to contribute to the creation of new measures and assist in the development of protection systems and standards within industrial environments regarding the risks of explosions in potentially explosive atmospheres in the oil industry at the national level.

Viability of Distributed Generation with Biogas and Photovoltaic in an Isolated System

In the 1970s, the Brazilian oil crisis sparked interest in researching inexhaustible sources of energy. Within these sources of energy, those known as clean and abundant have become a viable alternative, reducing the pollutant capacity of waste, because the gas emitted by them in the decomposition that would previously go to the environment, is now destined for energy production and solid portion used as organic fertilizer [5]. This work aims to implement a case study to estimate the economic viability of the project, hybrid sources, in rural areas. The project in question will be analysed through software and mathematical methods, guaranteeing results close to those calculated analytically, compared to the energy sources studied as well as their feasibility and profitability through isolated distributed generation, which can bring fast and safe returns, such as a return of 84.37% biogas and 77.76% for photovoltaic compared to the initial investment over 25 years. Currently, Brazil suffers from a shortage of rainfall and consequently, with problems in the energy matrix, since the majority of Brazilian electricity comes from a hydroelectric power plant. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to present a solution and consequently self-sufficiency in rural areas, taking advantage of biodigesters and abundant sun to produce electricity.

Perspectives of organizational culture in the Brazilian oil, gas and biofuels companies

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze the aspects of the organizational culture (OC) of companies operating in the Brazilian oil, gas and biofuels (O&G) sector based on semistructured interviews with managers of these organizations and its content analysis.Design/methodology/approachThis research was conducted based on semistructured interviews with 12 managers of Brazilian O&G companies and analyzed with a computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software, namely, MAXQDA™.FindingsThe results make it possible to obtain the perception of managers about OC, generally understood as a set of attributes and variables of social order, supported by the historical–culturalist theoretical approach. Information about the explicit and implicit manifestation of culture, as well as the evaluation of the most appropriate research instruments and metrics, were also obtained after the interviews.Originality/valueThis study presents detailed results about OC and its characteristics in the perception of managers of the O&G companies that operate in the Brazilian market.

Interfacial materials and naphthenic acids from Brazilian crude oils: Colloidal characterization and water-in-oil emulsions

Different Brazilian crude oils form stable emulsions, although they have low asphaltenes content. The present study aimed to extract and characterize interfacial materials (IMs) from these oils to understand the factors driving this phenomenon. Polarized microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) revealed that IMs can self-organize in certain conditions, and the formed aggregates could be related to the emulsification process. IMs promoted the formation of model emulsions of mineral oil and brine, but they were not enough to keep them stable. The original and residual oils from the extraction were also used to form emulsions with brine. SAXS, rheology, time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR), and interfacial tension measurements allowed the comparison of these emulsions. Removal of IMs promoted self-organization of aggregates present in the oil, increasing the viscosity and stability of the emulsions. One of the crude oils had a significant content of naphthenic acids (NAs), which are known to behave as surfactants in some conditions. This fraction was also investigated, but it did not significantly affect the physicochemical properties of the emulsions in comparison with IMs. Hence, the aggregates formed by IMs combined with other components of the crude oils were probably responsible for the rheological properties affecting stability.

Failure analysis and electrochemical testing of ammonium chloride corrosion in a heat exchanger in a diesel hydrotreating unit of a petroleum refinery

Crude oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and can contain various impurities, which vary depending on the source and geographical location from which it is extracted. These impurities include sulphur, nitrogen, some metals, asphaltenes, non-condensable gases and salts. Salts in oil are typically found in the form of ions, which means that they are dissolved in the water present in the crude oil, or in the form of solid salts that are later deposited in equipment, pipes, and ducts. These salts can be harmful because, when the oil is processed, the water present in the oil can separate from the hydrocarbons and cause corrosion of equipment in the oil refining plant. In addition, salts can form solid deposits that can obstruct equipment. It is therefore important to remove or reduce the presence of salts in oil during the refining process to avoid operational problems and problems with the quality of the refined product. Several occurrences are reported in the specialized literature of equipment failures in the oil refining industry involving corrosion by salts, especially ammonium chloride salts. Basically, ammonium chloride, whose chemical formula is NH4Cl, is an inorganic chemical compound consisting of ammonium ions (NH4+) and chloride ions (Cl−), It is known by several names, including “ammonium salt” or “ammonium salt” due to its composition. The aim of this paper is to investigate the failure of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger in the charge preheater system of the diesel hydrotreating unit of a Brazilian oil refinery, in which the root cause of the failure identified as responsible for the damage was ammonium chloride corrosion. A severe corrosive process was observed in the tubes of the tube bundle, including perforation in some tubes, as well as damage to the inside of the heat exchanger shell. The analysis methods employed involved the study of three different types of austenitic stainless steel in terms of corrosion resistance: 304, 316L and 317L, which were exposed to media containing sodium chloride and ammonium chloride at a concentration of 3.5 % (m/v). Two electrochemical corrosion tests were carried out in aqueous media, the first determining potentiodynamic polarization curves and the second electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In addition to material characterization tests, such as determining the chemical composition, hardness and scanning electron microscopy of the corroded samples. The results of this paper indicate that the 317L steel samples have larger passivation regions, higher pitting potential values, lower passivation current density values, as well as lower corrosion rate values during the simulation of the equivalent electrochemical circuit, which implies greater resistance to corrosion in a medium containing ammonium chloride, compared to the others. The conclusions reached reveal the applicability of 317L austenitic stainless steel in environments containing ammonium chloride, such as in the diesel hydrotreating sections of oil refineries, in addition to the use of washing water in pipes and equipment to dissolve these salts. Due to the high corrosion resistance of 317L steel in media containing ammonium chloride, it could be extended to other refining sections, such as distillation, cracking and coking units in oil refineries. This research will enable potential gains in terms of increasing the operational life of equipment and installations, reducing corrective maintenance interventions and operational safety in the operation of the industrial plant.

Combustion analysis of ternary mixtures of diesel oil, biodiesel, and refined soybean oil: a view of cylinder pressure

Currently, the high consumption of fossil fuels is causing problems, perhaps, irreversible to the planet, investing in green energy is an essential point for the sustainable development of any country. Concomitant to this, biomass fuels, in particular natural vegetable oils, appear as an option for the total or partial replacement of these fuels in the production of energy in the current world energy matrix. Corroborating this pretext, the objective of this work is to analyze the effects of using different mixtures of Brazilian commercial diesel oil (92% diesel, 8% biodiesel) with refined soybean oil from the effective cylinder pressure of a stationary diesel generator set. To achieve this purpose, the generator set of the Branco brand, model BD-6500, was used, with the aid of the pressure acquisition system of the Austrian company AVL. Analyzes of the requested fuels were carried out in addition to the experimental tests. The results presented show that the use of mixtures with volumetric ratios of soybean oil may show a drop in the cylinder pressure.