Energy Research Center Research Articles

Tackling gender disparities in energy research: a diagnostic tool for equality in research centres

BackgroundIn a case study in Spain, the unequal proportion of men and women in a research organization in the energy sector is severe, and long-established dynamics that might determine differences in access to leadership positions and inequalities in research careers are evident. The gender gap in historically masculinized fields, such as energy engineering reflects more than simply the differences in male and female values and personalities. This study seeks to explore the gender gap in energy research centres and to identify barriers that potentially hinder the research careers of women. It proposes the development of a diagnostic tool, based upon indicators, to monitor and evaluate gender roles and inequalities in the management of research centres for identifying and addressing the dynamics and obstacles that hinder women's progress in the energy sector and their potential contribution to the field. This participatory multicriteria-based tool prioritizes the proposed indicators by their influence and importance in the context of energy research and applies it to the monitoring of a specific Spanish energy research centre.ResultsThe results are threefold: (i) the methodology is adaptable to different research centres; (ii) the analysis of indicators’ prioritization could lead to recommendations that should be addressed first; (iii) the diagnostic tool used in this in-depth case study of an energy research centre in Spain allowed results to be achieved in terms of gender dynamics. Two indicators stand out as the most relevant in our analysis: gender diversity in leadership positions and uncomplicated application of work–life balance measures. In this case study, the measurement of the first indicator has drawn unsatisfactory results, and the research of the latter is considered still insufficient. In conclusion, this difference becomes a vicious or negative circle for attracting and retaining more women to the research centre. Despite these results, no gender gap seems to be recognized and thus, no measures are being taken to improve the situation.ConclusionsComprehensive data and contextualized monitoring are necessary to effectively study and enhance the presence and participation of women in the energy science sector. This approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques, is suitable for any research centre that would like to monitor its gender gap, identify potential sources of inequity and address them.

Design of a pilot-scale microwave freeze dryer for in situ neutron imaging.

The gentle yet cost-effective drying of sensitive products in the food and pharmaceutical industries is becoming increasingly important. To maintain sensitive ingredients, color, structure, and viability of micro-organisms, often freeze-drying is the only possible way to preserve the product. As many products come in as bulk material, they are dried on heated shelves resulting in poor heat and mass transport through the bed. Resulting in a very time and cost intensive process. Therefore, efforts are being made to improve the mass and heat transport of the process. The outer mass transport through the bulk can be improved by continuous mixing of the pellets, facilitating the removal of water vapor from the condenser. In addition, the issue of limited heat transport can be addressed by using volumetric energy input from microwaves. This process is called dynamic microwave freeze-drying. As dynamic microwave freeze-drying is a combined drying and mixing process, with particle properties continuously changing during drying, it is necessary to gain a more detailed insight into the process. For this purpose, a drier is designed that is capable of in situ neutron imaging, a method sensitive to a material's hydrogen content. This paper presents the design of a pilot-scale microwave freeze dryer for in situ neutron imaging and shows the first images taken during the dynamic microwave freeze-drying of bulk particles at the Center for Energy Research, Budapest Neutron Center in Budapest, Hungary.

Island Water Management Cyprus Facts Finding Mission and Gap Identifications

Water management on islands faces unique challenges due to limited size, isolation, climate change impacts, and economic development needs. These factors intensify water scarcity, highlighting the need for sustainable resource development through multidisciplinary approaches. Cyprus, the third-largest Mediterranean island, exemplifies these challenges, with the lowest water availability per capita in the region and severe water scarcity exacerbated by climate change. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive master plan that integrates technical, environmental, social, and economic factors, focusing on climate change impacts on the water cycle. The Energy, Environment, and Water Research Center (EEWRC) plays a pivotal role in global resource management, emphasizing sustainable development goals and Integrated Water Resources Management Policy. EEWRC’s key initiatives include hydrodiplomacy and WEF Nexus and Integrated Water Resource Management IWRM, monitoring sediment transport pollution, water quality monitoring of basins and aquifers, smart water management of conventional and non-conventional water, and nature-based solutions for water and land management integration. To improve water management in Cyprus, establishing a National Commission for Water Experts is recommended. This commission would provide a detailed roadmap for water management, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Climate Change Initiative coordinated by the Cyprus Institute. Additionally, organizing a conference focused on “Cyprus Island Water Management” would help launch this concept. In conclusion, it is crucial to develop a long-term strategy for optimal water resource management in Cyprus, addressing water issues, promoting conservation, launching climate-resilient initiatives, and fostering collaboration with national and international entities for success.

Radiological Risk Assessment of Uranium, Thorium and Potassium in Siluriformes and Oreochromis Niloticus in Baga, Borno State

The study of radiological risk assessment plays a crucial role in understanding the potential impact of radioactive elements on the environment and human health. Uranium, thorium, and potassium are naturally occurring radioactive elements commonly found in various geological formations worldwide. Their presence in aquatic ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, raises concerns regarding potential exposure and associated risks to aquatic organisms and humans (Ajayi et al., 2018; Syarbaini et al., 2014; Hamidalddin et al., 2016). In October 2023, two fish samples were obtained from Baga, Kukawa, Borno State. Sample A was catfish, while Sample B was tilapia. The amounts of uranium, thorium, and potassium were the main topics of the radiological risk assessment performed on the samples. Following a seven-day sun-drying process, the fish were ground into a powder and carefully sent to the Obafemi Awolowo University's Centre for Energy Research and Development in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The findings showed that both catfish and tilapia contain certain radionuclides (uranium, thorium, and potassium), their anticipated annual effective dose rates from consumption are relatively modest. It was discovered that the computed dose rates for tilapia (Sample B) and catfish (Sample A) were significantly lower than the global average for the yearly effective dosage limit for the general public, which is normally set at 1 millisievert (mSv) annually. In particular, the estimated annual effective dose rate were 3.190758 μSv/year and 4.021574 μSv/year for Sample A and B respectively. These results imply that eating tilapia and catfish is unlikely to expose the general public to radiation levels higher than dose recommended by international agreements. The investigation concludes that eating tilapia and catfish is compliant with international standards for radiation exposure from food. Nevertheless, maintaining ongoing food safety procedures depends on constant observation and adherence to changing regulations.

Assessment of radionuclides content of dumpsites within Kaduna Metropolis

This study assessed the concentration of radionuclides (Ra-266, Th-232, U-238, and K-40) in selected dumpsites within some Local Government Areas of Kaduna State. Radiological analysis was carried out using a gamma spectrometer (HPGE) located at the Energy Research Center, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The results of the concentration of Ra-266, Th-232, U-238 and K-40 in the study area were as follows: 196.12 – 239.14 Bq/kg, 126.79 – 171.32 Bq/kg, 84.96 – 115.96 Bq/kg, and 317.11 – 521.77 Bq/kg respectively for Chikun LGA; 213.84 – 268.98 Bq/kg, 102.17 – 122.90 Bq/kg, 110.89 – 137.80 Bq/kg, 407.64 – 486.38 Bq/kg respectively for Igabi LGA; 187.15 – 364.50 Bq/kg, 166.04 – 387.00 Bq/kg, 97.35 – 180.57 Bq/kg, and 541.72 – 801.08 Bq/kg respectively for Kaduna North LGA; and 128.98 – 293.45 Bq/kg, 139.43 – 182.96 Bq/kg, 70.57 – 132.02 Bq/kg and 526.19 – 707.42 Bq/kg respectively for dumpsites in Kaduna South. The results revealed that K-40 had the highest concentration in all the study areas and was found to be above the UNSCEAR (2000) recommended limit of 300 bq/kg. Ra-266, Th-232, and U-238 were found to be 37, 31, and 51 Bq/kg above the UNSCEAR (2000) recommended limits of 35, 30, and 50 Bq/kg, respectively. The annual effective dose was in the range of 1.23–2.30 mSvy^(-1) above the UNSCEAR (2000) recommended safety limit. The radioactivity level in the study areas was high; therefore, continuous exposure to these radionuclides and their progenies may pose a severe risk to public health. All the sampled radionuclides were found to be within the recommended standard of ≤1.0 WHO reference values.

Evaluation of biogas production from residues of the dietary supplement industry

The increase in the industrial generation of dietary residues negatively affects the planet. Biogas, a result from anaerobic digestion, is produced by the degradation of organic compost converted into energy. Consequently, this energy can be used as an alternative source and contribute to managing industrial residues. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate biogas production from industrial residues in a dietary supplement industry located in the municipality of Estrela, state of Rio Grande do Sul. The methodology is based on the Automated Biogas Measurement System (ABMS), described by Konrad, Hasan, Marder, Zulian, and Guerini Filho (2021), using triplicate samples, and carried out at the Energy and Sustainable Technologies Research Center (ESTRC), located in the Scientific and Technological Park inside the Taquari Valley University - Univates (Tecnovates). The analyzed samples had different characteristics, such as solid and liquid residue. Results showed that the oily, liquid residue presents a higher potential for biogas production, and, in the same way, other substrates also showed positive results for potential biogas and methane production (BBP and BMP). The highest methane percentage reached by the samples was 63.94, 71.83; 70.55; 71.24; and 67.38% (for SR, GLR, OLR, Mix 50/50 RL and Mix S/L 96/4, respectively). Residues from dietary supplements showed positive potential for the production of biogas and methane. Furthermore, the effluent of anaerobic digestion can be used as a fertilizer, since it is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Parameters Affecting the Explosion Characteristics of Hybrid Mixtures Arising from the Use of Alternative Energy Sources

Explosions of hybrid mixtures are an interesting theoretical and experimental problem in explosion sciences, because they combine the physicochemical properties of flammable gases and dusts. A hybrid mixture is composed of at least two substances in two or more states. The influence of the common presence of flammable gas on the explosiveness parameters of the combustible dust itself is proven. In this study, we present the effect of higher initiation temperatures, different initial sources of initiation with different energies, and the effect of the volume of explosion chambers on the explosions of hybrid mixtures arising from the use of alternative energy sources. The experiments were carried out in 20 L and 1.00 m3 explosion chambers (according to EN 14034-1+A1:2011–EN 14034-4+A1:2011). The accredited method of the Energy Research Centre, VSB-TU Ostrava, for tests was used. The goal is to approximate the behaviour of these systems under different initiation conditions so that it is possible to avoid excessively conservative or overly optimistic results, which then affect the determination of explosion parameters for practical use. It was found that the volume of the explosion chambers in combination with the used initiation source has a fundamental influence on the course of the explosion characteristics.

Induction brazing of DEMO's large bore cooling pipes

The DEMO first wall blanket components will be exposed to high neutron fluence and high levels of thermal energy, the latter being removed by a coolant fluid transmitted out of the reactor via service piping. Due to the thermal and nuclear loading on the first wall, the components will need to be periodically removed and replaced. Installation of new blankets requires the joining of their service pipes by remote handling.Brazing is one of the alternatives that are considered for joining the service pipes of the DEMO breeding blankets. This technique has great potential and has several major advantages over welding.The Fusion Technology Department of HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research (CER) has been working on the development of a viable brazing concept of thick, large bore pipes inside the ports of DEMO. Induction has been chosen as the heat source for the brazing operation, which is a well-studied technology and has many uses in the industry already. However, brazing in this size is a completely new horizon for induction heating so CER's work includes a significant amount of development. Firstly, the coil is naturally a bespoke component, which has been optimized by electromagnetic analysis. Secondly, a test rig has been designed and manufactured in-house by CER, to test the performance of the induction heater in a real scenario.This paper outlines the development strategy of the induction brazing of DEMO's large bore pipes.

Eddy current actuated fast valve development for disruption mitigation applications

Shattered Pellet Injection (SPI) is a common technique used in Disruption Mitigation Systems to prevent or minimize the effect of plasma disruptions in Tokamaks. To operate an SPI system, a fast-acting valve is needed for accelerating pellets. An eddy current actuated high-pressure fast valve was developed in 2021, dedicated to the SPI system of the ITER DMS Support Laboratory at the Centre for Energy Research. Based on the experiences of SPI operation, a novel fast valve has been developed to improve durability and reliability, while the design has been simplified in terms of manufacturing and assembly aspects. The results of the development and laboratory testing of this novel eddy current actuated fast valve are discussed in this contribution.

Investigation on Fuel Properties of Synthetic Gasoline-like Fuels

Article Investigation on Fuel Properties of Synthetic Gasoline-like Fuels Weidi Huang 1,2, Koichi Kinoshita 1,*, Yohko Abe 1, Mitsuharu Oguma 1, and Kotaro Tanaka 2,3 1 Research Institute for Energy Conservation, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-2-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8564, Japan 2 Carbon Recycling Energy Research Centre, Ibaraki University, 4-12-1 Nakanarusawa, Hitachi, Ibaraki 316-8511, Japan 3 Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ibaraki University, 4-12-1 Nakanarusawa, Hitachi, Ibaraki 316-8511, Japan * Correspondence: koichi-kinoshita@aist.go.jp Received: 8 November 2023 Accepted: 25 March 2024 Published: 27 March 2024 Abstract: Synthetic fuels have gained considerable attention due to their promising characteristics. A comprehensive survey was undertaken to assess the availability of synthetic fuels in the global market, followed by an investigation to evaluate their potential in engines. This report presents the initial findings regarding the physical and chemical properties of synthetic gasoline-like fuels, specifically DMC (dimethyl carbonate), bioethanol, EtG (ethanol-to-gasoline), G40, and bio-naphtha. A comparison was conducted between these synthetic fuels and conventional gasoline. Furthermore, discussions were provided to enhance the understanding of the potential influence of fuel properties on spray and combustion characteristics. EtG and G40 are specifically designed to emulate conventional gasoline. Results indicate that EtG and gasoline should be directly interchangeable in the engine or blended in any proportion because they have almost identical Research Octane Number (RON)/Motor Octane Number (MON), fuel density, and higher heating value (HHV). G40 has a higher RON (105) compared with that of gasoline (92.2), likely resulting from the high content of iso-paraffin in G40. Bio-naphtha exhibits the high fraction of paraffin and naphthene content relative to other fuels. The feature of chemical compositions results in a lower RON (55.9), lower HHV and smaller fuel density compared to other fuels. DMC and bioethanol blends in gasoline were investigated. Regardless of whether DMC or bioethanol is incorporated, under a 60% blend ratio, gasoline distillation accelerates initially, until DMC or bioethanol completely evaporates, after which gasoline distillation returns to its normal rate. With increasing the volumetric fraction of the ethanol in the blends, either chemical compositions or the RON/HHV basically change linearly.

Acceleration of cryogenic pellets for Shattered Pellet Injection

Shattered Pellet Injection (SPI) is considered as a method to effectively mitigate the effect of severe disruptions in tokamaks. For the development of SPI technology in ITER, the Centre for Energy Research, in collaboration with H-ion Kft and VTMT Kft, designed, constructed and operates a Disruption Mitigation System (DMS) Support Laboratory. To simulate pellet acceleration, we developed a zero-dimensional model. The model uses the parameters of pellet material, propellant gas characteristics, dimension of the barrel and fast valve (FV), opening characteristics, temperature, and filling pressure of the FV in order to calculate the time dependent pellet position, pellet velocity, FV pressure and barrel pressure during the acceleration process. The goal of the acceleration model is to forecast velocities for parameters where no data is available as of yet. This paper describes the model and compares its results to two significantly different setups: the SPI measurements at the ASDEX Upgrade test laboratory and the ITER DMS Support Laboratory. We show that our model is capable of predicting tendencies and revealing the sticking stress of pellets to the barrel.

Gross Alpha and Gross Beta Activity Concentrations in Living Stone Potato in the Mining and Non-Mining Areas of Barkin-Ladi, Plateau State

The gross alpha and gross beta activity concentration in Living-stone Potato (Plectranthus esculentus), obtained in selected mining and non-mining areas of Barkin-Ladi, Plateau state have been determined. Sample tubers of Living-stone Potato were collected from mining and non-mining areas using a random sampling approach. The samples were taken directly from the farm and examined at Ahmadu Bello University's Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) in Zaria using a gas-filled proportional counter (MPC 2000 dual phosphor detector) with alpha and beta background of 0.5 cpm and 0.73 cpm, respectively. The results show that alpha activity in sample areas ranged from 0.005306 ± 0.00793 Bq/g to 0.03535 ± 0.00142 Bq/g with an average value of 0.03255 ± 0.00701 Bq/g. The gross alpha activity concentration was determined to be higher in the mining locations. The beta activity concentration ranges from 0.00349 ±0.0198 to 0.01397 ± 0.0198 Bq/g, with an average value of 0.03622 ± 0.00196 Bq/g. The greatest value of 0.01397 ± 0.0198 Bq/g was reported in the mining area. The lowest value was recorded below the detection limit of the machine utilized. Interestingly, all of the activities examined (alpha and beta) were found to be below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended consumption values of 0.1 Bq/g and 1.0 Bq/g for alpha and beta, respectively. The rise in alpha and beta activity that has been observed in mining areas may be associated with the quality of irrigation water, local human activities like mining around farms, and fertilizer use in farming. The public consuming these products, however, may not be adversely affected by the outcomes in a significant way.

Preface

PrefaceThe current volume contains the part B of the Proceedings of the Sustainable, Clean and Emerging Energy Technologies Conference (SCEETC) 2023 held at the National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, from 23rd to 28th July 2023 under the Chairmanship of Prof. O. V. Ekechukwu.The theme of the Conference was, “Clean Energy Systems for Net-Zero Emission Targets”. It featured a Keynote Speaker and 5 Lead (Plenary) Speakers selected across the continents of Africa, America and Europe. About 85 Technical papers were received from scientists across the globe but 77 quality papers were selected after the initial peer reviews for presentation in the conference. Out of the papers presented 26 were selected for journal publication (part B proceedings) while the rest were published in the Conference’s regular proceedings (part A). Both the online and physical participants discussed current trends in Renewable energy technologies towards providing a net-zero emission for energy and environmental sustainability.We sincerely appreciate the support of the under-listed people who facilitated the success of the conference:– The Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Prof. Charles A. Igwe (FAS), the Chief Host– The Acting Director of the National Centre for Energy Research and Development, (NCERD), University of Nigeria, Engr Dr Izuchukwu F. Okafor, for providing the conference venue and other technical supports.– The Scientific Reviewers for ensuring the delivery of quality manuscripts.– The distinguished Keynote Speaker, Prof. Dr, Solomon Agbo; Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Germany– All participants for their attendance and quality presentations.– Members of the International Advisory Committee, for the technical advice– The Organizing Committee members from different universities for their immense efforts, commitment, and diligence in accomplishing the conference and its proceedings.List of the National and Local Organizing Committee Members are available in this pdf.

Performance monitoring as fault detection approach on AC power output of monocrystalline grid-connected photovoltaics system

As per the Malaysian sustainable energy development authority (SEDA), Malaysia has seen a significant growth in renewable energy thanks to the feed-in tariff (FiT) program. However, photovoltaic (PV) systems in tropical countries like Malaysia experience degradation due to technological factors and operating conditions. The effectiveness of PV systems is influenced by geographical location and weather conditions. This research study conducted a comparative analysis between the actual power output PAC_actual and the predicted power output PAC_expected, referred to as the acceptance ratio (AR). The study also assessed the yield and performance ratio (PR) of a PV system situated at the green energy research center (GERC) in Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. The actual monocrystalline grid-connected photovoltaic (GCPV) system versus predicted AC power and AR were monitored over a year, with MATLAB software used for simulating output power based on real data. According to the Malaysian Standard MS2692:2020, an AR value of 0.9 or higher is required for approval in testing and commissioning tests. The findings indicate that most AR graphs fall below this threshold, and the PR value for each month is below 0.75, suggesting a need for significant system overhaul.

Radiological Safety Assessment of Tailings Extracted from Kaolin Mining Sites in Katsina State

This research was carried out to sufficiently justify the recent increased awareness and concern for the potential hazards associated NORMs in the environment of the research around Kankara and Dutsin-ma Kaolin mining sites Katsina State; Nine (09) Kaolin samples were collected randomly from the mining sites for the study. The radioactivity analysis was done experimentally using NaI(TI) gamma spectrometer at Center for energy research and training, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The health hazards were evaluated using numerous radiological, Statistical and USEPA models. The overall hazard index (HI) was found to be 1.496609 for children found in third sampling point of Yar-goje are; it is the only possibility of a children to be affected while 0.799486 for adults, this value was below the USEPA threshold limit for non-carcinogenic risks of 1.0 indicating that the exposed population ages are unlikely to experience any adverse non-carcinogenic risks. The radiological parameters obtained are 226Ra (238U), 232Th and 40K of a NORMs with activity concentration of is 100.889, 0.129 and 224.040 (Bqkg-1) in the soil samples, at the studied area. Absorbed frequency in air measured in nGy/h by one-meter directly above the crushed, was considered, since the forbidding radioactivity concentrations is obtained as 77.575 while the total annual effective dose (AED) in mSv/y had average value of 0.099 in soil. The values obtained for external and internal radiological hazard indices Hext and Hint are 0.471 and 0.741 in soil; which were lower than the UNSCEAR suggested boundary limit of unity. Lastly, the overall excess lifetime cancer menace owed to NORMs, stood as 5.63E-06 and 4.15E-06 for whole populations indicating that (a maximum of 6 people/1 million may be affected) for adults while (a maximum of 4 people /1 million may be affected) for children. These values were within the USEPA threshold of 1E-04.

Hybrid AC/DC architecture in the CE.D.E.R.-CIEMAT microgrid: demonstration of the TIGON project.

This article presents the demonstrative development of the Towards Intelligent DC-based hybrid Grids Optimizing the Network performance (TIGON) project at the Centre for the Development of Renewable Energy - Centre for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CE.D.E.R.-CIEMAT), as well as the established objectives to be achieved with the implementation of a microgrid with smart grid architecture based on direct current (DC) and integrated into the current energy system. This type of architecture is proposed as a future solution to reduce energy losses caused by DC-alternating current (AC) conversions, increasing the overall performance and profitability of hybrid grids. All this without forgetting to ensure the supply, stability and reliability of the system with the development of all the necessary equipment and protections to make this approach a reality. The microgrid design and process of implementation start from a transformation centre, from which the medium voltage direct current (MVDC) grid will be created by the Solid State Transformer (SST). In the MVDC grid, we will find a bank of lead-acid batteries and other essential equipment in the microgrid, a DC/DC converter that will create the low voltage direct current (LVDC) grid. On the LVDC side, several branches have been designed to connect the rest of the systems; generation (mini-wind and photovoltaic), storage (LFP batteries) and loads (AC and DC loads). Each of the equipment will have a connection to the DC grid through converters made exclusively for this equipment and connexion to the AC grid, which will allow us to obtain all the necessary data to carry out the required studies to achieve the established objectives of the project.

Triaxial Testing of Okpella Granite with Kaolinite Material to Achieve Workable Ceramic Refractory

The use of locally sourced materials towards meeting our local needs is inevitable in this era of recession, especially in Nigeria. There is the urgent need to discourage the extreme and awkward dependence of local potters and ceramists on imported materials and ceramic items so as to profound substitute-able solutions to the challenges facing the country’s ceramic production. Local alternative to the sustenance and survival of the ceramic industry is paramount especially to the developmental and technological growth of our economy. It is this quest that necessitated the need for a research development and documentation of locally sourced refractory materials using three materials namely Granite, Ball Clay and Kaolin. These were compounded to derive working formula for a workable refractory in ceramic production, after a series of tests on different formulae. The result analyses from the Centre for Energy Research and Training, (CERT) Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in Nigeria shows a relatively high percentage of refractoriness as found in Silicon Dioxide which in Granite was 50.7 percent, Ball Clay 61.2 percent and Kaolin 42.4 percent.

An Integrated Frac Geometry Control Approach To Prevent H2S Production

_ Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production has in recent years become a mounting issue facing operators and midstream companies in major US basins. At present, H2S production appears to be random and poorly understood. As such, H2S is considered by many to be an unpreventable nuisance and one that is largely addressed by treating the dangerous gas at surface before putting it to a sales line. This article highlights impacts of H2S, possible sources, and a successful case study of a completions operation designed specifically to prevent H2S production in North Dakota’s Williston Basin. H2S and Its Impacts H2S is a colorless gas known for its pungent “rotten egg” odor at low concentrations. It is extremely flammable, highly toxic, poisonous, and corrosive. H2S is commonly encountered during the drilling and production of crude oil and natural gas, as well as in wastewater treatment, utility facilities, and sewers. H2S is well-known for its significant health and safety risks, along with substantial financial implications in the event of an accidental release. The substance ranks as the second leading cause of workplace gas inhalation deaths in the US. This is according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which concluded that H2S caused 46 worker deaths between 2011 and 2017. Due to its corrosiveness, wells that produce even small volumes of H2S may compromise wellbore integrity and lead to premature failure of production equipment. Sour oil and gas is considered to have about 10% lower profit margin than traditional sweet Bakken crude (SPE 141434). An electrical submersible pump replacement can cost an operator up to $250,000, plus production downtime. Additionally, according to one leading chemical company, it costs $2,250 per day to treat 200 ppm H2S at a typical gas production rate of 2,000 Mcf/D. H2S Sources A recent study, URTeC 3852794, published by the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota suggests three possible causes of H2S: geo-mechanical, thermochemical, and biogenic. Geo-mechanical: Mission Canyon organic-rich intervals could be a source of H2S for a limited number of the Bakken producing wells via communication between reservoirs caused by out-of-zone stimulation work. This conclusion was evidenced by matching the δ34S isotope between 30 H2S producing wells and formation cores. Thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR): Another possible mechanism of H2S generation involves the presence of anhydrites and hydrocarbons at a higher reservoir temperature of 110° to 150°C. This mechanism is plausible for wells with the δ34S in the range from +10 to +19‰. The EERC research team is currently investigating the TSR existence in the Williston Basin. Biogenic: This third mechanism of reservoir souring is questionable in the Bakken because of the high reservoir temperatures (110° to 150°C) and elevated salinity of the formation water (TDS 200,000 mg/L) making microbial growth unlikely, especially in the context of the predominance of heavier 34S isotope (δ34S of +2 to +19‰) in produced H2S.

Creating Cloud Segmentation Data Set Using Sky Images of Afyonkarahisar Region

The use of sky images in solar radiation intensity estimation has been one of the most studied topics in the literature since it improves the estimation results. The first step in processing sky images with image processing methods is to separate the pixels in the images as clouds or sky. This process is known as cloud segmentation in the literature. In this study, the sky is photographed using the sky imaging system installed at Afyon Kocatepe University Solar and Wind Energy Application and Research Center at times with different clouding characteristics and cloudiness rates in Afyonkarahisar Region. The photographs are divided into 25 parts, and small sky patterns are obtained. The pixels in the obtained sky patterns are manually segmented, and a cloud segmentation dataset is created for future studies. Since the resulting dataset contains high-resolution images and prelabeled data, it can be used to obtain more accurate results for the segmentation process and allows learning algorithms to learn faster. The dataset can be used by researchers in studies such as solar energy forecasting, meteorology, and weather forecasting, and the dataset in this paper will be shared with researchers upon request.

Enhanced oil recovery through alternating gas Re-injection to reduce gas flaring in the Bakken

Environmental performance is a significant driver of energy production today, and providing attractive methods to reduce flaring remains a high priority for oil producers. The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC), with support from the Bakken Production Optimization Program (BPOP), is investigating the reinjection of the associated gas into producing wells to reduce flaring.The project's main objectives are to evaluate technically and economically the feasibility of deploying alternating gas re-injection in the Bakken formation as a means to increase oil recovery, reduce flaring and maintain compliance. The approach addresses the compression capacity constraints, mineral ownership types, and gas availability. Gas reinjection has the added benefit of producing incremental oil that can offset installation and operational costs associated with gas compression and nonproducing time for a well during injection. A flow simulation model is created to investigate alternating gas injection of a four-well pad and to assess the possibility of incremental oil production. Extensive numerical simulation is conducted. Capital expenditure, operating costs and the revenue from oil recovery were considered. Results indicate that gas injection within rates of 100–200 Mcfd can produce incremental oil. The gas volume needed is greater than what is typically flared from a facility, however, less than the total produced gas volume, and, therefore, possible. Communication of gas is likely to occur between wells within 1500 feet and wells positioned heel to heel that are common to the well-pad facility. The most promising injection period appeared to be within a 2-week to 1-month cycle. Thus, the proposed approach can be employed as an efficient Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technique, alternating gas injection of 3 MMcfd may potentially increase the produced oil rate by 70 %. The findings support continued work to further investigate well configurations that can best benefit from the technique and to mature economic case studies.