Hydrocarbon Components Research Articles

Metal Composite Nano-Catalyst Enhanced Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes for Improved Performance and Stability with Hydrocarbon Containing Fuels

Implementation of nano-catalyst materials into solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrodes to improve performance and stability has been widely studied. Addition of the nano-catalysts into an electrode structure serves to enhance the electrochemical performance of the SOFC by increasing the Triple Phase Boundary (TPB) area, improving redox stabilization, and modifying reaction kinetics of hydrocarbon gasses that cause anode degradation due to carbon deposition.SOFCs operating upstream of a reformer need to exhibit good tolerance to any hydrocarbon components that may make their way to the stack. Typical Ni-based cermet anodes suffer from anode deactivation due to carbon build up under hydrocarbon flows. Carbon builds up and covers the TPB area which results in poor electrochemical performance. Larger carbon deposits can block pores within the anode microstructure which leads to gas diffusion issues. Carbon buildup also causes mechanical stresses to the electrode due to volumetric changes which can lead to fracture and complete failure of the cell.This work studied nano-catalyst decoration of the Ni-based cermet anodes with catalysts that promote internal reforming to protect against coking. Addition of active metal components (such as Co, Ge, Sn), and ceramic reforming promoters (such as CeO2, MgO) were investigated. Multi-component systems with several catalysts were also examined.Uniform incorporation of nano-catalyst into the anode microstructure was achieved through a patented liquid phase surfactant assisted process (using various catechol surfactants). Deposition loading densities and distribution of nanoparticles was controlled by altering the surfactant and catalyst solution concentrations.Nano-catalyst depositions were characterized through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for imaging, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for topographical analysis, and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) for chemical characterization. Figure 1 shows SEM imaging of nano catalyst distribution of cerium oxide (CeO2) and cobalt oxide (CoO) co-deposition within an anode structure. A uniform distribution of nano-sized catalyst materials is observed.Accelerated evaluation of nano-catalysts for SOFCs was completed through symmetrical anode tests, where a symmetrical anode cell was subjected to hydrocarbon impurity at SOFC operating temperatures and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) characterization was done over time. The best catalyst systems were down selected and long-term SOFC tests were completed with current-voltage-power (I-V-P) and EIS evaluation. Post-mortem microstructure and chemistry characterizations were also used in analysis.Uniform nano catalyst distribution of CeO2 and CoO within the anode structure demonstrated greater than 50% sustained improvement in harsh environment, long-term tests where the cell was subjected to 40% CH4 for 50+ h. Figure 1

Regulating the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons with different carbon chain structures by composting systems

Composting can decrease petroleum hydrocarbons in petroleum contaminated soils, however the microbial degradation mechanisms and regulating method for biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons with different carbon chain structures in the composting system have not yet been investigated. This study analyzed variations of total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations with C ≤ 16 and C > 16, Random Forest model was applied to identify the key microorganisms for degrading the petroleum hydrocarbon components with specific structure in biomass-amended composting. Regulating method for biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons with different carbon chain structures was proposed by constructing the influence paths of “environmental factors-key microorganisms- total petroleum hydrocarbons”. The results showed that composting improved the degradation rate of C ≤ 16 fraction and C > 16 fraction of petroleum hydrocarbons by 67.88 % and 61.87 %, respectively. Analysis of the microbial results showed that the degrading bacteria of the C ≤ 16 fraction had degradation advantages in the heating phase of the compost, while the C > 16 fraction degraded better in the cooling phase. Moreover, microorganisms that specifically degraded C > 16 fractions were significantly associated with total nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen. The biodegradation of C ≤ 16 fraction was regulated by organic matter, moisture content, and temperature. The composting system modified by biogas slurry was effective in removing of petroleum hydrocarbons with different carbon chain structures in soil by regulating the metabolic potential of the 46 key microorganisms. This study given their expected importance to achieve the purpose of treating waste with waste and contributing to soil utilization as well as pollution remediation.

Update on new trend and progress of the mechanism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation by Rhodococcus, based on the new understanding of relevant theories: a review.

Rapid industrial and societal developments have led to substantial increases in the use and exploitation of petroleum, and petroleum hydrocarbon pollution has become a serious threat to human health and the environment. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are primary components of petroleum hydrocarbons. In recent years, microbial remediation of PAHs pollution has been regarded as the most promising and cost-effective treatment measure because of its low cost, robust efficacy, and lack of secondary pollution. Rhodococcus bacteria are regarded as one of main microorganisms that can effectively degrade PAHs because of their wide distribution, broad degradation spectrum, and network-like evolution of degradation gene clusters. In this review, we focus on the biological characteristics of Rhodococcus; current trends in PAHs degradation based on knowledge maps; and the cellular structural, biochemical, and enzymatic basis of degradation mechanisms, along with whole genome and transcriptional regulation. These research advances provide clues for the prospects of Rhodococcus-based applications in environmental protection.

Impact of interphase component transfer on CO2 distribution and pH during CO2 injection in the subsurface

Single phase CO2 injection and CO2 water alternating gas (WAG) injection processes are simulated using reactive transport modelling to understand the inter-phase component transfer between CO2, brine and oil, and to address geochemical (aqueous) reactions induced by CO2 in the near wellbore region. In this research, calculations are performed using a numerical one-dimensional cartesian model with homogenous properties. We investigate how fast the pH changes as CO2 is injected into the system and how the presence of oil affects the velocity of the pH front. We measure the velocity of the front at which oil becomes completely desaturated with respect to CO2 – referred to as the “CO2 desaturation front” and compare it with the classical Buckley-Leverett saturation front displacement during WAG injection. We also study the impact of the WAG cycles on the CO2 desaturation front velocity and the pH change. The study showed that the presence of hydrocarbons in the model buffers and delays the pH drop. By the end of each water cycle all the CO2 was removed from the contacted oil phase within the first few meters from the well. The CO2 desaturation front travels at approximately one twentieth of the phase saturation front velocity during the first three WAG cycles, but it then stopped for later cycles, which gives an indication of the extent of the desaturation of oil. During the WAG injection, different pH fronts developed due to the impact of each cycle on the fluid composition and component transfer. The pH reduction during the last WAG cycles was greater near the injection well as most of the lighter hydrocarbon components were displaced out of the residual “oil”, meaning the CO2 content of this residual phase was higher than for initial cycles. This would result in a greater risk of calcite dissolution around the injection well if there were calcite present in the rock formation.

The state of reserves and prospective resources of the Southern oil and gas region of Ukraine

The issues of tectonic structure and oil and gas geological zoning of the Southern oil and gas region of Ukraine are considered, the main differences between the existing schemes of oil and gas geological division are presented, the essence of which lies in different views on the tectonic structure of the region and the taxonomy of its individual elements. The requirements of the current legislation relating to the classification of deposits depending on their condition in the initial reservoir conditions are given and the hydrocarbon deposits of the studied region are described. In the Southern Oil and Gas Region of Ukraine, there are 46 deposits, that is 10.2% of all deposits of Ukraine, of which 10 are oil, 1 is oil and gas, 4 are gas and oil, 7 are gas condensate, and 25 are gas (including 1 underground gas storage). An assessment of the state of reserves and prospective resources of the Southern oil and gas region in relation to all reserves and prospective resources of Ukraine was carried out. Significant discoveries can be associated with the Lower Cretaceous oil and gas complex, amounting to 228,227 million m³ or 69.1% of all prospective hydrocarbon resources of the Southern oil and gas region or 25% of all prospective resources of Ukraine.Summarizing tables of the distribution of reserves and prospective resources of the main hydrocarbon components by depth and stratigraphic division have been compiled. Diagrams of the numerical expression of the distribution of reserves and prospective resources were constructed. The reasons for uneven distribution of reserves and resources of the region depending on depth and stratigraphic division are highlighted.

Fluid property identification of the Lower Cretaceous reservoirs with complex oil-water contacts in Deseo Basin, Chad

Recently, exploration breakthroughs have been made in the Lower Cretaceous sandstone reservoirs in the Doseo Basin, but the identification of reservoir fluid property is difficult due to variable reservoir lithology, complex oil-water contact within and faint responses of the oil zone, which causes the lower accuracy of reservoir fluid property identification with conventional mudlogging and wirelogging techniques. Applying the geochemical logging, fluorescent logging, mud logging and cutting logging technology, in combination with formation test data, this paper distinguishes the crude oil types, analyzes the logging response characteristics of oil zone after water washing, and establishes the interpretation charts and parameter standards for reservoir fluid properties. The crude oil can be divided into two types, namely viscous-heavy and thin-light, based on total hydrocarbon content and component concentration tested by mud logging, features of pyrolysis gas chromatogram and fluorescence spectroscopy. The general characteristics of oil layers experienced water washing include the decrease of total hydrocarbon content and component concentration from mud logging, the decrease of S1 and PS values from geochemical logging, the decrease of hydrocarbon abundance and absence of some light components in pyrolysis gas chromatogram, and the decrease of fluorescence area and intensity from fluorescence logging. According to crude oil types, the cross plots of S1 versus peak-baseline ratio, and the cross plots of rock wettability versus fluorescence area ratio are drawn and used to interpret reservoir fluid property. Meanwhile, the standards of reservoir fluid parameter are established combining with the parameters of PS and the parameters in above charts, and comprehensive multiparameter correlation in both vertical and horizontal ways is also performed to interpret reservoir fluid property. The application in the Doseo Basin achieved great success, improving interpretation ability of fluid property in the reservoir with complex oil-water contact, and also provided technical reference for the efficient exploration and development of similar reservoirs.

Characteristics of VOCs and Assessment of Emission Reduction Effect During the Epidemic Lockdown Period in Shenzhen Urban Area

To prevent disease spreading during the COVID-19 epidemic, Shenzhen adopted lockdown measures in March of 2022. This provided an opportunity to study the response of changes in anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (AVOCs) in Shenzhen to emission reduction and to evaluate the effectiveness of current emission reduction measures. This study analyzed the variety of AVOCs before, during, and after the epidemic lockdown based on the online observation data of pollutants at Lianhua Station in Shenzhen from March 7, 2022 to March 27, 2022. Additionally, the sensitivity of ozone formation and the assessment of the reduction effect of precursors was conducted by an observation based model(OBM). The results showed that:affected by regional influences and the interference of meteorological conditions, the average value of AVOCs in Shenzhen urban areas did not drop significantly during the lockdown period compared to that before the lockdown. However, the peak of AVOCs at the morning peak time under the influence of "sea and land wind" during the epidemic lockdown period dropped by 46% on average compared with that during the non-lockdown period, and the aromatic hydrocarbon component dropped the most by 59%. Additionally, under the influence of continuous easterly wind, or during the accumulation and increase of AVOCs affected by regional transmission, aromatic components also decreased by an average of 25% and 21%, respectively. During the lockdown period of the epidemic in Shenzhen, the O3 formation in urban areas was still AVOCs-limited. Increasing the emission reduction ratio of AVOCs was the most effective measure to reduce O3 in the short term. In order to ensure the effectiveness of emission reduction, it was recommended that the coordinated emission reduction ratio of AVOCs and NOx should be greater than 1:2. It was only possible to enter the downward channel of O3 if the deep emission reduction was more than 60%. This study revealed that the emission reduction of AVOCs during the morning traffic peak during the epidemic lockdown period was conducive to inhibiting the formation of O3, whereas the control of NOx would promote it. Strengthening the control of local aromatic hydrocarbon components during the regional impact process could also significantly reduce O3 production. At this stage, Shenzhen should strengthen the management and control of industrial solvents, especially to reduce the aromatic hydrocarbon components in the solvent source that have a greater impact on the generation of O3. Further, Shenzhen should continue to promote the reform of the energy structure of motor vehicles to reduce the emission of VOCs in fuel combustion.

Correlating the succession of microbial communities from Nigerian soils to petroleum biodegradation

Whilst biodegradation of different hydrocarbon components has been widely demonstrated to occur by specialist oil-degrading bacteria, less is known about the impact on microbial communities as a function of oil composition by comparing the biodegradation of chemically complex fuels to synthetic products. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess the biodegradation capacity and succession of microbial communities isolated from Nigerian soils in media with crude oil or synthetic oil as sole sources of carbon and energy, and (ii) to assess the temporal variability of the microbial community size. Community profiling was done using 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing (Illumina), and oil profiling using gas chromatography. The biodegradation of natural and synthetic oil differed probably due to the content of sulfur that may interfere with the biodegradation of hydrocarbons. Both alkanes and PAHs in the natural oil were biodegraded faster than in the synthetic oil. Variable community responses were observed during the degradation of alkanes and more simple aromatic compounds, but at later phases of growth they became more homogeneous. The degradation capacity and the size of the community from the more-contaminated soil were higher than those from the less-contaminated soil. Six abundant organisms isolated from the cultures were found to biodegrade oil molecules in pure cultures. Ultimately, this knowledge may contribute to a better understanding of how to improve the biodegradation of crude oil by optimizing culturing conditions through inoculation or bioaugmentation of specific bacteria during ex-situ biodegradation such as biodigesters or landfarming.

A Method for Identifying the Light Oil Layer and Condensate Gas Layer Based on the Distribution of Heavy Hydrocarbon Components

A Method for Identifying the Light Oil Layer and Condensate Gas Layer Based on the Distribution of Heavy Hydrocarbon Components

Detection and Removal of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon from Selected Areas in Tigris River in Baghdad City

Aromatic hydrocarbons present in Iraqi national surface water were believed to be raised principally from combustion of various petroleum products, industrial processes and transport output and their precipitation on surface water.Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were included in the priority pollutant list due to their toxic and carcinogenic nature. The concern about water contamination and the consequent human exposure have encouraged the development of new methods forPAHs detection and removal.PAHs, the real contaminants of petroleum matter, were detected in selected sites along Tigris River within Baghdad City in summer and winter time, using Shimadzu high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system.Analysis of samples from selected sites proved that the most abundant component of aromatic hydrocarbons were phenanthrene naphthalene, and acenaphthylene, followed by fluorene, acenaphthene, fluoranthene, benzo (a) pyrene, anthracene. and pyrene werepresent in low concentrations ranging in a descending order. Chrysene and benzo (a) anthracene were found in very low concentration.A laboratory unit was designed to optimize the factors which may influence the feasibility of degradation processes of naphthalene and phenanthrene in aqueous matrices by oxidation with Fenton reagent. The study proved that 83% and 79% removal of naphthalene and phenanthrene were achieved applying optimum conditions of pH=3, temperature=40 ° C, H2O2=50 ppm and Fe2+ catalyst = 6 ppm

Molecular dynamics investigation of DME assisted CO2 injection to enhance shale oil recovery in inorganic nanopores

In view of the unsatisfactory improvement effect of pure CO2 injection on the shale oil recovery in microscopic pores, the molecular dynamics method was used to simulate the process of dimethyl ether (DME) assisted CO2 injection in nanopore to recover shale oil. Firstly, cosolvents with different functional groups were selected to assist CO2 injection to compare the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) effect of shale oil. Subsequently, the microscopic mechanism of DME promoting CO2-EOR effect was systematically revealed. Then, the effects of temperature, pressure, DME molar content and shale oil composition on the EOR mechanism of CO2-DME mixture were further studied. Finally, the sensitivity difference of EOR effect to these influencing factors was compared. The research results showed that the EOR effect of DME-assisted CO2 injection (42.96%) is the best, followed by acetone (38.61%), propane (33.38%), ethanol (32.42%) and pure CO2 (22.43%). The microscopic EOR mechanism of DME-assisted CO2 injection includes improving the solubility and competitive adsorption capacity of CO2, as well as reducing oil viscosity and two-phase interfacial tension (IFT). The EOR effect of CO2-DME mixture is the best when the system temperature rises to 100℃, but excessive high temperature has a negative impact on CO2 solubility and intermolecular interaction. The increase of system pressure increases the fluid density, shortens the mass transfer distance, and reduces the IFT, which promotes the solubility, miscibility and competitive adsorption capacity of CO2-DME mixture, thereby continuously improving the shale oil recovery. Although the increase of DME content can improve the competitive adsorption capacity and reduce the IFT, it also reduces the solubility and diffusion capacity. The EOR effect is best when the mole fraction of DME reaches 40%. The increase of the proportion of non-hydrocarbon compounds and heavy hydrocarbon components reduces the solubility, miscibility and competitive adsorption capacity of CO2, and the negative impact of the former is greater than that of the latter. The EOR effect of DME-assisted CO2 injection on shale oil is most affected by pressure, followed by DME mole fraction, temperature, and oil composition.

Synthesis and Properties of Polyurea Greases Based on Silicone Fluids and Poly-α-olefin Oils

The paper describes an investigation of lubricants synthesized by thickening a dispersion medium consisting of silicone oil (PES-5) and poly-α-olefin oil (PAOM-12) with diureas of different compositions. The study revealed the effects of the compositions both of the dispersion medium and urea thickener, as well as their ratio in the lubricating formulation, on the major physicochemical properties of resultant greases. Increasing the content of the hydrocarbon component of the grease was shown to improve the physicochemical properties. Finally, the optimum grease composition was identified: introducing a polyurea thickener that contained diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate resulted in the synthesis of greases that had adequate operating characteristics and an improved wear performance.

The role of primary amines in modified chitosan to enhance the aldol condensation of biomass-derived carbonyl compounds

Aldol condensation is a key step for converting the lignocellulosic platform compounds to fuel. The catalyst used in the aldol condensation requires the avoidance of the overactivation of aldehyde groups while fully activating ketone carbonyl groups. Herein, the modified chitosan (NaOH/CT-0.6) was applied for the efficient syntheses of single condensation product from biomass-derived furfural (FFR) and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), achieving an 87.01% yield of C11 at 60 °C and 3 h. Catalyst characterization revealed that the exposure of –NH2 groups in chitosan after modification led to the formation of the imine with the CO groups of FFR. It was confirmed that the imine formation avoided the overactivation of aldehyde groups and improved cross-condensation product yield. Furthermore, the theoretical feasibility of the imine catalytic path was elucidated through DFT simulation and in situ DRIFTS analysis. Finally, the obtained condensation products were subjected to hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) over the 2 wt% Pd/Nb2O5, obtaining the hydrocarbon components suitable for bio-jet fuels. This work contributes significantly to the design of novel catalysts for aldol condensation reactions and the efficient conversion of biomass.

Mitigation of Hepatotoxicity via Boosting Antioxidants and Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Carbendazim-Treated Rats Using Adiantum Capillus-Veneris L. Extract.

Exposure to food contaminants continues to be a substantial source of human health risks all over the world, particularly in developing countries. Carbendazim (CBZ) is a chemical fungicide used to control the spread of various fungi and other pathogens in the agriculture and veterinary sectors. The hazardous effects of CBZ on human health occur due to the accumulation of its residues in agricultural food products. In this study, the possible hepatoprotective effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. (ACVL) extract were evaluated in CBZ-treated rats. A GC-MS analysis revealed that ACVL extract contained several bioactive hydrocarbon components and fatty acids, and that the components exerted hepatic protection by mitigating oxidative stress via upregulating antioxidant agents and neutralizing nitrogen and oxygen free radicals. Moreover, ACVL extracts relieved hepatic inflammation via decreasing NO, NF-κB, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-6) in the liver of CBZ-treated rats, both at protein and mRNA levels. In addition, the protective effect of ACVL has appeared in the histopathological figures and function markers in the livers of CBZ-treated rats. According to the present results, ACVL extract can protect the hepatic tissue and restore its functions to a control level in CBZ-treated rats; this effect may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Rheological properties and group chemical composition of oxidized bitumen in the presence of fibrous materials of various structures

The rheological properties of oxidized bitumen in the presence of fibrous materials based on cellulose and chrysotile asbestos used as stabilizing additives in the production of crushed stone-mastic asphalt concrete mixtures have been studied. It has been established that the supramolecular structure of fibers characterizing the interaction between macromolecules largely determines the effectiveness of their structuring action for oxidized bitumen. Thus, the introduction of cellulose fiber leads to an increase in the ability of the bitumen colloidal structure to the simultaneous occurrence of elastic and plastic components of deformation. This is due to the uniform distribution of the fiber in the dispersion medium of bitumen due to the penetration of hydrocarbon components of bitumen into the interfibrillary space of cellulose and the rupture of hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl groups. Тhe presence of strong structural bonds between chrysotile-asbestos macromolecules prevents the formation of strong reinforcing mesh in bitumen oils. As a result, the values of the structural and rheological parameters Pk1, Pk2 and Pm of the bitumen/chrysotile-asbestos composition are 1.5–2 times lower compared to the values for the bitumen/cellulose composition. The results of the study of the group composition and structural-rheological properties of bitumen compositions after heating at T = 163 °C indicate a higher stability of the bitumen-cellulose structure to the processes of thermal oxidative degradation compared to the structure formed in the bitumen/chrysotile-asbestos composition. By the method of thin-layer chromatography, it was found that the concentration of oils in the bitumen/chrysotile-asbestos composition is higher as compared to the bitumen/cellulose composition, indicating that the weakening of rheological properties and thermal stability in the presence of chrysotile-asbestos is not related to the microstructure of its fibers, which, according to some researchers, is prone to selective diffusion of oils into the capillaries of fibrils.

Hydrocarbon Accumulation Periods in the Upper Paleozoic Strata of the Western Ordos Basin, China, Based on Fluid Inclusions and Basin Modeling.

The upper Paleozoic strata in the western part of the Ordos Basin have rich oil and gas resources but low exploration levels. These strata were subjected to multiple tectonic events, such as the Caledonian, Hercynian, Indosinian, and Himalayan movements, which led to a relatively complex process of hydrocarbon accumulation in the study area. These strata also have obvious structural segmentation in the north-south direction. However, the accumulation periods of the upper Paleozoic strata in different structural sections of the western Ordos Basin and their differences are poorly understood. A total of 65 sandstone samples from the upper Paleozoic reservoirs in 16 representative wells were selected for fluid inclusion analyses. The results of fluid inclusion analyses, combined with the burial-thermal histories of representative wells, were used to determine the hydrocarbon accumulation periods of the main layers and summarize their patterns in different structural regions and layers. The results show that the formation of fluid inclusions in the main upper Paleozoic strata can be divided into two stages. The first-stage inclusions mainly occur in secondary quartz edges, and the second-stage inclusions mainly occur in healed microcracks. The inclusion types are dominantly hydrocarbon-bearing, brine, and minor nonhydrocarbon gas inclusions. The hydrocarbon components are mostly CH4 and minor asphaltene, and the nonhydrocarbon gases are dominantly CO2 and minor SO2. The homogenization temperatures of the brine inclusions associated with hydrocarbon inclusions in major layers in the study area have a wide distribution and multiple peaks; the main peaks in the central part of a given tectonic area are slightly lower than those in the eastern part, and the main peaks in a given location tend to increase with decreasing burial depth. Hydrocarbon accumulation in the upper Paleozoic strata in the study area mainly occurred in the Early and Middle Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. The Early and Middle Jurassic were the mature oil and gas accumulation periods, and the Early Cretaceous was the high-maturity natural gas accumulation period and the most critical accumulation period. The accumulation period in the central part of a given structural region occurred earlier than that in the eastern part, and the accumulation period in different layers in a given location gradually shifted at a later time from deep to shallow.

THE CATALYTIC EFFECT OF ZINC-OXIDE (ZNO) ON THE KINETICS OF COMBUSTION REACTIONS OF SOLID WASTE MATERIALS

This study aims to determine the catalytic effect of ZnO on the kinetics of the decomposition reaction of burning solid waste. ZnO catalyst was chosen because it has high mobility and reactivity. samples were prepared and randomly selected consisting of 12 types of inorganic waste and 10 types of organic waste. The research instrument uses (DTA) Differential Thermal Analysis proximate testing. From this test the data in the form of a mass decrease graph will be analyzed descriptively. The description of the data is displayed through the TG-DTG curve and the calculation of the activation energy (Ea) using the fitting model. the DTG curve identifies three peaks indicating the decomposition stages of the three components have different characteristics. The decomposed components are 1. lignocellulosic organic and low stability organic components, 2. Volatile substances from plastic components, 3. hydrocarbon residues and ash reformation. The combustion temperature increases in samples with high catalyst concentrations, but the burnout temperature decreases in samples with high catalyst concentrations. The DTA curve shows the increased reactivity of samples with high catalyst concentrations. Oxidative reactions which are exothermic/external heating increase in samples with high catalyst concentrations. The catalytic effect on the addition of zinc-oxide (ZnO) catalyst concentration to the components showed a decrease in the hydrocarbon component and an increase in the short chain hydrocarbon component. Increasing the concentration of zinc-oxide (ZnO) catalyst in the sample increases the activation energy. However, overall the addition of catalyst concentration in the combustion of organic-inorganic solid waste samples was able to reduce the activation energy at the end of the combustion reaction

Critical properties and phase behavior of confined fluids in irregular nanopores of shale gas reservoir

Real pore size and shape can induce critical properties shifts and phase behavior alterations for confined fluids in nanopores and impact the gas storage and transport mechanisms in shale gas reservoirs. Therefore, accurate calculations of phase behavior parameters in irregular nanopores are of great significance for the efficient development of shale gas reservoirs. No publications so far have been found to study the critical properties shift of confined fluids in irregular nanopores. In this paper, first, a quantitative description method for calculating the adsorbed volume of a multicomponent confined fluid in irregular nanopores is proposed, coupled with scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of shale cores and a semi-empirical formula for adsorbed thickness. Second, an effective molar volume correction method is extended to non-circular pores. Meanwhile, a new parameter is introduced to modify a molar volume term. Third, a novel correlation is proposed to predict the critical properties shifts in irregular nanopores considering pore shape and mixed fluid composition. Finally, a modified PR-EOS (Peng-Robinson equation of state) model is proposed, solved, and validated. Moreover, the critical parameters of pure component fluids and phase behavior characteristics of mixed hydrocarbons under different pore sizes, pore shapes, and hydrocarbon components are investigated, which reveals that a real pore structure and mixed fluid composition in shale gas reservoirs can change phase behaviors of confined fluids in nanoscale pores.

Bioremediation Potential of Algae (Chlorella vulgaris) in Crude Oil Contaminated Sediment

Aim: To evaluate the bioremediation potential of algae (Chlorella vulgaris) in crude oil contaminated sediment.
 Study Design: The study employs three (3) experimental designs using flat rubber, statistical analysis of the data and interpretation makes up the study design.
 Place and Duration of Study: New Calabar River, Choba, Obio Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, was used for this study. New Calabar River lies between longitude 6°53.13E and latitude 4°53.52N in Choba. Bioremediation monitoring process lasted for 56 days; analyses were carried out at 14 days’ interval.
 Methodology: Three (3) experimental set up were employed using a using flat rubber basin, each set up contained 2500g of sediment and was contaminated with 250ml of Crude Oil except Control 1 uncontaminated sediment (Us). The set up was augmented with the Chlorella vulgaris (CHL) except the control 1 and 2 (Us and Cs). Sediment profile like Temperature, pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, electrical conductivity, moisture content, total organic carbon, soil organic matter and total hydrocarbon content (THC) before contamination was determined using standard analytical methods while parameters like Temperature, pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Total Hydrocarbon Contents (THC) were monitored throughout the experimental period. Microalgae and Hydrocarbon utilizing algae (HUA) were monitored throughout the experimental period using standard microbiological methods. Percentage Bioremediation was estimated from amount of THC reduction from day 1 (initial) of monitoring. Statistical analysis was carried out for microbiological and physicochemical parameters when treated using Statistical ANOVA to ascertain significant difference of mean values between various treatments.
 Results: Results revealed the amount of hydrocarbon removed and % bioremediation efficiency after 56 days of monitoring with different treatment on the set up is given in a decreasing order as follows: (initial contamination value of 10525mg/kg) Cs+Chl (7700mg/kg; 73.15%) > control (Cs) contaminated without amendment of organisms (6345mg/kg 60.28%) > and Us uncontaminated sediment 1969.96 mg/kg. The total hydrocarbon content (THC) of the treated setup decreased from (10525mg/kg initial contamination value) at the start of bioremediation to Cs+Chl (7700mg/kg: 73.15%) at the end of bioremediation. The highest count of microalgae (log10cfu/g) for each set up during the monitoring were as follows; day 0 Us (7.65) day14 Cs (7.63) day28 Us (7.70) day42 Cs+Chl (7.60) day56 Cs (7.30). It was observed that peak count was on day28 (7.70) and a decline was on day56 (7.30). The highest Hydrocarbon Utilizing Algae (Log10cfu/g) count for each set up during the monitoring were as follows; day 0 Cs+Chl (5.23) day 14 Cs+Chl (5.30) day28 Cs (5.23) day42 Cs+Chl (4.77) > day56 Cs (5.07). Decline was observed on day 42 and peak count was on day 14.
 Conclusion: Results from the study revealed that Chlorella vulgaris is capable of degrading hydrocarbon components. There was a faster utilization of hydrocarbon by set up with Chlorella vulgaris than control. Though incomplete removal of crude oil was observed in THC concentration value. This suggests that an improvement in the process is required. Such improvement could include biostimulation of the polluted sample or some chemical pretreatment of the sample. From the study, bioremediation can be said to be a viable and effective response to sediment contamination with crude oil.

Study on Homogeneous Reduction Technology in Gas Samples for Oil and Gas Loss

The process of storing oil depots and combined station tanks is affected by factors such as process technology, equipment, and management methods. Inevitably, some heavy hydrocarbon components will condense. According to the available literature, the existing detection methods are not enough to accurately measure the component composition so that the proportion of heavy hydrocarbon substances in the lost gas is reduced. In this paper, by inventing a homogeneous reduction device, the lost gas in the entire laboratory process was kept in a homogeneous state so that the gas components were well-retained. Using the homogeneous reduction method and a traditional inspection method, gas chromatography was performed on a standard gas and the on-site lost gas, respectively. The standard gas measurement results show that the mean deviations of the homogeneous reduction method and the traditional test method were −3.45% and −11.62%, respectively, and the reduction degree reached 96.55% with the homogeneous reduction method. The results of the on-site gas loss measurements show that the proportions of most hydrocarbon substances in each lost gas increase to varying degrees after using the homogeneous reduction technology. Therefore, it is proved that these components can be better preserved using the homogeneous reduction method. It can effectively avoid the condensation of components, which is of great significance to the study of oil and gas loss.