Crude Oil Extraction Research Articles

English

The palm fruit (Elaies guineensis) is the source of palmitic-oleic rich semi-solid fat and fat-soluble minor components, made up of vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), carotenoids and phytosterols. This study was in two parts. Firstly, it examined the effects of palm oil fractionation methods on recovery and concentration of carotenes, tocopherols and tocotrienols which are known to have nutritional and medicinal properties. Secondly, the study also investigated lead (Pb) poisoning effects on blood of albino rats and the efficacy of treatment with crude palm oil and palm oil extracts. The extraction methods employed in the study were adsorption chromatography, saponification and bleaching. The palm fruits used were of the Tenera variety, obtained from a plantation located at Goaso in Ghana. Examination of the palm oil extracts revealed that the unsaponifiable fraction contained 19,570 ppm carotene, 39,290 ppm vitamin E (tocols), 2.7% of carotenes, and 4.6% of free fatty acids (FFA). The adsorption chromatographic isolated fraction contained 16,310 ppm of carotenes, 19,870 ppm of tocols and 3.3% of FFA. The bleached fraction had a reduced level of carotenes and tocols with values of 209 ppm and 640 ppm respectively. A high FFA of 13.1% was recorded. The crude palm oil contained 530 ppm of carotenes, 1,040 ppm of tocols and 4.6% of FFA. Oral administration of 2 g/L lead acetate significantly decreased red blood cell count, haemoglobin level, haematocrit value and platelet count 40 days after treatment in rats, compared with the control group (that is, rats administered with deionized water). Crude palm oil and palm oil extracts administered (0.5 ml/kg body weight/day) significantly restored the normal blood conditions of the lead-poisoned rats. However, the bleached fraction had no significant effect on the rats. The unsaponifiable matter and the adsorption chromatographic fractions reversed the poisoning effect of lead in the rats to near normal levels. The efficiency of these extracts in treating lead toxicity depended on the contents of carotenes and tocols, which are biological antioxidants. Considering oxidative stress as the major mechanism of lead toxicity, and this study has shown that the high level of antioxidants in palm oil extracts makes it effective natural product for the treatment of lead poisoning. Key words: Antioxidant, carotene, lead poisoning, palm oil, tocopherols (tocols).

Life Cycle Analysis on Atmospheric and Vacuum Distillation Process: Energy Consumption and Emissions

Life Cycle Analysis was performed for 10 million tons of atmospheric and vacuum distillation operation unit, calculateing energy consumption and emissions of pollutants in five stages, including crude oil extraction, oil transport, crude oil processing, product using and product transport. Based on the analysis, it proposes several countermeasures of pollutant emissions. Subsequent articles discuss the two models of the life cycle costs in delayed coking process which using the actual refinery instance data.

Determinants and sustainability of international reserves accumulation in Nigeria

The study examined the determinants of international reserves accumulation in Nigeria between 1970 and 2010 with a view to determining its sustainability. The three major dimensions of sustainable development (social, economic and environment) are considered in the adopted model that was estimated using error correction and bounds testing approach to cointegration. Findings suggest that variability of export earnings and the one period lagged value of international reserves had a positive impact on international reserves holding in Nigeria. The economic (GDP per capita) and environmental (CO2 emission) measures of sustainable development also affect international reserves accumulation in the long-run. Observably, oil price negatively affects reserve holding in the long-run but is positive in the short-run. The findings suggest the need to diversify Nigeria’s sources of external reserves accumulation towards more environmentally and economically sustainable activities such that the negative effects of volatile oil export earnings and crude oil extraction are reduced.

OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF CRUDE OIL DETECTED IN SEAWATER

The effects of crude oils entering marine environment have been investigated since early 1960s when oil pollution became a subject of global environmental concern. Extraction and transportation of crude oils have been contributing to water pollution especially in closed water basins, such as the Baltic Sea. It was estimated that yearly oil input to the Baltic Sea amounts to 21-70 thousands of tons, which is twice higher than in the North Sea and three times higher than in the North Atlantic. Growing pollution loads into the Baltic Sea created a demand for multifarious studies on the environmental effects of oil products. In this study, we focus on bio-optical and ecological aspects of the presence of crude oil in seawater. Dispersed oil droplets occur in seawater as the result of contaminated river inflows, bilge water discharges and as the consequence of mechanical and chemical dispersion of oil spills. Their optical properties depend on oil type, concentration and size distribution. We present further results obtained from the developed fluorescence-based method for determination of the crude oil concentration in natural Baltic seawater and for evaluation of the oil droplets size by applying vacuum filtering. The results have been measured for the samples collected in Southern Baltic Sea during several ship cruises in 2012. We discuss the application of vacuum filtering in the fluorescence analyses in the context of laboratory, in situ and remote detection of dispersed oil.

Migration, speciation and distribution of heavy metals in an oil-polluted soil affected by crude oil extraction processes

Heavy metals are among the major pollutants in the worldwide soil environment. In oilfields, the crude oil extraction process results in the simultaneous contamination of the soil with petroleum and heavy metals. In this work, we investigated the influence of oil extraction on the migration, speciation, and temporal distribution of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, V, and Mn) in soils of an oil region of Shengli Oilfield, China. The results showed that oil-polluted soils were contaminated with Cu, Zn, Cd and Ni, with mean concentrations of 27.63, 67.12, 0.185 and 33.80 mg kg(-1), respectively (greater than the background values of local surface soils). Compared with the control profile, the vertical distributions of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, and V were affected in oil-polluted soils, particularly those of Cd and Ni. The concentrations of Zn, Cd, Ni, V, and Mn in oil-polluted soils increased with the duration of oil well development, which indicated the levels of these metals in the oil field were enhanced by human activities. Fractionation analysis revealed that the mobility potential of heavy metals in oil polluted soil decreased in the sequence Cd > Mn > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cu > Cr > V. The most important proportion of Cd is ion exchangeable and acid soluble, which indicates that Cd is the most labile, available, and harmful heavy metal among the elements that damage the soil environment in oil-polluted soil.

Effects of Block Copolymer Demulsifiers on Langmuir Films of Heavy and Light Crude Oil Asphaltenes

Three different n-heptane (n-C7) asphaltenes were extracted from three crude oils, two heavy and one light, and their film-forming properties at the air–water and heptane–water interfaces were investigated using a Langmuir trough. Surface pressure–area isotherms, compression–decompression cycles, and stability curves were carried out to get a better understanding about the asphaltene behavior at these interfaces. Although the light crude oil extract shows more contracted isotherms at the air–water interface that have been associated with a faster association dynamics, its films have been found to be more stable with more reproducible compression–decompression cycles. The influence of two demulsifiers (silicone copolymers) on the asphaltene film properties has been studied by preparing different mixtures of asphaltenes and demulsifiers, and the interaction between them at the air–water and liquid–liquid interfaces has been investigated by obtaining surface pressure–area isotherms to check the excess area (deviation from the additivity rule) for different mole fractions of demulsifier at a given surface pressure. Significant deviations from the additivity rule have been found for almost all mixed films studied, which has been attributed to the penetration and dispersion produced by demulsifiers in a real mixing with asphaltenes when they are spread at the interface. All these experiments have been completed with Brewster angle microscopy (BAM), where the in situ images at the interface show the effect of the demulsifiers on the ability of the asphaltenes to form highly aggregated surface films. Clearly, these films are already disaggregated and dispersed by a proportion of block copolymers as low as 0.1 mole fraction with total or partial disappearance of bright domains and clusters.

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants for Enhancing Farm Income: The Case of Bihar

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) provide opportunities for developing a variety of safe and cost effective, prophylactic, and curative medicines for a number of maladies. It is estimated that the primary health care of over 80 per cent of the world’s population still depends on plant based traditional medicines (WHO, 2002). Growing consciousness about health and side effects of modern medicines has again set the stage for innovation and use of herbal medicines. Evidence shows that the total domestic potential for crude drugs and oil extracts in India is worth Rs 3 billion, of which the requirements of over-the-counter products. Realizing the vast untapped potentials of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and impediments in their development. Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Patna has followed a systematic approach while taking MAPs for pilot testing. It made assessment about the local conditions and requirements, and demand for MAPs; strengthened capacity by trainng various stakeholders; played role in supporting individuals and institutions; developed relevant literature in local language; emphasized on group approach by organizing the growers; encouraged cultivation through the organized sector with linking the unorganized farmers; and evolved a pricing mechanism with buy back arrangement with partner industry under public-private partnership (PPP). The present study tries to outline some of the steps taken to promote MAPs in Bihar for better income to the farmers.

Determination of saturation pressures using experimental data of modified SC-CO2 extraction of crude oil by consistency test

The current work aimed to perform a consistency test based on the Gibbs–Duhem equation in order to evaluate experimental results obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of crude oil modified with several co-solvents in pressures of 20–60MPa at 60°C. The collected oil represented a liquid phase fraction while the outgassing losses a vapour phase fraction obtained after extraction. The systems of crude oil and ethanol or methanol modified supercritical carbon dioxide exhibited negative deviations from the Lewis–Randall rule. The unique combinations of saturation vapour pressures that satisfied the consistency tests were determined for the systems with the co-solvents using the criterion of the even distribution of the data about zero line in the plots of area test. The obtained values can be used to determine the thermodynamic conditions where the maximum recoveries can occur and the regions where the multiphases exist.The current study demonstrates that the consistency test is able to evaluate supercritical carbon dioxide extraction data obtained at high pressures, when using a combination mode.

Physicochemical Properties and Fatty Acid Profiles of Crude Oil Extracts from Three Vegetable Seeds

Physicochemical Properties and Fatty Acid Profiles of Crude Oil Extracts from Three Vegetable Seeds

Solving chromatographic challenges in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry using multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares

Multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) analysis is proposed to solve chromatographic challenges during two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOFMS) analysis of complex samples, such as crude oil extract. In view of the fact that the MCR-ALS method is based on the fulfillment of the bilinear model assumption, three-way and four-way GC × GC-TOFMS data are preferably arranged in a column-wise superaugmented data matrix in which mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) are in its columns and the elution times in the second and first chromatographic columns are in its rows. Since m/z values are common for all measured spectra in all second-column modulations, unavoidable chromatographic challenges such as retention time shifts within and between GC × GC-TOFMS experiments are properly handled. In addition, baseline/background contributions can be modeled by adding extra components to the MCR-ALS model. Another outstanding aspect of MCR-ALS analysis is its extreme flexibility to consider all samples (standards, unknowns, and replicates) in a single superaugmented data matrix, allowing joint analysis. In this way, resolution, identification, and quantification results can be simultaneously obtained in a very fast and reliable way. The potential of MCR-ALS analysis is demonstrated in GC × GC-TOFMS analysis of a North Sea crude oil extract sample with relative errors in estimated concentrations of target compounds below 6.0 % and relative standard deviations lower than 7.0 %. The results obtained, along with reasonable values for the lack of fit of the MCR-ALS model and high values of the reversed match factor in mass spectra similarity searches, confirm the reliability of the proposed strategy for GC × GC-TOFMS data analysis.

A radiofrequency/microwave heating method for thermal heavy oil recovery based on a novel tight-shell conceptual design

Abstract The ongoing depletion of light oil resources and the increasing global energy demand is driving oil&gas companies towards the exploitation of unconventional oil resources. In order to extract crude oil from these resources, a sufficiently low oil viscosity must be achieved, for instance through temperature increase. Electromagnetic irradiation through downhole antennae can be a suitable method for in situ heating of reservoirs. Potential problems for this technique are the extremely high temperatures that can be reached at the well containing the radiating element and the strong dependence of temperature profiles on local variation of reservoir material properties. These problems can be solved to a large extent by inserting around the radiating well a tight shell made of a low loss dielectric material, and by selecting the proper irradiation frequency. The experimental work described in this paper aims to verify the effectiveness of a similar structure during the electromagnetic heating of over 2000 kg of oil sand in a sandbox up to 200 °C, using a dipolar antenna. Oil sand was irradiated at 2.45 GHz frequency with variable power (1–2 kW). The temperature in the oil sand mass and on the boundary were recorded throughout the test in several specific points, in order to estimate temperature profiles along the distance from the antenna. Experimental results confirmed that the presence of the low lossy material shell realized around the antenna is extremely efficient in lowering the temperature in this critical zone and in better distributing the irradiated energy in the oil sand mass.

Linking Hematological, Biochemical, Genotoxic, and Behavioral Responses to Crude Oil in the Amazon Fish Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1816)

Despite safety protocols, crude oil extraction and transportation in the Amazon basin has a potential for inadvertent oil spills, which can impact aquatic organisms in local rivers. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of crude oil on juvenile Amazonian fish tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, at various biological levels. Furthermore, the effect of crude oil on response to alarm substance, an important communication system in fish, was reported for the first time. Fish exposed to crude oil showed a 90 % decrease in their response to alarm substance and a 60 % decrease in swimming activity relative to control fish. Basic hematology was not affected, although an increase of 200 % of DNA damage and an increase of GST activity were observed in animals exposed to crude oil. Inverse correlations were found between genotoxicity end points and behavioral parameters, suggesting that genotoxic end points can also reflect behavioral changes.

Supercritical extraction of crude oil by methanol- and ethanol-modified carbon dioxide

The effect of ethanol and methanol cosolvents on the extraction yield and kinetics of crude oil originating from the Halfdan field of the North Sea by supercritical carbon dioxide was investigated across a pressure range of 20–60MPa under a fixed temperature of 60°C. Results inform that the pure carbon dioxide recovery varied between 43 and 77% while the recovery of the liquid phase of oil ranged between 22 and 56% across the entire pressure range. Using ethanol- and methanol-modified CO2, the total recovery yield increased significantly averaging an additional 18.2% and 19.4% respectively when compared to pure carbon dioxide. The ethanol addition improved the recovery of the liquid phase of oil averaging 9.6% while the methanol addition improved it to 7.3% across the entire pressure range.Study of the kinetics of extraction process indicated that heavier fractions were extracted faster with the ethanol- compared to the methanol-modified CO2. GC–MS TIC chromatographic analysis of the extracted oil fractions showed that the extraction of C19-C30 single carbon number groups with the addition of methanol is more dependent on pressure. Predominantly, ethanol addition was more efficient in extraction of C17-C38 single carbon number groups while methanol contributed more in extraction of C7-C9 SCN groups.

Effect of RegenOx Oxidant As a Modifier on Crude Oil Extraction by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

The effect of the addition of the commercial oxidant RegenOx consisting of two parts (part A, the oxidizer powder, and part B, the liquid activator) to supercritical carbon dioxide on crude oil recovery was investigated in a broad range of pressures from 20 to 60 MPa at 60 °C. The addition of part B did not improve recovery. With the addition of part A, however, the pressure effect contributed to higher recovery in the range of 45–60 MPa, producing an increment of 15% compared to 8% in the range of 20–40 MPa. The effect of the mixture of part (A + B) of RegenOx did not show any effect on oil recovery at lower pressures in the range of 20–40 MPa, but there was a 14% average increment in recovery at pressures of 45 MPa and above, closely mimicking the trend produced by the effects of part A alone. A chromatographic analysis of the extracts obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide from the addition of a mixture of both parts of RegenOx has shown that the concentration of C18–C30 single carbon groups increase...

Optimize Conditions for Extracting Crude Oil from Alliums Cepa. L. Var. Agrogatum Don Using Response Surface Methodology

The crude oil extracts from Alliums cepa. L. var. agrogatum Don was carried out organic solvent extraction. Use response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the experimental factors: extraction temperature, extraction time and liquid-solid ratio. The crude oil extracts content was accomplished by Gas chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The data suggests that the extraction rate of crude oil was effected by the extraction time significantly. The optimum conditions of Alliums cepa. L. var. agrogatum Don crude oil extraction were: extraction temperature 72°C, extraction time 4h and liquid-solid ratio 14:1. As the results of GC-MS showed the content of linoleic acid was 7.661%.

Terjadinya Isomerisasi dan Oksidasi - dan -Karoten Selama Proses Pengolahan CPO

Isomerization and oxidation has been known as the major factors of the degradation of carotenoid compounds.The carotenoid compounds in oil palm fruit are dominated by - and -karoten. Result of this experiment showedthat the isomerization of the - and -karoten during the process productions of crude palm oil (CPO) indicated bythe reducing of trans ? and trans -caroten concentrations and followed by the increasing of cis - and cis ?-caroten concentrations. Isomerization promote to increasing the concentration of cis - and cis -carotenapproximately 40 ppm and 19 ppm on the sterilization process, then 79 ppm and 134 ppm on the extraction andclarification process of crude oil. On the other hand, the purification process just only increased the concentrationof cis ?-karoten about 19 ppm. The Oxidation of the - and -caroten caused to the increasing of lutein andzeaxantin as the degradation product. The - and -caroten oxidation can be increasing the amount of lutein andzeaxantin approximately 1 ppm and 5 ppm on the sterile fruit, 22 ppm and 14 ppm on the extract crude oil, 1 ppmand 3 ppm on purifying oil. The oxidation process of oil palm extract in the vacuum drier tank can be increased thelutein concentration about 6 ppm.

Study of the Cation and Salinity Effect on Electrocoalescence of Water/Crude Oil Emulsions

The resolution of water-in-crude oil (W/O) emulsions formed during extraction or desalinaton processes of crude oil is still a problem for the oil industry. Among the main separation processes used today, electrostatic separation induced by the application of DC or AC electric fields is the most interesting because it is ecologically correct. However, the electroseparation efficiency is still limited by the current lack of knowledge concerning the mechanism that is behind this process. Stabilization of the water/crude oil emulsion is guaranteed, mainly, by resins and asphaltenes that are present at the W/O interface, forming a rigid cross-linked film that wraps the droplets. The influence of salts and the salinity of the aqueous phase on the stability of emulsions is poorly known because most researchers use, as the aqueous phase, a complex saline solution composed of a mixture of chlorides and sulfates of mono- and divalent cations to simulate the composition of seawater. Thus, the isolated effect of eac...

Oil production optimization: a mathematical model

In this paper, a mathematical model is developed to study crude oil extraction from oil wells. Due to advancement in technical, procedural and reservoir management the estimated lifetime and subsequently field hardware utilization has increased. Continuous high-quality and efficient production can lead to complacency about the integrity of the wellhead, but can also cause lack of focus on routine maintenance. Lack of critical component maintenance and over exposure can take its toll on mechanical assemblies, increasing the likelihood of production downtime caused by equipment failure. In extreme cases it may also lead to an emergency shutdown. The objective of the paper is to optimize the total cost per unit time in light of critical factors which involve spills or leakage, system failure and maintenance cost for optimum extraction. The model is valid with empirical data and sensitivity analysis is carried out.

Commentary: The corporation, oil, and the financialization of risk

ABSTRACTHannah Appel's notion of “modularity” in her analysis of contemporary transnational oil operations exquisitely captures the work required to create the illusion that petroleum production is removed from and uncompromised by local entanglements. Her study belies the notion (peddled by the industry) that the extraction of crude oil is a technoscientific wonder detached from disruptive inequalities and tumultuous political conditions that too frequently haunt places where oil development occurs. In this commentary, I sketch two directions for further research inspired by Appel's work that could extend the disentangling calculus of corporate profit, liability, and risk. One centers on the corporate form and the other on the financialization of risk.

Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Crude Oil from Winter Melon (Benincasa hispida) Seed Using Response Surface Methodology and Evaluation of Its Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic Content and Fatty Acid Composition

In the present study, ultrasound-assisted extraction of crude oil from winter melon seeds was investigated through response surface methodology (RSM). Process variables were power level (25–75%), temperature (45–55 °C) and sonication time (20–40 min). It was found that all process variables have significant (p < 0.05) effects on the response variable. A central composite design (CCD) was used to determine the optimum process conditions. Optimal conditions were identified as 65% power level, 52 °C temperature and 36 min sonication time for maximum crude yield (108.62 mg-extract/g-dried matter). The antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and fatty acid composition of extract obtained under optimized conditions were determined and compared with those of oil obtained by the Soxhlet method. It was found that crude extract yield (CEY) of ultrasound-assisted extraction was lower than that of the Soxhlet method, whereas antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of the extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction were clearly higher than those of the Soxhlet extract. Furthermore, both extracts were rich in unsaturated fatty acids. The major fatty acids of the both extracts were linoleic acid and oleic acid.