Depletion Of Oil Reserves Research Articles

Experimental investigations on the influence of properties of Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel on performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of a DI diesel engine

The current state of future energy and environmental crises has revitalised the need to find alternative sources of energy due to escalating oil prices and depleting oil reserves. To meet increasing energy requirements, there has been a growing interest in alternative fuels like biodiesel that can become a suitable diesel fuel substitute for compression ignition engine. Biodiesel offers a very promising alternative to diesel fuel, since they are renewable and have similar properties. Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil collected from different restaurants in the Nagapattinam region of South India was converted into methyl esters (biodiesel) by transesterification. Biodiesel produced from C. inophyllum oil was blended with diesel by different volume proportions (25%, 50%, and 75%). Biodiesel and its blends were tested on a direct injection (DI) diesel engine at a constant speed by varying loads from 0% to 100% in steps of 20% to analyse its performance, emission, and combustion characteristics. The results obtained were compared with that of diesel fuel. B25 (27.5%) showed better performance than diesel fuel (26.28%) at full load and B50 showed performances similar to diesel fuel. Smoke density of B25 was slightly (2.6%) higher than that of diesel at full load conditions. At full load, measured carbon monoxide emissions for B25 and B50 were 4% lower than that of diesel. Hydrocarbon emissions for B25 and B100 were 5.37% and 25.8% higher than that of diesel, respectively. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission was lower for all biodiesel blends. NOx emissions of B100 and B75 were lower than that of diesel by 22.16% and 13.29% at full load, respectively. Combustion profile was smoother, and no knocking problem was observed while operating with biodiesel blends. B75 produced peak cylinder pressure.

The Impact of the Clean Development Mechanism and Enhanced Oil Recovery on the Economics of Carbon Capture and Geological Storage for Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract Carbon capture and storage (CCS) have been identified as one of the more promising carbon dioxide (CO2) emission mitigation techniques in the short term. One of the major issues involved in the implementation of this technology is the high cost incurred in the capture process. When this high cost is coupled with the associated transportation and geological storage costs, the overall process is often deemed uneconomical. Any effort dedicated towards reducing carbon capture costs would then be particularly useful and critical in improving the overall economics. Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) has many unique factors that can potentially reduce this cost. Amongst these are pure CO2 sources, the relatively cheap electricity costs and the close proximity of these CO2 sources to geological sinks. During Ammonia production, CO2 is a by-product and can occur in purities of over 90% by volume of output gases. Owing to this, the capture cost can be significantly reduced. This paper factors in this reduced capture cost together with potential returns from associated Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects to assess the economic feasibility for T&T. A sensitivity analysis was done to ascertain the minimum oil and carbon trading prices needed for economic feasibility. The results were then compared with actual present day prices and projected forecasts. This work can help guide future energy polices in T&T so that two major problems can be addressed in cohesion, the issue of depleting oil reserves and that of increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Planning Amid Abundance: Alaska’s FY 2013 Budget Process

DOI 10.1515/cjpp-2013-0019 Calif. J. Politics Policy 2013; 5(3): 319–342 Jerry McBeath* Planning Amid Abundance: Alaska’s FY 2013 Budget Process Abstract: This report describes the fiscal policy process relating to the develop- ment of Alaska’s FY 2012–2013 budget. Alaska entered FY 2013 with a substantial surplus and with hefty financial reserves. The report explains the origin of these conditions, which distance Alaska from most of the other western states; it also provides information on the threats to Alaska’s fiscal stability represented in its extreme dependence on depleting oil reserves and on federal government support. Keywords: Alaska; budget; FY 2012–2013; governor; legislature; West. *Corresponding author: Jerry McBeath, Professor of Political Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA, e-mail: gamcbeath@alaska.edu 1 Introduction This paper describes the fiscal policy process explaining the Alaska FY 2013 budget plan. It covers the period from the most recent Alaska report (McBeath and Corbin 2011) in late August, 2011 to December 2012. The report begins with a discussion of the Alaska economy from the third quarter of 2011 through most of 2012 and briefly treats the redistricting process after the 2010 census, which set the parameters for the 2012 state elections. Next, we discuss state issues with a federal connection tracked in the Alaska reports over the last dozen years. The core of the paper is analysis of the FY 2013 budget process, including the governor’s requested budget (operating, supple- mental and capital), and legislative responses. A special section examines the main fiscal issue of the 27th Alaska Legislature: Governor Parnell’s proposed reform of the state oil taxation regime, followed by a report on the 2012 special session. The last section of the report presents the final state budget, with analysis of revenues, the capital, supplemental and operating budgets for FY 2013, and reserve funds. Alaska entered FY 2013 with a substantial surplus (variously estimated from $2 to $3.7 billion) and with hefty financial reserves. The report explains the origin of these conditions, which distance Alaska from most of the other western states;

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

Association of Microbiologists of India has rightly chosen “Microbial World: Recent Innovations and Future Trends” as main Theme for 53rd Annual Conference. With this theme the delegates will have the opportunity to know the recent happenings and also the possible areas to focus for the future. AMI has grown to be a single major association in India that covers all the disciplines of Microbiology with equal weightage. The association publishes a quarterly Journal named Indian Journal of Microbiology for the last 48 years now in collaboration with Springer which has acquired a respectable status among National and International scientific community, with high quality research articles. AMI is planning to start, Indian Academy of Microbial Sciences from next year. Today, we have approved the Academy Document in Central Council which will go to the General Body on 24th morning. I sincerely thank All Members, Office Bearers, Former Presidents for their efforts to build the Association of Microbiologists of India. ASM association with AMI started in 1985 from Hyderabad Annual Conference and I am happy to see the President of ASM here and I hope mutual cooperation between the two old associations will further improve in the coming years for the benefit of Microbiologists of both countries Though a lot of work has been done with microbes, there are more unexplored areas and many challenges to overcome in this discipline. We are all aware that microbes are ubiquitous and what we know about microbes represents not more than 1–2 % of total microbial flora. More than 95 % of microbes are waiting for young microbiologists like you to devise a medium for cultivation and their subsequent exploitation for human welfare. Microbes play a major role in the life history of humans, animals and plants, in the quality and safety of our food supplies, in the health and sustainability of our air, land, and water; in bio-warfare and national security. Microbiology in 20th century has evolved into an extremely interactive discipline among the sciences and the past few decades have witnessed a quantum leap in our knowledge of microbes. Pathogenic microorganisms are the cause of many infectious diseases of humans, animals and plants including agricultural crops. About 12 million people around the world die each year due to microbial diseases which could be prevented or cured through the use of vaccines or medication (WHO). Approximately half of all deaths caused by infectious diseases each year can be attributed to just three diseases: tuberculosis, malaria, and AIDS. Though lot of work has been done in our country on tuberculosis and malaria, there are many challenges. The use of probiotics, prebiotics, and neutraceuticals throughout the world including India has become widespread without any in-depth understanding of their use and there is a need to give more focus to this area. One of the challenges in the 21st Century is to meet the growing energy demand world over and reduce the dependency on fossil fuels. The future risks of global warming, depletion of oil reserves and environmental concerns promote the production and usage of alternative fuels. My laboratory was part of a national collaborative programme on bioethanol production with lignocellulosic substrates. Ability of Saccharomycescerevisiae converting glucose to ethanol is generating hundreds of crores income to several states in India and other counties. I appeal to all the microbiologists particularly young microbiologists to take interest in AMI activities and provide your valuable suggestions. I also invite young and active persons who can spare time to be part of AMI Central Council whenever opportunity comes so that all parts of the country will have representation. I also appeal to all the members to apply for various annual awards of the association. As there are very few dedicated institutions in our country based on microbial research, the AMI should take initiative to represent to the Government of India to establish a Central Institute of Microbial Sciences. I hope that the conference will provide ample opportunities to the scientists, teachers, students and industry representatives from India and abroad to have cross-disciplinary interactions and exchange of ideas to address some of the challenges faced by humanity. It will be a good platform for developing collaborative linkages amongst microbiologists, researchers, scientists, academicians and industry I would like to congratulate the founder of KIIT for creating excellent infrastructure within a short time and organising a mega event like Indian Science Conference this year. I thank KIIT authorities for permitting AMI to have this annual conference here. With all our little contributions and knowledge acquired through interactions with various microbiologists, let us make this world a better place to live than what it was before.

A Bio-Catalytic Approach to Aliphatic Ketones

Depleting oil reserves and growing environmental concerns have necessitated the development of sustainable processes to fuels and chemicals. Here we have developed a general metabolic platform in E. coli to biosynthesize carboxylic acids. By engineering selectivity of 2-ketoacid decarboxylases and screening for promiscuous aldehyde dehydrogenases, synthetic pathways were constructed to produce both C5 and C6 acids. In particular, the production of isovaleric acid reached 32 g/L (0.22 g/g glucose yield), which is 58% of the theoretical yield. Furthermore, we have developed solid base catalysts to efficiently ketonize the bio-derived carboxylic acids such as isovaleric acid and isocaproic acid into high volume industrial ketones: methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK, yield 84%), diisobutyl ketone (DIBK, yield 66%) and methyl isoamyl ketone (MIAK, yield 81%). This hybrid “Bio-Catalytic conversion” approach provides a general strategy to manufacture aliphatic ketones, and represents an alternate route to expanding the repertoire of renewable chemicals.

New Understandings of Biocorrosion Mechanisms and their Classifications

Microbes were first associated with corrosion as early as 1910. However, much confusion remains in biocorrosion mechanisms because their investigation involves multidisciplinary knowledge in several diverse research areas such as bio-electrochemistry, microbiology, corrosion engineering and chemical engineering. Billions of dollars are lost to biocorrosion each year in the US alone. The Alaska pipeline leak that caused a major spike in the world regarding oil prices in the spring of 2006, heightened attentions on biocorrosion. As a consequence of depleting oil reserves and high oil prices, water flooding is more frequently used to increase reservoir pressure. The water used in the operation often introduces nutrients and microbes into the reservoirs. Microbial activities are now major concerns in oil and gas production and transportation. As infrastructures are aging, biocorrosion is becoming more often a risk factor in many industrial operations such as oil and gas transportation, water utilities, and power plant cooling systems. An additional risk factor for oil transportation lines is that pipe wall water-wetting, instead of oil-wetting, is becoming a more common flow condition and this promotes the diversity and growth of microbes, leading to faster pipe failures.

Kinetics of the Fischer-Tropsch Reaction Over Alumina Supported Cobalt Catalyst in a Slurry Reactor

Abstract Depleting oil reserves, environmental pressure, as well as abundant reserves of coal, natural gas and biomass, have all contributed to a revived interest in Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) technology for producing ultra-clean, virtually sulfurfree, transportation fuels and chemicals. F-T technology involves conversion of synthesis gas (i.e., a mixture of H2 and CO) to a wide spectrum of hydrocarbons. In this study, the kinetics of the Fischer Tropsch (FT) synthesis reaction over 0.27 % Ru 25 % Co/Al2O3 catalyst was studied in a 1L stirred tank slurry reactor (STSR). Supported cobalt catalysts and slurry reactors are used in commercial processes for natural gas conversion to liquid fuels (e.g. ORYX GTL in Qatar). With known kinetics one can size reactors and predict their performance as a function of process conditions. Experiments were conducted at reactor pressures of 1.4 MPa and 2.4 MPa, temperatures of 205°C and 220°C, H2/CO feed ratios of 1.4 and 2.1 and gas space velocities ranging from 2 to 15 NL/g-cat*h. Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson (LHHW) type rate equations were derived on the basis of a set of reactions originating from carbide, Eley-Rideal and enolic pathways, and two empirical power laws from the literature were used to describe CO disappearance rates. Model rate laws were fitted to isothermal experimental rates using least-squares nonlinear regression to obtain model parameter values. Physical and statistical tests were used to discriminate between rival models. Optimisations were performed by first applying bounds to obtain realistic values of the parameters and then assumptions were made regarding the degree of adsorption for some species. Finally, nonlinear regression of model rate laws using non-isothermal experimental rates was also performed by applying Arrhenius law-based constraints to obtain physically meaningful results. Goodness of fit for the most physically significant models were compared using qualitative (parity curves) and quantitative (mean absolute relative residuals (MARR), R-square and F-test) analysis. It was found that the model based on carbide mechanism involving dissociative CO and hydrogen adsorption (M1) and the model based on hydrogen-assisted dissociative adsorption of CO followed by hydrogenation of dissociatively adsorbed CO (M3) provided the best fit to the experimental data.

Azerbaijan’s Prospects in Nagorno-Karabakh

Modern Azerbaijan is a typical Middle Eastern petrostate ruled by a classical Middle Eastern despot, where political (and economic) power is concentrated and inherited within the ruling family. Azerbaijan’s military compact with Turkey, signed in 2010, suggests that Baku is preparing for war to take back Nagorno-Karabakh. Due to Azerbaijan’s impending economic and strategic insignificance to the West after the peak of oil production in 2010, Azerbaijan needs to become more realistic in its claim to Nagorno-Karabakh, as its ability to persuade the great powers is set to dwindle synchronously with the depletion of oil reserves from 2011 to 2019.

Bioethanol Production from Paper Sludge Pretreated by Subcritical Water

The depletion of oil reserves, energy dependency and rising greenhouse gas emissions urge for alternatives in all of the affected sectors. The transport sector contributes to 25% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emission and its energy dependency is 98%. It has to be emphasised that in the transport sector such a general solution as petrol nowadays is unlikely to be found in the future. The evaluation of alternatives depends on a lot of factors. Biofuels might serve as alternatives if they are produced in a sustainable way. Paper sludge is a waste stream of the paper industry and has a high cellulose content, which makes it appropriate for bioethanol production. The aim of this paper is to show an alternative for bioethanol production from paper sludge. Paper sludge is pre-treated by subcritical water which is followed by an enzymatic hydrolysis and a fermentation step. Optimum condition for the pre-treatment and the enzymatic hydrolysis were determined previously. This paper aims at showing the optimum conditions for the fermentation step. Experiments were performed in shake flasks.

Plants: biofactories for a sustainable future?

Depletion of oil reserves and the associated effects on climate change have prompted a re-examination of the use of plant biomass as a sustainable source of organic carbon for the large-scale production of chemicals and materials. While initial emphasis has been placed on biofuel production from edible plant sugars, the drive to reduce the competition between crop usage for food and non-food applications has prompted massive research efforts to access the less digestible saccharides in cell walls (lignocellulosics). This in turn has prompted an examination of the use of other plant-derived metabolites for the production of chemicals spanning the high-value speciality sectors through to platform intermediates required for bulk production. The associated science of biorefining, whereby all plant biomass can be used efficiently to derive such chemicals, is now rapidly developing around the world. However, it is clear that the heterogeneity and distribution of organic carbon between valuable products and waste streams are suboptimal. As an alternative, we now propose the use of synthetic biology approaches to 're-construct' plant feedstocks for optimal processing of biomass for non-food applications. Promising themes identified include re-engineering polysaccharides, deriving artificial organelles, and the reprogramming of plant signalling and secondary metabolism.

When Cars Went Electric, Part One [Historical

In recent years, increasing attention to environmental pollution and concern about the depletion of oil reserves have boosted an interest in electric and hybrid cars as viable alternatives to gasoline-powered automobiles. R&D programs copiously supported in many countries are notably aimed at developing advanced management systems, high-efficiency motors, and innovative batteries with high energy densities, both of the rechargeable and fuel-cell types. When we think of electric vehicles in this framework, they appear to us as future technologies in comparison with conventional internal combustion engines (ICEs). However, we may be surprised to learn that, a century ago, electric cars were far in advance of gasoline cars.

Azerbaijan's Prospects in Nagorno-Karabakh with the End of Oil Boom

AbstractModern Azerbaijan is a typical Middle-Eastern petrostate ruled by a classical Middle-Eastern despotia, where political (and economic) power is concentrated and inherited within the ruling Family. Since the death of Heydar Aliev in 2003, tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan took a turn for the worse when his son, the new Azeri president Ilham Aliev, threatened to resort to force to take Nagorno-Karabakh back. Azerbaijan's recent military compact with Turkey, signed on 17 August 2010, also suggests that Baku is preparing for war. These preparations escalated in 2008 with Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia, recognised by the West, and Abkhazia's from Georgia, recognised by Russia, which led to fears in Baku that an unwanted precedent has been set. Azerbaijan completely depends on oil revenue in its standoff against Armenia. However, the second Baku oil boom of 2005-2013 is doomed to end in a few years without any significant economic achievement, as all the petrodollar revenue is being squandered in a construction frenzy. In these circumstances, due to its impending economic and strategic insignificance to the West after the peak of oil production in 2010, Azerbaijan needs to become more realistic in its claim to Nagorno-Karabakh as its ability to persuade the great powers is set to dwindle synchronously with the depletion of oil reserves in 2011-2019.

Designing a sustainable hydrogen energy economy

A general vision of a sustainable energy economy relying substantially on hydrogen produced from renewables is sketched as a potential solution to the twin global crises of climate change and depleting oil reserves. Core differences between this 'sustainable hydrogen economy' (SHE) and the original hydrogen economy (HE) proposed in the early 1970s are discussed. In transport, rather than posing a binary choice between hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric vehicles, it is argued that the old maxim of 'horses for courses' should be followed, with complementary deployment of these two technologies depending on the transport service to be supplied. Other key features of SHE are the use of distributed bulk hydrogen storages for season-to-season storage on electricity grids, and as a strategic energy reserve. The conduct of detailed energy-economic-environmental modelling is recommended to evaluate the SHE vision in particular national and regional contexts, and hence globally.

Modeling multiphase non-Newtonian polymer flow in IPARS parallel framework

With the depletion of oil reserves and increase in oil price, enhanced oil recovery methods such as polymer flooding to increaseoil production from waterflooded fields are becoming moreattractive. Effective design of these processes is challengingbecause the polymer chemistry has a strong effect on reaction andfluid rheology, which in turn has a strong effect on fluidtransport. Polymer flow characteristics modeled in the UT-AustinIPARS (Integrated Parallel Accurate Reservoir Simulator) areadsorption on rock surfaces, polymer viscosity as a function of shearrate, polymer and electrolytes concentrations, permeabilityreduction, and inaccessible pore volume. A time-splitting algorithmis used to 'independently' solve advection,diffusion/dispersion, and chemical reactions.

Single component, reversible ionic liquids for energy applications

Single component, reversible ionic liquids have excellent potential as novel solvents for a variety of energy applications. Our energy industry is faced with many new challenges including increased energy consumption, depleting oil reserves, and increased environmental awareness. We report the use of reversible ionic liquids to solve two energy challenges: extraction of hydrocarbons from contaminated crude oil and carbon capture from power plant flue gas streams. Our reversible solvents are derived from silylated amine molecular liquids which react with carbon dioxide reversibly to form ionic liquids. Here we compare the properties of various silylated amine precursors and their corresponding ionic liquids. We show how the property changes are advantageous in the two aforementioned energy applications. In the case of hydrocarbon purification, we take advantage of the polarity switch between precursor and ionic liquid to enable separations. In carbon capture, our solvents act as dual physical and chemical capture agents for carbon dioxide. Finally, we show the potential economics of scale-up for both processes.

An experimental investigation on a DI diesel engine using waste plastic oil with exhaust gas recirculation

Environmental degradation and depleting oil reserves are matters of great concern around the globe. Developing countries like India depend heavily on oil import of about 125 Mt per annum (7:1 diesel/gasoline). Diesel being the main transport fuel in India, finding a suitable alternative to diesel is an urgent need. In this context, waste plastic solid is currently receiving renewed interest. Waste plastic oil is suitable for compression ignition engines and more attention is focused in India because of its potential to generate large-scale employment and relatively low environmental degradation. The present investigation was to study the effect of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on four stroke, single cylinder, direct injection (DI) diesel engine using 100% waste plastic oil. Experimental results showed higher oxides of nitrogen emissions when fueled with waste plastic oil without EGR. NO x emissions were reduced when the engine was operated with cooled EGR. The EGR level was optimized as 20% based on significant reduction in NO x emissions, minimum possible smoke, CO, HC emissions and comparable brake thermal efficiency. Smoke emissions of waste plastic oil were higher at all loads. Combustion parameters were found to be comparable with and without EGR. Compression ignition engines run on waste plastic oil are found to emit higher oxides of nitrogen.

Is this the end of the OPEC cartel?

In looking at various circumstances surrounding the OPEC and the present economic crisis, one can come to a conclusion that this is the end of OPEC. This hypothesis could be supported by such factors as, falling OPEC share in the oil market, President Barack Obama’s new energy policy for the United States, depleting oil reserves and the increasing worries about environmental protection. Despite these factors, it seems that the most possible scenario would be the continued strong influence of OPEC on oil prices, albeit weakened. The above hypothesis is supported by fluctuation in oil prices, rising oil demands in emerging economies like China, the dominating influence of the automobile lobby, the negative effect of bio-fuel on agriculture and finally, the underdeveloped nature of many developing countries, which in turn mean dependent on oil for years to come.

Biodiesel: Freedom from Dependence on Fossil Fuels?

In view of the depleting oil reserves and exponential rise in petroleum prices, the search for alternative sources of fuel is very timely and important. The present paper addresses the underlying issues in biodiesel production from biomaterials and sustainable production and supply of first-generation biofuels, especially the one from jatropha. The agencies and research institutions involved in the production of biofuels and the national and international efforts made in this regard are discussed here. There is also a dire need of a step towards large-scale production and supply of second-generation biofuels, although in infant stage, to strengthen the world economy in general and Indian economy in particular. However, the production of biofuels are likely to have serious socio-economic implications especially to the lesser developed societies. This needs serious attention from policy makers and public at large.

Biodiesel: Freedom from Dependence on Fossil Fuels?

AbstractIn view of the depleting oil reserves and exponential rise in petroleum prices, the search for alternative sources of fuel is very timely and important. The present paper addresses the underlying issues in biodiesel production from biomaterials and sustainable production and supply of first-generation biofuels, especially the one from jatropha. The agencies and research institutions involved in the production of biofuels and the national and international efforts made in this regard are discussed here. There is also a dire need of a step towards large-scale production and supply of second-generation biofuels, although in infant stage, to strengthen the world economy in general and Indian economy in particular. However, the production of biofuels are likely to have serious socio-economic implications especially to the lesser developed societies. This needs serious attention from policy makers and public at large.

O.010 Blood, cerebrospinal fluid and brain dynamics in communicating hydrocephalus

The energy crisis, depletion of oil reserves, and global climate changes are pressing problems of developed societies. One possibility to counteract that is microbial production of butanol, a promising new fuel and alternative to many petrochemical reagents. However, the high butanol toxicity to all known microbial species is the main obstacle to its industrial implementation. The present state of the art review aims to expound the recent advances in modern omics approaches to resolving this insurmountable to date problem of low butanol tolerance. Genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics show that butanol tolerance is a complex phenomenon affecting multiple genes and their expression. Efflux pumps, stress and multidrug response, membrane transport, and redox-related genes are indicated as being most important during butanol challenge, in addition to fine-tuning of global regulators of transcription (Spo0A, GntR), which may further improve tolerance. Lipidomics shows that the alterations in membrane composition (saturated lipids and plasmalogen increase) are very much species-specific and butanol-related. Glycomics discloses the pleiotropic effect of CcpA, the role of alternative sugar transport, and the production of exopolysaccharides as alternative routes to overcoming butanol stress. Unfortunately, the strain that simultaneously syntheses and tolerates butanol in concentrations that allow its commercialization has not yet been discovered or produced. Omics insight will allow the purposeful increase of butanol tolerance in natural and engineered producers and the effective heterologous expression of synthetic butanol pathways in strains hereditary butanol-resistant up to 3.2 - 4.9% (w/v). Future breakthrough can be achieved by a detailed study of the membrane proteome, of which 21% are proteins with unknown functions.