Effect Of Condensation Research Articles

A Comparative Study of Atmospheric Chemistry with VULCAN

Abstract We present an update of the open-source photochemical kinetics code VULCAN to include C–H–N–O–S networks and photochemistry. The additional new features are advection transport, condensation, various boundary conditions, and temperature-dependent UV cross sections. First, we validate our photochemical model for hot Jupiter atmospheres by performing an intercomparison of HD 189733b models between Moses et al., Venot et al., and VULCAN, to diagnose possible sources of discrepancy. Second, we set up a model of Jupiter extending from the deep troposphere to upper stratosphere to verify the kinetics for low temperature. Our model reproduces hydrocarbons consistent with observations, and the condensation scheme successfully predicts the locations of water and ammonia ice clouds. We show that vertical advection can regulate the local ammonia distribution in the deep atmosphere. Third, we validate the model for oxidizing atmospheres by simulating Earth and find agreement with observations. Last, VULCAN is applied to four representative cases of extrasolar giant planets: WASP-33b, HD 189733b, GJ 436b, and 51 Eridani b. We look into the effects of the C/O ratio and chemistry of titanium/vanadium species for WASP-33b, we revisit HD 189733b for the effects of sulfur and carbon condensation, the effects of internal heating and vertical mixing (K zz) are explored for GJ 436b, and we test updated planetary properties for 51 Eridani b with S8 condensates. We find that sulfur can couple to carbon or nitrogen and impact other species, such as hydrogen, methane, and ammonia. The observable features of the synthetic spectra and trends in the photochemical haze precursors are discussed for each case.

Genotoxic effects of Dukhan: A smoke bath from the wood of Acacia seyal used traditionally by Sudanese women

Smoke from the wood of Acacia seyal Delile has been used by Sudanese women for making a smoke bath locally called Dukhan. The ritual is performed to relieve rheumatic pain, smooth skin, heal wounds and achieve general body relaxation. The present study was designed to investigate the in vitro anti-inflammatory effect of the smoke condensate using cyclooxygenase -1 (COX-1) and -2 (COX-2) as well as its potential genotoxic effects using the bacterial-based Ames test and the mammalian cells-based micronucleus/cytome and comet assays. The smoke was prepared in a similar way to that commonly used traditionally by Sudanese women then condensed using a funnel. Cyclooxygenase assay was used to evaluate its in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. The neutral red uptake assay was conducted to determine the range of concentrations in the mammalian cells-based assays. The Ames, cytome and comet assays were used to assess its potential adverse (long-term) effects. The smoke condensate did not inhibit the cyclooxygenases at the highest concentration tested. All smoke condensate concentrations tested in the Salmonella/microsome assay induced mutation in both TA98 and TA100 in a dose dependent manner. A significant increase in the frequency of micronucleated cells, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds was observed in the cytome assay as well as in the % DNA damage in the comet assay. The findings indicated a dose dependent genotoxic potential of the smoke condensate in the bacterial and human C3A cells and may pose a health risk to women since the smoke bath is frequently practised. The study highlighted the need for further rigorous assessment of the risks associated with the smoke bath practice.

Heat and mass transfer in a cryogenic tank in case of active-pressurization

Predicting the pressurant requirements is one of the key challenges for cryogenic propulsion systems. In this context, a numerical model to simulate the tank pressurization that considers evaporation and condensation phenomena was developed and applied. The novel solver combines a gradient-based phase change model with a weakly compressible multiphase solver of OpenFOAM based on the pressure implicit method with splitting of operator (PISO) algorithm. To maintain a sharp interface the mass source terms are applied to the cells adjacent to the interface. First, the model is validated against two analytical solutions: the one-dimensional phase change problem and secondly, the growth of a vapor bubble in a superheated liquid in the absence of gravity. In a second step, the validated model was applied to a cryogenic pressurization experiment. The measured pressure behavior could be confirmed with the numerical model being in a good approximation. With the numerical model further insights into the physical behavior could be achieved. The condensation and evaporation effects have a significant impact on the pressure development during and after the pressurization. The mass flows due to phase change occurring at the vapor-liquid interface depend on interface location and time. Directly at the wall, evaporation becomes dominant while condensation occurs at the center area of the liquid surface.

Parameter Optimization of Segmental Multicluster Fractured Horizontal Wells in Extremely Rich Gas Condensate Shale Reservoirs

For economic and efficient development of extremely high-condensate shale gas reservoirs, a numerical model of segmental multicluster fractured horizontal well was established considering the effect of condensate and desorption, and the optimization of fracturing segments, fracturing clusters, half-length of main fracture, fracture permeability, fracture mesh density, and fracture distribution patterns were studied. It is indicated that the horizontal well whose design length is 2,700 m performs best when it has 43 fracturing segments with three clusters in each segment and the fracture permeability is 300 mD. The production capacity of horizontal wells is positively linearly correlated with the half-length of fractures. Increasing fracture half-length would be an effective way to produce condensate oil near wellbore. An effective fractured area can be constructed to remarkably improve productivity when the half-length of the fracture is 50 m and the number of secondary fractures is four in each segment. On the basis of reasonable fracture parameters, the staggered type distribution pattern is beneficial to the efficient development of shale gas-condensate reservoirs because of its large reconstruction volume, far pressure wave, small fracture interference, and small precipitation range of condensate.

Effect of fluorine doping on the network pore structure of non-porous organosilica bis(triethoxysilyl)propane (BTESP) membranes for use in molecular separation

Long-chain organosilica bis(triethoxysilyl)propane (BTESP) membranes typically have a flexible non-porous structure. Fluorine was used to tune the network pore structure of BTESP membranes in an effort to improve the gas permeation properties. The network pore size was enlarged and the effect of calcination temperature on the network structure was evaluated based on gel and membrane characterizations. Fluorine-doped BTESP membranes calcined at 350 °C and 650 °C have shown H2 permeance on the orders of 1.2 × 10−6 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1 and 1.5 × 10−6 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1 with H2/N2 selectivities of 8 and 6, respectively, which indicates similar pore sizes with lower condensation effect at high temperature of 650 °C, that was suppressed due to the presence of Si–F and C–F bonds. Undoped BTESP membranes, on the other hand, showed H2/N2 selectivity that was significantly lower—from 24 to 11 at 650 °C. FT-IR and N2 adsorption isotherms clearly indicated that fluorine significantly decreased the Si–OH density and increased the surface area and micropore volume. Further water adsorption analysis revealed that fluorine significantly increased the hydrophobicity of the BTESP network structure. Overall, the results of this study endorse the effectiveness of fluorine to control the network pore structure in both wet and dry molecular separation systems.

Effect of cathode moisture condensation on temperature distribution characteristics of dead‐ended proton‐exchange membrane fuel cell stack

Thermal and water management are crucial factors affecting the performance of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this study, a semiconductor cooler was installed at the cathode outlet of a dead-ended fuel cell stack, to condense the water vapor in the stack, and subsequently realize efficient thermal and water management. The temperature distribution characteristics were experimentally studied using a self-built dead-ended PEMFC stack test platform. The effects of operating temperature, current density, and condensation temperature were analysed in detail. The results showed that the output performance of the dead-ended fuel cell stack could be efficiently improved by cathode moisture condensation. The temperature difference in the stack with cathode moisture condensation was much smaller than that without it. The output voltage of the stack could be increased by up to 6.02% with cathode moisture condensation, at an operating temperature of 70°C; and the maximum temperature difference could be reduced by 92.8% upon applying the semiconductor cooler with a condensation temperature of 5°C. Furthermore, the current density significantly affected the temperature distribution. Upon increasing the current density from 0.3 to 0.7 A/cm2, the temperature difference increased from 1.37°C to approximately 3°C, due to the large amount of water generated by electrochemical reaction at high current density.

Effect of Cannabis Smoke Condensate on C. albicans Growth and Biofilm Formation.

The most common use of cannabis is smoking. The oral ecosystem, among other constituents, can be deregulated by the presence of cannabis smoke in the oral cavity. We evaluated the effect of cannabis smoke condensate (CSC) on the behavior of Candida albicans, a common yeast found in the oral cavity. The yeast was first cultured with different concentrations of CSC, and its growth was evaluated. The transition from the blastospore to the hyphal form and the hyphae size were assessed after 3 and 6 h, along with biofilm formation after 72 h of contact with CSC. The response of C. albicans to oxidative (H2O2) stress was also examined. Our results show that CSC contained high amounts of THC (about 1055 ppm), CBN (63 ppm), and CBG (about 47 ppm). The presence of various concentrations of CSC in the culture medium increased C. albicans growth. CSC also contributed to increases in both the hyphal length and biofilm mass. Following oxidative stress (H2O2 at either 100 or 500 μM), CSC prevented the damaging effect of H2O2 on both C. albicans shape and growth. These findings support clinical observations demonstrating that cannabis may promote C. albicans growth and oral candidiasis.

Development of Capacitive-Type Sensors by Electrochemical Anodization: Humidity and Touch Sensing Applications.

This work describes the development of a capacitive-type sensor created from nanoporous anodic aluminium oxide (NP-AAO) prepared by the one-step anodization method conducted in potentiostatic mode and performed in a low-cost homemade system. A series of samples were prepared via an anodization campaign carried out on different acid electrolytes, in which the anodization parameters were adjusted to investigate the effect of pore size and porosity on the capacitive sensing performance. Two sensor test cases are investigated. The first case explores the use of highly uniform NP-AAO structures for humidity sensing applications while the second analyses the use of NP-AAO as a capacitive touch sensor for biological applications, namely, to detect the presence of small “objects” such as bacterial colonies of Escherichia Coli. A mathematical model based on equivalent electrical circuits was developed to evaluate the effect of humidity condensation (inside the pores) on the sensor capacitance and also to estimate the capacitance change of the sensor due to pore blocking by the presence of a certain number of bacterial microorganisms. Regarding the humidity sensing test cases, it was found that the sensitivity of the sensor fabricated in a phosphoric acid solution reaches up to 39 (pF/RH%), which is almost three times higher than the sensor fabricated in oxalic acid and about eight times higher than the sensor fabricated in sulfuric acid. Its improved sensitivity is explained in terms of the pore size effect on the mean free path and the loss of Brownian energy of the water vapour molecules. Concerning the touch sensing test case, it is demonstrated that the NP-AAO structures can be used as capacitive touch sensors because the magnitude of the capacitance change directly depends on the number of bacteria that cover the nanopores; the fraction of the electrode area activated by bacterial pore blocking is about 4.4% and 30.2% for B1 (E. Coli OD600nm = 0.1) and B2 (E. Coli OD600nm = 1) sensors, respectively.

Condensation effects on energy performance of building window systems

Low-e products have been accepted widely as an energy-efficient solution or energy retrofitting strategy for glazing systems, including single-pane windows, which may reduce the emission of radiant infrared energy and improve the insulating properties of overall windows. However, the addition of a low-e layer may increase the condensation risk, and in turn, significantly diminish the window’s thermal performance. To better understand the condensation effects of low-e windows on overall building energy use, we extended the classic Nusselt filmwise condensation model to establish and validate a simplified double-film-based analytical model, and then characterized the condensation-dependent thermal dynamics of low-e coated single-pane glazing. A series of whole building energy use comparisons between simulations ignoring and considering the condensation effect were conducted. The results indicate that if the condensation effect is taken into account, the low-e single-pane glazing may lead to adverse effects on the energy-saving purpose in certain climates relative to the original single-pane glazing. More careful and comprehensive energy analyses are needed to use low-e products for window energy retrofits.

The emergence of strange metal and topological liquid near quantum critical point in a solvable model

We discuss quantum phase transition by a solvable model in the dual gravity setup. By considering the effect of the scalar condensation on the fermion spectrum near the quantum critical point(QCP), we find that there is a topologically protected fermion zero mode associated with the metal to insulator transition. Unlike the topological insulator, our zero mode is for the bulk of the material, not the edge. We also show that the strange metal phase with T-linear resistivity emerges at high enough temperature as far as a horizon exists. The phase boundaries calculated according to the density of states allow us understanding the structures of the phase diagram near the QCP.

Large-eddy simulation of cavitation inception in a shear flow

We present a numerical study of inception in the shear layer of a backward-facing step under the same conditions as experiments (Agarwal et al., 2018). The velocity field is shown to be in good agreement with experiments. Since inception is a stochastic process that generates small amounts of vapor for short periods of time, the effects of these small regions of vapor on the liquid density and dynamics can be neglected. Vapor is therefore treated as a passive scalar in an incompressible liquid and modeled using the same vapor transport equation as that in a fully compressible homogeneous mixture model. The model is validated against the compressible homogeneous mixture approach at incipient conditions. Both velocity and scalar fields are advanced using the implicit Crank–Nicolson scheme. However, the scalar field is solved in an inner loop at a smaller time step than the velocity field. Statistics are computed for both pressure and vapor volume fraction, and the likelihood of inception is determined. The locations of the preferred sites for cavitation are compared to experimental results and good agreement is achieved. The effects of finite rate evaporation and condensation are revealed by the probability density functions of pressure and volume fraction. The flow topology is investigated and inception is found to occur in the core of the stretched tubular vortical structures with a rotation rate four times higher than the stretching rate. These cavitating tubular structures are elongated two to three times more in their most extensive principal direction than in their intermediate principal direction, and are most likely aligned with the streamwise direction. Decreasing the cavitation number from 0.55 to 0.45 is found to drop the minimum pressure inside the vortices from −1500 Pa to −5500 Pa and increase the cavitation event rates by around O(1).

Hydrogen peroxide-assisted photocatalytic dye degradation over reduced graphene oxide integrated ZnCr2O4 nanoparticles.

Zinc chromite nanoparticles (NPs) and zinc chromite-reduced graphene oxide (ZnCr2O4-rGO) nanocomposite have been synthesized by the combined effects of reflux condensation and calcination processes. The structural properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-visible studies, etc. Structural morphology was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that indicate the formation of particles in the nanometer regime. The presence of the elements Zn, Cr, O and C has been confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) images which show the purity of the synthesized products. The photocatalytic activities of both as-prepared samples under visible light irradiation were investigated in presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the results show that ZnCr2O4-rGO nanocomposite has a quite higher photo-activity response than virgin ZnCr2O4 NPs. The enhanced photo response indicates that, in ZnCr2O4, the photo-induced electrons favor to transfer to the rGO surface and the recombination of electron-hole pairs inhibited for which it results in the significantly increased photocatalytic activity for the ZnCr2O4-rGO photocatalyst and this phenomenon is also supported by theband gap value and photoluminescence results. Our outcomes demonstrate that ZnCr2O4-rGO nanocomposite is a more promising material to build up an efficient photocatalyst for waste water treatment.

Effect of condensation on surface contact angle

Understanding the effect of condensation on surface contact angle is important in many applications, e.g., waste-heat recovery systems. This work aims to fill the two knowledge gaps in the literature related to the effect of condensation on the contact angle: (1) how the drop contact angle varies over time during condensation process; and (2) whether the evaporation of the condensed drops can be the reason for the observed contact angle under condensation environment. In this study, three surfaces, polystyrene, Teflon AF, and superhydrophobic surfaces, were used in experiments. The experimental results show that the contact angle between water and all three surfaces decreases with the time when the surface was exposed to the condensation environment. Such change of contact angle over time is caused by the evaporation of the condensed drop, which prompts the formation of a film formed around the condensed drop. The film formed due to the adsorption of water vapor onto the surface, causes a decrease in the contact angle observed over time. A theoretical model which considers the evaporation effect was developed to help to understand the experimental observation. Finally, to demonstrate the importance of the change in contact angle in condensation environment over time, we show its effect on shedding of drops in the context of drop-wise condensation.

Mini Review An-overview on Buffalo Condensed Milk and its Products with Emphasis of Their Biochemical Properties

In this review an-overview is presented to study the effects of condensation, skimming and physio-chemical quality of buffalo milk. Skimming process had significant influences on chemical and sensory qualities of milk. Previous researchers discussed the remarkable changes in the physical and physio- chemical characteristics of condensed milk i.e. moisture, ash content and acidity, specific gravity of skimmed milk as compared to the whole milk. It has been also concluded from the different studies that the physical properties like, exterior, colour, flavour and body texture of milk were comparatively reduced by condensation and skimming and the density of skimmed milk appeared thinner and products achieved the variable score in different above mentioned physio-chemical properties. This review will discuss the effects of condensation and skimming on whole milk and their byproducts and their physical and physio- chemical properties in comparative aspects skimming and condensation whole milk.

Experimental investigations on steam-air-hydrogen condensation and corresponding component separation phenomenon

Under severe accident conditions of a pressurized water reactor, hydrogen will be released into the containment, forming a mixture of steam-air-hydrogen, and then transported to the surroundings. This process can be coupled with complex mass transfer behavior caused by wall condensation. Under the coupling effect of condensation and buoyancy introduced by hydrogen, the mixture gas will form different types of transport behaviors. This will be closely related to the stratification and flammability risk of high-concentration hydrogen. To quantitatively determine these phenomena and assess the potential causing reasons, experiments were performed with helium instead of hydrogen based on the COAST (condensation and species transport) facility. The tests cover a broad parameter range with steam concentrations of 8.4– 89%, helium concentrations of 10– 66% (XHe/XNon), and pressures of 0.4– 1.3 MPa. The phenomena of steam condensation induced component separation were firstly confirmed in the tests, and the component concentration threshold was clarified at XHe/XNon = 50%. The three flow patterns of steam-air- helium mixture gas was identified by Shapiro-Moffette ternary diagram. Moreover, the temperature inverse stratification caused by the high-concentration helium-air layer was discovered in the experiments, and its influence on heat transfer was clarified.

Water vapor diffusion models in asphalt mortar considering adsorption and capillary condensation

Water vapor diffusion persistently and extensively existing in asphalt pavement is one of the important contributors to moisture-induced damage. Non-Fickian diffusion of water vapor in asphalt mortar has not been deeply understood due to the lack of quantitative characterization of water molecular transport in micropores affected by the adsorption and capillary condensation. The objective of this study is to establish diffusion models considering the effects of the adsorption and capillary condensation and quantitatively characterize the dependence of diffusion coefficient on the humidity and sample thickness. The diffusion characteristics of water vapor in asphalt mortar with various thicknesses under various humid conditions were investigated using a standard wet cup method. The results suggest that in the steady diffusion the measured mass loss of diffusive water vapor linearly increases with time. The apparent diffusion coefficients determined by the first Fick’s law demonstrate a nonlinear rapid reduction from 51.45×10–9 m2/s to 12.66×10–9 m2/s while the relative humidity varies from 22% to 95%. The diffusion coefficient nonlinearly decreases from 40.92×10–9 m2/s to 24.71×10–9 m2/s while the sample thickness increases from 3.62 mm to 16.34 mm. The molecular transports in gaseous flow, surface flow, and capillary condensate flow were introduced to formulate the effects of adsorption and capillary condensation. Combining the measured adsorption isotherm of water vapor in asphalt mortar, a diffusion model considering adsorption was derived and quantitatively characterizes the diffusion coefficients varying with the relative humidity. The dependence on relative humidity is attributed to the thickening of adsorbed water film in high humidity that changes the diffusivities in gaseous flow and surface flow. Another diffusion model considering capillary condensation was established to formulate the thickness-dependent diffusion coefficients in asphalt mortar. The dependence on the sample thickness is explained as the variable ratio of the diffusion in capillary condensate flow to the overall diffusion in a thick sample. This study provides a feasible approach to quantifying the environment-dependent diffusion characteristics and promotes the understanding of non-Fickian diffusion of water vapor in asphaltic materials.

Have the Egyptian Moâssel products antimicrobial activities?

As a result of the mistaken belief of some people that Waterpipe has some positive effects to kill some microbes. That is why we did this study. The samples Mango Flavored Moȃssel (MFM) and Peppermint Flavored Moâssel (PepFM) were obtained from Al Dandash company. They were analyzed by Headspace GC-MS. There was a great difference between the two investigated samples. The 21 identified compounds of the MFM sample were detected, which represented (88.85%) of the total compounds. The major one was 1,2-propanediol (41.40%). While, the PepFM specimen exhibited 26 identified compounds, which represented (76.84%) of the total constituents. The chief constituent was menthol (33.89%). MFM displayed 6 common compounds with PepFM; acetone, furfural, limonene, linalool, α-terpineol and carvone. The tested bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were susceptible to growth inhibition by MFM and PepFM methanol condensates. Moreover, the tested fungus Candida albicans exhibited also growth inhibition by the two flavored methanol condensates. Finally, microbial adherence was achieved at higher concentrations of methanol condensates (above MIC). This is due to the growth inhibitory effects of methanol condensates. While, at low concentrations (sub MIC), it was found that microbial adherence increased. Consequently, these flavored Moâssel are not recommended to use them as antimicrobial agents.

Performance analysis and efficiency enhancement of cooling tower in 210 MW thermal unit

Heat exchangers, condensers plays a vital role in any kind of power cycle like modified Rankin cycle, these components involves transfer of both sensible and latent heat and have great influence over the power plant performance. The condenser employed in MTPS involves transfer of latent heat into steam. Yet it as to induce a phase change in thereby forming water. Increase in the effectiveness of condenser resulted in the increase of vacuum in the condenser. Thereby work done by steam is increased and coal saving (per ton of steam production) is achieved. This condensation process results in the formation of sludge’s (temporary) and (permanent). Along the inner periphery of the condenser tubes. These permanent scales have decreased thermal conductivity and inhibit the heat transfer rate. The more the thickness of the scale the less the heat is removed from the steam. This scale formation limits the life of the condenser tubes with maximum performance. In this project the thickness of the scale formed in the condenser tubes is calculated theoretically and the performance is analysed before and after scale formation in the condenser. Different materials which involve less scale formation, different ways of reducing scales and various scale removing methods are suggested.

Effect of Sperm Dna Fragmentation Index on Clinical Outcomes of Intra-Uterine Insemination Patients

Objective: To study the effect of sperm chromatin condensation (DNA fragmentation index (DFI)) using aniline blue-eosin (AB-E) staining on pregnancy outcomes in patients facing unexplained infertility undergoing intra- uterine insemination (IUI). Our initial hypothesis states that if DNA fragmentation is high then chances of pregnancy are low/NIL hence these patients should be recommended with advanced ART procedures like IVF and ICSI. Design: Prospective study Setting: Tertiary care infertility centre Method: A total of 185 patients with age less than 40 years, non-smokers and without history of any pathogenic infection in the past 2months facing unexplained infertility i.e., males with normal semen analysis reports and females with normal ovulation and hysterosalpingography (HSG) reports were selected for the study. Patients were undergoing their first or second IUI treatment cycle between the period of June 2016 to December 2016. DNA fragmentation index (DFI) using aniline blue- eosin staining method was studied in semen samples provided on the day of IUI procedure. The patients were separated into 3 groups: low DFI (DFI<= 10%), medium DFI (DFI=11 % - 20%), and high DFI (DFI >= 21%) and clinical pregnancy outcomes of IUI were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson correlation co-efficient, ANOVA and Shapiro Wilk Test on the above groups. Main Outcome Measures: DNA fragmentation index (DFI) (%), Clinical pregnancy rate (%) Result: The overall clinical pregnancy rate for the selected patient pool was 21.08% with an average DFI of 8.84% in the pregnant female group and 14.65% in the non-pregnant female group. Sperm DFI % and clinical outcomes in IUI treated patients were statistically significant and negatively correlated with correlation coefficient (r) of -0.1, -0.3 and -0.3 in low DFI%, medium DFI and high DFI% groups respectively. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that DFI (%) and clinical pregnancy rate (%) are significantly and negatively correlated in patients with normal semen parameters undergoing IUI. The higher the DFI% the chances of clinical pregnancy become very low, therefore, these patients should not be recommended IUI but with advanced ART procedures like IVF and ICSI.

Multi-scale pore structural change across a paleodepositional transition in Utica shale probed by gas sorption overcondensation and scanning

Pore structure and network configuration in shales greatly impacts physical processes important for hydrocarbon migration, methane extraction, gas storage, or carbon sequestration. The multi-scale nature of the porosity in shales presents significant challenges to its comprehensive and accurate characterisation. The under-used gas overcondensation technique can bridge characterisation of micropores, below the detection limit of mercury porosimetry and many imaging methods, to that of macroporosity undetected by conventional adsorption experiments. Further, gas sorption scanning curves revealed advanced condensation effects that allowed the probing of the inter-relation and juxtaposition of multi-scale porosities. It was found that the changeover period, from primarily clay to carbonaceous deposits in the Utica shale, was associated with growth in the disorder of the pore network over particular key length-scales highlighted by percolation processes in the gas overcondensation and scanning curves. Critical path theory suggests that the marked percolation knee that developed in overcondensation data at the depositional transition would identify a particular pore size that is characteristic of the wider network, and would control mass transport. The peak in pore network disorder was also associated with a peak in total organic carbon content and the accessible porosity was shown to be dominated by the organic carbon phase. Complementary mercury porosimetry combined with computerised X-ray tomography has shown substantial changes in the type, and super-micron-scale spatial distribution, of the nanoporosity down to approximately 3 nm, accessible to mercury, across the depositional transition, probably related to the amount and disposition of carbonate minerals.