Combustion Of Fossil Fuels Research Articles

Long-term effects of air pollution on daily outpatient visits for allergic conjunctivitis from 2013 to 2020: a time-series study in Urumqi, China

IntroductionThis study aimed to elucidate the effects of outdoor air pollution and allergic conjunctivitis and population-based lagged effects of air pollution.MethodsWe included data on six major air pollutants, PM10, PM2.5, carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3), and 3325 allergic conjunctivitis outpatient visits in Urumqi, northwest China, from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2020. We developed quasi-Poisson generalized linear regression models with distributed lagged nonlinear models (DLNM), and single and multi-pollutant models were constructed to investigate single-day and cumulative lagged effects in detail.ResultsOur results confirmed that elevated PM10 and NO2 levels are significantly associated with increased allergic conjunctivitis outpatient visits with lags of 2 and 3 days respectively, and subgroup analyses further suggest that the effects of PM10 and NO2 on allergic conjunctivitis are more pronounced during the warm season. Women are more sensitive to PM10 exposure and the effect of air pollution on allergic conjunctivitis is influenced by age (e.g., infancy and older people).DiscussionOur work provides the first time-series study in Urumqi, the world's furthest inland city from the ocean. Further implementation of specific outdoor air pollution controls such as the burning of fossil fuels like coal, as well as special population protection policies remain necessary. Multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are needed.

Extracting the Ultradeep Oil: David Mitchell’s The Bone Clocks

ABSTRACT David Mitchell’s The Bone Clocks reworks the novel form with its generic experimentation, a gesture in response to the transformed geosocial contours of the Anthropocene. Straddling between the realist and the fantastical, the novel decentralizes human perspective that proves increasingly unsatisfactory to confront the complex causality of climate change for imaginative and conceptual limits. In this essay, I argue that Mitchell attends to a conceptual limit imposed by petroculture, one that refuses to connect the future warming climate with the present large-scale combustion of fossil fuels. The temporal disjunction evolves into a strong antagonism between present and future, which can be tellingly revealed by the coupling of realist and fantastical traditions. Mitchell’s genre-blending device therefore pushes the novel form beyond its usual near-sightedness, excavating a deeper layer of climate-induced crisis of human imagination, namely the present’s inability to recognize the delayed effects of its unsustainable consumption pattern. Viewed through an energy-oriented perspective, The Bone Clocks engages with modernity’s ultradeep relationship with oil, complicating our understanding of climate temporality that matters in terms of intergenerational justice.

A Framework for Industry 4.0 Related Green Concept Integration of Services Component in Commercial Buildings

The effects of global warming are far-reaching and can affect and threaten every aspect of human existence. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation have mainly contributed to the emission of these greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Construction activities and practices are one such human activity. Building services are the aspects of a building that ensure the occupants are comfortable and secure within the building. However, building services use resources such as energy and water to create such comfort. The 4.0 era of industry has introduced dimensions to Green Building Concepts and practices of creating structures and processes that are environmentally friendly, responsible and resource efficient. This research, therefore, seeks to develop a framework for the integration of Industry 4.0-related green concepts into services in commercial buildings. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted in this research to provide information concerning integrating green concepts into building services in commercial buildings in Nigeria. Data were collected with questionnaires from 106 built environment professionals who also use commercial buildings in the study area of Abuja. Statistical tools for frequency, percentage, mean score, relative important index (RII), independent samples t test, Mann–Whitney U test and the factor reduction method based on eigen values were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that quality indoor air conditioning is the most critical satisfaction parameter for users within commercial buildings, with an average mean score of 3.81. The aesthetic effect of installed services on the building façade and high-quality building services components was ranked high, with an average mean score of 3.33 for each. The results also indicated that the lack of relevant technology and inadequate training of service personnel hindered the growth of green building concepts in Nigeria. These factors had a mean score of 4.35 each. Professionals ranked energy efficient/saving bulbs, e.g., CFLs, remote controlled, sensored lights, natural daylight, solar photovoltaic panels and building management systems, as the most effective green components that can be incorporated into commercial buildings. These factors and others were combined to create a framework for integrating green concepts for services into commercial buildings. When the construction industry and government in Nigeria adopt this framework, it can promote more integration of green concepts into commercial building services.

CH4 and CO emission estimates for megacities: deriving enhancement ratios of CO2, CH4, and CO from GOSAT-2 observations

Abstract Enhancement ratios among trace gases co-emitted by combustion of fossil fuels vary with emission sources and their combustion efficiency. We used column-averaged dry-air mole fractions of carbon dioxide (XCO2), methane (XCH4), and carbon monoxide (XCO) from the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite-2 (GOSAT-2), a unique satellite that observes them simultaneously with the same field of view, to derive the enhancement ratios (ΔXCO/ΔXCO2, ΔXCO/ΔXCH4, and ΔXCH4/ΔXCO2) for the 40 most populous cities in the world. These enhancement ratios were used to evaluate the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR). For cities where the difference in the 2015 EDGAR CO emissions between the latest versions (v6.1 and v5.0) was 30% or less, the GOSAT-2 ΔXCO/ΔXCO2 ratios and EDGAR (v6.1/v7.0) CO/CO2 emission ratios were in good agreement (correlation coefficient of 0.65). For ~70% of the cities where the difference of CO emissions exceeded 30%, the EDGAR CO/CO2 emission ratios using v6.1 CO emissions were in better agreement with the GOSAT-2 ΔXCO/ΔXCO2 ratios than those using v5.0 CO emissions, indicating that v6.1 CO emissions were improved over v5.0 emissions. However, for the remaining cities, the version upgrade may have reduced the CO emissions too much. The CH4 and CO emissions for each city were then estimated from the ΔXCH4/ΔXCO2 and ΔXCO/ΔXCO2 ratios, respectively, by reference to the CO2 emissions from the Open-data Inventory for Anthropogenic CO2 (ODIAC) or EDGAR. Compared to our estimates using the ODIAC (EDGAR) CO2 emissions, the EDGAR v7.0 CH4 and v6.1 CO emissions were underestimated for 74% (57%) and 76% (53%), respectively, of all cities where results were available. For several cities where emissions were estimated using in situ observations and ground-based remote sensing observations, our results were in reasonable agreement with these results. The implication is that satellite-derived enhancement ratios can provide informative constraints on anthropogenic emissions in megacities.

Coupling Effect of Elemental Carbon and Organic Carbon on the Changes of Optical Properties and Oxidative Potential of Soot Particles under Visible Light.

Soot particles, coming from the incomplete combustion of fossil or biomass fuels, feature a core-shell structure with inner elemental carbon (EC) and outer organic carbon (OC). Both EC and OC are known to be photoactive under solar radiation. However, research on their coupling effect during photochemical aging remains limited. This study examines how the optical properties and oxidative potential (OP) of wood, coal, and diesel soot particles with varying EC and OC levels are affected by exposure to visible light. Wood soot, which has the highest OC content, showed the most significant changes in both optical properties and OP, indicating its highest sensitivity to visible light aging. Molecular composition analysis revealed that the reduction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and methyl-PAHs primarily affects the optical properties, while oxygenated PAHs play a major role in OP. Combined with the results from reactive oxygen species detection, it is suggested that EC initiates photoreactions by generating superoxide anions, while OC undergoes compositional changes that result in subsequent atmospheric effects. These findings enhance our understanding of the photochemical aging process of soot particles and their implications for climate and health.

Environmental impacts of mechanically stabilised earth walls

Mechanically stabilised earth (MSE) walls have gained widespread popularity in North America because of their cost-effectiveness and reliable performance. Although the use of carbon-intensive materials for MSE walls is significantly lower compared to conventional retaining walls like concrete gravity walls and cantilever walls, heavy earthwork and transportation activities are involved in the construction of MSE walls, which increase their carbon footprint. The intensity of construction and transportation activities need particular attention because these are heavily reliant on the combustion of fossil fuels. In this study, the environmental impacts of MSE walls, reinforced by two common types – steel strips and geogrid – are quantified using life cycle assessment (LCA). A parametric study is conducted to investigate the effects of (i) soil properties, (ii) material properties of reinforcement, (iii) applied load, (iv) design parameters, and (v) hauling distances of materials on the global warming impact of MSE walls. Based on the study, reference charts are developed for the purpose of quick estimation of global warming impact of MSE walls based on design dimensions, applied load, and site conditions.

The Influence of Climate Change on Vector-Borne Diseases in a Wilderness Medicine Context.

The imminent climate crisis has been labeled as the biggest health threat humanity must deal with. Vector-borne disease distribution and transmission as well as the population at risk are influenced to a great degree by environmental and climactic factors affecting both the vectors themselves and the causative pathogens. Paired with an increase in worldwide travel, urbanization, and globalization, along with population displacements and migration, elucidating the effects of anthropogenic climate change on these illnesses is therefore of the essence to stave off potential negative sequelae. Outcomes on different vector-borne diseases will be diverse, but for many of them, these developments will result in a distribution shift or expansion with the possibility of (re-)introduction of vector and pathogen species in previously nonendemic areas. The consequence will be a growing likelihood for novel human, vector, and pathogen interactions with an increased risk for infection, morbidity, and mortality. Wilderness medicine professionals commonly work in close relationship to the natural environment and therefore will experience these alterations most strongly in their practice. Hence, this article attempts to bring awareness to the subject at hand in a wilderness medicine context, with a focus on malaria, the most burdensome of arthropod-borne diseases. For prevention of the potentially dire consequences on human health induced by climate change, concerted and intensified efforts to reduce the burning of fossil fuels and thus greenhouse gas emissions will be imperative on a global scale.

Efficient electrocatalytic reduction of nitric oxide (NO) to ammonia (NH3) on metal-free B4@g-C3N4 nanosheet

The combustion of fossil fuels releases substantial amounts of nitric oxide (NO), posing serious environmental and health risks. Addressing NO pollution effectively is, therefore, a pressing need. Conversion of NO into valuable chemicals is an appealing strategy with dual benefits, including waste utilization and sustainable energy transformation. In this study, we investigate the metal-free electrocatalytic reduction of NO (NORR) to NH3 on a B4 atomic cluster supported by a g-C3N4 nanosheet (B4@g-C3N4) using density functional theory (DFT). Our findings reveal that NO is efficiently activated on the B4@g-C3N4 catalyst, favoring side-on and N end-on adsorption configurations. Significant electron transfer and strong adsorption energies confirm the chemisorption of NO. The NORR exhibits an impressively low limiting potential (UL) of −0.29 V in the gas phase, which decreases further under solvent effects and varying charge states (−2e-, −1e-, +1e-, +2e-). Additionally, the high negative UL values for competing side reactions such as H2 (−0.42 V), N2 (−0.29 V), and N2O (−0.72 V) underscore the selectivity of B4@g-C3N4 for ammonia synthesis. These results highlight the promising potential of B4@g-C3N4 nanosheets for eco-friendly ammonia production from NO, providing a theoretical basis for future experimental efforts to combat NO pollution.

Investigating concentrations and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in South and Central Texas bays and estuaries along the Gulf of Mexico, USA

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most widespread organic contaminants in the environment, and anthropogenic activities can produce PAHs through a variety of pyrogenic or petrogenic means. Knowing the concentrations and sources of PAHs helps evaluate ecosystem health and manage natural resources. In this study, 16 US Environmental Protection Agency priority PAHs were analyzed in water and sediment samples collected from September 2021 to September 2023 in four bay systems along the south and central Texas coast, which are a hotpot of crude oil transportation in the United States. Our results indicated that the total concentration of PAHs ranged from 1.9 to 8.3 ng/mL in surface waters (< 0.5 m) and from 520 to 1257 ng/g in surface sediments (top 5 cm). Grain size analysis revealed that the sediment was dominated by silt (4 - 63 μm), followed by clay (< 4 μm) and sand (> 63 μm) fractions. Both organic carbon and clay content were shown to play a significant role in controlling the PAH content in sediments. Diagnostic ratios indicated that PAHs were primarily sourced via pyrolytic processes, such as the combustion of fossil fuels. Additional sampling at Port Bay, a shallow, secondary bay in the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve, implicated a strong role of resuspension in the distribution and composition of PAHs in the bay systems studied. Overall, these data offer insights into the concentration levels and sources of PAHs in this key region housing oil production and transportation in the United States.

Holistic Methodology of Hypersoft in Tandem with Uncertainty-based Triangular Neutrosophic for Wave Energy Converter Optimization

Global warming, environmental degradation, and climate change have recently emerged as compelling arguments against the combustion of fossil fuels. As well Eliminating and forgoing the intake of fossil fuels is also encouraged by the Sustainable Development Agenda's goals. The healthy substitute for fossil fuels, renewable energy is one of the main devoid power sources found in our natural surroundings. An effective proposition for harnessing wave energy with an emphasis on increasing energy and efficiency are wave energy converters, or WEnCos. It contributes to producing a clean, limitless energy source that might drastically lessen our need for fossil fuels. Generally speaking, the selecting of the appropriate converter is an important endeavor that this study takes on. The process of selecting the optimal converter has been conducted based on effective benchmarks or criteria and its attributes. Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques seem to be effective tools when it comes to handling the complex issue of benchmarking WEnCos. These approaches consider a variety of criteria, allowing for a comprehensive and nuanced examination. Each utilized technique plays vital role in our decision problem. Hence, CRiteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation (CRITIC) method—which determines the weights of criteria and its attributes in decision making problems. These weights are utilized in Weighted Sum Product (WISP) method. Totally, these techniques are implemented under uncertainty theory of Neutrosophic which combined with soft sets notion to generate Triangular Neutrosophic HyperSoft (TrNSHSS). Totally, all these techniques are contributed to constructing soft decision-making model for analyzing and recommending optimal WEnCo.

Enabling sustainable consumer choices with CarbonShunya: India’s first solution to measure and mitigate carbon impact of consumer transactions in real-time**The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the organization(s) to which the authors are affiliated. This work is an independent effort to support collective action to

Abstract Among the myriad challenges facing humanity, air pollution and climate change emerge as the most formidable existential threats to our future. Ironically, both these are direct fallouts of human activities such as indiscriminate consumption of consumer products/services and burning of fossil fuels. Purchase of consumer goods in 2024 is projected to be in excess of $22.6 trillion worldwide. How these consumers buy, use or dispose consumer goods will profoundly impact all life on the planet. Therefore, it is an imperative to embed sustainability in every Rupee of consumer spending. Hence a robust digital solution, CarbonShunya, has been developed with the purpose to empower a billion consumers to make sustainable purchase and lifestyle choices. CarbonShunya is India’s 1st solution that can measure and mitigate the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) footprint of consumer transactions in real-time. It provides consumers with actionable insights at the point-of-purchase and post-purchase to shape a shift in consumer beliefs, attitudes and behavior. This paper presents the methodology, assumptions and processes which have been adopted to develop the CarbonShunya life-cycle assessment framework and solution in Indian context. It also presents a case study, using the CarbonShunya framework, to measure and mitigate GHG impacts of monthly consumer expenditure on several categories of products/services across various states of India, based on a primary survey of over 174 000 households. The results from the case-study provide actionable insights and conclusions for policymakers and practitioners. CarbonShunya has cross-cutting applications across sectors so as to enable consuming economies to embrace conserving behaviors.

Empowering Students to Understand Climate Change and Recognize Disinformation

Climate change caused predominately by carbon dioxide (CO2) from fossil fuel use is a critical issue for our future. It is incumbent on science educators to learn about it and teach it in ways that illustrate the power of science to understand climatic changes and model past, present, and possible climate futures. It is equally important for educators to address alternative explanations that do not cause present warming. We provide sufficient background to understand the effects of atmospheric CO2 on climate, how we know past values of both CO2 and temperature, and how mathematical models lead to a quantitative understanding and predictions of increases in temperature on doubling atmospheric CO2. We discuss alternative but incorrect explanations for present warming that are employed by those who use misinformation and disinformation to take attention away from the main cause, the burning of fossil fuels. Guided student activities are provided to help students develop an understanding of the causes and strategies to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. We must provide students with a sound understanding of climate change to empower them with the knowledge to make effective choices. Informed students can develop into agents of change as we prepare them to live in their changing climate futures.

Sustainable Behaviors of Young Polish Consumers: the Impact on Logistics and Business Strategies

The main objective of this survey is to analyze the sustainable behavior of young Polish consumers. The specific objectives are to find out the respondents' opinions on the most disturbing environmental phenomena and actions that negatively affect the environment. In addition, an important goal is to learn about their self-assessment of pro-environmental attitudes and to identify pro-environmental actions most often taken by young consumers, as well as to assess sustainable actions taken by companies in the logistics area. The results are based on empirical research concerning sustainable behaviors of young Polish consumers in a research sample of 50 consumers. The research was conducted in April and May 2024 and covered the entire area of Poland. The survey show that respondents have a good assessment of their environmental attitude. As many as 90% of them perceive growing environmental and social problems. The most worrisome environmental issues in their view are increased garbage and waste, polluted air and water, dangerous chemicals in everyday products, and climate change-the greenhouse effect. Among the activities that have the most detrimental impact on the environment, respondents identified deforestation, improper waste management, consumerism, pollution from pesticides used in agriculture and the burning of fossil fuels. Three-quarters of respondents believe they can contribute to improving the environment with their actions, and nearly two-fifths say they are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products or products from companies that support social causes. Respondents also take a number of individual pro-environmental measures, and among them they are most likely to turn off lights, use reusable bags, segregate trash, use reusable bottles, conserve water and choose environmentally friendly forms of delivery for purchased goods. However, when making purchases, most of them do not choose products offered by companies that are actively involved in environmental activities. Up-to-date knowledge on the sustainable behavior of young consumers is particularly important for both the business and government communities, as it provides information on tailored strategies and policies that align with evolving values, ensuring competitiveness, and meeting environmental and social goals. Limitations of the study include the small sample size of the empirical study, as well as the limited nature of the survey questionnaire. Keywords: sustainability, social responsibility, sustainable consumer, young generation consumer

Evaluation of the design of an economic solar cooker applying FMEA to reduce risks and improve its reliability

Abstract This research seeks to contribute to reducing greenhouse gases caused by burning wood and fossil fuels with stoves. The use of solar cookers is minimal, one of the causes being their low efficiency. The objective was to reduce the risk of low efficiency of the solar cooker in the design stage, applying the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to identify the actions to be taken during the design seeking to reduce the Risk Priority Number during the optimization stage. The essential element of the solar cooker is the reflector, its improvement consisted of configuring it as a truncated cone with a parabola inscribed, whose focus coincides with the centroid of the absorber (pot), managing to reduce its risk priority number from 280 to 20.

Impact of Wildfire Smoke on PM2.5, CO, NO2, and SO2 Levels

Air pollution can negatively impact public and individual health, as well as the environment. This paper investigates the impact of wildfires on levels of different air pollutants in order to determine whether focusing on reducing wildfires can be an efficient way to reduce specific pollutants. By plotting the number of acres burning in wildfires along with the overall concentration of particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) during a period of time in California, this paper estimates the contribution of wildfire smoke to the level of each pollutant. The results show that PM2.5 levels were the most heavily impacted by wildfires out of the four pollutants studied, and therefore actions to reduce the size and quantity of wildfires can be helpful to reduce the damage done by PM2.5 pollution. However, CO, NO2, and SO2 levels, while they may be correlated with fire size, are likely more strongly influenced by other factors. To minimize the harmful effects of these three pollutants, it may be more effective to focus on investigating other sources of CO, NO2, and SO2, such as the burning of fossil fuels in industrial machinery and motor vehicles.

Global warming: Causes, impacts and urgent strategies for a sustainable future: A review

Global warming is defined as a rise in Earth's average temperature. As the Earth gets warmer, disasters such as droughts, hurricanes, and floods are becoming increasingly common. Most scientists, engineers, and activists express deep concern about changes in the planet's overall climate. The average air temperature above the surface of the Earth has risen by just below 1 degree Celsius, or 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit, over the past 100 years. Deforestation exacerbates the severity of global warming. The ocean, which holds about 50 times more carbon than the atmosphere, is an enormous carbon sink. However, the seas are no longer able to store carbon as effectively as they have in the past. Burning fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, coal, and gasoline increases atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, and carbon dioxide is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Climate change will increase the number of people who suffer from heatwaves, floods, hurricanes, and droughts, leading to higher rates of death, illness, and injury. The threat of global warming continues to cause severe damage to the Earth's environment. Many people still do not fully understand the implications of global warming or consider it a significant problem for the future. However, global warming is already happening, and some of its devastating consequences are already being felt. It significantly impacts biodiversity and disrupts ecological balance. Due to the dangerous effects of global warming, many strategies need to be established. The report discusses global warming, outlines its causes and risks, and proposes solutions to this urgent issue. Above all, it is crucial to seriously consider alternative energy sources (biomass, wind, hydro, geothermal, and solar). One of the key strategies to counter the ever-increasing global warming is the identification and use of renewable energy sources.

Environmental Ethics in Islāmic Perspective: Relevance and Application

God has created all living and non-living things with a distinctive purpose. As the Sustainer of all, He has also arranged for each living organism a desirable environment that provides sustainable items. So, each life requires a sound environment for sustainability. Ecological studies help us understand organisms’ relationship to the environment around them. As God’s highest creation, humans have a close relationship with Nature to maintain and sustain their lives in vibrant caravans. The philosophical interpretations do accept the intimate relationship between humanity and Nature. However, our lifestyle is based on the rich consumption of resources, the development of new technologies and sciences for processing natural resources, burning fossil fuels, and discharging harmful radiation, which has alienated Nature from humanity. We can also point out other causes responsible for a radical break between human society and Nature. The Qur’ān and the Sunnah of the Prophet of Islām are the primary sources of all arts and thoughts. They may lead us to develop an Islāmic perspective on ecological crises and help us solve them. It is attempted here to understand some of the vital environmental phenomena in the light of these sources of Islām. There is intrinsic goodness, beauty, harmony and orderliness in the creation of God; everything in it, the sky and earth, including the sun, moon, stars, water, air, land and a thousand other things have been created for the benefit of man. The Creator created the universe with a Divine trust, which he had accepted and blessed to live in. He thanks God for all bestowed gifts practical in his entire gamut of human emotional life. From the Islāmic perspective, environmental ethics has become intrinsically relevant to dealing with all issues related to ecological crises. In the present paper, we are attempting to briefly discuss the Islāmic perspective on environmental ethics with particular reference to the Qur’ān and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad. It is assumed that the Islāmic framework on the said topic can also pave the way to bring out its relevance and application in crucial times. Philosophy and Progress, Vol#73-74; No#1-2; Jan-Dec 2023 P 1-20

Os efeitos do aquecimento global na ampliação das áreas desertificadas: um estudo acerca da geografia econômica dos municípios do sertão da Bahia e possíveis mitigações da teoria da tríplice hélice

Global warming, caused by the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, is triggering significant changes in the Earth's environment. Phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, analyzed through modeling techniques, reveal complex patterns affecting various time scales. In regions with fragile soils, the trend is rapid progression towards scenarios of desertification and abandonment in the coming years. The migration of rural populations from these areas to urban centers, abandoning subsistence economies, may increase poverty in cities, a movement comparable to the Industrial Revolution's exodus, already visible in economic and social data. This article theoretically reviews topics related to desertification resulting from climate change, aiming to identify the social and economic consequences of this phenomenon in the region. Additionally, it explores possible actions to mitigate problems caused by global warming. In conclusion, a solution based on the Triple Helix Theory, which promotes interaction between government, universities, and businesses, will be presented. This approach could be crucial in mitigating the impacts of desertification, fostering sustainable development and innovation in the affected region.

Study Finds Compact Carbon-Capture Modules Feasible on Offshore Production Facilities

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 34825, “Implementation of Compact Carbon-Capture Modules on Offshore Hydrocarbon Production Facilities,” by Jaime H. Tan and Rizal A. Hassan, Technip Energies, and Umberto Cornelis, KANFA, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2024 Offshore Technology Conference. _ Carbon capture and storage has been implemented onshore successfully by different industries, including utilities and waste treatment, to capture CO2 from flue gases after the combustion of fossil fuels. Duplicating this success for offshore hydrocarbon processing facilities can be challenging because of deck-space constraints and marine environmental conditions. The complete paper describes the development of a compact carbon-capture module design for post-combustion carbon capture and its potential implementation on typical offshore hydrocarbon production facilities. Solvent Absorption Technology for Post-Combustion Carbon Capture The process technology at the core of the compact carbon-capture module is based on a solvent-absorption technique and a proprietary amine-based solvent. First, feed gas is quenched and saturated in a circulated water prescrubber. The gas contacts the lean amine solution in a countercurrent mass-transfer packed absorption column, and CO2 is absorbed while the treated gas exits to the atmosphere. Midway through the column, partially loaded amine is removed from the tower, cooled, and reintroduced over a layer of mass-transfer packing. CO2-rich amine from the absorption column is pumped through a lean-rich amine heat exchanger and then to the regeneration column. The rising, low-pressure saturated steam in the column regenerates the lean amine solution. CO2 is recovered as a pure, water-saturated product. Lean amine is pumped from the stripper reboiler to the absorption column for reuse in capturing CO2. Finally, the CO2 is directed to byproduct-management systems. The pure CO2 streams produced from the system may be sequestrated or used for applications such as enhanced oil recovery. Design of Offshore Carbon-Capture Modules For offshore applications, the carbon-capture modules must be more compact and lighter compared with carbon-capture systems developed for onshore applications. The absorber column is the critical component of the carbon-capture module because of its weight, footprint, and height. To reduce the overall height of the absorber for offshore application, an innovative configuration has been adopted: The bottom section of the absorber is placed on top of the prescrubber/direct contact cooler (DCC), and the top section of the absorber and the wash-water section comprise the second column. With this arrangement, the maximum height of the columns is limited to approximately 25 m. Because the lower absorber section is placed on top of the prescrubber/DCC, the in-between chimney tray is designed to be totally leakage-free to avoid losses of amines into the DCC water loop. A patent-pending compact absorber column design has been developed. The column wall construction will be a part of the overall module support structure, with cantilevered platforms for supporting carbon-capture equipment. The equipment for compression, injection, and treatment of CO2 is placed on a separate submodule. This module design benefits from footprint and weight savings of potentially more than 20% compared with typical cylindrical absorber column designs.

Computational fluid dynamics: Its carbon footprint and role in carbon reduction

Turbulent flow physics regulates the aerodynamic properties of lifting surfaces, the thermodynamic efficiency of vapor power systems, and exchanges of natural and anthropogenic quantities between the atmosphere and ocean, to name just a few applications of contemporary importance. The space-time dynamics of turbulent flows are described via numerical integration of the non-linear Navier–Stokes equation—a procedure known as computational fluid dynamics (CFD). At the dawn of scientific computing in the late 1950s, it would be many decades before terms such as “carbon footprint” or “sustainability” entered the lexicon, and longer still before these themes attained national priority throughout advanced economies. The environmental cost associated with CFD is seldom considered. Yet, large-scale scientific computing relies on intensive cooling realized via external power generation that is primarily accomplished through the combustion of fossil fuels, which leads to carbon emissions. This paper introduces a framework designed to calculate the carbon footprint of CFD and its contribution to carbon emission reduction strategies. We will distinguish between “hero” and “routine” calculations, noting that the carbon footprint of hero calculations—which demand significant computing resources at top-tier data centers—is largely determined by the energy source mix utilized. We will also review CFD of flows where turbulence effects are modeled, thus reducing the degrees of freedom. Estimates of the carbon footprint are presented for such fully and partially resolved simulations as functions of turbulence activity and calculation year, demonstrating a reduction in carbon emissions by two to five orders of magnitude at practical conditions. Besides generating a carbon footprint, the community's effort to avoid redundant calculations via turbulence databases merits particular attention, with estimates indicating that a single database could potentially reduce CO2 emissions by approximately O(1) × 106 metric tons.