Natural Gas Research Articles

SELECTION THE FUEL COMPOSITION FOR INDUSTRIAL FURNACES TO CONTROL THE CLIMATE IMPACT. PART 1. DECARBONIZATION OF ENVIRONMENT BY NATURAL GAS ADMIXING WITH HYDROGEN IN CONDITIONS OF HYBRID ENERGY SUPPLY OF INDUSTRY

The current stage of development the fuel and energy complex, in contrast to the statements of the global climate agreement (Paris, 2015), somewhat alters the approaches on preventing the climate changes in view of the economic, energy and environmental aspects of energy supply the industry. The current period has been called the hybrid (“hybrid” sustainable energy development) and is defined by a compromise attitude towards the use of organic fuels, primarily the natural gas. An influence of composition the fuel under consideration on CO2 emissions is analyzed in the paper, as well as the relationship between CO2 emissions and the energy needed in technologies (heat of combustion), the influence of hydrogen admixture into the blends with the natural gas on specific emissions and the possibility of mitigation the impact by varying the composition of the fuel-oxidizer mixture. The relationship between the efficiency of fuel use in various technological processes and environmental carbonization du-ring the combustion of mixed gas is analyzed. There is a significant correlation between the price of hydrogen and the technology of its production, i.e. the degree of carbon footprint by H2 production (obtaining). The highest price corresponds to “green” hydrogen and is currently significantly higher than the cost of natural gas with a volume of the same energy content as compared volume of the natural gas. It has been proposed for the first time the methodology of fuel flow rate’s reduction by varying the initial parameters of furnace operation. The numerical calculations of reducing the fuel flow rate and of CO2 emission decrease due enhancement the furnace efficiency have been carried out. Bibl. 44, Fig. 3, Tab. 2.

The Effect of Substituting Concentrate with Different Levels of Gliricidia sepium Leaves in a Complete Feed on Nutrient Content, Crude Fiber Fractions, Digestibility, and In Vitro Fermentation Products

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of substituting concentrate with different levels of Gliricidia (Gamal) leaves in a complete feed on nutrient content, fiber fractions, digestibility, and fermentation products through in vitro analysis, as well as to determine the optimal level of Gliricidia leaf inclusion for producing high-quality complete feed. The method used in this study was a field experimental method for feed preparation, employing a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to analyze nutrient content, crude fiber fraction components, and in vitro observation variables with four treatments and four replications. The highest NDF and ADF contents were observed in the control diet (P0), at 41.49% and 25.21%, respectively, while the lowest values were found in the P3 treatment, at 26.08% and 21.60%. Based on the analysis of variance, the dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) showed significant differences (P<0.01), with the P3 treatment having the highest values of 66.34% and 71.43%, respectively. Gas production from the 2nd to the 48th hour showed significant differences (P<0.01). The treatment diets showed a significant effect (P<0.01) on DMD and OMD, with the highest values in P3 (75.88% and 82.79%). Ammonia (NH₃) concentration measurements also showed significant differences (P<0.01). The results of microbial protein synthesis measurement after 48 hours of incubation showed a P-value > 0.05, with the highest value observed in treatment P3 at 44.024 g N/kg OMTR.

PRODUCTION OF PROCESS GAS BY CHARCOAL GASIFICATION FOR CARBON NANOMATERIAL SYNTHESIS

The possibility of process gas obtaining for the synthesis of carbon nanomaterial from the products of charcoal gasification with air containing water vapor or natural gas additives was considered. To compensate for the heat costs for the decomposition of hydrogen-containing additives and maintain the temperature level of the fuel gasification process at a constant level, the temperature of preheating the air mixture with additives, or the supply of oxygen to the mixture, was calculated. The H2/CO ratio in the obtained gas was calculated, depending on the content of various additives in the air. The ratio of H2/CO in the generator gas depends both on the total content of oxidants O2 + H2O in the air and on their ratio. If the ratio O2/H2O = 1.43, then regardless of their total content in the air, the temperature of the carbon gasification process remains at the same level as in the case of using only air without additives. Methane has been found to be a more efficient additive than steam, as it requires significantly less additional heat to maintain the process temperature at the desired level. In addition, methane decomposition produces twice as much hydrogen as an equal volume of steam. Carbon nanomaterial was obtained from the products of charcoal air gasification on the created laboratory instalation. Freshly reduced iron acted as a catalyst. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes with a diameter of 80–250 nm were synthesized. Bibl. 14, Fig. 5, Tab. 1.

Analysis and Modeling of a Grid-Connected Hybrid Microgrid Utilizing Wind, Solar, and Fuel Cell Technologies

The widespread reliance on conventional energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas has driven the focus toward developing renewable energy alternatives. Renewable sources like solar and wind energy are mature, cost-effective, and widely utilized. Additionally, fuel cell technology has reached an advanced stage of development. These energy sources are not only abundant and cost-free but also environmentally friendly. Combining these resources leads to the creation of a hybrid energy system. The proposed hybrid system, integrating solar energy, wind energy, and fuel cells, is highly effective for distributed energy production.

Hazardous Gas Monitoring Technology for Natural Gas Pipelines Based on GoogLeNet Infrared Spectroscopy

During the natural gas transmission process, the leakage of hazardous gases poses a long-term threat to production. Therefore, an online and intuitive monitoring method is particularly important. Based on research on infrared spectroscopy and deep learning, this study proposes the use of deep learning and infrared spectroscopy to monitor hazardous gases in the natural gas transmission process. The GoogLeNet model is employed to analyze the infrared spectra of hazardous gases in natural gas transmission, and a symmetric point-based GoogLeNet infrared spectroscopy monitoring scheme is proposed.In comparative experiments, considering all performance evaluation metrics, GoogLeNet demonstrates significant advantages in detecting hazardous gases in natural gas transmission. Its mean average precision (mAP) and accuracy outperform other models. Furthermore, after expanding the dataset and retraining the GoogLeNet model, its performance is further improved, ensuring that it meets the fundamental requirements for hazardous gas detection in the natural gas transmission process

Size Reduction in Micro Gas Turbines Using Silicon Carbide

Micro gas turbines serve small-scale generation where swift response and low emissions are highly valued, and they are commonly fuelled by natural gas. True to their ‘micro’ designation, their size is indeed compact; however, a noteworthy portion of the enclosure is devoted to power electronics components. This article considers whether these components can be made even smaller by substituting their conventional silicon switches with switches fashioned from silicon carbide. The wider bandgap of silicon carbide permits stronger electric fields and reliable operation at higher temperatures, which together promise lower switching losses, less heat, and simpler cooling arrangements. This study rests on a simple volumetric model. Two data sets feed the model. First come the manufacturer specifications for a pair of converter modules (one silicon, the other silicon carbide) with identical operation ratings. Second are the operating data and dimensions of a commercial 100 kW micro gas turbine. The model splits the converter into two parts: the semiconductor package and its cooling hardware. It then applies scaling factors that capture the higher density of silicon carbide and its lower switching losses. Lower switching losses reduce generated heat, so heatsinks, fans, or coolant channels can be slimmer. Together these effects shrink the cooling section and, therefore, the entire converter. The findings show that a micro gas turbine inverter built with silicon carbide occupies about one fifth less space and delivers more than a quarter higher power density than its silicon counterpart.

Comparative Study of Emission Prediction Using Deep Learning Models

This study investigates the prediction of exhaust emissions (CO, CO₂, and NOx) from a diesel engine fueled with biodiesel-diesel blends and compressed natural gas (CNG) using deep learning models. Biodiesel derived from canola, sunflower, and corn oils was blended with conventional, while CNG was introduced at flow rates of 0, 5, 10, and 15 liters per minute (lt/min). Two deep learning architectures, Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), were employed to predict emissions. The models' performance was evaluated using metrics such as R², RMSE, and Kling-Gupta Efficiency (KGE). The results demonstrated that both models achieved high accuracy, with R² and KGE values exceeding 0.93 for all emission types. The GRU model showed superior performance in predicting CO and NOx emissions, while the LSTM model excelled in predicting CO₂ emissions. The study highlights the potential of deep learning models in accurately predicting exhaust emissions and optimizing fuel blends for reduced environmental impact.

Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Modeling of Methane Flows Around Oil and Gas Equipment

Recent studies estimate that emissions from oil and gas production facilities contribute between 20 and 50% of the total methane (CH4) emitted in the US; therefore, quantifying and reducing these emissions are crucial for achieving climate goals. Methane quantification depends on both measuring methane concentrations and converting them to emissions through a modeling framework. Currently, simple atmospheric dispersion models are primarily used to quantify emissions and concentrations, but these estimates are highly uncertain when quantifying emissions from complex aerodynamic sources, such as oil and gas facilities. This investigation used a CFD modeling approach, which can account for aerodynamic complexity but has hitherto not been used to model methane concentrations downwind of a methane release of a known rate, and compared it against in situ measurements. High-time-resolution (1 Hz) methane concentration and meteorological data were measured during experiments conducted at the METEC on 21 March and 11 July 2024. The METEC site configuration, measured wind data, and controlled emission rates were used as input for the CONVERGE CFD model to model downwind CH4 concentration. The modeling was carried out between 20 and 70 m, from two different points of release in two separate controlled-release experiments, one from a separator and another from a wellhead. In these experiments, we found that the CFD model could predict the CH4 concentrations downwind of the release to a good degree. The model was evaluated on multiple metrics to assess its performance in estimating methane concentrations at typical fence line distances (∼30 m). These results help us to understand external flows and the ability of CFD models to predict downwind concentrations in aerodynamically complex environments.

Enhanced Gas Production via Gas-Driven Fractures during Hydrate Dissociation: Insights from Visualized Experiments

Enhanced Gas Production via Gas-Driven Fractures during Hydrate Dissociation: Insights from Visualized Experiments

LNG Shows Potential as a Transitional Energy Source for Transportation in Nigeria

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 221736, “Road to Decarbonization: The Role of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a Transitioning Energy Source for Transportation in Nigeria,” by Chinenye Alozie, SPE, Transafam Power; Kaitochukwu Chukwudi, SPE, PESO Energy Services; and Desmond Nwadike, SPE, Gidmond Investment, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ The removal of fuel subsidies in the petroleum sector in Nigeria has led to a drastic increase in petroleum-product prices by 200%, creating a rapid increase in transportation costs and contributing to a high cost of living and severe inflation. The authors write that Nigeria can leverage liquefied natural gas (LNG) and, by extension, liquefied compressed natural gas (LCNG) to mitigate these issues. The complete paper presents the description of the role of LNG as a transitional energy source for automotive transportation in Nigeria. Potential of LCNG in the Nigerian Transport Sector Realizing the potential of LCNG requires addressing infrastructure challenges, advancing technology, and fostering supportive regulatory frameworks to encourage investment and adoption. As efforts to reduce emissions and combat climate change intensify, LNG is likely to become an increasingly important component of the global transportation mix. Nigeria has the largest proven natural gas reserve in Africa and the eighth largest in the world, with a total of 5,675×109 m3. The Nigeria LNG plant in Finima can produce 22 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG. An abundant gas supply is available in Nigeria to power natural gas vehicles (NGVs), and LCNG can play a major role in that aspect. Nigeria could just not export LNG to other countries but instead could sell it on the domestic market, aiding the transition to a cleaner energy source for powering its transport system. LNG sold on the domestic market will be an attractive financial opportunity for a country whose gross domestic product must grow with an expanding, and increasingly young, population base. LNG/LCNG, with its cleaner-burning properties, helps reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The role of LNG in Nigeria’s transport sector is multifaceted and holds significant potential for addressing key challenges while promoting sustainability and economic development. The following are aspects highlighting the role of LNG in Nigeria’s transport sector: - Environmental benefits—LNG offers environmental advantages over conventional fuels such as gasoline and diesel because of its lower emissions of greenhouse gases, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides. Nigeria’s transport sector is a significant contributor to air pollution and carbon emissions. - Economic implications—Nigeria is a major producer of natural gas, and leveraging LNG in the transport sector presents economic opportunities for the country. Using domestic natural gas resources for transportation can reduce reliance on imported fuels, enhance energy security, and stimulate economic growth. LNG infrastructure development, including more liquefaction plants, storage facilities, and refueling stations, can create jobs, attract investment, and spur innovation in the domestic energy sector.

The dynamic connectedness among infectious diseases, geopolitical risks, cryptocurrency, and commodity markets: Evidence from a partial and multiple wavelet analysis.

This study investigates the co-movements between prominent financial assets-crude oil, natural gas, gold, and Bitcoin-and uncertainty indices, including the Infectious Disease Equity Market Volatility Tracker (IDEMV) and the Geopolitical Risk Index (GPR), from January 2017 to January 2023. By employing advanced wavelet techniques-Wavelet Power Spectrum (WPS), Bi-Wavelet Coherence (WCA), Multiple Wavelet Coherence (MWC), and Partial Wavelet Coherence (PWC)-we analyze their time- and frequency-dependent responses to market shocks. The results reveal that Bitcoin and WTI exhibit time-varying sensitivity to IDEMV, particularly at short- and medium-term frequencies, highlighting their vulnerability to health-related crises like COVID-19. In contrast, gold and natural gas respond more strongly to GPR, with gold demonstrating a long-term leading role during geopolitical uncertainties, while Bitcoin and WTI lead in health-related shocks. The Russia-Ukraine conflict further amplified GPR's impact on Bitcoin and increased natural gas's vulnerability to geopolitical disruptions. These findings underscore the need for tailored strategies to address health and geopolitical risks. Policymakers should enhance crisis-response frameworks for Bitcoin and crude oil, while investors can reduce uncertainty by diversifying portfolios with resilient assets like gold and natural gas.

Biofuel & biorefinery portfolios of petroleum companies–Policy & nomenclature implications

This research investigated the biofuel and biorefinery portfolios of several prominent petroleum companies. The results show that they invested in biofuel research, and produced, not only conventional but also, innovative biofuels, such as crude, bio oil, green naphtha, hydrogenated vegetable oil, renewable natural gas, renewable compressed natural gas, sustainable aviation fuel, sustainable liquefied petroleum gas, bio-liquefied natural gas, bio-butanol, bioethanol and alcohol-to-jet fuels. They are also converting petroleum refineries to biorefineries. However, their current efforts remain insufficient for net zero target attainment. Four petroleum companies divested from some biofuel portfolios because of inconsistent energy policies’ impacts on profitability. These biofuels and their diverse feedstock and production processes highlight the great need for the establishment of international biofuel and biorefinery product nomenclatures, standardization and policy upgrades to ensure net zero attainment.

Formal Education Levels and Environmental Interest

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study investigates the relationship between formal education levels and environmental interest among utility customers, aiming to contribute to the academic understanding of demographic and behavioral differences.MethodsData were collected from a 2022 survey of 1209 utility respondents. The analysis compared respondents with and without a bachelor's degree, examining differences in income, marital status, home tenure, fuel choices, and environmental interest based on survey responses.ResultsRespondents with a bachelor's degree reported higher incomes, were more likely to be married, older, and had lived longer in their homes compared to non‐bachelor's degree holders, who were more often single. Males were more likely to have higher educational attainment. Lower education levels were associated with greater use of electric heating over natural gas. However, little evidence was found linking formal education level to differences in environmental interest or pro‐environmental behaviors, including energy reduction importance, participation in renewable energy programs, appliance selection preferences, and reported changes in natural gas consumption.ConclusionWhile demographic and fuel‐use differences were observed between education levels, environmental interest and behaviors did not vary significantly. Further research is recommended to explore factors influencing renewable energy program participation and fuel choices for heating, and to validate these findings, particularly regarding product selection and consumption behaviors.

Enhanced plasma-driven H2S removal from natural gas via TiO2-coated dielectric surface modification.

Enhanced plasma-driven H2S removal from natural gas via TiO2-coated dielectric surface modification.

Experimental investigation of prechamber enabled mixing-controlled combustion with natural gas – A pathway to ultra-low methane emissions

Experimental investigation of prechamber enabled mixing-controlled combustion with natural gas – A pathway to ultra-low methane emissions

Environmental life cycle assessment of the Russian, Canadian, and Qatari natural gas supply to Europe.

Environmental life cycle assessment of the Russian, Canadian, and Qatari natural gas supply to Europe.

In Vitro Ruminal Metagenomic Profiles and Ruminal Fermentation Variables of Aromatic Plant Pulps.

Aromatic plant residues remaining after aromatic oil extraction represent a promising alternative feed source due to their rich bioactive compound content and fibrous structure. However, their fermentative behaviour and microbial degradability in the rumen require evaluation. This study aimed to determine the nutrient composition, in vitro ruminal gas production, digestibility characteristics and fermentation end-products of aromatic plant pulps (sage, thyme, lavender and yarrow) obtained via hydrodistillation. Dried pulps were analysed for nutrient contents and subjected to in vitro ruminal fermentation for 24h. Gas production estimated metabolizable energy (ME), net energy for lactation (NEL), organic matter digestibility (OMd), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles were evaluated. Microbial community composition was assessed via 16S rRNA-based metagenomics. Yarrow pulp had the highest gas production, ME, NEL, OMd and SCFA concentrations (AA, BA, IVA, T-SCFA) (p<0.05). Thyme pulp exhibited the highest NH3-N levels (75.14mg/L), suggesting high rumen-degradable protein content. Sage pulp had the lowest NH3-N levels (60.93mg/L). Microbial composition shifted with fibre content; higher lignin (in lavender) was associated with lower Bacteroidota and higher Firmicutes abundance. Methanogenic archaea (Methanobrevibacter) were least abundant in thyme pulp (p<0.05). Due to their fermentability and favourable microbial responses, aromatic plant pulps, particularly yarrow, show promise as functional ruminant feed ingredients. These byproducts may enhance ruminal fibre utilization while modulating microbial ecology and reducing methane-associated archaea.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ДИСПЕРГЕНТА НА ЭМБРИОНАЛЬНОЕ И ПОСТЭМБРИОНАЛЬНОЕ РАЗВИТИЕ СЕВРЮГИ ACIPENCER STELLATUS

The functioning of the oil and gas complex is associated with the use of a large number of complex chemicals that are used in the process of drilling wells and possible oil spills during its extraction, transportation and processing, which has an extremely negative impact on marine aquatic organisms. To reduce the consequences of oil accidents, special substances are used – dispersants, which are sprayed in the marine environment and help accelerate the degradation of oil. At the same time, dispersants and their components are xenobiotic compounds for the marine environment and its inhabitants, therefore, the assessment of their possible toxicity is an important and urgent problem for ensuring the functioning of the oil and gas complex in the coastal zone of the seas and oceans. The effect of a dispersant used in oil spills to reduce pollution of water areas was studied at concentrations of 0.1; 0.5; 1; 5 and 10 mg/l on the survival rate of fertilized eggs, prelarvae and the dynamics of their hatching of stellate sturgeon Acipenser stellatus in fresh and 5 ‰ salt water The results observed, that hatching of prelarvae from eggs incubated in dispersant solutions increased slightly in relation to the control at a substance concentration of 0.1 and 0.5 mg/l, but then sharply decreased with an increase in the concentration of the toxicant. Hatching of prelarvae at all studied concentrations of dispersant occurred simultaneously with the control on the 5th day of incubation. In this case, the maximum output of prelarvae from eggs was noted on the 6th day at a dispersant concentration of 0.5 mg/l. The survival rate of hatched prelarvae in solutions of the substance with a concentration of 0.1-1 mg/l did not differ from the control However, this indicator was significantly lower (p&lt;0.01) when kept in solutions with a concentration of the substance of 5 and 10 mg/l. Therefore, our studies also allowed us to establish a certain effect of the dispersant on the development of stellate sturgeon embryos. It was found that at low dispersant concentrations (0.1–0.5 mg/l), there is a certain tendency to stimulate the hatching of prelarvae, whereas with an increase in the content of the toxicant in the medium, a significant decrease in this indicator occurred. This may be due to the interaction of the shell of the eggs with the surfactant, a change in its configuration, facilitating the hatching of prelarvae. Other researchers also noted changes in the activity of bacteria and disruption of their vital functions under the action of surfactants. At the same time, the dispersant did not have a significant effect on the dynamics of hatching of stellate sturgeon prelarvae, which corresponded to both control variants. A different picture was noted during the incubation of prelarvae in dispersant solutions. If their survival at a substance concentration of 0.1–1 mg/l did not differ significantly from the indicators of both control groups, then with an increase in the substance content to 5 and 10 mg/l, the values were significantly reduced (p&lt;0.01). It follows from this that the prelarvae were more sensitive to the action of the dispersant than the fish eggs. This is due to the protective function of the egg shell, which protects the developing embryo from unfavorable external factors, including toxicants of anthropogenic origin. Earlier, we also noted that the sensitivity of prelarvae and larvae of fish to the action of oil is significantly higher than that of eggs. The possibility of using fish embryos to assess the ecological state of coastal waters in areas of intensive oil and gas production, as well as in the event of emergency oil spills in water areas is discussed. this parameter. The possibility of using fish embryos to assess the ecological state of coastal waters in areas of intensive oil and gas production and well drilling is discussed. Conducting studies to determine the toxicity of dispersants is necessary for the development of new environmentally safe preparations and methods of their use.

Natural Hydrogen Soil Gas Emissions near Harvey, Perth Basin: A Comparative Study of Survey Methods

Quantifying natural hydrogen soil gas emissions and their controlling factors is critical for assessing hydrogen storage viability and improving exploration strategies. This study provides the first detailed comparison of hydrogen emissions near the DMP Harvey-2 well in the Perth Basin, and compares the effectiveness of repeated point surveys and autonomous monitoring in capturing emission variability. Hydrogen concentrations ranged from 0 to &gt; 1000 ppm in point surveys, with transient pulses up to 598 ppm detected through continuous monitoring, indicating episodic release. Repeated point surveys successfully captured the overall range of emissions but failed to resolve dynamic processes, such as abrupt flux changes influenced by temperature, atmospheric pressure, and soil moisture. Continuous monitoring provided additional insights into these transient phenomena and the relationship between baseline emissions and geological processes. These findings help define the repeatability of point surveys and demonstrate the value of integrating continuous monitoring with single-point surveys to establish baselines and identify natural hydrogen microseepage hotspots. This integrated approach offers practical insights for hydrogen exploration and baseline monitoring, contributing to improved planning for subsurface hydrogen storage.

Geogenic greenhouse gas emissions and shale weathering: lessons learned from an alpine "eternal flame".

Geogenic greenhouse gas emissions and shale weathering: lessons learned from an alpine "eternal flame".