Oil Loss Research Articles

Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) Processing Modification to Increase Crude Palm Oil (CPO) Rendement

Oil palm has grown from an area of 300 thousand ha in 1980 to now 16.1 million ha (according to GAPKI) with CPO production of 40 million tons. People’s plantations continue to increase and currently account for 52 percent of the total area of oil palm plantations. In this research, pressing pressure experiments were carried out at 60 bar, 70 bar, and 80 bar, respectively, oil losses in fiber were obtained at 13.22%,9.34%, and 7.63%. Through regression analysis, it was found that oil loss in the mesocarp was 1.1% at a pess pressure of 106 Bar. So from this experiment it can be concluded that separating the mesocarp and kernel before pressing provides an increase in oil yield, minimizing oil loss in fiber. The standard oil loss in fiber is 5% in the current palm oil processing process. After modifying the process, very small oil loss in the fiber can be achieved.

Minimize Oil Losses in Palm Oil Mill through Optimalization of Sludge Separator Performance

One of the most important clarification station engine parts for reducing oil loss is the sludge separator. The sludge separator uses high-speed centrifugal force to capture any oil that is still adhered to the sludge. This study aims to improve the working performance of sludge separator to minimize oil losses through variations in feeding rate, oil under flow and temperature of flow rate. The experiment was conducted at one of the palm oil mills in Central Kalimantan, with a capacity of 45 ton/h. Variations in sludge separator feed rates: 23, 25 and 27 tons/hour. Oil underflow variations: 5%, 6%, and 7%. Feed temperature variations are: 90°C, 93°C, and 95°C. Feed temperature variations: 90°C, 93°C, and 95°C. Based on research that has been done, using bait rate of 23 ton/h, temperature 90 °C, and oil underflows 5%, resulting in oil losses of 0.54% – 0.61%. This study has managed to lower oil losses in the sludge separator by 0.11 % and shows the level of stability below the standard that has been determined. Keywords: Crude palm oil, Oil losses, Palm oil mill, Sludge separator, Underflow

Puff drying in the production of gluten-free meatball snacks: Impacts of formulation and pre-drying methods

Meat and meat products, which are significant in human nutrition, are consumed with pleasure, as well as their rich essential nutrients, sensory properties, and taste in adequate and balanced nutrition. Within the scope of the study, gluten-free flour alone (20% (w/w)) and vegetable powders (5% (w/w)) were used in the production of meatball snacks using the explosive puff drying (EPD) method. The effects of two different pre-drying processes (hot air drying (HAD) and freeze drying (FD)) on the final product properties were discussed. While using chickpea flour as gluten-free flour; we preferred adding vegetable powders with high fiber and prebiotic content, such as Jerusalem artichoke, and red beetroot powders. The physical and chemical properties of the samples dried by both methods (HAD + EPD and FD + EPD) containing chickpea flour and red beetroot powder were found suitable for consumption as snack products. However, the expansion rate (94.27%), total phenolics content (100.07 µg GAE/g DM), textural hardness value (1053.65 N), textural crispness (24 peak number), and sensory impression (8.4) values of products containing chickpea flour and beet powder dried with FD + EPD dried gave the best results among the groups (p < 0.05). In addition, the sensory analysis showed that this sample was preferable to the other samples. The pre-drying processes we applied, and the moisture content of pre-dried samples had a significant effect on puffed dried product quality. Oil losses, shrinkage, and the formation of cracks with the HAD method were observed. It was determined that FD as a pre-drying method before EPD minimized the nutrient losses (total protein content, total fat content, total phenolics content) and preserved the physical (ΔE < 15) properties of the snack samples.

Improving safety performance in the Nigerian oil and gas construction industry through human factor engineering

Background The Nigerian Oil and Gas construction industry faces challenges in incident prevention due to conflicting factors, including inadequate resource allocation, prioritization of quality and production over safety, communication gaps, insufficient supervision, poor workplace design, low risk perception, limited management commitment, worker incompetence, deficient design systems, and planning deficiencies. This research aims to develop a human factor engineering (HFE) model that supports the prevention of losses in Oil and Gas construction activities in Nigeria by assessing the influence of human factors on workers' behavior and organizational safety culture. Methods The study involved skilled construction workers with a minimum of two years of experience in upstream, downstream, and midstream sectors. Data collection utilized a descriptive study design with self-administered, structured questionnaires. IBM SPSS AMOS Structural Equation Modeling software was used for data analysis. Results The results indicate statistically significant Pearson's correlation coefficients between human factors and organizational safety culture, with p-values of 0.003, 0.002, 0.004, 0.009, and 0.002 for workplace, task, personal, organizational, and design factors, respectively. The structural equation regression model reveals statistically significant human factors and organizational safety culture, with path coefficients of -0.888, 2.630, -1.59, 4.645, and 0.492 for personal, organizational, workplace, design, and task factors, respectively. Conclusions The research concludes that engineered human factors contribute to improved safety performance in the Oil and Gas construction industry. To enhance safety, the study recommends that the Nigerian government establishes a construction safety board, organizations implement integrated contractor construction health and safety management systems, and workers take personal responsibility for their safety.

Standard manufacturing process of Aadityapaka Guduchi Taila with unique Pakavidhi (Aadityapaka): a Sneha Kalpana

Abstract BACKGROUND: Since the Vedic era, Ayurveda has promoted natural components to develop a healthy lifestyle and eradicate the disease’s underlying cause by restoring homeostasis. Recently, the acceptability of herbal formulations has grown profusely and garnered global attention. Ayurveda system is enriched with single herbs and polyherbal formulations prepared with different processes. Standardization of a polyherbal formulation process is more essential. Aadityapaka Guduchi Taila (AGT) is a formulation of Chakradutta for Hair fall and is prepared with a peculiar manufacturing process using sunlight. METHODS: AGT was prepared after proper identification and authentication of ingredients as per the standards mentioned in the API. Pharmacognostic and pharmaceutical analyses were carried out to adequately assess the finished product from the viewpoints of efficacy, and quality. RESULTS: The oil prepared from Aadityapaka vidhi was dark orange in color, Ugragandha (strong) in odor pertaining to Jatamansi, and had a greasy consistency. The loss of oil was observed more in the process due to the powder texture of the ingredients. CONCLUSION: There are very few scientific references reported for the Adityapaka process (oil prepared in sunlight). The current study illustrated the standardization of AGT process. The study may be employed as a reference for future research.

Does protein deamidation enhance rice protein concentrate’s ability to produce and stabilize high internal phase emulsions?

Rice is one of the most consumed grains in the world. Rice protein has great nutritional value as a hypoallergenic protein and due to its high lysine content, a limiting amino acid in several other plant protein sources. However, rice protein has low solubility, hampering its use in many applications in the food industry. In this context, alkaline deamidation (0.5 h, 343 K, and pH 11) was applied to modify the protein structure of rice protein concentrate (RPC). After deamidation, two protein powders were produced: (i) one containing the whole protein fraction recovered after RPC deamidation (DT) and (ii) another containing only the soluble fraction recovered after RPC deamidation (DS). Protein dispersions were characterized by SDS-PAGE, zeta potential, solubility, surface hydrophobicity, and capacity to hold water and oil. RPC could not structure canola oil into a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) due to its low solubility. DT and DS dispersions displayed solubility much higher than RPC and enabled the structuration of HIPEs with 75 % (w/w) canola oil and 25 % of DT or DS dispersions (2, 4, and 6 % w/w). HIPEs were characterized regarding particle size, microstructure, Turbiscan and oil loss stabilities, and rheological behavior for 60 days. Turbiscan analysis and oil loss measurements showed high stability, and the thixotropy tests showed high recovery in all HIPEs. Higher protein concentrations and DS dispersions produced HIPEs with smaller particle sizes. However, rheological measurements indicate that HIPEs produced with DT dispersions had better results, maintaining their structure over the 60 days. Furthermore, DT is cheaper to produce; therefore, DT 4 and 6 % w/w were the most promising for producing HIPEs. The HIPEs produced in this study displayed great potential as fat replacers.

The Role of Performance Evaluation in Reducing Oil Losses: Field Research in the Two Companies of the Middle Refineries and Oil Products Distribution Company

The idea of the research came in conducting a field research for the companies of the oil sector, including the Oil Products Distribution Company and the Middle Refineries Company, given the importance of this organization primarily in refining crude oil and distributing oil derivatives through supply outlets. And the delivery of these products to the citizen and meet the economic needs of the country in general, where the research can focus on two types of oil losses: the first: either within the permissible natural proportions and in accordance with international standards. The second: It is outside those permissible percentages, and is considered a real loss, either for technical or administrative reasons, or due to the poor performance of the companies concerned, which requires a real pause to preserve natural resources, and it is a right. future generations. We are interested in finding weaknesses in activities by evaluating performance in the oil industry.

Consistency Analysis of Rendement and Quality of CPO (Crude Palm Oil) Palm Oil Processing at PT. Agricinal North Bengkulu

The yield and quality of CPO is influenced by the condition of unripe and overripe FFB (fresh fruit bunches), which can cause an increase in ALB, water content and dirt content. The quality of CPO is also influenced by FFB from the community. Analysis of the consistency of the yield and quality of CPO was carried out due to the age of the plants that were too old and the performance of the factory machines decreased due to the age of the machines. Analysis of yield consistency and quality was carried out using statistical quality control methods, namely quality control using a statistical approach using control charts and causal diagrams. This study uses secondary data on the yield and quality of CPO for the past year (July 2021-June 2022). The research results show, there are data that are outside the upper control limit, yield in July 2021, free fatty acid content in May 2022 and dirt content in October 2021. While the water content is statistically controlled (in statistical control). The yield and quality of ALB are influenced by type of raw material, production capacity and oil losses. Moisture content and dirt content are affected by treatment of production process and machine conditions.

A tectono-thermal perspective on the petroleum generation, accumulation and preservation in the southern Ordos Basin, North China

The southern Ordos Basin has excellent petroleum exploration prospects. However, the tectono-thermal history and the controls on petroleum generation, accumulation and preservation conditions in southern basin are unclear. In this study, we analyzed the present geothermal field, paleo-geothermal gradient, maturity of the hydrocarbon source rocks, uplift and cooling process and tectono-thermal evolution history. In the study area, for the Ordovician, Permain and the Triassic strata, the present temperature is low (30−70 °C) in the southeastern area but high (80−140 °C) in the northwestern area. The paleo-geothermal gradient varied from 24 °C/km to 30 °C/km with a heat flow of 58–69 mW/m2 (i.e., a medium-temperature basin). The paleo-temperatures are higher than the present temperatures and the maximum paleo-temperatures controlled the thermal maturity of the source rocks. The vitrinite reflectance (Ro) values of the Triassic strata are >0.7% and the thermal maturity reached the middle-mature oil generation stage. The Ro values of the Permian-Ordovician strata are >1.8% and the thermal maturity reached the over-mature gas generation stage. The southern Ordos Basin has experienced the multiple tectonic events at the Late Ordovician Caledonian (452 Ma), Late Triassic (215 Ma), Late Jurassic (165−160 Ma), End-Early Cretaceous (110−100 Ma) and Cenozoic (since 40 Ma). A large-scale tectono-thermal event occurred at the End-Early Cretaceous (110−100 Ma), which was controlled by lithospheric extension, destruction and thinning. This event led to the highest paleo-temperatures and thermal maturities and coeval with the peak period of petroleum generation and accumulation. The southern Ordos Basin has undergone rapid and large-scale uplift since the Late Cretaceous due to expansion of the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, uplift of the Qinling orogenic belt and thrust faulting in the Liupanshan tectonic belt. The southern Ordos Basin experienced tectonic overprinting that was strong in the south and weak in the north. The strongest overprinting occurred in the southwestern part of the basin. The large-scale uplift, denudation and faulting led to oil and gas loss from reservoirs. The petroleum generation, accumulation and preservation in the southern Ordos Basin were affected by deep lithospheric structures and the tectono-thermal evolution. This work provides a novel tectono-thermal perspective on the petroleum generation, accumulation and preservation condition of the southern Ordos Basin.

Establishing thermal balance during the cooling system improvement of an air-cooled engine

The object of research is the air-cooling system, for F4L912 direct injection diesel engine (mounted on the bench), manufactured by the Motor Enterprise (EMO). It is a naturally aspirated inline 4-cylinder engine. Maximum engine power is 49 kW obtained at maximum speed rotation of 2300 rpm. Air cooling is a critical aspect of engine performance, and studying it experimentally can provide valuable insights into the engine's thermal behaviour and efficiency. One of the most problematic places is the high local temperature of the 4th cylinders sleeves. An innovative improvement of the cooling system is proposed. It is based on increasing the cooling air flow. It consists in the installation of new driving pulleys of the blowing turbine with different diameters. The use of these new pulleys allowed moderating the wall temperature of the liner and the cylinder head of the 4th cylinder and the thermal rebalancing of the engine. Significant improvements have been noted in cylinder wall temperature, exhaust gas temperature, and lubricating oil temperature. Drawing up the heat balance enabled us to quantify the useful work, the heat lost in the cooling water, the heat lost through the exhaust gases, the heat carried away by the lubricating oil and other losses (losses not accounted for). It is clear from the results that the high temperature in the engine has indeed been reduced and the cooling performance of the whole engine has been improved. The results show that the increase in airflow produced an improvement in cooling conditions as well as a reduction in exhaust gas temperatures which will have a significant impact on reducing NOx emissions. In future work, it is planned to improve the cooling system of the Emo F4L912 engine, by studying the effects of the geometry, number, and inclination of the turbine blades on the air flow supplied.

The effect of physical properties of lost petroleum quantities in vertical tanks at (NRC) Baiji

One of the main sources of crude oil and product losses in refineries is the storage tanks. The lightest hydrocarbons in these tanks evaporate during operation, causing not only a loss of the precious raw hydrocarbon material but also a source of dangerous gas pollution. For calculating these losses, several direct and indirect approaches have been devised. In this study, we used a method based on the comparison of the differences in the characteristics of crude oil or other products. This work aimed to find the specifications of two products, kerosene and gas oil, and calculate the losses that occur for the quantities in the dispatch warehouse in the NRC. Four samples of kerosene were used and named: kero@02-1, kero@05-2, kero@10-3, and kero@11-4, while four samples of gas oil were named: gaso@02-1, gaso@05-2, gaso@10-3, and gaso@11-4. Also, they depend on the date of certificate issue, respectively. The received quantities were calculated in ml and converted to cubic meters using the tank coefficient (kerosene tank coefficient 0.638 and gas oil tank coefficient 0.408). Calculations were made of 1500 ml for kerosene and 2500 ml for gas oil. In addition, this project dealt with a simplified method of work that includes the physical properties to find the actual quantities that are lost for the mentioned petroleum products. Moreover, the highest losses were for kerosene (5 m3) at sp. gr 0.750, and the highest losses were for gas oil (5 m3) at sp. gr 0.820. The results showed that there is a quantity of fluctuating losses that does not exceed 5 m3 / 1000 m3 and that these losses are in accordance with the permissible limits. The results recommend directing the laboratory tester's teams in the NRC Baiji to conduct periodic examinations of the petroleum products, as well as not to collusion when receiving a low product with laboratory examination specifications to reduce losses in quantities.

Producing superior oleofoams: Unraveling the impact of oil type, surfactant concentration, and production temperature on foam stability and functional characteristics

This study explores the impact of oil type, surfactant concentration, and production temperature on oleofoam properties. Oleofoams were prepared using different concentrations (5, 8, and 10 % w/w) of monoglyceride (MG) in olive, soybean, and sunflower oils at temperatures of 25 °C and 5 °C. The results indicate that higher surfactant concentrations and lower production temperatures enhance the stability, foamability, melting behavior, and hardness of the oleofoams, while minimizing oil drainage. Microscopic analysis reveals that lower production temperatures result in smaller bubble sizes in all oil blends which reduces oil loss and increases the hardness of the oleofoam. Also, oleofoams derived from different oils exhibit solid-like behavior. Among the oils studied, the oleofoam prepared with sunflower oil, at a concentration of 10 % MG and a production temperature of 5 °C, demonstrates superior properties. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing oleofoam properties by controlling the oil type, surfactant concentration, and production temperature.

Kinetics of thermal decomposition of crude oils: Insights from principal component analysis and products characterization

Energy demand is souring, and fossil fuel reserves are dwindling, making heavy oil resources more attractive. In this study, thermogravimetric and Py-GC/MS analyses were conducted on Iranian crude oil samples to compare high and low API (American Petroleum Institute) crude oils. A kinetic study based on mass loss of crude oil was performed using three model-free methods and distributed activation energy model (DAEM). To do that, TG analysis carried out, the temperature was increased from room temperature to 1000 °C with heating rates of 10, 20, and 30 °C min−1. Activation energy (Ea) and pre-exponential factor (A0) were estimated from Friedman, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), and Ozawa-Flynn–Wall (OFW) methods for oil sample. The Ea and A0 for heavy crude oil (Koroosh) pyrolysis varied between 59.85 and 193.83 kJ mol−1 and 1.34 × 105 to 4.36 × 1011 s−1, respectively. For light crude oil sample Lavan, the Ea and A0 ranged between 35.93 to 62.89 kJ mol−1 and 337.41–722.65 s−1, respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis found that the activation energy barrier increases as the reaction progresses and the temperature rises. This makes it harder to form the activated complex, which is a key step in the reaction. Principal component analysis supported these findings. Saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons were liberated at mild temperature while the resins and asphaltenes consecutively released in favorable condition for developing sustainable heavy oil recovery systems. Py/GC–MS analysis shows the evolution of saturated hydrocarbon in Koroosh-oil and aromatic hydrocarbons in Lavan-oil and demonstrates their suitability for fuel applications.

Walnut green husk extract enhances the effect of chlorine dioxide on kernel quality and antioxidant properties of fresh-eating walnuts during their shelf life.

Fresh-eating walnuts are perishable and become mildewed during shelf life, limiting their sales span. The effects of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) alone and its combination with walnut green husk extract (WGHE) on shelf stored fresh walnuts were investigated to develop a pollution-free preservative for the produce. The initial development of mildew incidence was delayed by both treatments under 25°C, whereas, WGHE+ClO2 acted more effectively than ClO2 under 5°C. The WGHE+ClO2 treatment presented superior effects on improving moisture, soluble sugar and total phenol content, alleviating loss of oil and unsaturated fatty acid and delaying peroxide value increase of walnut kernels at both temperatures. Both treatments inhibited the activities of three lipolytic enzymes and two oxidases at 25°C and 5°C, WGHE+ClO2 acted more effectively at 5°C. The results guide the combined application of WGHE with ClO2 on shelf preservation of fresh walnut.

APPLICATION OF NEAR INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY (NIRS) IN THE MEASUREMENT OF OIL LOSS AND ITS ACCURACY COMPARED TO SOXHLET METHOD

Loss of oil during crude palm oil (CPO) extraction occurs among other things, due to the use of high temperature and pressure in the boiling process so that the oil from the fruit is absorbed and remains in the empty fruit bunches (EFB). This oil loss is generally measured using Soxhlet method. However, recently in several palm oil mills (POM), the Soxhlet method has been replaced by the Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) method which is equipped with free and open-source software (FOSS). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the application of NIRS in measuring oil loss in EFB and to test its accuracy compared to the Soxhlet method. The data is from primary source of POM during April-June 2022 period (peak harvest times). Normality test and paired T test is used to analyze data. This research also cites case studies of CPO processing companies in Indonesia in the last 10 years (2013-2022) with a focus on oil loss in EFB. The results showed that the oil loss in EFB using NIRS and Soxhlet were 0.50% and 0.49%, respectively. These two values are below the company's oil loss standard (0.62%). Both data are normally distributed and based on the paired T test, it was found that there were no significant differences in the results of oil loss analysis using the NIRS and Soxhlet methods. Compared with data for the last 10 years, they are also below the standard limit of other companies which reaches 3%. Therefore, NIRS is more recommended in terms of time efficiency, safe and does not damage the material.

Preparation of PCL/lecithin/bacteriocin CAMT6 antimicrobial and antioxidant nanofiber films using emulsion electrospinning: Characteristics and application in chilled salmon preservation

Multi-functional packaging materials are an important development for food preservation. Emulsion electrospinning is a novel and simple method that can be used to prepare multi-functional packaging materials, which can effectively protect the loaded active substances during the preparation process. In this study, PCL/lecithin/bacteriocin CAMT6 nanofiber films with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity were prepared by emulsion electrostatic spinning. The morphology and homogeneity of the prepared nanofibrous membranes could be improved by optimising the formulation of the emulsion for electrospinning. Analytical testing of the prepared nanofiber films revealed that the nanofibers had a core-shell structure, with bacteriocin CAMT6 effectively encapsulated in the core layer and the PCL and phospholipids homogeneously mixed to form the shell layer. Additionally, the nanofiber films had acceptable tensile properties and water absorption capacity. In chilled salmon meat, the nanofiber film effectively inhibited the growth of bacteria, slowed the oxidation of oil and slowed water loss, which was a good protective effect. This study provides a reference for the encapsulation application of food-active packaging materials and bacteriocins.

Development and testing of an oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) fruit digester process for kernel free in crude palm oil production

Current palm oil extraction techniques involve the digestion and pressing of entire oil palm fruitlets. However, the coexistence of mesocarp fibre and nut during pressing could inevitably result in oil loss due to fragmentation of the fibre and nut. The anticipated separation of palm mesocarp fibre and kernel prior to pressing is a potential solution to the problem. In order to enhance the extraction of crude palm oil, a digester machine with kernel free has been created. Each machine iteration consists of two processes. The first phase involved severing and removing the mesocarp fibre from the kernel (seed), as well as removing all mesocarp produced by the process, while the second phase involved releasing the nut. The effectiveness of the created machine was evaluated under various conditions, such as speed (700, 900, 1100, 1300, and 1500 rpm) and processing time (20, 30, and 40 s). The optimal condition, which consisted of a rotational speed of 1500 rpm and a separation time of 40 s, was evaluated further under loading weight (2.50, 3.75, and 5.00 kg). The optimal separation was attained with a separation speed of 1100 rpm, a time of 30 s, and a loading mass of 2.50 g, according to the results. Under these conditions, the machine could achieve a separation efficiency of 94.89% and a kernel disintegration rate of 4.29%. The investigation's findings benefit the palm oil industry by eliminating processes like winnowing and nut separation through effective implementation of the kernel-free digester machine.

Tiger Nut Oil-Based Oil Gel: Preparation, Characterization, and Storage Stability.

In this study, Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) oil-based oleogels were prepared using the emulsion template method with whey protein (WPI; 0.5-2.5% (w/v) and Xanthan gum (XG; 0.1-0.5% (w/v). The microstructure of the oleogels obtained from the high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) and an emulsion after further shearing were observed using an optical microscope and laser confocal microscopy. A series of rheological tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of WPI and XG concentrations on the strength of the emulsion and oleogel. The texture, oil holding capacity, and oxidative stability of oleogels were characterized. The results showed that XG alone could not form oleogel, while the concentration of WPI had more effect than XG. When WPI was at a fixed concentration, the viscoelasticity of HIPE increased with the addition of XG. This was due to the complexation of WPI and XG, forming a stable gel network between the tight emulsion droplets and thus giving it a higher viscoelasticity. With an increase in WPI concentration, the stability and viscoelasticity of the emulsion were increased, and the oil-holding capacity and gel strength of the oleogels were enhanced. Moreover, the addition of XG could significantly enhance the stability and viscoelasticity of the emulsion (p < 0.05), and an increase in the concentration had a positive effect on it. The oleogels showed high gel strength (G' > 15,000 Pa) and good thixotropic recovery when the XG concentration was higher than 0.3% (w/v). WPI (2.0%) and XG (>0.3%) could be used to obtain HIPE with good physicochemical and viscoelastic properties, which in turn lead to oleogels with minimal oil loss, viscoelastic and thixotropic recovery, and temperature stability. Compared with tiger nut oil-based oleogel, tiger nut oil contained more polyunsaturated fatty acids, which were more easily decomposed through oxidation during storage and had lower oxidation stability. This study provides a reference for the preparation of oleogels from food-approved polymers and provides additional theoretical support for their potential application as solid fat substitutes.

Estimation of Process Variables in a Steam Distillation Plant

The on-line supervision of the process variables in a steam distillation plant is the main objective of this work. For this end, a nonlinear observer is designed based on the mathematical model proposed by Cerpa et al. (2008). The model has three differential equations, which reproduce the dynamics of the oil mass throughout the three stages of the process: (i) Loss of oil from plant material, (ii) Biphasic (oil-water) layer, (iii) Colected essential oil. The purpose of this work is to estimate the mass flow of oil lost by the plant material and the mass flow in the two-phase layer called the aqueous layer. Both process variables are difficult to measure physically, but it is important to know them because they can have an impact on the performance of the process. However, the mass of oil collected is considered to be an available variable to measure. By taking this consideration into account, a nonlinear Luenberger type observer is designed that takes as available output the mass of oil collected, and from this variable is able to estimate the dynamics of the unavailable variables.

Introduction the technology of selective formation water isolation using gel-forming systems

During the development of heterogeneous reservoirs as a result of unimpeded water filtration from highly permeable formations, premature watering of wells occurs. Increase of water in the composition of well products leads to premature failure of oilfield equipment, reduction of the time between repairs, additional costs during production of well products and, along with these, to loss of oil. Various technologies and compositions are used to prevent well watering. Short-term technological efficiency, limited ability to regulate the isolation process and high prices of reagents reduce the efficiency of compositions implementation. In order to increase the efficiency of isolation of water inflow into the well, to block high permeable and involvement in the development of low-permeable oil zones of the reservoir, laboratory tests of a new composition based on the use of a solution of 9–10 % sodium silicate and 10–12 % hydrochloric acid have been carried out. The composition developed for the purpose of isolation of water inflow into the well has a possibility to regulate both the process of gel formation and time. The composition was tested in field conditions and positive results were obtained.