Oil Vapor Research Articles

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Simulate oil spill weathering with system dynamic model

Numerous oil spill fate and trajectory models have been recently developed to predict oil spill weathering processes. However, these models separately predicted the fate of spilled oil and the change in oil properties. A system dynamic model is thus developed based on the most significant oil weathering processes, which include spreading, evaporation, dispersion into the water bulk, emulsification, and changes in viscosity and density. We employ differential equations to describe these main oil weathering processes, which vary and have different effects on each other. Oil density and viscosity are functions of evaporation and emulsification and change over time. Oil evaporation is the most important process and removes most of the spilled oil from sea surface. Considering the main oil weathering processes, our model provides a different method of predicting the fate of oil and changes in oil properties. The Alaska North Slope is selected as a case study, and the estimated fractions of evaporation are 19% and 16% at 273 K and 283 K, respectively, within 240 h. Simulation results of oil properties and fates are also presented in this study.

Устройства обнаружения утечек и рекуперации паров нефтепродуктов при их хранении

The problem of losses of oil products from leaks during their storage and transportation at oil supply facilities is considered. The influence of oil product leaks on the environmental situation around oil depots and gas stations is shown. A detailed overview of existing methods and tools for detecting leaks of petroleum products from storage facilities is presented. The evaluation of their effectiveness. Two methods for detecting oil leaks and devices based on them are proposed. The first device monitors the movement of liquid in the tank, the second-detects petroleum products in wastewater. The problem of recovery of petroleum vapors and environmental pollution from the release of vapors of light fractions into the atmosphere is also considered. An overview of existing methods and means of recovery of petroleum vapors is presented. Two methods and devices for capturing oil vapors and returning them to the reservoir are proposed, based on different principles: vapor absorption in the cooled oil product and vapor recovery on the principle of the Carnot cycle. It is shown that these devices can provide effective detection of oil leaks and recovery of their vapors, as well as improve the effectiveness of environmental protection at modern gas stations and tank farms.

Bioremediation of diesel oil in marine environment

Natural gas emissions from oil spill ensue changes to microbial consortia in oceans which might cause ecotoxicological impacts on marine life. Gas flaring, a technique in the clean-up of oil spill, is a major source of greenhouse gas emission and possess high risk of fire hazard. It is of utmost importance to avoid flaring and resort to cleaner techniques such as bioremediation. The study focuses on bioremediation of marine oil spill by indigenous bacterial consortia using beeswax as a biostimulant which supplements the limiting nutrients such as nitrate and phosphate. The experimental study was conducted by adding diesel oil in marine water with beeswax for bioremediation. The vital parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, diesel range organics, total microbial count, nitrate and phosphate contents were measured at intervals of 5 days. The indigenous bacteria utilized oil as carbon source and beeswax as nutrient source for growth and metabolism. The results showed 87% removal of oil content in treatment sample while only 59% reduction was achieved in the corresponding control sample. Evaporation of oil results in formation of aerosols and black carbon which can lead to climate change. The study proves that bioremediation of marine oil spill is an environmentally benign clean-up technique for oil spill which can reduce carbon emission.

Characterization of Submicron Oil Mist Particles Generated by Metal Machining Processes

ABSTRACT The number size distributions of submicron oil mist particles generated by three industrial metal (steel) machining processes—lathe machining, cutting, and grinding—were measured using an electrical mobility analyzer and an optical particle spectrometer. The measured number concentration of ultrafine particles (UFP; ~30 nm diameter) reached 107 particles cm–3 during each machining process. The condensation of thermally evaporated oil vapor was considered to be a major route of ultrafine particle generation during lathe machining and grinding, which used an oil-in-water emulsion and an insoluble lubricant oil, respectively. Cutting, which did not use lubricant oil, also produced a steep increase in the number concentration of UFP; these particles may have formed from residual oil-in-water emulsion on the surface of the workpiece after lathe machining. A simplified numerical simulation was used to quantify the particles arising from machining and leakage when the apparatus was opened. Although local ventilation effectively reduced the concentration of the oil mist in the apparatus and prevented the diffusion of this substance when the apparatus door was opened, leakage was observed when the workpieces were exchanged; this leakage was attributed to entrained particles on the workpieces. Hence, countermeasures to prevent entrained oil mist are necessary to improve the air quality in working environments.

Premixed Combustion of Vegetable Oil in a Cylinder with 4 Magnetic Poles

This article describes a new method/idea in vegetable oil combustion based on stoichiometry, enabling vegetable oil vapor to burn in premixed combustion more effectively. Using the circular magnetic field from four north and south poles with a magnitude of 3 Tesla to surround the cylindrical combustor, the flaming vegetable oil vapor was captured and recorded as still pictures. Based on the flame pattern in these pictures, analysis has been conducted. The authors determined that the magnetic field accelerated the rate of premixed combustion reactions because the spin of electrons and the spin of hydrogen protons became more energetic. Magnetic fields also controlled the propagation of flame through the mobility of electrons in vegetable oil molecules and through the paramagnetic properties of oxygen and the diamagnetic properties of H2O, which carried heat to the product. Short-chain saturated fatty acid flame is highly reactive because of its high polarity, but its combustion reaction is less affected by magnetic fields because of its low electron mobility. Conversely, long-chain fatty acid flame is less reactive because of its low polarity, but its combustion reaction is strengthened by the magnetic field because of its higher electron mobility. The magnetic field in the transition field of the north and south poles had the strongest accelerating influence on flame propagation and the reaction rate via attraction of paramagnetic O2 and repulsion of diamagnetic H2O across the flame.

Современное лабораторное оборудование для определения давления насыщенных паров нефти и нефтепродуктов

Современное лабораторное оборудование для определения давления насыщенных паров нефти и нефтепродуктов

Effects of Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Persoon Essential Oil Aromatherapy on Mood States and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Healthy Volunteers.

Aromatherapy is one of the complementary therapies to improve health. The aromatic essential oils have been used in the treatment procedure through inhalation of essential oil vapor, massage, and herbal bathing. Litsea species are generally used in traditional medicine, and Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Persoon is a potent fumigant plant, used in cosmetics and foods as essence. The chemical composition of the essential oil of different parts of L. cubeba has been found to be varied. L. cubeba essential oil (LEO) is known for the treatment of cognition-associated discomforts. The current study assessed the impact of inhalation of LEO on mood states and salivary cortisol levels of healthy people. Fifteen healthy volunteers were involved in the study. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) Questionnaire and ELISA methods were employed to determine the mood states and salivary cortisol level, respectively. (-)-β-pinene, β-citral, cis- and trans-citral, citronellal, limonene, linalool, and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one were detected in LEO by GC-MS analysis. The heart rate and blood pressure were not affected significantly during LEO exposure. The inhalation of LEO significantly improved the total mood disturbance and reduced the confusion among the healthy human subjects. LEO inhalation reduced the salivary cortisol level at a notable level. The results of the current study warrant further studies on the beneficial effect of LEO aromatherapy in healthy and diseased subjects to uncover the therapeutic nature of the L. cubeba plant.

Re-refining of used lubricating oil by vacuum distillation/thin wiped film evaporation technique

Re-refining of used lubricating oil has appeared as a valuable technique to re-refining of used engine and industrial oils. This paper focused on the vacuum distillation thin wiped film evaporation technique of used lubricating oil recycling. The whole process consists of dehydration, gas oil evaporation, thin wiped film evaporation and clay treatment. The produced base oils are in group I through determination of sulfur contents, percentage of saturate compounds and viscosity indexes. The obtained results are practicable with most of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) properties and reduced most of worn metals in the refined base oils.

Particle and Gaseous Emissions from a Heavy-Duty SI Gas Engine over WHTC Driving Cycles

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">The use of gaseous fuels in internal combustion engines is increasing, due to several reasons, first of all their low environmental impact, large availability and low cost. Nevertheless, the need to reduce emissions also from gas engines is an important aspect to be considered in order to comply with future engine emissions regulations.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">In this scenario, an extensive experimental activity was performed to fully characterize an heavy duty spark ignition engine, under development for Euro VI compliance and designed to run with gaseous fuels. Two separate sets of experiments were carried out, in order to analyze the engine behavior when burning LPG and CNG, respectively. To this aim, the engine was installed on a dynamic test bench, accurately instrumented to characterize the combustion evolution, performance and exhaust pollutant emissions, along the World Harmonized Transient Cycle (WHTC), the new European driving homologation cycle.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">The main part of the manuscript addresses the analysis of the exhaust particulate emissions, in terms of soot concentration, particle number (PN) and particle size distribution function (PSDF). More in detail, a photo-acoustic sensor and a fast particulate spectrometer were adopted for on-line soot, PN and particle size measurements, during the transient engine tests.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">The results revealed that although the gaseous emissions were within homologation limits, soot and PN could represent an issue for this class of engines. The experiments allowed to highlight that most part of the particles are emitted during specific phases of the driving cycle and could be ascribed to the engine oil vapors combustion.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">Moreover, the investigation, indicating which engine operating conditions displayed the highest contribution to particles emissions, may provide helpful insights to deal with such critical conditions.</div></div>

Visible-light-assisted condensation of ultrasonically atomized water vapor on LiNbO3:Fe crystals.

Optically massive trapping of the moisture in the air into an adjacent surface is a potential technique in the fields of bacterial adhesion and microfluidic generation, which is quite important to the development of LN-based biological lab-on-chips. Here we demonstrate on a LiNbO3:Fe substrate the visible-light-assisted condensation of the water vapor in a flowing stream created by an ultrasonic atomizer. Through analyzing the dynamic processes of the visible-light-assisted water condensation at different illumination intensities, it is found that the extent of the water condensation, the bending angle of water vapor trails and the interaction range of the condensation effect are highly dependent on the illumination intensity. According to these findings and the simulated trajectories of the water vapor stream at different illumination intensities, we propose that this visible-light-assisted water condensation is an aggregation process of tiny water droplets driven by the dielectrophoretic interaction of inhomogeneous photovoltaic field and also an electrostatic screening course of photovoltaic charges through the charged evaporation of condensed water. The prolonged condensation of water vapor after a high-intensity illumination and that of oil vapor at a super-low evaporation rate are also studied, and the agreement between the simulation and experimental results reinforces the above mechanism. The reported technique, employing the inexpensive, safe-for-cell visible laser beam, is quite convenient for the controllable generation of various biological microdroplets, and thus it is promising for the microfluidic functionality integration of LN-based biological lab-on-chips.

CO2 assisted steam flooding in late steam flooding in heavy oil reservoirs

To improve the oil recovery and economic efficiency in heavy oil reservoirs in late steam flooding, taking J6 Block of Xinjiang Oilfield as the research object, 3D physical modeling experiments of steam flooding, CO2-foam assisted steam flooding, and CO2 assisted steam flooding under different perforation conditions are conducted, and CO2-assisted steam flooding is proposed for reservoirs in the late stage of steam flooding. The experimental results show that after adjusting the perforation in late steam flooding, the CO2 assisted steam flooding formed a lateral expansion of the steam chamber in the middle and lower parts of the injection well and a development mode for the production of overriding gravity oil drainage in the top chamber of the production well; high temperature water, oil, and CO2 formed stable low-viscosity quasi-single-phase emulsified fluid; and CO2 acted as a thermal insulation in the steam chamber at the top, reduced the steam partial pressure inside the steam chamber, and effectively improved the heat efficiency of injected steam. Based on the three-dimensional physical experiments and the developed situation of the J6 block in Xinjiang Oilfield, the CO2 assisted steam flooding for the J6 block was designed. The application showed that the CO2 assisted steam flooding made the oil vapor ratio increase from 0.12 to 0.16 by 34.0%, the oil recovery increase from 16.1% to 21.5%, and the final oil recovery goes up to 66.5% compared to steam flooding after perforation adjustment.

ELECTRON PROBE MICROANALYSIS OF CARBONACEOUS ROCKS

The problems that often arise during the X-ray analysis of light elements are caused by the physics of the X-ray spectrum process and the mathematical algorithms (correction systems) used to calculate the concentration of elements. Therefore, the solution to these problems is determined by the hardware implementation of the analysis methods and its functionality. The most difficult situations arise in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of rocks that contain carbon in their composition. This is due to the fact that in the zone of generation of the X-ray signal, the polymerization of residual oil vapors and the appearance of a carbon film on the surface of the sample under study occurs. Therefore, with the standard method of studying a sample of unknown composition using an energy dispersive spectrometer, the peak of carbon is usually excluded from the scheme for calculating the concentrations of elements, which is unacceptable for carbon-containing samples. Using the example of the study of calcium and strontium carbonates, we have developed a method for measuring elemental chemical composition using the INCA Energy+ X-ray analysis system, which includes energy dispersive and wave dispersive spectrometers. The X-ray spectrum analysis system was applied in the study of carbon-containing unstable samples under the electron probe – unique remnants of paleoflora in the impact-melted rocks of the impact crater Elgygytgyn.Ref

Modeling and analysis of a catastrophic oil spill and vapor cloud explosion in a confined space upon oil pipeline leaking

Oil spill-induced vapor cloud explosions in a confined space can cause catastrophic consequences. In this work, investigation was conducted on the catastrophic pipeline leak, oil spill, and the resulting vapor cloud explosion accident occurring in China in 2013 by modeling analysis, field surveys, and numerical simulations. The total amount of the spilled oil was up to 2044.4 m3 due to improper disposal. The long residence time of the oil remaining in a confined space permitted the formation of explosive mixtures and caused the vapor cloud explosion. A numerical model was developed to estimate the consequence of the explosion based on volatilization testing results. The results show that the death-leading zone and the glass-breaking zone could be 18 m and 92 m, respectively, which are consistent with the field investigation. The severity of the explosion is related to the amount of the oil spill, properties of oil, and volatilization time. It is recommended that a comprehensive risk assessment be conducted to analyze the possible consequences upon oil spilling into a confined space. Prompt collection and ventilation measures should be taken immediately after the spill occurs to reduce the time for oil volatilization and prevent the mixture from reaching its explosive limit.

Impregnation of poly(L-lactide-ran-\u03b4-valerolactone) with essential bark oil using supercritical carbon dioxide

This work studied the incorporation of essential bark oil from Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondae, which is known to repel various insects, in poly(L-lactide-ran-δ-valerolactone) [poly(L-LA-ran-VL)] using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The poly(L-LA-ran-VL) was synthesized by first purifying the monomers by azeotropic distillation with benzene, followed by polymerization with Sn(oct)2 using the same equipment, representing an efficient one-pot process. The copolymerization of L-LA with VL using this technique at a feed ratio of 90/10 mol/mol gave poly(L-LA-ran-VL) (91/9) with a molecular weight of 6.48 × 104 g/mol and a high yield of 74.9%. Products with molecular weights over 5.0 × 104 g/mol were obtained at L-LA feed proportions of 70 to 90%. Impregnation trials were conducted between 40 and 120 °C at 14 MPa for 3 h. The oil content of a 73/27 specimen was found to increase significantly during processing at 100 or 120 °C. During enzymatic degradation with proteinase K, the 91/9 specimen showed the fastest degradation rate. Although the 71/29 sample was slowly hydrolyzed in a phosphate buffer at pH 7.0, the release of oil vapor from this material was slightly higher than that from the 91/9 specimen, and the vapor release rate continuously increased throughout the hydrolysis process.

Влияние эксплуатационных факторов на работу адсорбционных установок рекуперации паров нефти

Влияние эксплуатационных факторов на работу адсорбционных установок рекуперации паров нефти

Oregano essential oil vapour prevents Plasmopara viticola infection in grapevine (Vitis Vinifera) and primes plant immunity mechanisms.

The reduction of synthetic fungicides in agriculture is necessary to guarantee a sustainable production that protects the environment and consumers’ health. Downy mildew caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola is the major pathogen in viticulture worldwide and responsible for up to 60% of pesticide treatments. Alternatives to reduce fungicides are thus utterly needed to ensure sustainable vineyard-ecosystems, consumer health and public acceptance. Essential oils (EOs) are amongst the most promising natural plant protection alternatives and have shown their antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties on several agricultural crops. However, the efficiency of EOs highly depends on timing, application method and the molecular interactions between the host, the pathogen and EO. Despite proven EO efficiency, the underlying processes are still not understood and remain a black box. The objectives of the present study were: a) to evaluate whether a continuous fumigation of a particular EO can control downy mildew in order to circumvent the drawbacks of direct application, b) to decipher molecular mechanisms that could be triggered in the host and the pathogen by EO application and c) to try to differentiate whether essential oils directly repress the oomycete or act as plant resistance primers. To achieve this a custom-made climatic chamber was constructed that enabled a continuous fumigation of potted vines with different EOs during long-term experiments. The grapevine (Vitis vinifera) cv Chasselas was chosen in reason of its high susceptibility to Plasmopara viticola. Grapevine cuttings were infected with P. viticola and subsequently exposed to continuous fumigation of different EOs at different concentrations, during 2 application time spans (24 hours and 10 days). Experiments were stopped when infection symptoms were clearly observed on the leaves of the control plants. Plant physiology (photosynthesis and growth rate parameters) were recorded and leaves were sampled at different time points for subsequent RNA extraction and transcriptomics analysis. Strikingly, the Oregano vulgare EO vapour treatment during 24h post-infection proved to be sufficient to reduce downy mildew development by 95%. Total RNA was extracted from leaves of 24h and 10d treatments and used for whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing (RNA-seq). Sequenced reads were then mapped onto the V. vinifera and P. viticola genomes. Less than 1% of reads could be mapped onto the P. viticola genome from treated samples, whereas up to 30% reads from the controls mapped onto the P. viticola genome, thereby confirming the visual observation of P. viticola absence in the treated plants. On average, 80% of reads could be mapped onto the V. vinifera genome for differential expression analysis, which yielded 4800 modulated genes. Transcriptomic data clearly showed that the treatment triggered the plant’s innate immune system with genes involved in salicylic, jasmonic acid and ethylene synthesis and signaling, activating Pathogenesis-Related-proteins as well as phytoalexin synthesis. These results elucidate EO-host-pathogen interactions for the first time and indicate that the antifungal efficiency of EO is mainly due to the triggering of resistance pathways inside the host plants. This is of major importance for the production and research on biopesticides, plant stimulation products and for resistance-breeding strategies.

Modeling of the crude oil (or petroleum products) vapor displacement during rail tanks loading

Crude oil rail loadings are objects of considerable hydrocarbon emissions. A mathematical model of the process of oil vapor displacement during the loading of rail tanks is proposed in this article. This model makes it possible to determine approximately the parameters of hydrocarbon emission with a minimum of controlled parameters required during VRU operation (“Vapour recovery units – guidance on preventing and controlling…” 2008). The developed model has not tight coupling with the operations of rail tanks loading. The model can be applied with some corrections to calculate emissions during filling operations of any transport tanks. Obtained results allow to receive quantitative estimations of parameters of hydrocarbon emission with minimal vapor recovery units (VRU) availability of monitoring systems.

Experimental investigation on the evaporation and micro-explosion mechanism of jatropha vegetable oil (JVO) droplets

The present study mainly focused on the evaporation and micro-explosion mechanism of jatropha vegetable oil (JVO) droplets. Six major components of JVO and their blends were investigated at ambient temperature of 873 K and 1073 K under normal gravity. The properties of JVO were analyzed by TG-DSC (thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry) analysis and LC–MS (liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer). The results show that the evaporation process of JVO droplets are different from that of single component fatty acids and their blends at temperatures of 873 K and 1073 K. No micro-explosions occurred during the whole evaporation progress of single fatty acids and their blends at 873 K, while the intense and repeating micro-explosions occurred in JVO droplet evaporation process at 873 K and 1073 K. In addition, steam “Clouds” were observed during the JVO evaporation process of 873 K and 1073 K. Importantly, cracking reaction will occur in the JVO evaporation process, these gas products come from heavy component (triglyceride molecule) cracking and boiling of liquid products lead to repeating micro-explosions and totally different evaporation characteristics.

Pengaruh Penggunaan Katalis Kalium Hidroksida pada Campuran Minyak Nabati dan Air terhadap Produksi Hidrogen dengan Menggunakan Metode Steam Reforming

Steam reforming is a process of hydrogen formation through the process of vaporization of vegetable oil and water at a certain heating temperature using a catalyst, so the chemical reaction is occurred and produced hydrogen gas. The catalysts used is potassium hydroxide (KOH) in the amount of 1 gram, 2 grams, and 3 grams, which are heated at 350 o C. To investigate the effectiveness of hydrogen production, the vegetable oil and water mixture is varied of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3. The steam coming out from the pipe is burned to get the color of the flame. The area of flame color is calculated using AutoCAD software, which is the color are a blue flame, yellow flame, and the color of red flame. The calculation results area of the flame colors showed that the greater addition of vegetable oil to water and the greater addition of the potassium hydroxide catalyst is increased hydrogen production.

Estimation of Soil Evaporation and Vegetation Transpiration Using Two Trapezoidal Models From MODIS Data

AbstractSoil evaporation (ETs) and vegetation transpiration (ETv) are essential in evaporative demand analyses and agricultural applications. This study estimated ETs and ETv using two trapezoidal models, that is, the conventional trapezoidal model and the end‐member‐based soil and vegetation energy partitioning (ESVEP) model, at three AmeriFlux tower sites. First, the land surface temperature of a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) pixel was decomposed into soil and vegetation temperatures (Ts and Tv, respectively) which involve important information related to ETs and ETv and were compared with corresponding temperatures from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). Then ETs and ETv were parameterized, and the total evapotranspiration (ET) was validated with the eddy covariance system measurements after energy imbalance corrections via the residual energy and Bowen ratio methods. The results showed that the ESVEP model partitioned Ts, with a root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of 1.56–2.70 K (4.98–10.16%), and Tv, with an RMSE of 2.54–2.80 K (9.73–11.11%), indicating a higher accuracy than that from the conventional trapezoidal model, where the RMSE was 2.26–3.64 K (7.31–13.40%) for Ts separation and 2.82–4.62 K (9.80–15.49%) for Tv separation. For the ET estimation, the ESVEP model still performed better. The estimation RMSE was 49.8–58.4 W/m2 (22.8–27.2%) for the ESVEP model and 72.0–89.5 W/m2 (29.8–41.1%) for the conventional trapezoidal model, compared to the RE corrected measurements; the RMSE was 42.6–53.3 W/m2 (24.4–28.1%) for the ESVEP model and 57.5–78.1 W/m2 (32.3–37.9%) for the conventional trapezoidal model, compared to the Bowen ratio corrected measurements.