Coke Production Research Articles

Аналіз та огляд прогнозів світового виробництва металургійного коксу

DOI: 10.31081/1681-309X-2024-0-1-3-7 Specialty 161. U.D.C. 338.27:662.749.2 ANALYSIS AND REVIEW OF FORECASTS OF WORLD METALLURGICAL COKE PRODUCTION © S.A. Kravchenko, PhD in Technical Sciences, S.V. Chaplianko, PhD in Technical Sciences "STATE INSTITUTE FOR DESIGNING ENTERPRISES OF COKE OVEN AND BY-PRODUCT PLANTS'' (SE "GIPROKOKS''), 61002, 60 Sumska str., Kharkiv, Ukraine) The article considers and analyses the volumes of global iron and steel production in 2019-2023. It is shown that during this period it had fluctuating trends: the deviation between the minimum and maximum values was 109 million tonnes (7.7 %) for iron and 112 million tonnes (5.7 %) for steel. Domestic steel production in 2019-2021 was characterised by an increase of 1.1 million tonnes (5.2 %) in iron and fluctuations (the deviation was 0.8 million tonnes, i.e. 3.7 %) in steel, and a sharp decrease of 14.8 million tonnes (69.7 %) in steel. t (69.8 %) for iron and 15.1 million tonnes (70.6 %) for steel in 2022 and a further decrease of 0.4 million tonnes (6.2 %) for iron and 0.1 million tonnes (1.6 %) for steel in 2023 is due to the consequences of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. The article considers and analyses the volumes of global production of metallurgical coke in 20192021. It is shown that during this period it had fluctuating trends: the deviation was 21 million tonnes (3.0 %). The volume of coke production in China in 2020-2023 increased at an average annual growth rate of 2.2, 2.4, and 3.8 %, respectively. Domestic production of metallurgical coke in 20192021 was characterised by a decrease in volume by 0.44 million tonnes (5.2 %), and a rapid decrease by 5.6 million tonnes (59.0 %) in 2022 is also due to the consequences of armed aggression. Separate forecasts for global metallurgical coke production in the short and long term are considered. It is shown that there is no consensus on the development of global coke production. The most negative scenario is a decline in global coke production to $84.016 billion (USD) in 2029, while the most positive is an increase to $325.78 billion in 2034. In 2024, on average, the global metallurgical coke market will be around $106 billion according to negative forecasts and around $205 billion according to positive forecasts. Given the World steel Association's weak positive outlook for global steel production, as well as the existing increase in coke production in China in 2020-2023 and the planned expansion of coke production capacity in India and Brazil, a restrained positive outlook for global coke production is most likely (for 2024 and beyond). Keywords: cast iron, steel, metallurgical coke, coke-chemical production, analysis, forecast. Corresponding author S.V. Chaplyanko, e-mail: chaplianko_sv@ukr.net

Математичний метод визначення викидів забруднюючих речовин в атмосферне повітря з джерел БХУ на коксохімічному виробництві

The article considers the issues related to the use of large volumes of water in the technological processes of coke production, which results in the generation of a large amount of polluted wastewater of different origin and properties. It is noted that a separate wastewater sewerage system is used at coke plant allows differentiated solutions to the methods of treatment of wastewater of different composition and the fullest use of treated wastewater for the production needs of the enterprise. Water supply to the main water consumers at the coke plant is applied according to the reverse scheme. The article characterises the quantitative and qualitative composition of wastewater coming from different shops of coke production. The necessity of efficient purification of phenolic waters at a waste water treatment plant is considered, which is dictated by their further use according to the technological scheme in production. The analysis of the waste water treatment plant as a source of air pollution and the need to determine the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of pollutant emissions from the waste water treatment plant to assess the environmental impact are provided. The methods for determining pollutant emissions from waste water treatment plants, which are currently used at existing enterprises and in the design of waste water treatment plant facilities, are considered. The necessity of developing a methodology for calculating pollutant emissions from waste water treatment plants at coke production is substantiated. The list of basic initial indicators for performing mathematical calculations of pollutant emissions from waste water treatment plant facilities in coke production is established. The algorithms of mathematical calculations of the quantitative composition of pollutant emissions from the tank equipment depending on the characteristics of the technological process and design features of the waste water treatment plants tanks are presented. Keywords: coke production, wastewater, pollutant emissions, composition, treatment, waste water treatment plant, methodology. Corresponding author: Trembach T.F., e-mail: ozos@giprokoks.com

Перетворення довгополуменевого вугілля в нанопористий вуглецевий матеріал при карбонізації з гідроксидом калію

DOI: 10.31081/1681-309X-2024-0-2-43-48 Specialty 161. U.D.C. 662.749.3 COMPATIBILITY OF COAL TAR DERIVATIVES WHEN COMPOUNDED WITH INDUSTRIAL WASTE PYROLYSIS PRODUCTS © K.O. Doroshenko, V.V. Bagrova (State Enterprise “Ukrainian State Research Institute for Carbochemistry (UKHIN)”, 7 Vesnina str., Kharkiv, 61023, Ukraine), V.V. Savchenko, T.M. Kedun (National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute", 2, Kyrpychova str., Kharkiv, 61002, Ukraine) The article shows that ensuring energy security requires an integrated approach, including the search for and implementation of new sources of boiler fuel. Coke production and pyrolysis of coal coking by-products are among the promising areas that can balance the requirements of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability and can play a key role in ensuring a sustainable energy future for Ukraine. It has been demonstrated that intermediate products obtained in the process of coke production represent a promising source of furnace fuel. The development of new formulations allows not only to increase energy efficiency but also to reduce the negative impact on the environment. The pyrolysis of secondary resources opens up opportunities for expanding energy sources, which is becoming a key aspect of ensuring the energy security of the state. Relevant studies are highlighted. A sample of coal tar, which is not used for the production of electrode pitch grades in coke production, and pyrolysis liquid formed in the process of recycling rubber car tyres were taken for their analysis. The compatibility of these materials was assessed based on the presence or absence of sediment at the bottom of the container after thermostatting. The results showed that the compatibility of pyrolysis fluid and coal tar is quite low, with the maximum co-dissolution observed when mixing 20 % pyrolysis tar and 80 % coal tar. The flocculation coefficient was determined to be 0.7 units. This characterises the system as more prone to sedimentation. The inapplicability of the formula for calculating oil incompatibility (API MPMS 12.3) indicates a different mechanism of solvation of coal and pyrolysis resins than that of petroleum materials. Keywords: coal tar, boiler fuel, quinoline insoluble substances, pyrolysis liquid, compatibility, solvation. Corresponding author T.M. Kedun, e-mail: tatanakedun07@gmail.com

Призначення, модифікації і експлуатація резервуарного обладнання хімічних цехів коксохімічних виробництв

DOI: 10.31081/1681-309X-2024-0-2-48-56 Specialty 161. U.D.C. 662.74.001.24(07) PURPOSE, MODIFICATION AND OPERATION OF CAPACITIVE EQUIPMENT OF BY-PRODUCT PLANTS OF COKE PRODUCTION © Ye.I. Kudriavtsev, L.O. Kazak (STATE ENTERPRISE "STATE INSTITUTE FOR DESIGNING ENTERPRISES OF COKE OVEN AND BY-PRODUCT PLANTS'' (SE "GIPROKOKS''), 61002, 60 Sumska str., Kharkiv, Ukraine) The article presents an overview of capacitive equipment used in chemical shops of coke production. The advantages of metal modern capacitive equipment and the possibility of its long-term operation in present conditions are analysed. The basic principles are highlighted of selection when designing the type and materials of tanks and related equipment, which include heating devices, pumping equipment, various types of stirrers, coils, level, pressure and temperature measuring devices, breathing, hydraulic, safety and emergency valves, etc. In particular, the volume, material, wall thickness, and design of the bottoms and roofs of capacitive equipment depends not only on the technological features of the designed process in which it is used, but also on such factors as seismicity of the installation area, natural conditions, available industrial sites, etc. Information on modern requirements for the design features of capacitive flow-through equipment is provided, and the advantages of various design features are highlighted. The most modern and progressive features of the materials used, the principles of designing tank heating systems, etc. are presented. A generalised classification scheme for capacitive equipment is provided. The main requirements for modern capacitive equipment for various technological purposes are formulated: reliability and structural strength, due to the choice of technical solutions and materials resistant to the effects of product components present in this equipment. Examples of designed and installed equipment using different types of steel are given. Brief information is provided on the latest developments of SE “GIPROKOKS” that are of interest for use in coke production, taking into account the positive experience of operation, originality and efficiency of technical solutions, and specific features of particular enterprises. Keywords: coke production, design, capacitive equipment, tank, collector, heater, mechanised illuminator, material, heating, operation. Corresponding author Ye.I. Kudriavtsev, e-mail: jonnykvn1979@gmail.com

Поєднання енерго-ресурсозберігаючих та екологічно безпечних технологій в проєктах ДП «ГИПРОКОКС»

DOI: 10.31081/1681-309X-2024-0-1-21-26 Specialty 161. U.D.C. 621.311 COMBINATION OF ENERGY-SAVING, RESOURCE-SAVING AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PROJECTS OF THE SE "GIPROKOKS" © T.F. Trembach, M.V. Mezentseva, I.O. Radychuk (STATE ENTERPRISE "STATE INSTITUTE FOR DESIGNING ENTERPRISES OF COKE OVEN AND BY-PRODUCT PLANTS'' (SE "GIPROKOKS''), 61002, 60 Sumska str., Kharkiv, Ukraine) The article deals with the issues of energy efficiency and implementation of environmental technologies in coke production, which is one of the most energy-intensive and environmentally hazardous, but at the same time has a great potential of fuel and energy resources. The experience and achievements of SE GIPROKOKS in the use of modern technologies aimed at reducing energy and resource consumption, as well as ensuring environmental safety, are reflected. Particular attention is paid to innovative approaches to the development, design and implementation of environmentally friendly technologies in production, which help reduce emissions and negative impact on the environment. The article analyses the application of organisational, technical, design, technological and other energy saving measures in the projects of SE “GIPROKOKS” for metallurgical and coke-chemical enterprises. The most effective of these are technological: improving the quality of coke, what, when used in the blast furnace process, leads to a reduction in energy consumption; using less energy-intensive technologies and secondary energy resources. These technologies primarily include the coal charge stumping technology. Flue gas heat from the coke oven battery heating system has a significant energy potential that is released into the atmosphere, leading to irreversible heat losses and causing a negative impact on the environment. The use of a heat recovery unit with thermal flue gas treatment will significantly reduce emissions of harmful components in flue gases into the atmosphere. In its projects, SE “GIPROKOKS” pays considerable attention to the use of secondary resources generated in coke production processes, which is a vivid example of combining energy-saving, resource-saving and environmentally friendly technologies. Keywords: coke production, secondary products, utilisation, energy saving, resource saving, environmental safety, technological measures. Corresponding author: T.F. Trembach, e-mail: ozos@giprokoks.com

Geological and technological viewpoint on 3D Deposit Model – examples of use in Pniówek Coal Mine

During the more than 3 years of the “Quality” program at JSW S.A., a geological database has been built from scratch, collecting data from all exploratory boreholes, roadway profiling and the results of chemical analyses in one place – placing particular emphasis on parameters affecting the quality of coke. Working with digital databases requires new competencies for geologists – the ability to efficiently obtain information ready for further processing. As intended, the geological model became the basis for forecasting the quantity and quality of mined coal used in coke production. In the course of the work, a discrepancy became apparent between the geological interpretation of the structure of the deposit – as understood by the assumptions of the geological documentation, and the technological conditions of mining. The article presents resulting changes in the approach to modeling lithology and quality parameters. In addition, examples of the application of the geological database and the geological model in the daily work of the geological department are presented.

In-situ catalytic pyrolysis of cellulose with lithium-ion battery ternary cathodes and ex-situ upgrading over Ru/HZSM-5 for bio-aromatics

Bio-aromatics preparation via in-situ catalytic pyrolysis of cellulose with lithium-ion battery ternary cathodes and ex-situ upgrading over Ru/HZSM-5 was studied. Three ternary cathodes with different ratios of Ni, Co, and Mn (NCM111, NCM532 and NCM811) were selected, and the effects of ternary cathodes and bifunctional Ru/HZSM-5 on the cellulose conversion were investigated from the perspectives of thermogravimetric kinetics and fixed-bed upgrading. The results indicated that cellulose pyrolyzed with cathodes reduced the solid residue content from 13.07% to 7.78%, 7.11%, and 6.63%, and decreased the weightlessness peak temperature from 358 ℃ to 348 ℃, 347 ℃, and 341 ℃; herein, the reaction order gradually elevated from 1.34 to 1.67 with the increased cathode Ni ratio, but the activation energy and pre-exponential factor obviously reduced. In-situ catalytic pyrolysis of ternary cathodes combined with ex-situ upgrading of Ru/HZSM-5 resulted in more cellulose-derived products being converted, increasing bio-oil yield from 22.47% to 25.08%, 24.75%, and 25.42%. Furfural was largely deoxygenated and dehydrated to become the precursor of aromatics, so NCM111, NCM532 and NCM811 usage increased the MAHs selectivity from 28.42% to 78.69%, 85.98%, and 87.27%, and high Ni ratio had higher deoxygenation capability and aromatic selectivity, simultaneously, it prone to creating material basis and spatiotemporal conditions for alkylation side reaction to increase C9 and above hydrocarbons. However, 1H NMR analysis confirmed that the main reaction of aromatization was still stronger than the side reaction even under high Ni ratio condition. Aromatics and coke production from acidic zeolite catalyzed reforming of oxygenates were competing reactions. In-situ catalysis of ternary cathodes produced more small molecule products to enter the inner pores of Ru/HZSM-5, forming more difficult to remove microporous coke, and the effect of increased Ni ratio was more obvious, but coke content reduced from 4.51% to 4.11%, 4.13%, and 3.05%, respectively.

INVESTIGATING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN INTRINSIC PROPERTIES, PREPARATION PARAMETERS OF COAL AND COKE QUALITY: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

The purpose of this study is to review some of the key research concepts related to metallurgical coke. As the research landscape for coke metallurgy is evolving, researchers are increasingly interested in the effects of the intrinsic properties of coal, coal preparation parameters, and the technological conditions of coke production on the quality of metallurgical coke. As part of this review, a specific protocol, content analysis and thematic coding of cases of the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses” method were used to investigate the simultaneous effect of these two parameters on the quality of coke in selected journal articles. A review of 118 articles was conducted, including their abstract, introduction, methodology, and results. According to the results of this study, coal blends and coal particle sizes have a direct effect on the three sections of coke mechanical properties, coke texture, and coke reactive properties. Reviewing various articles has shown that the presence of fatty coals in smaller size distribution, combined with largersized weak coals, leads to the formation of a stronger structure in the produced coke. However, this does not guarantee an improvement in the coke reactivity parameters. On the other hand, increasing the blending ratio of coking coals in the final mixture for producing normal-sized coke (dimensions smaller than 3 millimetres) improves the coke reactivity parameters. Studies investigating coke structure have demonstrated that a cohesive mosaic structure in high-quality cokes results from well-distributed maceral blends of coking coals with optimal size distribution among other coals.

Effect of Ni/Mo on the preparation of non-loaded NiMoSx catalysts and the hydrogenation performance of coal tar

Efficient and clean utilization of coal tar is one of the key technologies for efficient and clean utilization of coal. Molybdenum disulfide has been favored for its superior catalytic hydrogenation of poor-quality oil. Molybdenum disulfide catalysts doped with different contents of nickel were synthesized by a two-step method. By SEM, XRD, Raman analyses, and other analyses. non-loaded NiMoSx-0.1 catalysts with larger lateral dimensions, fewer layers, and the appearance of specific active sites at both Basal and Edge positions were synthesized when Ni/Mo = 0.1 compared to undoped molybdenum disulfide. When Ni/Mo is continuously increased, the conversion of the intermediate MoS4-xOx is severely affected, which decreases the amount of MoS2 generated and increases the number of MoS2 layers and transverse dimensions. NiMoSx-0.1 promotes the conversion of CA to CN and enhances the hydrogenation and cracking of coal tar. The total gasoline and diesel content of the hydrotreating product was increased by 13.6 % with no coke production, in addition to the viscosity, density, and average molecular mass decreasing by 90 %, 5 %, and 33 %, respectively.

TECHNOLOGY OF RELATED COKING OF HEAVY OIL RESIDUE WITH THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE BOTTLE REST IN THE PROCESS

The need to increase the depth of processing of oil and hydrocarbon-containing raw materials entails the need for qualified processing of residual products in order to use them more efficiently. This paper shows the role of a delayed coking unit in the processing of heavy oil residues and the deepening of oil refining, as well as the state of the global and Russian coke production market. An analysis of various heavy coking gas oils was carried out according to their initial physicochemical characteristics and type of origin. Material balances of coking in a laboratory installation of various heavy coking gas oils and their influence on the material balance of the installation as a whole were compiled. A number of promising areas of research for further improvement of the process are identified. The data obtained can be used when designing new capacities during the construction of delayed coking units at oil refineries to improve the physical and chemical characteristics of intermediate products and increase the yield of light oil products.

Effect of feedstock properties on the kinetics of hydrocracking of heavy oils

The ability to predict changes in selectivity and quality of products of catalytic hydrocracking reaction is essential for the performance and economics of the process due to the variation in properties of the fractions derived from heavy crude oils. The influence of different hydrocarbon feedstocks on hydrocracking reaction kinetics was analyzed using detailed experimental data reported in the literature. A six–lump kinetic model in the presence and absence of diverse catalysts was used. For the predictions of the pseudocomponent yields using the estimated kinetic parameters, global average absolute error values less than 4.3 % concerning the experimental data were obtained. Clear trends are observed between the values of some reaction rate coefficients and properties of the diverse feedstocks. The analysis of the effect of feedstock properties on the kinetic parameters indicated that streams with high API and low H/C ratio have higher global reaction rate coefficients of vacuum residue conversion, observing an increase of up to three–fold the coefficient values concerning the rise of asphaltene content. The contents of carbon residue and sulfur influence the performance of certain reaction pathways and the production of coke for the different feedstocks studied and types of catalysts.

Production of needle cokes via mild condition co-pyrolysis of FCC-DO and PFPE

The conventional needle coke production process suffers from high reaction temperature and pressure, and therefore, alternative approaches for needle coke production with low energy consumption should be developed. The co-pyrolysis process of FCC decant oil (FCC-DO) and perfluoropolyether (PFPE) was suggested to prepare needle cokes under mild reaction conditions in this work. The characteristics of green pitches and cokes from the co-pyrolysis process were evaluated with XRD, FT-IR, TGA, EA and polarized images to prove the effectiveness of the PFPE-aided reaction in accelerating polymerization. The mixture of FCC-DO and 10 wt% of PFPE was heated to 420, 430, 440, and 450 °C and 1 bar in continuous nitrogen flow, and needle cokes could be successfully derived at a temperature of 440 °C and atmospheric pressure with the addition of PFPE, which are significantly milder conditions compared with prior studies on needle coke production. The reaction mechanism of co-pyrolysis was suggested with radical-based reactions that emerged during the thermal decomposition of PFPE. Furthermore, the electrical and thermal properties of the carbonized needle cokes indicated the superior structural, thermal, and chemical characteristics of PFPE-assisted reaction-derived needle cokes; the needle cokes obtained from PFPE co-pyrolysis showed a 23.5 % reduced CTE value and 7.2 times higher electrical conductivity compared with cokes from pure FCC-DO. Effective needle coke production at a low temperature and pressure could be achieved with a PFPE-assisted co-pyrolysis reaction, and we believe that this study could contribute to a novel method for preparing needle cokes with low energy consumption and extending the applicability of needle cokes by supplying high-quality and low-price needle cokes.

Regarding the resilience of market entities on the example of enterprises in the extractive industry

The last period (starting with the pandemic) cataclysms determined the importance for the macro- and microeconomies resilience as the ability of ecosystems, business, society to cope with shocks and continue to function in approximately the same way. The topic of resilience is extremely important for mining companies, because they cannot afford any relocation and industrial repurposing. The goal of this work is to clarify the essence of resilience and identify the factors that determine it for subjects of the market system. Research methods: general scientific – abstraction, analysis, synthesis, observation, generalization; the microcosm-system approach, which is an extension of the world-system approach to microeconomics; cumulative cost curves; single-factor production functions; methods of mathematical and statistical analysis; Zipf-Pareto law. The base of observations is the global coking coal market, production and economic indicators of the Ukrainian iron ore mining company. It is shown that the unprofitability of industrial and commercial activity is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the microcosm-economy to lose resilience. The loss of resilience is a process whose active actors, along with the direct subjects of the market, are their owners, the state and other subjects and authorities. The final stage of resilience loss occurs after the market subject crosses a certain point of no return. A model of a certain market is a cumulative cost curve. The final part of the cumulative cost curve`s graph, where the elements with the worst economic characteristics (high-risk group) are located, is significantly non-linear. The rank of the element position on the curve mathematically determines with the Zipf-Pareto law the cost value and identify the zone of market entities profitable functioning according with the market price of products. The application of the logit-regression model makes it possible to estimate the probability of a market subject's profitability loss at its inherent cost and the confidence interval of prices observed during a certain period. The risk degree of resilience loss is determined not only by the factors of the market itself, but also by the production function characteristic of the subject of market activity. The article provides an example of a one-factor logarithmic production function of a Ukrainian iron ore mining company.

On the microstructure and CO2 reactivity of tar–impregnated charcoal for cokemaking

Using charcoal in coke production offers a potential solution to mitigate CO2 emissions in the steel industry. However, incorporating charcoal into the cokemaking process encounters significant challenges, primarily due to its high reactivity towards CO2. The primary objective of this study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the approach of blending charcoal with coal tar as a means of enhancing this material addition in cokemaking. The impact of tar impregnation on charcoal was assessed using optical and scanning electron microscopy, as well as CO2 reactivity. Results show that charcoals produced from impregnation followed by pyrolysis were significantly less reactive towards CO2, mainly due to pore filling and surface area reduction. Furthermore, charcoal's effect on coke quality was evaluated from laboratory coke samples produced without charcoal (reference) and with additions of 5 wt% (as received and tar-impregnated). Results from CRI/CSR tests showed that coke quality was sharply degraded due to as-received charcoal characteristics, while in contrast, coke with tar-impregnated charcoal achieved much better results, close to reference coke. This enhancement is primarily attributed to the reduced surface area resulting from impregnation and the inherently low reactivity of the pyrolyzed tar, which effectively acts as a barrier against material gasification.

Immune response status and development of streptococcus pneumoniae carriage as health risk factors for workers engaged in coke production and basic oxygen steelmaking

Occupational hazards affect immunological reactivity and increase the risk of infection with respiratory pathogens. The purpose of our work was to study the mechanisms and causes of developing carriage of streptococci possessing genetic determinants of resistance to antibiotics as health risk factors for workers engaged in coke production and basic oxygen steelmaking. We examined 136 workers of a ferrous metals industry and compared the prevalence of the carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus spp. and macrolide resistance genes (Mef, ErmB) in those engaged in coke production and basic oxygen steelmaking. We also collated the results of immunological examination of the carriers and non-carriers of S. pneumoniae. The control cohort was formed of engineering and technical personnel. We established that, compared with the controls, Streptococcus pneumoniae was a more frequent finding in the workers engaged in coke production and basic oxygen steelmaking (p ˂ 0.05). The cycle threshold value of Streptococcus spp. in them was also statistically higher. The Mef gene was more abundant in the steelmakers, including those carrying Streptococcus pneumoniae (p ˂ 0.05), and a change in immunological reactivity was detected in the cases carrying Streptococcus pneumoniae. In those engaged in basic oxygen steelmaking, significant changes were detected at the cellular level expressed by a reduced absolute number of mature T-lymphocytes (CD3+), T-helpers (CD4+), and T-suppressor/cytotoxic cells (CD8+) (p ≤ 0.05). At the humoral level, both the relative and absolute number of B-lymphocytes (CD19+) and the level of IgM were reduced, while that of IgG was, on the opposite, increased (p ≤ 0.05). In the coke plant workers carrying Streptococcus pneumoniae, the level of IgG was significantly higher than the control and reference values. We conclude that Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage in the steelmakers as a health risk factor was accompanied by a change in immunological reactivity and higher abundance of the Mef gene compared to the controls while in the coke production workers the related differences were detected only in the IgG level.

Состояние иммунного ответа и формирование носительства streptococcus pneumoniae как факторы риска здоровью работников коксохимического и конвертерного производства

Occupational hazards affect immunological reactivity and increase the risk of infection with respiratory pathogens. The purpose of our work was to study the mechanisms and causes of developing carriage of streptococci possessing genetic determinants of resistance to antibiotics as health risk factors for workers engaged in coke production and basic oxygen steelmaking. We examined 136 workers of a ferrous metals industry and compared the prevalence of the carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus spp. and macrolide resistance genes (Mef, ErmB) in those engaged in coke production and basic oxygen steelmaking. We also collated the results of immunological examination of the carriers and non-carriers of S. pneumoniae. The control cohort was formed of engineering and technical personnel. We established that, compared with the controls, Streptococcus pneumoniae was a more frequent finding in the workers engaged in coke production and basic oxygen steelmaking (p ˂ 0.05). The cycle threshold value of Streptococcus spp. in them was also statistically higher. The Mef gene was more abundant in the steelmakers, including those carrying Streptococcus pneumoniae (p ˂ 0.05), and a change in immunological reactivity was detected in the cases carrying Streptococcus pneumoniae. In those engaged in basic oxygen steelmaking, significant changes were detected at the cellular level expressed by a reduced absolute number of mature T-lymphocytes (CD3+), T-helpers (CD4+), and T-suppressor/cytotoxic cells (CD8+) (p ≤ 0.05). At the humoral level, both the relative and absolute number of B-lymphocytes (CD19+) and the level of IgM were reduced, while that of IgG was, on the opposite, increased (p ≤ 0.05). In the coke plant workers carrying Streptococcus pneumoniae, the level of IgG was significantly higher than the control and reference values. We conclude that Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage in the steelmakers as a health risk factor was accompanied by a change in immunological reactivity and higher abundance of the Mef gene compared to the controls while in the coke production workers the related differences were detected only in the IgG level.

Uncovering the Hydrocracking Efficiency of Iron-Based Catalysts: A Novel Approach to Asphaltene Transformation in Iranian Heavy Oil

In the quest for optimal asphaltene conversion, this study investigated a range of cost-effective and easily accessible catalyst precursors, targeting both high yields of lighter products and minimal coke formation. The hydrocracking experiments were conducted within a 10 ml bomb-type reactor equipped with a reciprocating stirrer operating at a reciprocation rate of 200 times per minute. The experiments were performed at a temperature of 425°C for a duration of 90 minutes, with an initial hydrogen pressure of 100 bar. The outcomes of each experiment were assessed in terms of liquid products, coke production and C5- gas products. To analyze the Iranian heavy asphaltene, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and elemental analysis were employed. Gas products were characterized using Gas Chromatography (GC). The investigation aimed to identify the catalyst precursor mixture that would maximize asphaltene conversion while minimizing coke production. A series of catalyst precursors, encompassing FeSO4·H2O, its binary mixtures with metal oxides (Fe2O3, Al2O3, CaO, SiO2), and combinations of Fe2O3, Al2O3, and SiO2 with elemental sulfur, were evaluated. The experimental results demonstrated that the toluene-soluble fraction (TSF), which includes the middle distillate portion, could be increased to a maximum of 56% while concurrently reducing the coke yield to 19%, down from the initial 36.9% when no precursor was used.

Influence of Coke Production on the Formation of Dust Fractions after Reaction with Carbon Dioxide

Influence of Coke Production on the Formation of Dust Fractions after Reaction with Carbon Dioxide

Photocatalytic Simulation of Phenol Waste Degradation Using Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) P25-Based Photocatalysts

Phenol waste treatment is vital in industries such as polymer production, coal gasification, refinery, and coke production. Photocatalytic technology using semiconductor materials offers an effective and ecofriendly approach to degrade phenol. TiO2 P25 is a widely used photocatalyst, known for its cost-effectiveness, favorable optical and electronic properties, high photoactivity, and photostability. The PHOTOREAC application, a recently developed MATLAB-based software, simulates the degradation of phenol using visible light. A study that combines existing literature and research revealed that pH significantly influences photocatalytic activity, with an optimum pH of 7 for TiO2 P25-mediated phenol degradation. The recommended photocatalyst concentration ranged from 0 to 10 g/L for reactor volumes between 25 and 60 mL, and from 0 to 5 g/L for 100-mL reactors. Phenol wastewater volume and light intensity also impact degradation efficiency. Adequate oxygen supply, achieved through bubbling and mixing, is essential for the formation of radical compounds. The Ballari kinetic model proved to be the most suitable for phenol degradation with TiO2 P25. Thus, by combining PHOTOREAC simulations with experimental data, the treatment process could be optimized to achieve higher degradation efficiency and estimate the treatment time for specific waste degradation levels. This study contributes to the advancement of phenol waste treatment and the development of improved photocatalytic wastewater treatment technologies.

INTEGRATED INVESTIGATION OF THE STRUCTURE OF INDUSTRIAL GREEN COKE

Integrated studies of green coke have been carried out by means of X-ray diffractometry, electron microscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). It is determined by EPR spectroscopy that two types of radical structures are present in the samples: low-molecular aromatic radicals and conjugated polyaromatic structures in which the unpaired electron is delocalised. Analysis of line shapes in the EPR spectra reveals differences between the green coke samples under investigation. EPR is shown to be highly sensitive method allowing one to follow the changes of molecular structure during the production of green coke. The results obtained in the work with the help of EPR are in good agreement with the results of NMR spectroscopic studies. It is concluded that evaluation of the molecular structure of intermediate coking products is necessary to improve the composition of initial raw material and technological operations.