Gas Refinery Research Articles

Elucidating capabilities of the ZIF-8-Zn metal organic framework as an adsorbent for COD removal of gas refinery wastewater under mild operating conditions

The chemical oxygen demand (COD) of gas refinery wastewater containing discharged ethanolamines and an extent of hydrocarbons was highly reduced utilizing ZIF-8-Zn metal organic framework adsorbent. The mesoporous adsorbent was initially synthesized through hydrothermal method and characterized via FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, Zeta potential and BET analysis methods. The COD reduction of the wastewater was then followed with effects of pH (5.5–11.5), adsorbent concentration (0.2–2.5 g/L) and contact time (15–110 min). The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for design of experiments, modelling and optimization of the process. Amazingly, 98.6 % COD reduction was achieved under mild operating conditions of pH 8.3, adsorbent concentration of 1.5 g/L and temperature of 293.2 K after 63 min contact time. A quadratic equation satisfactorily correlated the COD variations versus involved parameters. The data were also precisely correlated with the extended Langmuir isotherm and the mixed 1, 2-order kinetic model implying mono-layer adsorption of the multicomponent adsorbates through physisorption mechanism because of dominant electrostatic interactions. The results of thermodynamic analysis were also consistent with findings. The maximum adsorption capacity of 972.20 mg/g as well as nice reusability in five sequential cycles proved the promising capability of the adsorbent for decontaminating of the gas refinery wastewater.

Prediction of cavitation using machine learning techniques on centrifugal pump

Abstract When the local static pressure drops below the fluid’s vapour pressure at that particular temperature, a dynamic process known as cavitation takes place in the liquid. Due to cavitation, the performance (total head and flow rate) of the pump will deteriorate, and hence the vibration and noise will develop. Both the performance and cavitation investigations are carried out for a low-specific-speed pump as per the testing standards. The results obtained during cavitation studies are extracted to train the machine learning algorithms. The flow rate, speed, torque, suction head, and delivery head are considered as input variables for machine learning, with total head, Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH), efficiency, and noise magnitude being output variables. The current studies employ four machine learning techniques: random forest, support vector machines, extreme gradient boosting, and linear regression. In the analysis, notable performance was observed for the random forest and extreme gradient boosting algorithms among others consistently demonstrated superior predictive capabilities for the output parameters of the pumps. For linear regression, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting, the coefficient correlation values are around one for all output parameters except for noise. Similar observation is depicted for coefficient of determination and normalized root mean squared error. These ensure the level of noise during cavitation is very dynamic. These findings will enable the pump user to incorporate AI techniques for the diagnosis of centrifugal pump operation with reference to the nominal flow rate (best efficiency flow). Through this technology, preventive and predictive maintenance of pumps can be adapted with less downtime in process industries, power plants, chemical industries, oil and gas refineries, and so on.

Modeling selective absorption of H2S from a gas mixture containing CO2 within rotating packed bed based on surface renewal theory

Compared to conventional packed beds (PBs), the rotating packed beds (RPBs) demonstrate superior selectivity for H2S. RPBs can selectively absorbing more than 99 % of H2S in CO2-rich gas mixtures, while the co-absorption rate of CO2 in RPBs is only 1/9 of that in PB columns. Therefore, RPBs have been well applied in the gas purification for natural gas, blast furnace gas, and refinery gas. While, modeling the selective reaction process in RPBs under conditions of rapid liquid film renewal remains challenging. Here, a diffusion–reaction mass transfer model based on surface renewal theory is established. The model elucidates the mechanism behind the selective absorption of H2S, and also demonstrate how RPBs enhance liquid film absorption. Experimental data collected from an RPB operating under actual conditions were used to validate the model. The model demonstrates high precision in predicting the removal efficiency of H2S and CO2.

Legacy ICS Cybersecurity Assessment Using Hybrid Threat Modeling—An Oil and Gas Sector Case Study

As security breaches are increasingly widely reported in today’s culture, cybersecurity is gaining attention on a global scale. Threat modeling methods (TMM) are a proactive security practice that is essential for pinpointing risks and limiting their impact. This paper proposes a hybrid threat modeling framework based on system-centric, attacker-centric, and risk-centric approaches to identify threats in Operational Technology (OT) applications. OT is made up of software and hardware used to manage, secure, and control industrial control systems (ICS), and its environments include factories, power plants, oil and gas refineries, and pipelines. To visualize the “big picture” of its infrastructure risk profile and improve understanding of the full attack surface, the proposed framework builds on several threat modeling methodologies: PASTA modeling, STRIDE, and attack tree components. Nevertheless, the continuity and stability of vital infrastructure will continue to depend heavily on legacy equipment. Thus, protecting the availability, security, and safety of industrial environments and vital infrastructure from cyberattacks requires operational technology (OT) cybersecurity. The feasibility of the proposed approach is illustrated with a case study from a real oil and gas production plant control system where numerous significant cyberattacks in recent years have targeted OT networks more frequently as hackers realized the possibility of disruption due to insufficient OT security, particularly for outdated systems. The proposed framework achieved better results in detecting threats and severity in the design of the case study system, helping to increase security and support cybersecurity assessment of legacy control systems.

Study of the Relationship Between Antioxidant Enzymes in the Blood of Women Suffering From Miscarriage and The Effect of Heavy Metal Pollution on Them in Basra, Iraq

In this study, environmental heavy metal pollution is associated with recurrent miscarriage. It is closely linked to oxidative stress and homeostasis imbalance due to reproductive toxicity resulting from (HM), as lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) are considered among the most important biological factors that are hostile to human health and can reduce the possibility of a healthy pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of antioxidant enzymes as well as some heavy metals such as lead and mercury on recurrent miscarriage. Comparing them to healthy women with no history of miscarriage. Samples were collected from women who had miscarried, 50 samples, compared to 40 samples from healthy women who had not suffered a miscarriage previously. In Basra Women's and Children's Hospital in Basra, Iraq. During the reproductive age of patients and healthy people (18-40) years. The patients were divided into two groups according to place of residence (city center and countryside). And compare them with healthy women. He also highlighted oxidative stress because it is more affected by heavy metals and the appearance of women who have frequent miscarriages who live in rural areas, where oil and gas refineries are close to them, unlike the city. Due to direct exposed to pollution.

The Correlation Between Lighting Intensity, Eye Fatigue, Occupational Stress, and Sleep Quality in the Control Room Operators of Abadan Refinery

Background: The control room is a critical work environment where optimal performance is essential to minimize errors. Lighting is one of the key environmental factors influencing the performance of control room operators. Inadequate sleep quality and job stress also significantly impact job performance. Poor sleep quality, eye fatigue, inappropriate lighting, and occupational stress can lead to errors and decreased accuracy in work. Objectives: The present study aims to determine the correlation between lighting intensity, eye fatigue, occupational stress, and sleep quality among control room operators at the Abadan Refinery. The study was conducted in 2022. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 190 control room operators at the Abadan Refinery in 2022. A lux meter device was used to evaluate the intensity of lighting. Standard Pittsburgh sleep quality, eye fatigue, and Occupational Stress questionnaires were also administered. The results were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The average light intensity of the work surface was 347.95 ± 147.34 lux. The mean and standard deviation of job stress score and sleep quality were 155.42 ± 9.18 and 9.38 ± 1.62, respectively. The average eye fatigue score was 5.09 ± 0.821 in people without glasses and 4.47 ± 0.828 in people with glasses. A significant correlation was found between brightness intensity and visual fatigue (ρ = 0.201, P = 0.029). The correlation between eye fatigue and sleep quality score was also significant (ρ = 0.225, P = 0.002). However, no significant correlation was observed between lighting intensity and sleep quality (ρ = - 0.005, P = 0.946). The correlation between the overall score of occupational stress and sleep quality was statistically significant (r = - 0.148, P = 0.042). Conclusions: The results showed a significant correlation between lighting intensity and the factors of sleep quality and eye fatigue. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between eye fatigue and sleep quality, as well as between occupational stress and sleep quality. Therefore, it is suggested that planning to minimize job stress, and improve lighting and sleep quality for gas refinery control room personnel should be designed and implemented by the authorities.

Performance modification of an acid gas incinerator to reduce atmospheric pollutants impact: Energy management, HAZOP and LCA analyses

In today's industrial landscape, energy management, process modification, and reduction of atmospheric concentrations of pollutants and safety risks have become paramount. This focus is driven by the need to address environmental concerns, economic efficiency, and the global energy and climate change crisis. In gas refineries, incinerators are widely used to convert deadly and environmentally polluting acid gases into less hazardous gases. Therefore, improving incinerator performance can significantly impact environmental, economic, and energy aspects. According to the results of an energy management study at the domestic gas processing plant, the acid gas incineration unit was identified as a significant energy use. Therefore, based on the effects of the performance of this incinerator from environmental and energy points of view, the mentioned unit was prioritized for modification in this work. For this purpose, incinerator performance was assessed using Promax simulation, and Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) analysis was employed to identify potential hazards. The simulations revealed that acid gas residence time was 0.81s, longer than the 0.6s initial design with the damper in place. This suggests damper removal is feasible. Removing the damper reduces residence time and lowers incinerator temperature, especially during startup. Therefore, temperature was considered as the keyword in the HAZOP study, and a number of recommendations were proposed to eliminate or mitigate the risks of system modification. Furthermore, the assistance of results obtained from energy management based on ISO 50001:2018 standards confirm improvements in energy efficiency and fuel consumption, which have positive economic and environmental impacts. Moreover, the study employs a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach using SimaPro Software 9.5.0.1 and the CML-baseline method (Centrum voor Milieukunde Leiden) for environmental impact assessment. The results reveal that, across ten environmental impact categories, the modified project exhibits significantly reduced environmental impacts compared to its original state.

MAINTENANCE STRATEGY REVIEW (MSR) BASED ON ISO 14224:2016 IN INDONESIA OIL AND NATURAL GAS COMPANIES

<p>The oil and gas industry is vital for Indonesia, and the safety and effectiveness of work in processing and exploring the oil and gas that operate in Indonesia must comply with existing regulations. This safety and effectiveness are inseparable from how the company maintains the assets and instruments used at the oil and gas production and exploration site. Maintenance of pipes and instruments for production is one of the company's most vital assets. In addition to having appropriate productivity, pipes and instruments must be maintained optimally so that maintenance costs do not exceed the value of the oil and gas production. This study's research subject is a natural gas refinery from an oil and gas company operating in the Madura Strait, East Java, Indonesia. The object of research limited to the company's piping system (pipeline system). This study uses a quantitative assessment using the calculated Mean Time Before Failure (MTBF) method and a qualitative assessment using the asset maintenance standard to reveals how the maintenance cycle that has been implemented can be optimized. The author carried out a criticality assessment using Maintenance Strategy Review (MSR) to calculate the risk level of asset. This study found that 78 assets must be maintained in their maintenance cycle, two cash assets must be reduced in their maintenance cycle, and seven assets can be extended for their maintenance cycle. The two assets that need to be reduced in maintenance cycles are the shutdown valve asset that goes to the temporary pig receiver and the shutdown valve that goes to the HP flare header. An asset that can be extended its maintenance cycle is a transmitter for flow indicators.</p><div><div><p> </p></div></div>

Ambient Air Pollution and Chronic kidney disease risk in Deltan communities: A Policy Brief, 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a persistent, devastating, yet neglected, non-communicable disease in developing and emerging countries. National, regional, and international agencies’ communications and reports on non-communicable diseases intentionally or non-intentionally do not feature CKD. The traditional risk factors for CKD, such as hypertension and diabetes, which have received relatively ample attention, do not sufficiently explain the high burden of CKD in these countries. Ambient air pollution is an emerging significant environmental risk factor for CKD; however, epidemiological data and evidence are lacking for susceptible populations in developing countries. The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is a petrochemical hub known for environmental degradation, including air pollution, and thus, serves as a good case study for investigating the association between air pollution and CKD. This brief is based on the results of a mixed-methods study conducted in four communities situated near an oil and gas refinery in Warri, Nigeria. Air pollutant concentrations measured in partnership with citizen scientists showed that all except one air pollutant (ozone) exceeded the WHO acceptable limits in all four communities. The overall prevalence of CKD was high (12.3%) but even higher (18%) in a socially deprived semi-urban community closest to the oil refinery. Hypertension, diabetes, other behavioral risk factors, and exposures associated with CKD were prevalent among the inhabitants of the four communities. However, public environmental health information and education are lacking. A multifaceted approach is required to mitigate air pollution and the associated health risks in the state. Public inclusion is strongly recommended for the planning and implementation of future interventions. Kidney disease prevention and treatment should be emphasized in health policies and insurance schemes.

Reliable sustainable management strategies for flare gas recovery: technical, environmental, modeling, and economic assessment: a comprehensive review.

The gas flaring network is an inseparable constituent commonly present in most of the oil and gas refineries and petrochemical facilities conferring reliable operational parameters. The improper disposal of burn-off gases improperly results in environmental problems and loss of economic resources. In this regard, waste to energy transforming nexus, in accord with the "carbon neutrality" term, has potentially emerged as a reasonable pathway to preserve our planet. In a transdisciplinary manner, the present review article deeply outlines the different up-to-date strategies developed to recover the emitted gases (flaring minimization) into different value-added products. To analyze the recovery potential of flare gases, different technologies, and decision-making factors have been critically reviewed to find the best recovery methods. We recommend more straightforward recovery methods despite lower profits. In this regard, electricity generation seems to be an appropriate option for application in small amounts of flaring. However, several flare gas utilization processes such as syngas manufacturing, reinjection of gas into petroleum reservoirs, and production of natural gas liquid (NGL) are also recommended as options because of their economic significance, technological viability (both onshore and offshore), and environmental benefits. Moreover, the adopted computational multi-scale data assimilation for predictive modeling of flare gas recovery scenarios has been systematically reviewed, summarized, and inspected.

AN INVESTIGATION ON THE CAUSES OF CORROSION IN AISI 1009 STEEL PIPE OF THE FIRE LINE IN THE GAS REFINERY

In view of several reported cases of cracking in the piping of the fire extinguishing sector in the oil tanks, a detailed identification of the failure mechanisms was required for the safe continuation of gas processing. Therefore, this study investigated the damage of steel fire extinguishing pipes after a certain period of operation. Severe thinning of the wall thickness was observed in two parts of the pipe. Comprehensive analytical investigations, including optical microscope (OM), quantometer, XRD, FE-SEEM, EDS and microhardness were performed. In addition, the corrosion behavior of the material was investigated by polarization and EIS analysis and the most plausible reactions and corrosion mechanisms were elucidated. The corrosion products on the inside of the pipe included oxide compounds, while on the outside, it was mainly sulfides and oxides. A drastic and slight decrease in microhardness was observed near the inner and outer surfaces, respectively. Electrochemical tests proved the formation of a porous and non-protective layer of corrosion products. The corrosion resistance was found to be weak due to several factors: the nature of the AISI-1009 steel, several micropores, the periodic formation and removal of non-continuous oxide layers and the roughness that accelerated the strong thickness reduction.

Environmental Performance Assessment of Iranian Gas Refineries: A Non-Parametric Approach

Environmental Performance Assessment of Iranian Gas Refineries: A Non-Parametric Approach

Equilibrium and kinetic studies in adsorption of H2S using coconut shell activated carbon xerogel: Effect of mass adsorbent and temperature

The presence of acid gases like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in natural gas, refinery gas, and coal gas necessitates their removal from the gas stream to prevent corrosion of pipelines and production equipment and to ensure safety due to the toxic nature of H2S. A study was conducted to synthesize an adsorbent that is made from coconut shell which is modified to form coconut shell-activated carbon xerogel (CSACX). The main objective is to determine the kinetic models’ equation and adsorption isotherms that are most suitable for the adsorption of hydrogen sulfide by using CSACX. Two parameters were studied which were the adsorbent mass and the gas temperature. The adsorption process could be mathematically represented using the Thomas Model, Yoon-Nelson Model, and Adam-Bohart. It is expected that the adsorption process is mathematically represented using the Thomas and Yoon-Nelson Model for both the effect of mass of adsorbent and effect of gas temperature. The kinetic models used were Pseudo-First Order and Pseudo-Second Order. Suitability of equation was determined by correlation coefficient (R2). The higher the R2, the more suitable the equation is to process. It is expected that the adsorption processes using the CSACX fit both pseudo-first and pseudo-second order equation. This means that both physisorption and chemisorption occur during the adsorption process.

The impact of final demand on energy sectors' interregional output

This study investigates the influence of aggregate demand on the interregional energy sector in Indonesia, aiming to ascertain whether the proximity of regions impacts the demand within the energy sector. Utilizing data from the Input-Output Indonesia Interregional Table, this research encompasses six regions: Sumatra, Java, Bali & Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Maluku & Papua. The energy sectors analyzed include oil, gas & geothermal mining, coal & lignite mining, coal industry & oil, gas refinery, and electricity and gas procurement & ice production. Findings indicate that the electricity sector exhibits relatively high sensitivity and dispersion power indices, whereas the gas procurement & ice production sectors display low sensitivity and dispersion power indices. Exports are identified as the primary contributors to the Oil, Gas, & Geothermal Mining and Coal & Lignite Mining sectors. Conversely, household consumption has the most significant impact on the other sectors. Crucially, the study reveals that the effect of a region's final demand on the output of another region is not directly correlated with geographical proximity. This insight leads to the recommendation that energy supply procurement policies should consider other regions' demands and economic developments, particularly those substantially influencing output enhancement.

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the health, safety and environment (HSE)culture questionnaire based on the OGP guide in process industries

Background and Objective: HSE culture is a part of the general culture of the organization, it is considered as a kind of management tool in reducing incidents and controlling unsafe behaviors in the organization. The purpose of this study was to present a valid and reliable tool in the field of HSE culture based on the OGP guide in process industries. Materials and Methods: The current research is an instrument-making study that was conducted in order to determine the validity and reliability of the HSE culture questionnaire among the employees of Shahid Hashminejad Gas Refinery. After studying various texts, and using World Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) guide to design related questions, quantitative and qualitative content validity by 10 experts, face validity (comprehensibility), reproducibility and internal consistency by 30 employees and construct validity was done by 410 employees. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis of the final version of the questionnaire including 34 questions in 6 dimensions of the observable program of HSE management, competence and awareness of the situation, communication, training of work procedures and human factors, incident management and HSE evaluation and audit confirmed. The average impact score, validity ratio, and validity index were 3.81, 0.82, and 0.92, respectively. (α = 0.94 and ICC = 0.975), which was within the acceptable range. Conclusion: Iranian HSE specialists can use this valid and reliable tool to evaluate the HSE culture of employees, especially in process industries, and use the findings as guidelines for effective health, safety and environmental interventions.

Design and simulation of rotating packed beds for an industrial acid gas enrichment process

Conventional packed beds are traditionally used for acid gas enrichment processes. Rotating packed beds (RPBs) are unique, compact and effective technology, which can easily replace conventional packed beds for process intensification purposes. Two scenarios are used to substitute Khangiran natural gas refinery enrichment column with a couple of specially designed RPBs. The first scheme mirrors the exact existing process, while the second scenario provides an additional rich solvent stream directly delivered to amine regeneration unit. Aspen Custom Modeler software is employed to perform the entire simulations. As expected, replacing conventional packed bed with RPBs can drastically reduce the geometries of the packed beds and leads to considerable decrease in lean amine consumption. The second scenario performs more adequately and reduces the lean methyl-diethanolamine (MDEA) flow rate entering the enrichment section from 6069 kmole/hr to 5100 kmole/hr. The required enrichment equipment volume is also reduced from 235 m3 to 7.7 m3 (<3% of original value) and the packing volume collapses about 78 folds (from 59 m3 to 0.75 m3). A thorough discussion is also provided on sensitivity analysis of the entire enrichment process versus various input variables (i.e.: RPBs rotational speeds, their operating pressures and the lean amine rate entering enrichment tower). Finally, the results of cost estimation revealed that using the second more optimal RPB scenario reduced both operating costs and captital investments by 15.4% and 85.4%, respectively.

Hydrogen Sulfide Adsorption from Natural Gas Using Silver-Modified 13X Molecular Sieve.

The removal of hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and other gases such as biogas, refinery gases, and coal gas is required because it is toxic and corrosive, even in traces. Zeolites are widely used in the removal of H2S from the abovementioned gases. In this work, we prepared an Ag-exchanged 13X molecular sieve by using different concentrations of AgNO3 to increase its adsorption properties. XRD, SEM, and BET techniques were used to characterize samples. To determine the adsorption properties of each of the samples, a laboratory setup with a fixed-bed adsorber was utilized. The adsorption capacity of modified 13X increased when the molar concentration of AgNO3 increased from 0.02 M to 0.05 M. However, the breakthrough time was attained quicker at a high molar concentration of 0.1 M AgNO3, indicating a low adsorption capacity. When compared to unmodified 13X, the adsorption capacity of AgII-13X increased by about 50 times. The results of this study suggest that the silver-modified 13X molecular sieve is highly effective at extracting H2S from natural gas.

IoT-Based Propane and Butane Pressure Measurement

Liquefied Potreleum Gas is a hydrocarbon containing two main gas components, propane, and butane, produced from oil and gas refineries Liquefied Potreleum Gas is a hydrocarbon containing two main gas components, propane, and butane, produced from oil and gas refineries. In this study, researchers will do the same thing in the IoT field but not in health monitoring but refer to Butane and Propane Gas Pressure Monitoring in LPG. Errors often occur when using an analog manometer (needle panel) when taking pressure measurements due to inaccurate measurements. There is a clear necessity for using digital manometers to ensure precise gas methane pressure measurement. The sensor receives data then the Arduino processes the data for conversion, the final results will be sent to the cloud using the esp8266 module and then forwarded to the smartphone as a monitoring user to see and also check gas conditions.

Environmental Risk Assessment of Hydrocarbon-Rich Sludge of a Gas Refinery Using the Integrated Approach of PMBOK Standard Risk Management and FMEA Technique: A Case Study

Background: The present study aimed to assess the potential hazards of hydrocarbon-rich gas refinery sludge from the South Pars Gas Complex-First Refinery, Iran, and to analyze how these risks could impact the project goals based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guidelines. Methods: Statistical population of this analytical, cross-sectional survey was 31 health, safety, and environment (HSE) experts from the study refinery selected by purposeful sampling. Environmental, health, safety, and technical risks were categorized and identified using the PMBOK guidelines. Delphi method and 5-point Likert scale questionnaire were employed to assess the significance of each risk. Priority one risks within each category were determined using Primavera Risk Analysis version 8.7 software. Results: Following three Delphi steps, 17 out of 77 primary risks were identified and finalized. The first rank with the highest weight corresponded to time and cost group (the risk of soil contamination via sludge stored in the burn pit due to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons), human resources group (radioactive materials accumulated on the inner surfaces of pipes, valves, pumps, heat exchangers, tanks, boilers and other equipment and the risk of these materials being hazardous for human health), and quality group (failure to supply equipment and quality control systems and personal protective equipment). Conclusion: The research findings pinpointed 17 risks within various domains, encompassing time and cost, human resources, quality, contract, scope, and communication. These identified risks necessitate a comprehensive, integrated approach to risk management for effective mitigation and resolution.

Structural Strength Degradation of Oil and Gas Refinery Equipment. Case Study: Heat Exchanger Tubes of Hydrocarbon Vapor

Structural Strength Degradation of Oil and Gas Refinery Equipment. Case Study: Heat Exchanger Tubes of Hydrocarbon Vapor