Salt Deposits Research Articles

Vertically aligned aerogel with concaved surface topography coupled ordered channel enable efficient solar-driven desalination

Solar-driven desalination has been regarded as a promising energy-saving and sustainable strategy to address the serious freshwater shortage issue. However, its performance is restricted by low solar energy utilization efficiency, water transport, and serious salt deposition. Herein, an efficient solar-driven interfacial evaporator with high solar energy utilization efficiency, fast water transport and robust salt tolerance was developed, via constructing vertically aligned sodium alginate (SA) aerogel with concave surface topography coupled ordered water transport channel structure. Concaved reflecting valley surface was assembled with 3D hierarchical photothermal networks of 2D MXene synergistic 1D carbon nanotube to enhance light absorption capacity. Concaved surface topography with multiple reflective nanostructure (angle 45°, depth 1.5 cm) owns strong sunlight concentration performance, which effectively avoid the light loss and thus enhance the light-absorption over a broad spectrum (0.3–2.5 μm). In another way, hydrophilic SA aerogel with vertically aligned structure, which also provides ordered channels for fast water/vapor transport and high salt rejection ability via strong wicking and diffusion effect. Solar-driven interfacial evaporator with such unique concaved surface topography that coupled ordered valley channels exhibits excellent evaporation rate (2.81kg m−2h−1) and remarkable solar energy utilizing efficiency (98.52 %), while with excellent antibacterial ability during continuously desalination process. Solar-driven interfacial evaporator with unique concaved surface topography coupled ordered valley channels holds great potential in sustainable water purification and desalination.

Interaction between PCB-Cu corrosion and electrochemical migration under the Coupling of electric field and thin liquid film

An in-situ monitoring and observation experimental setup was designed in the coupled environment of a thin liquid film and an electric field. The interactive development of PCB-Cu corrosion and electromigration under different bias voltages, salt concentrations, and liquid-film thicknesses was investigated, and an interactive model was proposed. The results showed that electromigration of copper was dominant at a high voltage of 3 V, whereas corrosion occurred without salt deposition at a low voltage of 1 V. The growth rate of the dendrites decreased with increasing liquid film thickness. In the presence of 1 g/m2 of NaCl, dendrite growth was absent because corrosion precipitation occurred before dendrite formation, thereby hindering the migration of copper ions. At a higher NaCl deposition density of 10 g/m2, the electromigration of copper became dominant, resulting in the formation of many short dendrites, evenly distributed on the cathode at a low voltage of 1 V. These observations are consistent with the results of the in-situ current monitoring tests.

Possibility assessment for using protective coatings and polymer materials on tubing to prevent inorganic scaling on the inner surface of pipes

AbstractThe inorganic scaling in wells is a common problem faced by mining companies. At present, the use of protective coatings for tubing as a measure to prevent or reduce the formation of inorganic scale deposits on pipe walls has not been fully studied. To use protective coatings as a measure to counteract the deposition of inorganic salts, it is necessary to develop a method that allows assessing the ability of coatings, as well as polymer and metal materials, to prevent the formation of inorganic scale deposits on the inner surface of pipes.The article proposes a method for assessing the ability of protective coatings to resist the inorganic scaling on the inner surface of tubing. The proposed assessment method allows to make an informed decision on the advisability of using internal protective coatings of tubing to prevent (or reduce) the formation of inorganic scale deposits. The authors consider design features of a test bench for assessing the resistance of coatings to inorganic scale deposits, which allows to simulate the conditions for the formation of scale deposits that are as close as possible to the real conditions of oil production facilities. The article presents the results of bench tests of nine coating samples, two polymer samples and one sample made of St 40G2 steel. To assess the effectiveness of using tubing with an internal anti-corrosion coating as a measure to combat scale deposits, additional research is required to assess the possibility of complex use of coatings in conjunction with other methods of preventing processes of inorganic scaling. Thus, the authors developed the Bench for assessing the resistance of protective coatings of tubing to inorganic scale deposits. A dynamic testing technique is proposed to evaluate the resistance of protective coatings to inorganic scale deposits. Based on the presented results, conclusions were drawn about the possibility of using protective coatings on tubing as a measure to prevent the formation of inorganic scale deposits on the inner surface of the tubing.

A Dynamic Cellular Model as an Emerging Platform to Reproduce the Complexity of Human Vascular Calcification In Vitro.

Vascular calcification (VC) is a cardiovascular disease characterized by calcium salt deposition in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Standard in vitro models used in VC investigations are based on VSMC monocultures under static conditions. Although these platforms are easy to use, the absence of interactions between different cell types and dynamic conditions makes these models insufficient to study key aspects of vascular pathophysiology. The present study aimed to develop a dynamic endothelial cell-VSMC co-culture that better mimics the in vivo vascular microenvironment. A double-flow bioreactor supported cellular interactions and reproduced the blood flow dynamic. VSMC calcification was stimulated with a DMEM high glucose calcification medium supplemented with 1.9 mM NaH2PO4/Na2HPO4 (1:1) for 7 days. Calcification, cell viability, inflammatory mediators, and molecular markers (SIRT-1, TGFβ1) related to VSMC differentiation were evaluated. Our dynamic model was able to reproduce VSMC calcification and inflammation and evidenced differences in the modulation of effectors involved in the VSMC calcified phenotype compared with standard monocultures, highlighting the importance of the microenvironment in controlling cell behavior. Hence, our platform represents an advanced system to investigate the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying VC, providing information not available with the standard cell monoculture.

Antibacterial Janus cellulose/MXene paper with exceptional salt rejection for sustainable and durable solar-driven desalination

The scarcity of freshwater resources and increasing demand for drinking water have driven the development of durable and sustainable desalination technologies. Although MXene composites have shown promise due to their excellent photothermal conversion and high thermal conductivity, their high hydrophilicity often leads to salt precipitation and low durability. In this study, we present a novel Cellulose (CF)/MXene paper with a Janus hydrophobic/hydrophilic configuration for long-term and efficient solar-driven desalination. The paper features a dual-layer structure, with the upper hydrophobic layer composed of CF/MXene paper exhibiting convexness to serve as a photothermal layer with exceptional salt rejection properties. Simultaneously, the bottom porous layer made of CF acts as an efficient thermal insulation. This unique design effectively minimizes heat loss and facilitates efficient water transportation. The Janus CF/MXene paper demonstrates a high evaporation rate of 1.11 kg m−2h−1 and solar thermal conversion efficiency of 82.52 % under 1 sun irradiation. Importantly, even after 2500 h of operation in a simulated seawater environment, the paper maintains a stable evaporation rate without significant salt deposition and biodegradation due to an antibacterial rate exceeding 90 %. These findings highlight the potential of the Janus CF/MXene paper for scalable manufacturing and practical applications in solar-driven desalination.

Late Paleocene paleoclimate recorded in fluid inclusion of halite in Subei basin, East China

Salt deposits are indicative of relatively extreme climate events. However, due to insufficient independent temperature proxies, paleotemperature records obtained from salt deposition are still lack. The Paleocene evaporite sequence deposited in the Hongze Depression of Subei Basin of eastern China provides an important terrestrial sediment record during this period. In this study we present total of 488 homogenization temperature (Th) data of halite fluid inclusions from drilling core with different stratigraphic depth after detailed petrological observation. The obtained Th ranged from 17.7 °C to 52.3 °C, with the mean Th value of 34.1 °C that in good agreement with the previous studies of climatic proxies. Our study shows that primary fluid inclusions of halite can serve as a robust tool to construct the ancient earth surface temperature.

DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF A MODULE FOR CALCULATING THE PARAMETERS OF SCALE INHIBITORS SQUEEZE TREATMENT

Inorganic scale (salt) deposition in the oil and gas industry is a serious and widespread problem that requires timely measures for effective control and management. The process of formation and deposition of mineral salts depends on a large number of changing factors, which creates additional difficulties for predicting and controlling scale formation processes. The fields of Eastern Siberia, the formation waters of which belong to the category of brines with a mineralization of 250 g/l and more (in some cases more than 600 g/l), are characterized by the scale formation of complex composition (sulfate, carbonate and chloride salts). Scale deposits can occur in the near-wellbore zone of the formation, which can lead to a significant decrease in the productivity of production wells. Many fields in Eastern Siberia have a number of features that complicate their operation. Among them are low reservoir temperature (10–14 °C), reservoir pressure close to the saturation pressure and salinity (halitization) of the reservoir. In the practice of the global oil and gas industry, it has been repeatedly proven that the implementation of technologies to prevent scale deposits is much more technologically and economically efficient than removing already formed sediments. In this regard, the use of scale inhibitors (SI) is one of the key methods to combat the formation of salts. When scale deposits lead to disruption of the operation of submersible well equipment, technologies for continuous or periodic dosing of SI into the annulus of the well can be effective. To protect the bottomhole zone of the formation from scale deposits, the priority technology should be the injection of scale inhibitors or squeeze treatment into the formation under pressure.In this work, based on a set of laboratory filtration experiments, a module has been developed that allows calculating the volumes of scale inhibitor and process fluids required for SI squeeze into the reservoir. The successful results of two operations of SI squeeze into the formation of horizontal wells for protection against deposits of sulfate salts are shown.

A NEW MID-MIOCENE WOOD FROM OCNA DEJ SALT MINE

Ocna Dej is an iconic locality for salt mining in Transylvania, being located in the north - north-western area of the Middle Miocene sedimentary basin of Transylvania. In this salt the fossils are rare and refer strictly to plant remains (fragments of wood, pine cones, etc.). A sample of charred wood collected from the area of Ocna Dej salt deposit of Middle Badenian age (Wielician) was submitted to a microscopic study for a taxonomic assignation. It was identified as Cupressinoxylon sp. aff. Thujoxylon sp. as a remain of the synchronous vegetation. This wood type is found for the first time in Ocna Dej salt and could contributes to the paleo-environmental reconstruction of this area. Obviously, wildfires occurred at that time around the marine sedimentary basin of Transylvania.

Wellbore salt-deposition risk prediction of underground gas storage combining numerical modeling and machine learning methodology

Strengthening the construction of underground gas storage (UGS) is significant for securing national energy and achieving carbon neutrality. However, salt deposition occurs in the wellbore affecting the safety of UGS seriously. How to predict the salt-deposition risk in UGS wells accurately and quickly is still challenging. This work aims at establishing a fast and convenient framework of wellbore salt-deposition risk prediction in UGS wells. Firstly, the influence of the production parameters on wellbore salt-deposition is analyzed by an in-house simulator. Further, an intelligent diagnostic model of salt-deposition risk is proposed based on the machine learning algorithm. The effect of salt deposition on reservoir is analyzed by reservoir salt-deposition simulation model. Finally, downhole video survey is used to validate the modeling accuracy of diagnostic model. Results indicate that the contribution ratio of daily gas production and water-gas-ratio to wellbore salt deposition is 3:2. After the salt deposition, the reduction in water saturation and the permeability of near wellbore areas are 77.14 % and 98.91 %. The modeling accuracy of diagnostic model is 97 %, which is applied in the Y UGS successfully. The proposed framework can predict the salt-deposition risk of UGS wells in real time to help engineers control salt clogging issues.

High-temperature hot corrosion kinetics of PVD Ti1-xAlxN coatings on Nimonic c-263

The high-temperature hot corrosion (HTHC) behavior of Ti1-xAlxN-coated c-263 alloy was studied with- and without a Na2SO4/MgSO4 salt mixture at 850 °C in a SOx-rich atmosphere. In absence of the salt deposit, both, the bare c-263 alloy and cathodic arc evaporated Ti1-xAlxN specimens follow a quasi-cubic corrosion rate. However, when exposed to salt under identical conditions, the rates increase significantly, featuring a compounded parabolic-linear rate law for the c-263 alloy, and a parabolic-like rate behavior for Ti1-xAlxN-coated specimens. The rate-determining step of the HTHC mechanism was attributed to a nitride-to-oxide transformation, followed by a sequential fluxing of the formed oxides.

Determination of the efflorescence defects on concrete and plaster surfaces using a novel deep-learning model

Efflorescence is a common problem in concrete and masonry structures. It occurs when soluble salts in the material are dissolved by water, and then carried to the surface where the water evaporates, leaving behind the salt deposits. In recent years, the construction industry has seen the development of deep learning methods to detect defects and damages such as efflorescence during the service life of structures. These advanced techniques offer more efficient and accurate ways to identify and address issues, improving the overall quality and durability of structures. This study aims to identify efflorescence damage using an innovative deep-learning model. In this scope, 617 different images were taken showing efflorescence defects on concrete and plaster surfaces. A custom dataset was created by labeling the efflorescence regions from the images taken and this dataset was trained using the YOLOv8x model. The accuracy, recall, precision, mAP50, and mAP50-95 performance measures obtained from the YOLOv8x model are 0.962, 0.902,0.991, 0.851, and 0.6334 respectively. According to these performance metrics, efflorescence damage was considerably detected. Finally, the model was tested by taking efflorescence damage images from different concrete and plaster surfaces. The study indicated that detecting efflorescence defects on light-colored surfaces in the model was difficult, with a low detectability rate. Algorithms can be developed to detect efflorescence damage more effectively on light-colored surfaces.

CircTOP1 targeted regulation of PTBP1 expression promotes the progression of coronary artery calcification

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a hallmark event in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, involving the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) towards an osteogenic state. Despite this understanding, the molecular mechanisms governing the VSMC osteogenic switch remain incompletely elucidated. Here, we sought to examine the potential role of circular RNA (circRNA) in the context of CAC. Through transcriptome analysis of circRNA-seq, we identified circTOP1 as a potential candidate circRNA in individuals with CAC. Furthermore, we observed that overexpression of circTOP1 exacerbated vascular calcification in a CAC model. Subsequent pull-down assays revealed an interaction between circTOP1 and PTBP1, a putative target gene of circTOP1 in the context of CAC. In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, we observed heightened expression of circTOP1 and PTBP1 in the CAC model, and noted that reducing circTOP1 expression effectively reduced calcium salt deposits and mineralized nodules in model mice. Additionally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that overexpression of PTBP1 reversed the weakening of signaling caused by silencing circTOP1, thereby exacerbating the osteogenic transition and calcification of VSMC. Collectively, our findings suggested that circTOP1 promotes CAC by modulating PTBP1 expression to mediate VSMC transdifferentiation.

Isolation, Identification and Survival Strategy of <i>Dietzia maris</i> MX2 Halotolerant Strain from the Yakshinskoe Mineral Salts Deposit

Halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms have a high biotechnological potential. They are producers of biologically active substances, stress-protective agents, hydrolytic enzymes, and are used for environmental bioremediation. At the same time, the characterization of novel halotolerant bacteria and the disclosure of their salt tolerance strategy are topical fundamental problems. In the present work, a new strain MX2 was isolated from the salt well brine of the Yakshinskoe potassium-magnesium salt deposit. The isolate is represented by aerobic gram-positive non-motile bacteria that do not produce spores. The cell morphology varies from cocci to short rods that are capable of producing V-shaped forms. Colonies on the surface of agar nutrient medium were circular with an entire edge and raised center, glistening and orange. Bacteria of strain MX2 are halotolerant microorganisms capable of growing at NaCl concentrations up to 9%. Strain MX2 was sequenced. Its size was estimated at 3747717 b. p., the number of protein-coding genes — 3562. Strain MX2 was identified as belonging to the species Dietzia maris based on analysis of 16S rRNA, gyrB, rpoB, recA, ppk gene sequences and using time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). D. maris MX2 has complete metabolic pathways for the synthesis of ectoine, hydroxyectoine, and trehalose, as well as transport systems for ectoine, hydroxyectoine, trehalose, glycerol, glycerol-3-phosphate, L-proline, and glycine-betaine. Thus, to ensure the osmotic balance, D. maris MX2 uses the strategy of accumulating compatible organic solutes.

Sediment microbial communities of a technogenic saline-alkaline reservoir

Various natural saline and alkaline habitats have recently been widely investigated, but knowledge of anthropogenic habitats with more complex environmental conditions is still lacking. This research looks at the structure of microbial communities in 18 bottom sediment samples from a technogenic water body with saline and alkaline composition. The core samples were collected from 2 columns in the western and eastern parts of an artificial water body at the Verkhnekamskoe Salt Deposit (Russia). The microbial community structure was studied using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The bottom sediment composition (salinity, pH, and toxic element content) varies greatly with depth and laterally throughout the study area. The study found a considerable difference in bacterial community diversity between the 2 columns, but no considerable difference was found between the communities at various depths of the studied layers. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria, which are common in both natural and artificial saline and alkaline environments, make up the majority of the bacteria found in the samples. Studies have shown that salinity and total alkalinity are the key factors influencing the formation of microbial communities. Ralstonia and Pseudomonas were the two most common genera in the sediment samples. These two genera are known for having high metabolic flexibility, which means they can survive in extreme environments and use a variety of carbon compounds as energy sources. The study also found that Ralstonia is indicator bacteria in samples with the highest concentrations of toxic elements compared to the other samples. A relatively high microbial diversity was discovered in the studied anthropogenic water reservoir despite the extreme alkaline and saline conditions, but it is considerably lower than that found in natural, less alkaline habitats. This research offers insight into the mechanisms behind microbial community formation in complex anthropogenic environments and covers key factors in microbial community distribution.

Chemical composition from photos: Dried solution drops reveal a morphogenetic tree

Under nonequilibrium conditions, inorganic systems can produce a wealth of life-like shapes and patterns which, compared to well-formed crystalline materials, remain widely unexplored. A seemingly simple example is the formation of salt deposits during the evaporation of sessile droplets. These evaporites show great variations in their specific patterns including single rings, creep, small crystals, fractals, and featureless disks. We have explored the patterns of 42 different salts at otherwise constant conditions. Based on 7,500 images, we show that distinct pattern families can be identified and that some salts (e.g., Na2SO4 and NH4NO3) are bifurcated creating two distinct motifs. Family affiliations cannot be predicted a priori from composition alone but rather emerge from the complex interplay of evaporation, crystallization, thermodynamics, capillarity, and fluid flow. Nonetheless, chemical composition can be predicted from the deposit pattern with surprisingly high accuracy even if the set of reference images is small. These findings suggest possible applications including smartphone-based analyses and lightweight tools for space missions.

Salt tectonics synchronous with salt deposition in the Santos Basin (Ariri Formation, Brazil)

Halokinetic deformations synchronous with salt deposition are processes already suggested in several salt giants including the Lower Cretaceous salt deposits of the Santos Basin in Brazil. However, the dynamics of syn-depositional deformation has never been studied in a coherent depositional and structural framework. This study investigates well data and high-resolution 3D seismic images in the evaporitic Ariri Formation of the Santos Basin to understand the intra-salt deformations, estimate their timing and establish a link with the depositional setting of the evaporites. The seismic data shows numerous examples of intra-salt onlaps, erosive surfaces and sedimentary wedges highlighting the occurrence of deformations during salt deposition. Two dominant processes have initiated salt creep: the density contrasts between a dense upper anhydrite-rich unit and a less dense lower halite-dominated unit and the gravitational system promoted by the late-rift subsidence. Updip, extension prevailed during salt deposition and favored a boudinage of the Ariri Formation. Downdip, early contraction favored the development of well-developed intra-salt minibasins. Deformation occurring during salt deposition and induced topographic relief likely influenced the hydrological conditions. It probably led to intra-salt dissolution/reprecipitation processes and hyper-saline conditions favoring the precipitation of tachyhydrite deposits in localized intra-salt depocenters. Eventually, post-salt minibasins systematically developed above syn-salt depocenters, indicating that syn-salt deposition deformation had a strong impact on post-salt evolution. This new understanding of the intra-salt deformation in the Santos Basin paves the way for new interpretations of halokinetic deformations reported elsewhere in the South Atlantic or in other salt-giant provinces.

GALNT3 Mutation in Hyperphosphatemic Familial Tumoral Calcinosis – Novel Etiology of Secondary Amyloidosis

Tumoral calcinosis is a rare syndrome characterized by calcium salt deposition in different periarticular soft tissue regions. We report this case of tumoral calcinosis with history of persistent soft tissue calcifications for over three decades. He presented with nephrotic syndrome and kidney biopsy revealed secondary amyloidosis. Genetic evaluation revealed GALNT3 mutation and diagnosis of hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis was made. With this case report, we want to reiterate the need to consider tumoral calcinosis in secondary amyloidosis differentials and the pivotal role of genetic workup in chronic soft tissue calcifications.

Testing of magnesium complexates of nitrilotrimethylene phosphonic acid to prevent metal corrosion and salt deposits

Testing of magnesium complexates of nitrilotrimethylene phosphonic acid to prevent metal corrosion and salt deposits

Artificial intelligence-driven assessment of salt caverns for underground hydrogen storage in Poland

This study explores the feasibility of utilizing bedded salt deposits as sites for underground hydrogen storage. We introduce an innovative artificial intelligence framework that applies multi-criteria decision-making and spatial data analysis to identify the most suitable locations for storing hydrogen in salt caverns. Our approach integrates a unified platform with eight distinct machine-learning algorithms—KNN, SVM, LightGBM, XGBoost, MLP, CatBoost, GBR, and MLR—creating rock salt deposit suitability maps for hydrogen storage. The performance of these algorithms was evaluated using various metrics, including Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Correlation Coefficient (R2), compared against an actual dataset. The CatBoost model demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving an R2 of 0.88, MSE of 0.0816, MAE of 0.1994, RMSE of 0.2833, and MAPE of 0.0163. The novel methodology, leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, offers a unique perspective in assessing the potential of underground hydrogen storage. This approach is a valuable asset for various stakeholders, including government bodies, geological services, renewable energy facilities, and the chemical/petrochemical industry, aiding them in identifying optimal locations for hydrogen storage.

Effect of pillar width on the stability of the salt cavern field for energy storage

Abstract Effective planning of the cavern field involves determining the optimal pillar width between the caverns and the feasible number of caverns based on geological and mining conditions. The proper design of the pillar width is crucial to ensure the stability of the cavern field and the rational utilization of the rock salt deposit. The stability of the pillars is a complex problem influenced by various factors, including rock salt creep, changes in the cavern pressure during operational cycles, mechanical parameters, and failure criteria of the rock salt. To address this problem, the stability of the cavern field in relation to the number of caverns and pillar widths is evaluated. The evaluation is based on the following criteria: displacements, von Mises stress, strength/stress ratio, and safety factor. Three variations of pillar width and three variants of cavern fields, differing in the number of caverns, are considered. Results show that the allowable pillar width is affected by the number of caverns in the cavern field. Moreover, the stability analysis reveals uneven stress and deformation distribution in the cavern field. When the pillar width is 2.0–3.0 times the diameter of a cavern, pillars at the centre exhibit poorer stability than those at the edges of the cavern field. However, with a narrower pillar width, the highest displacements occur at the field's edges. The findings of this study provide a valuable date in the planning, design, and operation of new cavern fields for the underground storage of energy sources such as oil, natural gas, hydrogen, and compressed air in rock salt deposits.