Petroleum Utilization Research Articles

Catalytic engineering of transition metal (TM: Ni, Pd, Pt)-coordinated Ge-doped graphitic carbon nitride (Ge@g-c3n4) nanostructures for petroleum hydrocarbon separation: An outlook from theoretical calculations

The extraction, processing, and utilization of petroleum often results in the release of diverse hydrocarbon pollutants into the environment, leading to severe ecological and health implications. Herein, the adsorption and separation of ethane (EAN), ethene (EEN), ethyne (EYN), and benzene (BZN) fractions of paraffin, olefin, acetylene, and aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons were investigated via the catalytically engineered nickel group transition metals; nickel (Ni), palladium (Pd), and platinum (Pt). These transition metals were coordinated on Germanium-doped graphitic carbon nitride (Ge@g-C3N4) nanostructures, and the behavior of the systems was studied through Kohn–Sham density functional theory (KS-DFT) with the B3LYP–D3(BJ)/Def2-SVP computational method. The adsorption of petroleum hydrocarbons decreased in the order Ge_Ni@C3N4 > Ge_Pd@C3N4 > Ge_Pt@C3N4>Ge_Pt@C3N4. These results showed that the coordination of Ni, Pd, and Pt within Ge@C3N4 improved the separation of petroleum hydrocarbons.

Utilization of Petroleum and Natural Gas on the Sustainable Development of Indonesian Economy

Throughout the history of national development, petroleum and natural gas have played a vital and strategic role, serving as essential energy sources for various economic activities. The petroleum and gas sector also contributes significantly to state revenue through the management of these resources. The author aims to discuss the appropriate utilization of petroleum and natural gas and its potential to enhance economic income in Indonesia. Petroleum and natural gas, as valuable resources, exist in liquid and solid forms within the earth's reservoirs. Indonesia possesses vast reserves of petroleum and gas, with numerous untapped fields remaining. Utilizing these resources effectively can lead to increased state revenue. Given their significance as essential commodities in the national economy, managing petroleum and natural gas is crucial for optimizing prosperity and welfare for the population.

Assessment of location and energy utility options for the implementation of pyrolytic biocrude production

Improve overall economics and sustainability of biofuels production by making the best use of byproducts from biomass pyrolytic processes towards energy utilities by leveraging locational consumers and available infrastructure.

Mesoscale Aggregation of Sulfur-Rich Asphaltenes: In Situ Microscopy and Coarse-Grained Molecular Simulation.

Asphaltene aggregation is critical to many natural and industrial processes, from groundwater contamination and remediation to petroleum utilization. Despite extensive research in the past few decades, the fundamental process of sulfur-rich asphaltene aggregation still remains not fully understood. In this work, we have investigated the particle-by-particle growth of aggregates formed with sulfur-rich asphaltene by a combined approach of in situ microscopy and molecular simulation. The experimental results show that aggregates assembled from sulfur-rich asphaltene have morphologies with time-dependent structural self-similarity, and their growth rates are aligned with a crossover behavior between classic reaction-limited aggregation and diffusion-limited aggregation. Although the particle size distribution predicted using the Smoluchowski equation deviates from the observations at the initial stage, it provides a reasonable prediction of aggregate size distribution at the later stage, even if the observed cluster coalescence has an important effect on the corresponding cluster size distribution. The simulation results show that aliphatic sulfur exerts nonmonotonic effects on asphaltene nanoaggregate formation depending on the asphaltene molecular structure. Specifically, aliphatic sulfur has a profound effect on the structure of rod-like nanoaggregates, especially when asphaltene molecules have small aromatic cores. Interactions between aliphatic sulfur and the side chain of neighboring molecules account for the repulsive forces that largely explain the polydispersity in the nanoaggregates and corresponding colloidal aggregates. These results can improve our current understanding of the complex process of sulfur-rich asphaltene aggregation and sheds light on designing efficient crude oil utilization and remediation technologies.

Efficiently Selective Oxidation of H2S to Elemental Sulfur over Covalent Triazine Framework Catalysts.

As a highly toxic and corrosive waste gas in the industry, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) usually originates from the utilization of coal, petroleum, and natural gas. The selective catalytic elimination of H2S shows great significance to ensure the safety of industrial processes and health of human beings. Herein, we report efficiently selective oxidation of H2S to elemental sulfur over covalent triazine framework (CTF-1-x, x = 400, 500, 600, 400-600 °C) catalysts. CTF-1-x samples were prepared from polymerization of 1,4-dicyanobenzene to form polyaryl triazine networks under ion solidothermal conditions in the presence of ZnCl2, which acts as both an initiator and a porogen. The resultant CTF-1-x samples possess abundant micro-mesoporosity, large Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas, and tunable structural base sites with edge amine and graphitic nitrogen characteristics, which were homogeneously decorated onto their frameworks. As a result, CTF-1-x samples act as efficient and long-lived catalysts in selective oxidation of H2S to sulfur under ambient conditions (100% H2S conversion, 100% sulfur selectivity at 180 °C, 12 000 mL/(g·h)), and their activities were superior to those of commercial Fe2O3 and g-C3N4 desulfurization catalysts. Abundant nitrogen structural base sites of CTF-1-x effectively activate the reactants, and abundant micro-mesoporosity facilitates mass transfer in and out of CTF-1-x. The improved design of the nitrogen-doped carbon material for H2S activation and conversion could enhance the development of more active and robust nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts.

Physiological Functions of Bacterial “Multidrug” Efflux Pumps

Bacterial multidrug efflux pumps have come to prominence in human and veterinary pathogenesis because they help bacteria protect themselves against the antimicrobials used to overcome their infections. However, it is increasingly realized that many, probably most, such pumps have physiological roles that are distinct from protection of bacteria against antimicrobials administered by humans. Here we undertake a broad survey of the proteins involved, allied to detailed examples of their evolution, energetics, structures, chemical recognition, and molecular mechanisms, together with the experimental strategies that enable rapid and economical progress in understanding their true physiological roles. Once these roles are established, the knowledge can be harnessed to design more effective drugs, improve existing microbial production of drugs for clinical practice and of feedstocks for commercial exploitation, and even develop more sustainable biological processes that avoid, for example, utilization of petroleum.

Estimation of crude oil price using unscented kalman filter

The stock market and commodity relation is one of the most attractive issues for investors. A problem in one stock market can affect another advertise cost files. Raw petroleum Prices are affected by political conditions and factors related to the weather, and oil has moreoverplayed a key jobin the world economy despite the fact that its inclination changes from time to time. The instability of oil costs can be thought about by assessing world raw petroleum costs, thereby prediction can made to see at the point at the point when world oil costs fall or rise and to decide arrangements on the buy and utilization of unrefined petroleum. In this study methods of estimating the crude oil prices were applied to decide government strategies regarding the world crude oil. The purpose of this examination was to assess the prices of raw petroleum by applying the Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) method and Kalman Filter (KF) technique. The simulations results suggested that the KF strategy has a high precision of not exactly 3% and the KF technique has precision of not exactly 7%.

Maintain Sustainable Development Environment: Exports of Crude Petroleum, Coal, Natural Gas and Gross Domestic Product in Indonesia

The utilization of crude petroleum, coal and natural gas becomes an interesting topic because it does not only imply the national sustainable development goals (SDGs) but also becomes a source of state revenue in the form of exports to finance the state budget (in Indonesian, APBN), as in Indonesia. The objectives of the research are: (1) to examine the contribution of crude petroleum export value to GDP; (2) to examine the contribution of coal export value to GDP and (3) to examine the contribution of natural gas export value to Indonesia's GDP. This study uses quantitative approach under the type of associative research. The main data source of the study used in this research is secondary data published annually by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 1981-2014. To test the contribution of independent variable to the dependent variable, multiple linear regression analysis tools is used based on the value of Standardized Coefficients Beta. The results showed that with One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test, the data was normally distributed. The classical autocorrelation assumption test obtained the result of Durbin-Watson that was 1,275 so that there is no autocorrelation in the data. The VIF value of each independent variable was less than 10 with tolerance value bigger than 0.01 so it did not contain multicollinearity problems. Heteroskedasticity test using Spearman's rho obtained result that data free from assumption of heteroscedasticity. The Heteroskedasticity test using Spearman's rho resulted that the data was free from the assumption of heteroscedasticity. Meanwhile, the results of the hypothesis testing are: (1) there is a positive contribution of export value of crude petroleum to GDP, but not significant; (2) there is a positive and significant contribution of coal exports to GDP and (3) natural gas has an insignificant negative contribution to GDP. These results indicate that Indonesian coal has a comparative and competitive advantage, and the opportunity to meet the international market remains wide open. In contrast to crude petroleum, crude petroleum exporting countries incorporated in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) limit the amount of production to maintain international price stability.

Evaluation of ground pollution by hydrocarbons using Rock-Eval pyrolysis

Abstract The exploration and utilization of petroleum are potential hazards to the environment. Successful determination of petroleum contamination in ground relies on accurate definition of the type, source and quantity of contaminant. For this purpose the Rock-Eval® pyrolysis was applied, which is a rapid quantitative (Bulk Rock method) and qualitative (fractional composition using Multi-Heating Rates method) technique. Results of Rock-Eval analysis of 13 samples of concrete and 2 samples of gravel taken from the different sites of the petrol station indicate the highest concentration of light hydrocarbons (gasoline and naphtha fractions), up to over 5% wt. in the direct proximity of petrol pumps. Similarly high contamination (almost 4%wt.), was found near fuel tanks. Here the highest contribution has lubricating oil fraction and the tankers providing fuels are probably the source of this pollution. In the gravel collected in the vicinity of the fuel tanks high concentration (over 5 wt.%) of non-pyrolyzable carbon (soot) was recorded, the source of which are probably diesel engines of fuel tankers supplying fuel.

Performance and emission reduction characteristics of cerium oxide nanoparticle-water emulsion biofuel in diesel engine with modified coated piston.

In the present scenario, the utilization of petroleum fuel is expanding forcefully worldwide in the vitality store and plays a highly hazardous role in the ecological system. Biofuel stands out among the most tenable keys for this issue. The lemongrass oil is used as a biofuel because of low density and viscosity when compared with diesel. The lemongrass oil is extracted by steam distillation process. In the present investigation, partially stabilized zirconium, due to its higher thermal conductivity, is selected as coating material. The top surface of the piston and the inlet and exhaust valves are coated up to the preferred thickness of 500μm by the plasma spray technique. The lemongrass emulsion fuel is prepared in the proportion of 94% of lemongrass oil, 5% of water, and 1% of surfactant span 80. The nanoparticles of cerium oxide were used with lemongrass oil (LGO) nano-emulsion in the measurement of 30ppm. The four-stroke diesel engine execution, ignition, and the outflow extent were contrasted in the diesel and lemongrass oil (LGO) compared with the base diesel engine. The performance characteristic curves of lemongrass-cerium oxide nano-emulsion fuel show the increase in brake thermal efficiency of 17.21% when compared with the mineral diesel fuel. The emission characteristics of lemongrass-cerium oxide nano-emulsion fuel show a drop in hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emission by 16.21% and 15.21%, respectively, when compared with base diesel fuel and also there is a decrease in oxides of nitrogen and smoke emission by 24.1% and 6.3%, respectively, when compared to mineral diesel fuel.

Catalytic Conversion of Ethanol to Liquid Hydrocarbons by Tin-Promoted Raney Nickel Supported on Alumina

The vast utilization of petroleum majorly affects the economy and the environment. Due to this impact, researchers have shown a great interest in synthesizing of biomass-derived products, and these...

Entropy-weighted comprehensive evaluation of petroleum flow in China during 1980–2015

Abstract Based on a Material Flow Analysis (MFA) framework, a system of Material Flow Indicators for Petroleum Flows (MFIs-PF) in China during 1980–2015 was established and Comprehensively Evaluated (CE) using the entropy method. The comprehensive evaluation represented petroleum flows efficiency in terms of three different aspects: petroleum inputs, flows, and outputs. The CE results showed that petroleum flows efficiency exhibited a slow increase by 45%, with fluctuations for the period 1980–2015. However, there were significant differences among the developmental trajectories of the MFIs-PF. With respect to inputs indicators, direct petroleum inputs occupied the biggest weight in MFIs-PF system, furthermore, the direct petroleum inputs and dependence on petroleum imports grew rapidly, increasing from 106 million tonnes and 0.3% in 1980 to 550 million tonnes and 61% in 2015, respectively. Regarding flows indicators, the growth rate of petroleum production was slower than that of petroleum consumption, and the average of elasticity of petroleum production and consumption were approximately 0.23 and 0.73, respectively. In addition, the increase of the net addition to stocks reduced fluctuations in CE since 2010. Output indicators played a negative role in the development of petroleum flow efficiency and increased environmental load. Petroleum-related CO2 emissions grew by 4.3 times with the increase in petroleum consumption from 1980 to 2015 and expected to peak in 2035. While indirect CO2 emissions of petroleum flows processes fluctuated within the range of 96–217 kg CO2/t petroleum, with an average of 153 kg CO2/t petroleum. Driven by the policies, broadening the sources of petroleum imports, increasing domestic petroleum stock, and improving the efficiency of petroleum utilization are effective measures to increase the petroleum flows efficiency.

Degradation of crude oil (Escravos light) by Pseudomonas strains isolated from poultry droppings and cow dung

Poultry manure and cow dung have been established as potential material for the bioremediation of petroleum polluted sites, with emphasis on nutrient addition. Our aim was to isolate from poultry droppings and cow dung bacteria with ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons. Bacteria were isolated from poultry droppings and cow dung by continuous enrichment and vapor transfer techniques. Petroleum utilization by each isolate was confirmed in carbon free medium containing Escravos crude oil (1%). The two best isolates were selected for further study. Isolates were identified by Analytical Profile Index (API). Antibiotic sensitivity was determined by multidisc. Growth was assayed in broth culture by plate count. Residual oil was determined by Gas Chromatography equipped with Flame Ionisation detector (GC-FID). The isolates were putatively identified as Pseudomonas putida (MP2) and Pseudomonas sp. (MC4). Both isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol and tarivid. They resisted amoxicillin and gentamycin, augmentin, sparfloxacin and septrin. The growth rates were 0.17 and 0.23/day for strains MP2 and MC4 respectively, while the organisms degraded 88.39% and 89.06 % of crude oil respectively in 20 days. Aliphathic hydrocarbons in the range C11 to C22 were mostly reduced to less than 20%, while C22 – C26 disappeared completely within the same period in both cases. Bacteria capable of extensive degradation of Escravos crude oil were isolated from poultry droppings and cow dung. Such isolates could be veritable candidates for bioaugmentation of hydrocarbon polluted environmental compartments.

Socio-Economic Implication of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Project in Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Notably, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) project is the pioneer Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant in Nigeria, aimed at both the diversification of the petroleum industry and utilization of the vastly flared natural gas resources of the nation. However, large scale energy projects have been known to generate both positive and/or negative impacts. Environmental Management Plans (EMP) have often been the compendium of information on approved mitigations, which normally include activities that could maximize the benefits of the host communities, and it’s not unusual for the Community Development and Corporate Social Responsibility (CDCSR) department of such an organization to be saddled with these contributions. But the activities of Nigeria LNG Ltd.’s CSR department have often been the source of criticism, as well as aspiration for improvement by host communities and other stake holders. This article thus aims to present a comprehensive compendium of NLNG’s CDCSR activities, up to the year 2010, and also highlight the level of satisfaction of the immediate and distant host communities against the level of performance of other donors in the area. Also the arrays of negative socio-economic consequences of the Nigeria LNG Ltd.’s activities were identified based on community perception. The results generally showed that comparatively, NLNG project has made more innovative positive socio-economic and health contributions to its areas of operation than the three tiers of government and other donors (including SPDC and Mobil Producing Nigeria). Surprisingly, agitations against Nigeria LNG Ltd.’s activities have not overshadowed its community development provisions, which have been of major assistance in several communities. There is however a dire need to review several aspects of Nigeria LNG Ltd.’s CDCSR activities, especially in the fulfilment of documented promises, as well as in project conception and community participation, for better completed projects acceptance by indigenous host communities. Conflict management strategies also need to be improved, while the dissatisfaction over benefits in New Finima needs to be urgently addressed.

Analysis of Applicability of Nanosensors in Explosion and Fire Safety Systems of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Production, Storage, and Utilization Facilities. Part 2*

The basic characteristics of developed nanosensors of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vapors are submitted. The applicability of these devices in explosion and fire safety systems of LPG producing, storing, and utilizing facilities is analyzed.

Experimental Investigation of Heat Transfer Characteristics of Calcined Petroleum Coke Fin-and-Tube Waste Heat Exchanger

The experimental system of waste heat utilization exchanger, installed in the tank calcined furnace, was built. The heat transfer coefficient of heat exchanger, temperature distribution of calcined petroleum coke and utilization ratio of waste heat were systematically studied. The results showed that with the increase of calcined petroleum coke velocity, the heat transfer coefficient of heat exchanger increases. The utilization ratio of waste heat increases first and then decreases. With the increase of water velocity, the heat transfer coefficient of heat exchanger increases. Compared with light-andtube heat exchanger, the heat transfer performances of fin-and-tube heat exchanger increase. The average steam producing rate and the average utilization ratio of waste heat increase. The average temperature of calcined petroleum coke in heat exchanger outlet decreases. The uniformity degree of temperature in heat exchanger outlet increases.

Optimization of Biohydrogen Production with Biomechatronics

Massive utilization of petroleum and natural gas caused fossil fuel shortages. Consequently, a large amount of carbon dioxide and other pollutants are produced and induced environmental impact. Hydrogen is considered a clean and alternative energy source. It contains relatively high amount of energy compared with other fuels and by‐product is water. In this study, the combination of ultrasonic mechanical and biological effects is utilized to increase biohydrogen production from dark fermentation bacteria. The hydrogen production is affected by many process conditions. For obtaining the optimal result, experimental design is planned using the Taguchi Method. Four controlling factors, the ultrasonic frequency, energy, exposure time, and starch concentration, are considered to calculate the highest hydrogen production by the Taguchi Method. Under the best operating conditions, the biohydrogen production efficiency of dark fermentation increases by 19.11%. Results have shown that the combination of ultrasound and biological reactors for dark fermentation hydrogen production outperforms the traditional biohydrogen production method. The ultrasonic mechanical effects in this research always own different significances on biohydrogen production.

Study on Biohydrogen Production of Dark Fermentation with the Stimulation of Ultrasonic

The development and utilization of energy has played a key role in the human civilization process, and fossil fuels have become the major energy supply after Industrial Revolution. However, with the massive utilization of fossil fuels, petroleum and natural gas will be exhausted, and people will face the risk of energy shortages. For this reason, the development of clean, efficient, and renewable energy should be a priority. Hydrogen is considered a safe and secure energy source for human health and the global environment, as it does not emit any pollutants while burning. Hence, this study combines biohydrogen production of dark fermentation with ultrasonic to explore the effects of ultrasonic frequency, amplitude and exposure time on biohydrogen production of dark fermentation. The experimental results show that the largest biohydrogen production appears when the ultrasonic frequency being 1MHz and the ultrasonic exposure time is 15 min for exposure and 15 min for termination. It is therefore possible to find the optimal hydrogen production condition and to further understand the effect of ultrasonic on microorganisms.

Progress in catalysis in China during 1982–2012: Theory and technological innovations

The development of catalytic science and technology in China dates from the early 20th century. In the beginning, the efforts of our predecessors gave an initial period of steady development. Then in the 1960s, there were serious obstacles by human factors during which the development of catalysis was stagnant and we lost more than ten years of development opportunity. In the 1980s, catalysis in China entered a period of rapid expansion. During this period, three main research sectors, namely, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), universities, and industries, were rapidly established and development recovered. Researchers carried out research using reaction kinetics as the main method and means. In basic research, the discovery of novel catalytic materials, characterization methods, and novel catalytic reactions were the main research directions. The introduction of surface science and nanoscience has greatly promoted and deepened the basic exploration of catalysis. Catalysis is now changing from an art to a science. In different historical periods, researches in applied catalysis were determined by national needs and these have made notable contributions to many fields, such as the optimal utilization of coal, petroleum and natural gas, advanced materials, and protection of environment as well as human health. Currently, China has begun contributing to important progress in catalysis and is moving towards becoming a regular contributor. 中国的催化科学与技术始于 20 世纪初, 经过先辈的努力使其经历了发展初期和稳定发展阶段, 在历史上由于人为因素的严重破坏使其处于停滞并失去了宝贵的十余年大好发展时机. 20 世纪 80 年代, 中国催化事业进入了快速发展时期. 在这一历史时期, 迅速恢复和建立了以中科院、高校和产业部门研究院组成的三个方面军的研究队伍. 开展了以形式动力学为主要方法和手段的研究, 基础研究方面提炼出新催化材料、新催化表征方法和新催化反应为主要研究方向. 表面科学、纳米科学的出现大大促进和深化了催化的基础探索, 催化正从艺术走向科学……. 在应用催化研究方面, 在不同历史时期结合国家重大需求, 在煤、石油、天然气优化利用, 先进材料, 环境, 人类健康等领域做出了重大贡献. 当前的中国已成为催化大国并正在走向催化强国. From 1982 to 2012, the major contributions of catalysis works (theory and technologial innovations) in China are presented. The histonical evolution of research and development work in catalysis in China is also described.

Life cycle assessment of woody biomass energy utilization: Case study in Gifu Prefecture, Japan

This paper discusses the effectiveness of a woody biomass utilization system that would result in increased net energy production through wood pellet production, along with energy recovery processes as they relate to household energy demand. The direct environmental load of the system, including wood pellet production and utilization processes, was evaluated. Furthermore, the indirect load, including the economic impact of converting the existing fossil-fuel-based energy system into a woody biomass-based system, on the entire society was also evaluated. Gifu Prefecture in Japan was selected for a case study, which included a comparative evaluation of the environmental load and costs both with and without coordination with the wood pellet production process and the waste-to-energy of municipal solid waste process, using the life cycle assessment methodology. If the release of greenhouse gases from the combustion of wood pellets is included in calculations, then burning wood pellets results in unfavorable environmental consequences. However, when the reduced indirect environmental load due to the utilization of wood pellets versus petroleum is included in calculations, then favorable environmental consequences result, with a net reduction of greenhouse gases emissions by 14,060 ton-CO2eq.