Solvent-Loaded Microspheres for Permeability Enhancement in Heavy Crude Oil Reservoirs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cengiz Yegin ◽  
Cenk Temizel ◽  
Mustafa Akbulut
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Recovery Factor ◽  
Low Permeability ◽  
Sand Column ◽  
Permeability Enhancement ◽  
Recovery Potential ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Vis Spectroscopy

ABSTRACT With their abundancy and high-quality, it is predicted that fossil fuels will remain as the main resource that will meet the global energy demand in the several upcoming decades. Developments in hydrocarbon recovery technologies, both from conventional and unconventional reservoirs, have substantially contributed to the overall production levels in recent years. However, recovery factors obtained by using the current methods are still considered to be insufficient, and the companies have been looking for new materials and methods to enhance the efficiency and amount of recovery. One of the major issues related to low recovery factors is low permeability of reservoirs. Existence of blockages in pore throats and high level of heterogeneity lowers the mobility of hydrocarbons. In this study, we discuss development of an innovative material to be used as an additive in reservoir injection fluids to remove pore blockages in order to enhance the recovery levels. This additive material is made of pressure-sensitive microspheres loaded with solvents, which can (i) easily disperse in the injection fluid and travel to the low-permeability regions, (ii) break under pressure and confinement to release solvents, and (iii) remove blockages by targeting surroundings, especially asphalt-based particles and grains. This approach relies on the breakage of microcapsules in the confined region and release of the solvents to target blockages in porous media. In other words, the developed microspheres improve permeability of reservoirs as a result of pressure- and confinement-dependent breakage and release of solvents. Preparation of these microspheres was achieved by the encapsulation of solvent (toluene) emulsions in silica-based solid shells. Structure and stability of the solvent-loaded microspheres were examined using a variety of analytical techniques including UV-vis spectroscopy, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). It was found that the prepared microspheres possessed smooth surfaces with shell thicknesses in the range of 100-150 nm. Additionally, sand column tests were performed to evaluate the recovery potential of injection fluids in presence of solvent-loaded microspheres. It was shown that the use of solvent encapsulated in microspheres doubled the recovery factor of heavy oil compared to that of free solvent dispersed in the injection fluid. Such enhancement in the recovery factor was related to the release of solvents in localized areas, i.e., confined regions, as a consequence of breakage of microspheres. This novel approach of delivering solvents to low-permeability regions provides a significant driving force to eliminate pore blockages to facilitate mobilization of hydrocarbons trapped in confined spaces.

Biodiesel production from non-edible oils: A review

2020 ◽  
pp. 149-159
Author(s):  
Jatinder Kataria ◽  
Saroj Kumar Mohapatra ◽  
Amit Pal
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
World Wide ◽  
Edible Oils ◽  
Control Measure ◽  
Biodiesel Production ◽  
Pollution Level ◽  
Animal Fats ◽  
The World

The limited fossil reserves, spiraling price and environmental impact due to usage of fossil fuels leads the world wide researchers’ interest in using alternative renewable and environment safe fuels that can meet the energy demand. Biodiesel is an emerging renewable alternative fuel to conventional diesel which can be produced from both edible and non-edible oils, animal fats, algae etc. The society is in dire need of using renewable fuels as an immediate control measure to mitigate the pollution level. In this work an attempt is made to review the requisite and access the capability of the biodiesel in improving the environmental degradation.

BP Global Energy Outlook 2030

2013 ◽  
pp. 109-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Rühl
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
The Past ◽  
Market Shares ◽  
The Us ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Oil Gas

This paper presents the highlights of the third annual edition of the BP Energy Outlook, which sets out BP’s view of the most likely developments in global energy markets to 2030, based on up-to-date analysis and taking into account developments of the past year. The Outlook’s overall expectation for growth in global energy demand is to be 36% higher in 2030 than in 2011 and almost all the growth coming from emerging economies. It also reflects shifting expectations of the pattern of supply, with unconventional sources — shale gas and tight oil together with heavy oil and biofuels — playing an increasingly important role and, in particular, transforming the energy balance of the US. While the fuel mix is evolving, fossil fuels will continue to be dominant. Oil, gas and coal are expected to converge on market shares of around 26—28% each by 2030, and non-fossil fuels — nuclear, hydro and renewables — on a share of around 6—7% each. By 2030, increasing production and moderating demand will result in the US being 99% self-sufficient in net energy. Meanwhile, with continuing steep economic growth, major emerging economies such as China and India will become increasingly reliant on energy imports. These shifts will have major impacts on trade balances.

scholarly journals Conversion of biomass to biofuels and life cycle assessment: a review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed I. Osman ◽  
Neha Mehta ◽  
Ahmed M. Elgarahy ◽  
Amer Al-Hinai ◽  
Ala’a H. Al-Muhtaseb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Biomass Conversion ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Process Efficiency ◽  
Liquid Fuels ◽  
Thermochemical Processes ◽  
Lower Temperature

AbstractThe global energy demand is projected to rise by almost 28% by 2040 compared to current levels. Biomass is a promising energy source for producing either solid or liquid fuels. Biofuels are alternatives to fossil fuels to reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Nonetheless, policy decisions for biofuels should be based on evidence that biofuels are produced in a sustainable manner. To this end, life cycle assessment (LCA) provides information on environmental impacts associated with biofuel production chains. Here, we review advances in biomass conversion to biofuels and their environmental impact by life cycle assessment. Processes are gasification, combustion, pyrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis routes and fermentation. Thermochemical processes are classified into low temperature, below 300 °C, and high temperature, higher than 300 °C, i.e. gasification, combustion and pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is promising because it operates at a relatively lower temperature of up to 500 °C, compared to gasification, which operates at 800–1300 °C. We focus on 1) the drawbacks and advantages of the thermochemical and biochemical conversion routes of biomass into various fuels and the possibility of integrating these routes for better process efficiency; 2) methodological approaches and key findings from 40 LCA studies on biomass to biofuel conversion pathways published from 2019 to 2021; and 3) bibliometric trends and knowledge gaps in biomass conversion into biofuels using thermochemical and biochemical routes. The integration of hydrothermal and biochemical routes is promising for the circular economy.

scholarly journals A Comprehensive Review on Oil Extraction and Biodiesel Production Technologies

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 788
Author(s):  
Zulqarnain ◽  
Muhammad Ayoub ◽  
Mohd Hizami Mohd Yusoff ◽  
Muhammad Hamza Nazir ◽  
Imtisal Zahid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Alternative Fuels ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Waste Cooking Oil ◽  
Oil Extraction ◽  
Biodiesel Production ◽  
Waste Oils ◽  
Biodiesel Synthesis ◽  
Production Technologies

Dependence on fossil fuels for meeting the growing energy demand is damaging the world’s environment. There is a dire need to look for alternative fuels that are less potent to greenhouse gas emissions. Biofuels offer several advantages with less harmful effects on the environment. Biodiesel is synthesized from the organic wastes produced extensively like edible, non-edible, microbial, and waste oils. This study reviews the feasibility of the state-of-the-art feedstocks for sustainable biodiesel synthesis such as availability, and capacity to cover a significant proportion of fossil fuels. Biodiesel synthesized from oil crops, vegetable oils, and animal fats are the potential renewable carbon-neutral substitute to petroleum fuels. This study concludes that waste oils with higher oil content including waste cooking oil, waste palm oil, and algal oil are the most favorable feedstocks. The comparison of biodiesel production and parametric analysis is done critically, which is necessary to come up with the most appropriate feedstock for biodiesel synthesis. Since the critical comparison of feedstocks along with oil extraction and biodiesel production technologies has never been done before, this will help to direct future researchers to use more sustainable feedstocks for biodiesel synthesis. This study concluded that the use of third-generation feedstocks (wastes) is the most appropriate way for sustainable biodiesel production. The use of innovative costless oil extraction technologies including supercritical and microwave-assisted transesterification method is recommended for oil extraction.

scholarly journals Protected Gold Nanoparticles with Thioethers and Amines As Surrogate Ligands

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Rafiq H. Siddiqui
Keyword(s):  
Gold Nanoparticles ◽  
Variable Temperature ◽  
Size Control ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
High Resolution Electron Microscopy ◽  
Phase Method ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
H Nmr ◽  
Resolution Electron ◽  
Vis Spectroscopy

Dodecyl sulfide, dodecyl amine, and hexylamine were shown to act as surrogate ligands (L) via metastable gold nanoparticles. By collating analytical and spectroscopic data obtained simultaneously, empirical formula Au24L was assigned. These impurity-free nanoparticles obtained in near quantitative yields showing exceptional gold assays (up to 98%Au) were prepared by a modification of the two-phase method. Replacement reactions on the Au24L showed that Au:L ratios may be increased (up to Au55:L (L= (H25C12)2S)) or decreased (Au12:L (L= H2NC12H25and H2NC6H13)) as desired. This work encompassing the role of analytical techniques used, that is, elemental analysis, variable temperature1H NMR, FAB mass spectrometry, UV-Vis spectroscopy, thin film X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) has implications in the study of size control, purity, stability, and metal assays of gold nanoparticles.

Investigation on NiWO4/PANI Composite as Electrode Material for Energy Storage Devices

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Rajkumar ◽  
S Gowri ◽  
S Dhineshkumar ◽  
Princy Merlin Johnson ◽  
Anandaraj Sathiyan
Keyword(s):  
Energy Storage ◽  
Electrode Material ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Storage Materials ◽  
Energy Storage Devices ◽  
Storage Devices ◽  
Pani Composite ◽  
New Energy ◽  
Inorganic Components

With the fast exhaustion of fossil fuels, the need for new energy storage materials to meet the world's massive energy demand has inclined tremendously. Inorganic components with conducting polymer based...

scholarly journals Analysis of Energy System in Norway with Focus on Energy Consumption Prediction

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Hamlehdar ◽  
Alireza Aslani
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Energy System ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Regression Result ◽  
Industry Growth ◽  
The Status

Abstract Today, the fossil fuels have dominant share of energy supply in order to respond to the high energy demand in the world. Norway is one of the countries with rich sources of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. The current work is to investigate on the status of energy demand in Norway. First, energy and electricity consumption in various sectors, including industrial, residential are calculated. Then, energy demand in Norway is forecasted by using available tools. After that, the relationship between energy consumption in Norway with Basic economics parameters such as GDP, population and industry growth rate has determined by using linear regression model. Finally, the regression result shows a low correlation between variables.

scholarly journals Achieving Net Zero Carbon Dioxide by Sequestering Biomass Carbon

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Amelse
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Carbon Cycle ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Co2 Sequestration ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Biomass Carbon ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
The World

Mitigation of global warming requires an understanding of where energy is produced and consumed, the magnitude of carbon dioxide generation, and proper understanding of the Carbon Cycle. The latter leads to the distinction between and need for both CO2 and biomass CARBON sequestration. Short reviews are provided for prior technologies proposed for reducing CO2 emissions from fossil fuels or substituting renewable energy, focusing on their limitations. None offer a complete solution. Of these, CO2 sequestration is poised to have the largest impact. We know how to do it. It will just cost money, and scale-up is a huge challenge. Few projects have been brought forward to semi-commercial scale. Transportation accounts for only about 30% of U.S. overall energy demand. Biofuels penetration remains small, and thus, they contribute a trivial amount of overall CO2 reduction, even though 40% of U.S. corn and 30% of soybeans are devoted to their production. Bioethanol is traced through its Carbon Cycle and shown to be both energy inefficient, and an inefficient use of biomass carbon. Both biofuels and CO2 sequestration reduce FUTURE CO2 emissions from continued use of fossil fuels. They will not remove CO2 ALREADY in the atmosphere. The only way to do that is to break the Carbon Cycle by growing biomass from atmospheric CO2 and sequestering biomass CARBON. Theoretically, sequestration of only a fraction of the world’s tree leaves, which are renewed every year, can get the world to Net Zero CO2 without disturbing the underlying forests.

scholarly journals Privacy-preserving energy storage sharing with blockchain and secure multi-party computation

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-50
Author(s):  
Nan Wang ◽  
Sid Chi-Kin Chau ◽  
Yue Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Energy Storage ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Empirical Evaluation ◽  
Privacy Preserving ◽  
Third Party ◽  
User Privacy ◽  
External Energy ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Significant Cost Reduction ◽  
The Cost

Energy storage provides an effective way of shifting temporal energy demands and supplies, which enables significant cost reduction under time-of-use energy pricing plans. Despite its promising benefits, the cost of present energy storage remains expensive, presenting a major obstacle to practical deployment. A more viable solution to improve the cost-effectiveness is by sharing energy storage, such as community sharing, cloud energy storage and peer-to-peer sharing. However, revealing private energy demand data to an external energy storage operator may compromise user privacy, and is susceptible to data misuses and breaches. In this paper, we explore a novel approach to support energy storage sharing with privacy protection, based on privacy-preserving blockchain and secure multi-party computation. We present an integrated solution to enable privacy-preserving energy storage sharing, such that energy storage service scheduling and cost-sharing can be attained without the knowledge of individual users' demands. It also supports auditing and verification by the grid operator via blockchain. Furthermore, our privacy-preserving solution can safeguard against a majority of dishonest users, who may collude in cheating, without requiring a trusted third-party. We implemented our solution as a smart contract on real-world Ethereum blockchain platform, and provided empirical evaluation in this paper 1 .

scholarly journals FATTY ACID ESTERIFICATION: EFFECTS OF UNSATURATION AND SYNTHESIS WITH THERMAL HEATING VIA ULTRASON AND MICROWAVES

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (30) ◽  
pp. 447-462
Author(s):  
M. C. de M. SOUZA ◽  
L. DI SOUZA ◽  
V. P. da S. Caldeira ◽  
A. G. D. SANTOS ◽  
B. ADILSON
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Oleic Acid ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Acid Catalysis ◽  
Thermal Heating ◽  
Ultrasonic Methods ◽  
Homogeneous Acid ◽  
Acid Esterification

With the increasing selective energy demand, fossil fuels are becoming scarce and environmentally incorrect, a viable alternative to this problem being the production of biodiesel. However, the esterification and transesterification reactions used are slow, expensive and ecologically incorrect because they produce polluting waste. Thus, it is necessary to develop techniques, reagents and equipment that make them fast, cheap and environmentally friendly. This work evaluated the performance of the thermal heating, microwave and ultrasonic methods in the esterification efficiency of oleic and stearic fatty acids via homogeneous acid catalysis. The efficiency of the reaction was certificated with the variables: time, yield and conversion and the biodiesel characterization were done with TG / DTG, FTIR and NMR. Conversions were determined by TG and 1H NMR and the yield by gravimetry. The results showed conversion with all methods with differences in the analyzed variables. The yields decrease in the microwave order (52%) conduction (33%) ultrasound (30%) for reactions with oleic acid and are practically the same (22, 22 and 20), independently of the stearic acid. Among the methods used, the most efficient is the microwave, because it has a higher yield in the case of oleic acid and reducing the reaction time.

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