Recommendations for handling bitumen prior to FTIR spectroscopy

The application of chemical analysis on bituminous materials has increased drastically over the past decades. One of the most common spectroscopic methods used in the field of research is Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Since ATR-FTIR is a surface sensitive method, sample or specimen handling of a complex material like bitumen prior to its analysis needs to be considered, especially for people new to the field or analysis technique. This study looks at the impact of heating time and temperature as well as storage time and conditions on the oxidation of the bituminous specimen. Four binders from the same crude oil source but different specification classes (unmodified and styrene–butadiene–styrene polymer modified) and two binders from different crude oil sources were investigated. The results show that heating small quantities of bitumen at 180 °C for up to 30 min has little impact on the formation of oxidized species, when proper thermal monitoring is conducted. Special cases where oxidation does occur are reported in detail. Furthermore, strong oxidation is induced by day light, when bitumen is stored behind glass with no UV radiation present, which can reach short-term ageing level within 1 h. Thus, heating bitumen at 180 °C for 5–10 min followed by storage in the dark, climatized room and measured within one hour after preparation is recommended. These results should act as recommendation for future specimen handling prior to FTIR spectroscopic analysis to ensure unbiased and comparable measurements.

Stable Isotope Geochemistry of the Organic Elements within Shales and Crude Oils: A Comprehensive Review

Over time, stable isotopes have proven to be a useful tool in petroleum geochemistry. However, there is currently insufficient literature on stable isotope geochemistry of the organic elements within shales and crude oils in many petroleum systems around the world. As a result, this paper critically reviews the early and recent trends in stable isotope geochemistry of organic elements in shales and crude oils. The bulk and compound-specific stable isotopes of H, C, and S, as well as their uses as source facies, depositional environments, thermal maturity, geological age, and oil–oil and oil–source rock correlation studies, are all taken into account. The applications of the stable isotopes of H and C in gas exploration are also discussed. Then, the experimental and instrumental approaches to the stable isotopes of H, C, and S, are discussed.

Applications of Cannabis Sativa L. in Food and Its Therapeutic Potential: From a Prohibited Drug to a Nutritional Supplement

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a herbaceous anemophilous plant that belongs to the Cannabinaceae family. The cannabis seed (hemp) has long been utilized as a food source and is commercially important as an edible oil source. In this review, the positive and negative health effects of cannabis, the relationship between cannabis and various diseases, and the use of cannabis in various food products have been discussed. In addition, the scientific literature on the potential use of cannabis and its derivatives as a dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and chronic degenerative diseases in animals and humans has been reviewed. Cannabis is being developed as a key ingredient in a variety of food items, including bakery, confectionery, beverages, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and meat. Hemp seeds are high in readily digestible proteins, lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), insoluble fiber, carbs, and favorable omega-6 PUFA acid to omega-3 PUFA ratio and have high nutritional value. The antioxidants of cannabis, such as polyphenols, help with anxiety, oxidative stress, and the risk of chronic illnesses, including cancer, neurological disorders, digestive problems, and skin diseases. Cannabis has been shown to have negative health impacts on the respiratory system, driving, and psychomotor functions, and the reproductive system. Overall, the purpose of this research is to stimulate more in-depth research on cannabis’s adaptation in various foods and for the treatment of chronic illnesses.

Cressa cretica Pharmacognosy, and Pharmacology (A review )

Cressa cretica (Shuwwayl) is a halophytic that belongs to Convolvulaceae, naturally grown in the Middle East including Iraq. Traditionally the plant is used as a paste for sore treatment, also it is used for fever, jaundice, and other illness. Regarding nonclinical use it is used as goat, sheep, and camel feed also as an oil source. Flavonoids including quercetin, kamepferol, apigenin, and their glycosides, phenolic acid as chlorogenic acid, and phytosterols mainly ?–sitosterol were the most important phytochemicals that were detected in this halophyte. Crude ethanolic, methanolic extracts and ethyl acetate fraction of the areal parts were used in clinical studies and demonstrated various effects as hepatoprotective, cytotoxic, and genotoxic effect. In molecular docking studies, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid showed antiviral effect vs SARS-CoV-2 (sever acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2). The purpose of this review was to clarify and discuss all aspects regarding Cressa cretica.

Application of core X-ray microtomography in oilfield geology

The article presents studies devoted to the practical application of computer X-ray microtomography (micro-CT) in oilfield geology. In particular, the authors give results of using the method for sample defectoscopy before petrophysical studies in order to improve the quality of analyzes. The paper includes an example of assessing the depth of core plugging with drilling fluid; assessing the mineral composition by micro-CT; experimental core studies when modeling the thermal effect on the oil source rocks of the Bazhenov formation. The authors also examine the current state of research in the field of digital petrophysics or digital core. The study is aimed at introducing the micro-CT method into the oilfield process.

Petroleum Geology and Geochemistry of Oils and Possible Source Rocks of the Southern East Coast Basin, New Zealand

<p>The East Coast Basin of New Zealand contains up to 10,000 m of predominantly fine-grained marine sediments of Early Cretaceous to Pleistocene age, and widespread oil and gas seepages testify to its status as a petroleum province. A suite of oils and possible source rocks from the southern East Coast Basin have been analysed by a variety of geochemical techniques to determine the hydrocarbon potential and establish oil-oil and oil-source rock correlations. Results of TOC and Rock-Eval pyrolysis indicate that the latest Cretaceous Whangai Formation and Paleocene Waipawa Black Shale represent the only good potential source rock sequences within the basin. The middle to Late Cretaceous Glenburn and Te Mai formations, previously considered good potential source rocks, are organic-rich (TOC contents up to 1.30% and 1.52% respectively), but comprise predominantly Types III and IV (structured terrestrial and semi-opaque) kerogen and, therefore, have little hydrocarbon generative potential (HI values < 50). Early Cretaceous and Neogene formations are shown to have low TOC contents and have little source rock potential. The Waipawa Black Shale is a widespread, thin (< 50 m), dark brown, non-calcareous siltstone. It contains up to 1.9% sulphur and elevated quantities of trace metals. Although immature to marginally mature for hydrocarbon generation in outcrop, it is organic-rich (TOC content up to 5.69%) and contains oil and gas-prone Types II and III kerogen. The extracted bitumen comprises predominantly marine algal and terrestrial higher plant material and indicates that deposition occurred under conditions of reduced oxygen with significant anoxic episodes. The Whangai Formation is a thick (300-500 m), non-calcareous to calcareous siliceous mudstone. Although immature to marginally mature in outcrop, the Upper Calcareous and Rakauroa members have a TOC content up to 1.37% and comprise oil and gas-prone Types II and III (structured aqueous and structured terrestrial) kerogen. Bitumen extracts comprise predominantly marine organic matter with a moderate terrestrial higher plant component and indicate that deposition occurred under mildly reducing conditions, with periodic anoxic episodes indicated for the Upper Calcareous Member. Two families of oils are recognised in the southern East Coast Basin. The Kerosene Rock, Westcott, Tiraumea and Okau Stream oils comprise both algal marine and terrestrial higher plant material and were deposited under periodically anoxic conditions. They are characterised by high relative abundances of unusual C30 steranes (C30 indices of 0.24-0.40) and 28,30-bisnorhopane, low proportions of C28 steranes and isotopically heavy [delta] 13C values (-20.9 to -23.0 [per mil]). The Waipatiki and Tunakore oils from southern Hawke's Bay and the Kora-1 oil from the northern Taranaki Basin have similar geochemical characteristics and are also included in this family of oils. These same characteristics are also diagnostic of the Waipawa Black Shale and an oil-source rock correlation is made on this basis. The Knights Stream and Isolation Creek oils are derived from predominantly marine organic matter with a moderate terrestrial angiosperm contribution, and characterised by low relative abundances of C30 steranes (C30 indices of 0.06-0.12) and 28,30-bisnorhopane, high proportions of C28 steranes and isotopically light [delta] 13C values (-26.8 to -28.9 [per mil]). Also included in this family of oils, with a slightly greater marine influence, are the major seep oils of the northern East Coast Basin (Waitangi, Totangi and Rotokautuku). A tentative oil-source rock correlation with the Upper Calcareous and Rakauroa members of the Whangai Formation is based on their similar geochemical characteristics.</p>