Solid Bitumen Occurrences in the Pyrenean Basin (Southern France): A Case Study across the Pliensbachian–Toarcian Boundary

The study across the Pliensbachian–Toarcian boundary sedimentary record in the Bizanet section of the Pyrenean Basin (southern France) revealed the presence of solid bitumen. This secondary organic matter was characterized using petrographic (transmitted and reflected white lights, incident blue light, and scanning electron microscopy) and geochemical (total organic carbon, total sulfur, and insoluble residue) techniques. The spore coloration index (SCI) was also determined. With the characterization of the optical properties and reflectance of the solid bitumen, it was possible to distinguish four different families (A–D) that display a wide range of reflectance values, from 0.21% to 2.64% BRr, i.e., from glance pitch to meso-impsonite. SCI values were higher than 9–9.5 (%Req > 1.50%). The comparison between the equivalent vitrinite reflectance values of the solid bitumen and SCI showed that this index and the solid bitumen D values are concordant, indicating that solid bitumen D can be considered an indigenous bitumen. The other three families of solid bitumen (A–C) are considered as having migrated. The laterally equivalent Pont de Suert section (South Pyrenean Zone) displays no trace of solid bitumen which points to the important role of the morphotectonic context of the Bizanet section in the migration of these hydrocarbons, namely, the presence of a major thrust fault in the eastern Corbières close to the section’s location.

Geochemical And Mineralogical Assessment Of Secondary Gypsum In Al-Najaf, Iraq And Employment As Raw Material For Cement Industry

The Portland cement industry is one of the strategic industries in any country. The basis of an industry success is the availability of raw materials and, the low extraction in addition to transportation costs. The Bahr Al-Najaf region is abundant with limestone rocks but lacks primary gypsum. An investigation had been carried out to identify the source of secondary gypsum as an alternative to primary gypsum. Twelve boreholes were drilled for a depth of 2 m, as the thickness of suitable secondary gypsum layer ranges from 1 to 1.5 m. The mineralogical study revealed the predominance of gypsum followed by quartz and calcite, with an average of 62.9%, 19.6% and 14.35%, respectively. The geochemical analysis revealed that the content of SO3 is appropriate and ranging from 41.92% to 32.89% with an average of 37.73%. The SO3 content is within an acceptable range. The mean abundance of the major oxides of the study area may be arranged as SO3 > CaO> SiO2> MgO> Al2O> Fe2O3. The insoluble residue was at an acceptable rate. The laboratory experiments for milling secondary gypsum with clinker has successfully proven the production of Portland cement that matches the limits of the Iraqi Quality Standard (IQS) No. 5 of 1984. Great care must be taken when using secondary gypsum; secondary gypsum must be mixed well to maintain the chemical properties before blending with clinker and utilizing in the cement mill in the cement plant.

Microstructural and Texturizing Properties of Partially Pectin-Depleted Cell Wall Material: The Role of Botanical Origin and High-Pressure Homogenization

In the current study, the texturizing properties of partially pectin-depleted cell wall material (CWM) of apple, carrot, onion and pumpkin, and the potential of functionalization by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) were addressed. This partially pectin-depleted CWM was obtained as the unextractable fraction after acid pectin extraction (AcUF) on the alcohol-insoluble residue. Chemical analysis was performed to gain insight into the polysaccharide composition of the AcUF. The microstructural and functional properties of the AcUF in suspension were studied before HPH and after HPH at 20 and 80 MPa. Before HPH, even after the pectin extraction, the particles showed a cell-like morphology and occurred separately in the apple, onion and pumpkin AcUF and in a clustered manner in the carrot AcUF. The extent of disruption by the HPH treatments at 20 and 80 MPa was dependent on the botanical origin. Only for the onion and pumpkin AcUF, the water binding capacity was increased by HPH. Before HPH, the texturizing potential of the AcUFs was greatly varying between the different matrices. Whereas HPH improved the texturizing potential of the pumpkin AcUF, no effect and even a decrease was observed for the onion AcUF and the apple and carrot AcUF, respectively.

Influence of the textural and structural functions of the Urals carnallite rocks on the kinetics of dissolution processes

В статье показана необходимость исследования кинетики процессов растворения карналлитовых пород Приуралья. Описана методика подготовки образцов и лабораторного изучения скорости растворения. Представлены данные о химическом составе образцов 4-х цветовых разностей карналлитовых пород, текстурно-структурных особенностей, результатов по определению скорости растворения и вещественного состава нерастворимого в воде остатка. Цель исследования заключалась в изучении скорости и процессов растворения в воде при температуре 500С в режиме вынужденной конвекции и оценке влияния текстурно-структурных особенностей карналлитовых пород. Задачами исследования являлись: определение солевого и минерального составов, изучениеструктуры и микровключений в шлифах, проведение экспериментов по кинетикерастворения. При решении поставленных задач использовались следующие методы: АЭС-спектрометрия, петрографический анализ, гидростатический метод, РКФА. Проанализирован фактический материал исследования, сделаны соответствующие выводы. Проведенными исследованиями было показано, что важными факторами, влияющими на кинетику процессов растворения, являются вещественный состав и текстурно-структурные свойства. В работе определена суммарная (массовая) скорость растворения образцов. Железооксидная пленка, оконтуривающая зерна карналлитовых пород, экранирует поверхность растворения, замедляя процесс диффузии. Наличие галита и неравномерное его содержание вызывает колебания скорости растворения изамедляет процесс растворения во времени. Микровключения газов положительно влияют на динамику процесса растворения, усиливая конвекцию и массоперенос. С увеличением гидродинамических параметров растворителя (плотности и вязкости) скорость растворения понижается. Установленные закономерности могут оказывать существенное влияние на процессы, происходящие при скважинной добыче (подземное растворение) и галургической переработке карналлитовых руд. The article shows the need to study the kinetics of the dissolution processes of carnallite rocks of the Permian deposits of the Urals. The technique of preparation of samples, laboratory study of the rate of dissolution in water is described. The data on the chemical composition of samples of 4-color differences of carnallite rocks, textural and structural features, the results of determining the rate of dissolution and the material composition of the water-insoluble residue are presented. The purpose of the study was to study the rate and processes of dissolution in water at a temperature of 500C in the forced convection mode and to assess the influence of the textural and structural features of the carnallite rocks of the Urals. The objectives of the study were: determination of salt and mineral compositions, study of textural and structural features and assessment of the effect of microinclusions on the kinetics of the dissolution process. When solving the tasks, the following methods were used: study of the textural and structural features of carnallite rocks - by the petrographic method; determination of the rate of dissolution and density of samples - by the gravimetric method; determination of the density of brines - pycnometric method; the chemical composition of the initial samples and solutions (brines) was analyzed by AES-spectrometry; the mineral composition of the water-insoluble residue - by X-ray quantitative phase analysis. The factual material of the research is analyzed, the corresponding conclusions are drawn. Studies have shown that important factors affecting the kinetics of dissolution processes are the material composition and textural-structural properties. In this work, the total (mass) rate of dissolution of samples was determined, including the vertical and horizontal components. The iron oxide film outlining the grains of carnallite rocks screens the dissolution surface, slowing down the diffusion process. The presence of halite and its uneven content causes fluctuations during dissolution, slowing down the dissolution process over time. Microinclusions of gases have a positive effect on the dynamics of the dissolution process, enhancing convection and mass transfer. With an increase in the hydrodynamic parameters of the solvent (density and viscosity), the dissolution rate decreases. The research results can be suitable for the organization of mining by underground dissolution and for the processing of carnallite rocks of the Permian deposits of the Urals by the halurgical method.

Properties Affecting the Reactivity of Lime

Lime reactivity is the most used identification parameter for lime quality. The reaction may vary in its rate and maximum reached temperature. In this study, the influence of the properties of limestone on the course of the reaction is studied. The samples are thoroughly examined from a geological point of view (geological age and origin, genesis and diagenesis) and their physicochemical properties are described (total porosity, limestone category, chemical analysis, insoluble residue). Different temperatures and isothermal loads were selected to study the effect of the burning process on the lime microstructure. The newly formed CaO is observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM images). Lime reactivity analysis is performed, and different reaction courses are compared.

Decomposition of Crystalline Limestones during the Burning Process

The decomposition of limestone during the firing process is mainly based on the decarbonation of CaCO3. In the case of crystalline limestone, it is the decomposition of calcite crystals. In this study, different limestone properties on the course of decarbonation are studied. Therefore, the samples are determined from a geological and physicochemical point of view (geological age and origin, total porosity, limestone category, chemical analyses and insoluble residue). After thorough identification of the samples, various analyses focused on limestone and lime microstructure are performed, such as SEM image analysis or lime reactivity. For these analyses, the samples are burned at different temperatures. The decrepitation amount of limestones during burning process is determined.

Fly ash from Coal-Combustion Waste as an Additive for Quality Improvement and Compressive Strength of Cement

A series of tests were carried out to determine the effect of the addition of coal combustion fly ash as an additional mineral (additive) on improving the quality and compressive strength of cement according to the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 15-2049-2004). Research methods include sample preparation, manufacture of cement with 0%, 5%, 8%, 12%, and 15% fly ash variations, chemical and physical properties of cement. The parameters measured were the level of chemical composition (%) using X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) ARL 9800 OASIS, free lime content (%) by volumetry, insoluble residue level (%) by gravimetry, compressive strength (kg/cm2), and smoothness cement (cm2/g). The results showed that the addition of fly ash increased the SiO2 content of cement, thereby increasing C3S and C2S compounds which are compressive strength components of a cement. Besides, the addition of fly ash is directly proportional to IR levels, compressive strength, smoothness, and inversely proportional to free lime levels. So the addition of fly ash can improve the quality of cement by increasing chemical components, increasing compressive strength, and reducing cracking or expansion of cement.

BIOMASS AND ENERGY CHARACTERISTICS OF MARALFALFA GRASS (Cenchrus purpureus Schumach.) Morrone CULTIVATED IN WARM SUBHUMID CLIMATE TO PRODUCE BIOETHANOL

Biofuels are a sustainable energy option that can contribute to solve some current environmental problems. For example, it seems imperative to find alternative energy sources; and among them adequate and sustainable raw materials to produce biofuels, such as bioethanol. This study, under the assumption that Maralfalfa grass would be a suitable substrate to produce biofuel, aimed at evaluating the biomass yield, chemical composition, and theoretical bioethanol production of Maralfalfa grass (C. purpureus Schumach.) Morrone harvested at three cutting frequencies (CF). Treatments were distributed in a randomized complete blocks design with split-plots arrangement and three replicates. Analysis of variance was done with GLM procedure and means were compared with Tukey test (p≤0.05). At 120 d, the lignocellulosic material content was the highest (p≤0.05) with 66% of holocellulose, 30% hemicellulose, 22% lignin, 1.8% acid soluble lignin, 20% acid insoluble lignin, 26% acid insoluble residue, and 6.2% ashes. The highest concentration of extractives compounds was found at 150 d harvest frequency (15.5%; p≤0.05), while the highest biomass production (32.6 Mg ha-1 y-1), calorific value (21.0 MJ kg-1), and bioethanol production (239.9 L Mg-1 MS-1) was obtained at the 180 d (p≤0.05). No significant changes were found for crude protein (p>0.05). Results showed that Maralfalfa grass (C. purpureus Schumach.) Morrone is an attractive alternative for bioethanol production due to high biomass yield and chemical composition at short harvesting times.

Study of a process of obtaining of protein preparation from sunflower seeds for application in food industry

The article deals with a study of processing methods of obtaining protein preparations from sunflower seeds. For obtaining of food-grade protein preparations from the defatted sunflower kernels phenolic compounds were additionally removed. Modern Russian and foreign literature sources devoted to the isolation of phenolic compounds from vegetable protein raw materials were analyzed. The objective of obtaining a light-colored food-grade protein preparation from sunflower seeds was solved through developing of a multi-stage extraction process with removal of various groups of non-protein compounds, including the stage of aqueous ethanol extraction and removal of phenolic compounds. Parameters of different stages of obtaining of protein substances from defatted sunflower seed kernels after removal of phenolic compounds were studied. These stages included alkaline extraction of protein and nitrogen-free extractives (NFE), separation of the insoluble residue, isoelectric precipitation of protein compounds from the clarified extract, neutralization of the protein suspension. Drying of the protein suspension was carried out on a laboratory spray installation Buchi Mini Spray Dryer with a temperature at the entrance of the dryer 180–190 ℃ and at the exit – up to 90 ℃. Protein preparations of light gray color were obtained with a crude protein content of 75,72% and 87,15% on dry matter basis, which corresponds to the crude protein content of commercial sunflower and soy protein concentrates. Solubility pattern of proteins and functional characteristics of finished protein preparations after spray drying have been analyzed. Based on the high fat-holding capacity and moderate fat-emulsifying properties of the obtained protein preparations it’s possible to recommend the obtained sunflower protein preparation for usage as a vegetable protein enricher and functional additive in food industry.