Review
Energy & Fuels
Zhengbin Wu, Hanzhao Chen, Xidong Cai, Qiyang Gou, Liangliang Jiang, Kai Chen, Zhangxin Chen, Shu Jiang
Summary: In situ catalytic upgrading of heavy oil decomposes viscous heavy oil underground through complex chemical and physical reactions with the aid of a catalyst, allowing lighter components to flow to the surface. This technique is environmentally friendly as it reduces or eliminates the use of steam and is considered a promising method to decarbonize the oil industry.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ya-Li Liu, Chao Zhang, Song-Yan Li, Zhao-Min Li
Summary: Steam flooding with the assistance of carbon dioxide (CO2) and chemicals is effective for enhancing super heavy oil recovery. However, the lack of research on the synergistic effect of CO2 and chemical agents hinders the promotion and application of this technology. Novel experiments showed that the co-injection of CO2 and chemicals impeded steam heat transfer by forming a film on the heat-transfer medium, reducing heat transfer efficiency and condensation heat transfer coefficient. The addition of CO2 and chemical agents significantly increased the back end temperature and improved heavy oil recovery rate. The combined effect of CO2 and SDS was the most effective in improving steam heat transfer.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Milad Ahmadi Khoshooei, Seyed Moein Elahi, Lante Carbognani, Carlos E. Scott, Pedro Pereira-Almao
Summary: The In-situ Upgrading Technology (ISUT) integrates downhole upgrading and recovery enhancement through the use of nanocatalyst and hydrogen. This study focuses on the impact of replacing hydrogen with steam on the efficiency of ISUT process.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Peng Liu, Yunjun Zhang, Pengcheng Liu, You Zhou, Zongyao Qi, Lanxiang Shi, Changfeng Xi, Zhongyi Zhang, Chao Wang, Daode Hua
Summary: The study investigated the mechanisms of steam injection using a vertical injector-horizontal producer through a 3D physical model and numerical simulations. The research revealed three stages in steam chamber growth during the process, as well as the developing mechanisms of steam flooding and gravity drainage stages. Furthermore, the temperature distribution mode of the horizontal producer was identified as a significant factor influencing production performance, with oil viscosity being the dominant factor impacting production performance.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Taniya Kar, Berna Hascakir
Summary: This study conducted steam and solvent-steam flooding experiments to study oil quality, finding that co-injection of solvents can improve oil recovery and quality, with n-hexane identified as the most effective solvent in reducing emulsion complexity.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Muhammad Rabiu Ado
Summary: Nearly 70% of global oil reserves consist of heavy oils, bitumen, and tar sands, which have not been fully exploited due to their high capital, energy, water, wastewater, and carbon requirements. To address climate crises, more environmentally friendly and efficient technologies are needed. This study presents the electrically-enhanced toe-to-heel air injection (eTHAI) process, which involves surrounding the horizontal producer well with electrical heating coils to generate heat in the reservoir. Numerical simulations show that electrical heating improves oil production rates and does not affect the combustion front's shape and stability. The eTHAI process increases cumulative oil production by 28% compared to the base case model. Higher rates of electrical heating result in wider mobile oil zones and increased oil mobilization and production rates. Further research is needed to determine the maximum electrical heating rate for substantial increases in oil production rates. The study demonstrates the stability and feasibility of the electrically-enhanced THAI process.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Zhanxi Pang, Luting Wang, Fanghao Yin, Xiaocong Lyu
Summary: The study quantitatively analyzed the steam chamber expanding and bottom water invading during steam flooding, and identified the moment of water invading and the four stages of steam flooding. The results showed the changes in water coning shape and oil components during steam flooding.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alcides Simao, Enrique Dominguez-Alvarez, Chengdong Yuan, Muneer A. Suwaid, Mikhail A. Varfolomeev, Jorge Ancheyta, Omar F. Al-mishaal, Sergey Kudryashov, Igor S. Afanasiev, Dmitry A. Antonenko, Oleg Petrashov, Kirill A. Dubrovin
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive review of the application of different metal-based nanoparticles for upgrading heavy oils. The focus is on the catalysts used for in-situ upgrading, using various thermal treatment methods. Different types of catalysts have been identified, but due to their diversity and variations in evaluation conditions, a direct comparison of their performance is not possible. The literature reviewed indicates the need for further research in order to develop more effective catalysts for increasing recovery factor and permanent upgrading of heavy and extra-heavy oil quality.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mostafa Borji, Ahmad Kharrat, Holger Ott
Summary: This study investigates the emulsification of crude oil by alkaline solutions using X-ray attenuation and microfluidic experiments. The findings reveal that the emulsifications in test tubes and in porous media flow are comparable, and a minimum emulsion volume with balanced compositions leads to optimal oil recovery.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ting Huang, Kai Peng, Wenzhi Song, Changpeng Hu, Xiao Guo
Summary: The composition changes of heavy oil before and after steam flooding are studied through experiments and numerical simulation methods. A numerical model is established to study the retention characteristics of heavy components in heavy oil reservoirs by the CMG software. The research reveals the changes of heavy oil components and rock properties after steam flooding, providing support for the subsequent enhanced oil recovery.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pavel Afanasev, Alexey Smirnov, Anastasia Ulyanova, Evgeny Popov, Alexey Cheremisin
Summary: This study experimentally modeled cyclic steam-air injection in a dual porosity heavy oil reservoir with the presence of a nickel-based catalyst for in situ oil upgrading and simultaneous hydrogen generation. The research was conducted using a combustion tube setup with a sandpack core model under reservoir conditions, involving consistent injection of air, in situ combustion, and steam injection. The results showed that the original oil was upgraded in terms of fractional composition and oil properties, and the simulated reservoir heterogeneity and cyclic stimulation enhanced hydrogen synthesis, contributing to oil upgrading.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xingchao Yang, Hongyan Zhao, Bo Zhang, Qinghui Zhao, Yulin Cheng, Yong Zhang, Yiqiang Li
Summary: This paper investigates the displacement efficiency and produced oil properties in the steam flood heavy oil process through steam flooding experiments. The study finds that temperature, injection velocity, and injection volume have significant impacts on oil displacement and oil properties.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Haoming Ma, Yun Yang, Zhangxin Chen
Summary: With the depletion of conventional oil, unconventional oil, especially heavy oil, is being extracted to meet the increasing demand for crude oil worldwide. Steam injection has been considered as one of the most effective thermal recovery processes, but it is energy-intensive and not environmentally friendly. Supercritical water flooding (SCWF) has been experimentally proven to be a more effective process than steam injection, but it has not been field-proven yet. This paper presents a numerical simulation workflow for SCWF and studies its sensitive parameters based on simulation outputs, showing that SCWF has a better performance with higher recovery efficiency compared to steam injection.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Payam Kalhor, Khashayar Ghandi
Summary: This review highlights the catalytic use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) in upgrading biomass-related substances towards biofuels and value-added chemicals, while also indicating the gaps in knowledge for future research.
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. Elmuzafar Ahmed, Abdullah S. Sultan, Abdulkarim Al-Sofi, Hasan S. Al-Hashim
Summary: This article evaluates the feasibility of using surfactant polymer (SP) in high saline and high-temperature reservoirs and identifies the optimal chemical combination, slug size, and injection sequence to achieve maximum oil recovery.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Onoriode P. Avbenake, Rashid S. Al-Hajri, Baba Y. Jibril
Article
Energy & Fuels
Onoriode P. Avbenake, Rashid S. Al-Hajri, Baba Y. Jibril
PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Svetlana Rudyk, Sami Al-Khamisi, Yahya Al-Wahaibi
Summary: Foam formation using internal olefin sulfonate is possible in a wide range of salinity up to 12% NaCl, which is significantly higher compared to previous experiments conducted with 50 mD limestone and 255 mD sandstone.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Abdullah Al-Sayegh, Yahya Al-Wahaibi, Sanket J. Joshi, Saif Al-Bahry, Abdulkadir Elshafie, Ali Al-Bemani
Summary: The study found that microbial communities in extremely arid environments contaminated with oil can persist and have the potential for bioremediation and biotransformation.
PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sanket J. Joshi, Huda Al-Farsi, Saif Al-Bahry, Yahya Al-Wahaibi
Summary: Crude oil remains a major energy source and is facing challenges in meeting increasing demand and complexity. Using biosurfactants and nanoparticles may provide a more environmentally friendly and efficient method for enhanced oil recovery. This study demonstrates the potential application of glycolipid biosurfactants and silica nanoparticles for additional oil recovery, showing promising results for environmentally friendly EOR techniques.
PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Qingqing Lu, Jiaojiao Li, Kamel Eid, Xilei Gu, Zhenyu Wan, Wenpeng Li, Rashid S. Al-Hajri, Aboubakr M. Abdullah
Summary: A facile method for the rational synthesis of PtBi nanosponges with tunable composition has been developed, leading to highly efficient methanol oxidation reaction. The PtBi nanosponges exhibit a 3D network-like structure, abundant pores, and superior stability and CO tolerance. This method can be extended to the synthesis of other binary Pt-based catalysts for various electrocatalytic applications.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Halima Al-Hasani, Jamal Al-Sabahi, Buthayna Al-Ghafri, Rashid Al-Hajri, Mohammed Al-Abri
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of using photocatalysis with zinc oxide nanorods as a catalyst to degrade phenol in synthetic water. The results show that the nanorods are an effective photocatalyst for phenol degradation under visible light irradiation. The study also examines the effects of different factors such as pH, salinity, cations, and anions on the degradation process.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ahmad Naquash, Muhammad Nizami, Muhammad Abdul Qyyum, Rashid S. Al-Hajri, Moonyong Lee
Summary: Communication gaps between academic researchers and industry practitioners hinder the large-scale application of membrane-based natural gas liquid (NGL) recovery processes. A comprehensive process systems engineering (PSE) assessment is necessary to determine the commercial suitability of these processes. This review presents the technical and economic aspects of standalone and integrated membrane processes and identifies the key challenges and issues faced by membrane processes.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ala 'a H. Al-Muhtaseb, Farrukh Jamil, Ahmed I. Osman, Myo Tay Zar Myint, Htet Htet Kyaw, Rashid Al-Hajri, Murid Hussain, Mohammad N. Ahmad, Mu Naushad
Summary: This study synthesizes novel catalysts from waste materials and applies them to biodiesel production. Through characterization and parametric study, the optimal production conditions are determined, and the produced biodiesel meets the relevant standards.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed Abdelgawad, Belal Salah, Kamel Eid, Aboubakr M. Abdullah, Rashid S. Al-Hajri, Mohammed Al-Abri, Mohammad K. Hassan, Leena A. Al-Sulaiti, Doniyorbek Ahmadaliev, Kenneth I. Ozoemena
Summary: In this study, the electrochemical CO oxidation activity of Pt-based catalysts with different shapes and sizes was investigated. The results showed that porous Pt nanodendrites exhibited superior CO oxidation performance and durability compared to Pt nanostructures and commercial Pt/C catalyst in different electrolytes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Correction
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adewale K. K. Ipadeola, Kamel Eid, Aboubakr M. M. Abdullah, Rashid S. S. Al-Hajri, Kenneth I. I. Ozoemena
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hossain M. Shahadat, Nazir Ahmad, Zafar A. K. Khattak, Rahaman M. Abdur, Rashid Al-Hajri, Mohammed Al-Abri, Chih-Ming Kao, Hussein A. Younus, Francis Verpoort
Summary: In this study, researchers have successfully developed a water-soluble molecular nickel complex as a catalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under completely aqueous conditions using a neutral phosphate electrolyte.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hussein A. Younus, Nazir Ahmad, Mohammed Al-Abri, Rashid Al-Hajri, Shiguo Zhang
Summary: The molecular nature and structure of the real catalyst are important in homogeneous catalysis. In water oxidation catalysis, catalyst transformation is usually associated with catalyst decomposition and the generation of nanostructured materials. Recent breakthroughs have shown that the electrodeposits in this process can be molecular in nature instead of metal oxides. This perspective highlights examples of electrodeposited metal-organic species in water oxidation catalysis and discusses the transformation of heterogenized molecular catalysts.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adewale K. Ipadeola, Kamel Eid, Aboubakr M. Abdullah, Rashid S. Al-Hajri, Kenneth Ozoemena
Summary: Metal nanocrystal ornamented metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been synthesized using a multi-step process involving microwave irradiation and annealing to create hierarchical porous carbon nanosheets decorated with Pd nanocrystals. The resulting Pd/Ni-MOF/PC catalyst exhibits enhanced CO oxidation activity and stability compared to Pd/Ni-MOF/C and Pd/C catalysts under a wide range of pH conditions.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Iman Al-Wahaibi, Yahya Al-Wahaibi, Rashid Ai-Hajri, Baba Jibri, Suleiman Shuwa
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OIL GAS AND COAL TECHNOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yingna Du, Chen Huang, Wei Jiang, Qiangwei Yan, Yongfei Li, Gang Chen
Summary: In this study, anionic surfactants modified hydrotalcite was used as a flow improver for crude oil under low-temperature conditions. The modified hydrotalcite showed a significant viscosity reduction effect on crude oil. The mechanism of the modified hydrotalcite on viscosity and pour point of crude oil was explored through characterization and analysis of the modified hydrotalcite and oil samples.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohammad Saeid Rostami, Mohammad Mehdi Khodaei
Summary: In this study, a hybrid structure, MIL-53(Al)@MWCNT, was synthesized by combining MIL-53(Al) particles and -COOH functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). The hybrid structure was then embedded in a polyethersulfone (PES) polymer matrix to prepare a mixed matrix membrane (MMM) for CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 separation. The addition of MWCNTs prevented MIL-53(Al) aggregation, improved membrane mechanical properties, and enhanced gas separation efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yunlong Li, Desheng Huang, Xiaomeng Dong, Daoyong Yang
Summary: This study develops theoretical and experimental techniques to determine the phase behavior and physical properties of DME/flue gas/water/heavy oil systems. Eight constant composition expansion (CCE) tests are conducted to obtain new experimental data. A thermodynamic model is used to accurately predict saturation pressure and swelling factors, as well as the phase boundaries of N2/heavy oil systems and DME/CO2/heavy oil systems, with high accuracy.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Morteza Afkhamipour, Ebad Seifi, Arash Esmaeili, Mohammad Shamsi, Tohid N. Borhani
Summary: Non-conventional amines are being researched worldwide to overcome the limitations of traditional amines like MEA and MDEA. Adequate process and thermodynamic models are crucial for understanding the applicability and performance of these amines in CO2 absorption, but studies on process modeling for these amines are limited. This study used rate-based modeling and Deshmukh-Mather method to model CO2 absorption by DETA solution in a packed column, validated the model with experimental data, and conducted a sensitivity analysis of mass transfer correlations. The study also compared the CO2 absorption efficiency of DETA solution with an ionic solvent [bmim]-[PF6] and highlighted the importance of finding optimum operational parameters for maximum absorption efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Arastoo Abdi, Mohamad Awarke, M. Reza Malayeri, Masoud Riazi
Summary: The utilization of smart water in EOR operations has gained attention, but more research is needed to understand the complex mechanisms involved. This study investigated the interfacial tension between smart water and crude oil, considering factors such as salt, pH, asphaltene type, and aged smart water. The results revealed that the hydration of ions in smart water plays a key role in its efficacy, with acidic and basic asphaltene acting as intrinsic surfactants. The pH also influenced the interfacial tension, and the aged smart water's interaction with crude oil depended on asphaltene type, salt, and salinity.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Dongao Zhu, Kun Zhu, Lixian Xu, Haiyan Huang, Jing He, Wenshuai Zhu, Huaming Li, Wei Jiang
Summary: In this study, cobalt-based metal-organic frameworks (Co-based MOFs) were used as supports and co-catalysts to confine the NHPI catalyst, solving the leaching issue. The NHPI@Co-MOF with carboxyl groups exhibited stronger acidity and facilitated the generation of active oxygen radicals O2•, resulting in enhanced catalytic activity. This research provides valuable insights into the selection of suitable organic linkers and broadens the research horizon of MOF hybrids in efficient oxidative desulfurization (ODS) applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Edwin G. Hoyos, Gloria Amo-Duodu, U. Gulsum Kiral, Laura Vargas-Estrada, Raquel Lebrero, Rail Munoz
Summary: This study investigated the impact of carbon-coated zero-valent nanoparticle concentration on photosynthetic biogas upgrading. The addition of nanoparticles significantly increased microalgae productivity and enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus assimilation. The presence of nanoparticles also improved the quality of biomethane produced.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yao Xiao, Asma Leghari, Linfeng Liu, Fangchao Yu, Ming Gao, Lu Ding, Yu Yang, Xueli Chen, Xiaoyu Yan, Fuchen Wang
Summary: Iron is added as a flocculant in wastewater treatment and the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of sludge produces wastewater containing Fe. This study investigates the effect of aqueous phase (AP) recycling on hydrochar properties, iron evolution and environmental assessment during HTC of sludge. The results show that AP recycling process improves the dewatering performance of hydrochar and facilitates the recovery of Fe from the liquid phase.
Article
Energy & Fuels
He Liang, Tao Wang, Zhenmin Luo, Jianliang Yu, Weizhai Yi, Fangming Cheng, Jingyu Zhao, Xingqing Yan, Jun Deng, Jihao Shi
Summary: This study investigated the influence of inhibitors (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and heptafluoropropane) on the lower flammability limit of hydrogen and determined the critical inhibitory concentration needed for complete suppression. The impact of inhibitors on explosive characteristics was evaluated, and the inhibitory mechanism was analyzed with chemical kinetics. The results showed that with the increase of inhibitor quantity, the lower flammability limit of hydrogen also increased. The research findings can contribute to the safe utilization of hydrogen energy.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zonghui Liu, Zhongze Zhang, Yali Zhou, Ziling Wang, Mingyang Du, Zhe Wen, Bing Yan, Qingxiang Ma, Na Liu, Bing Xue
Summary: In this study, high-performance solid catalysts based on phosphotungstic acid (HPW) supported on Zr-SBA-15 were synthesized and evaluated for the one-pot conversion of furfural (FUR) to γ-valerolactone (GVL). The catalysts were characterized using various techniques, and the ratio of HPW and Zr was found to significantly affect the selectivity of GVL. The HPW/Zr-SBA-15 (2-4-15) catalyst exhibited the highest GVL yield (83%) under optimized reaction conditions, and it was determined that a balance between Bronsted acid sites (BAS) and Lewis acid sites (LAS) was crucial for achieving higher catalytic performance. The reaction parameters and catalyst stability were also investigated.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Michael Stoehr, Stephan Ruoff, Bastian Rauch, Wolfgang Meier, Patrick Le Clercq
Summary: As part of the global energy transition, an experimental study was conducted to understand the effects of different fuel properties on droplet vaporization for various conventional and alternative fuels. The study utilized a flow channel to measure the evolution of droplet diameters over time and distance. The results revealed the temperature-dependent effects of physical properties, such as boiling point, liquid density, and enthalpy of vaporization, and showed the complex interactions of preferential vaporization and temperature-dependent influences of physical properties for multi-component fuels.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yuan Zhuang, Ruikang Wu, Xinyan Wang, Rui Zhai, Changyong Gao
Summary: Through experimental validation and optimization of the chemical kinetic model, it was found that methanol can accelerate the oxidation reaction of ammonia, and methanol can be rapidly oxidized at high concentration. HO2 was found to generate a significant amount of OH radicals, facilitating the oxidation of methanol and ammonia. Rating: 7.5/10.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Radwan M. EL-Zohairy, Ahmed S. Attia, A. S. Huzayyin, Ahmed I. EL-Seesy
Summary: This paper presents a lab-scale experimental study on the impact of diethyl ether (DEE) as an additive to waste cooking oil biodiesel with Jet A-1 on combustion and emission features of a swirl-stabilized premixed flame. The addition of DEE to biodiesel significantly affects the flame temperature distribution and emissions. The W20D20 blend of DEE, biodiesel, and Jet A-1 shows similar flame temperature distribution to Jet A-1 and significantly reduces UHC, CO, and NOx emissions compared to Jet A-1.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jiang Bian, Ziyuan Zhao, Yang Liu, Ran Cheng, Xuerui Zang, Xuewen Cao
Summary: This study presents a novel method for ammonia separation using supersonic flow and develops a mathematical model to investigate the condensation phenomenon. The results demonstrate that the L-P nucleation model accurately characterizes the nucleation process of ammonia at low temperatures. Numerical simulations also show that increasing pressure and concentration can enhance ammonia condensation efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shiyuan Pan, Xiaodan Shi, Beibei Dong, Jan Skvaril, Haoran Zhang, Yongtu Liang, Hailong Li
Summary: Integrating CO2 capture with biomass-fired combined heat and power (bio-CHP) plants is a promising method for achieving negative emissions. This study develops a reliable data-driven model based on the Transformer architecture to predict the flowrate and CO2 concentration of flue gas in real time. The model validation shows high prediction accuracy, and the potential impact of meteorological parameters on model accuracy is assessed. The results demonstrate that the Transformer model outperforms other models and using near-infrared spectral data as input features improves the prediction accuracy.