Articles tagged with Petroleum
The conflict in Iran is driving people away from fossil fuels, with the world less economically reliant on them. Effective solutions include deep investments in clean energy, public transportation, and urban planning, as well as emergency measures like cash transfers and targeted assistance for low-income households.
A new study estimates that decommissioning subsea oil and gas pipelines could release 4.5 to 500 tonnes of microplastics into the North Sea each year. The research highlights the potential environmental risks of legacy plastics and recommends integrating environmental consequences into decommissioning decision-making.
The SWRI and UT San Antonio experiment will test the Mars Atmospheric Reactor for Synthesis of Consumables (MARS-C) in partial gravity environments. The MARS-C is designed to produce fuel, oxygen, and life-support compounds using local resources on Mars.
Researchers developed a unified theoretical framework for ultrasound wave propagation and energy dissipation in porous rock formations. The study identifies three distinct longitudinal-wave types with different physical origins, providing a basis for understanding and predicting ultrasonic wave behavior in multiphase porous media.
Southwest Research Institute has patented EZ Flow technology, which reduces the viscosity of heavy crude oil by 40-60%, making it easier and less expensive to transport. The two-part process uses a proprietary chemical additive and controlled hydrodynamic cavitation to reduce viscosity without changing the oil's composition.
The partnership between ACP Technologies and Oak Ridge National Laboratory has helped move advanced pitch materials from laboratory development to pilot-scale production. The collaboration supported the refinement and demonstration of isotropic and mesophase pitch materials, now being produced at a new continuous pilot facility.
Dr. Blasingame's contributions to developing rate-transient tools for diagnosing and predicting hydrocarbon production are recognized by the NAE. He is the second academia-to-industry transition president of SPE and has received various honors from the organization.
The upgraded facility enables efficient testing of equipment moving heavy oils, addressing the growing need for advanced gas separation technologies. SwRI's expanded High-Viscosity Flow Loop offers a more comprehensive solution, allowing for cost-effective and efficient testing of pumps in extremely viscous conditions.
A new study finds that electric vehicles outperform gasoline cars in lifetime environmental impact, with a reduction in cumulative CO2 emissions after two years of use. The transportation sector accounts for 28% of US greenhouse gas emissions and adopting electric vehicles can improve climate and air quality.
A new study reveals that fossil fuel companies are failing to invest in renewables, with only 20% owning an operational project and renewable energy representing just 0.1% of their primary energy extraction.
Research by ETH Zurich reveals human-induced climate change has increased extreme heat wave frequency and severity, with fossil fuel and cement production contributing significantly. The study highlights the responsibility of large carbon emitters, such as oil and gas companies, in exacerbating heat waves.
Researchers found little evidence of disproportionate siting in Black counties, but a growing share of the Black population over time. Long-term demographic shifts after power plant openings led to higher Black population shares, with an average rise of 4% in 50-70 years.
A Northwestern University study reveals how Pseudomonas putida, a common soil bacterium, rewires its metabolism to thrive on complex carbons like lignin. The findings provide insights into the biomanufacturing industry's quest to harness bacteria for biofuel production and chemical synthesis.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University analyze historical U.S. carbon emissions trends, identifying factors that contributed to changes and offering lessons for developing countries. The study suggests that investing in efficient technologies and avoiding overreliance on coal can help avoid pitfalls encountered by the United States.
Researchers used foam-entrapped supercritical CO2 to prevent stored carbon from moving back to the surface. The approach shows promise for enhancing oil recovery and reducing CO2 migration.
Researchers have developed a multifunctional aerogel for efficient crude oil cleanup, exhibiting high compressive strength, hydrophobicity, and photothermal conversion. The aerogel's unique structure enables rapid absorption of viscous crude oil, addressing environmental concerns related to increasing oil spills.
Dr. Rita Okoroafor's research integrates geochemistry, geomechanics, and reservoir engineering to improve understanding of fluid-rock interactions in subsurface technologies. Her work enhances hydrogen storage efficiency, optimizes geothermal reservoir performance, and improves CO2 storage security.
Researchers from PolyU have discovered the precise location of aluminium atoms in zeolite frameworks, enabling the design of more efficient and stable catalysts. This breakthrough has wide-reaching implications for industries such as renewable energy and pollution control.
Unplanned oil supply outages caused by geopolitical instability are throwing airline stock markets into chaos, making it more expensive to fly. The study highlights the potential impact on investment strategies, stock market stability and long-term financial planning in the aviation sector.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new catalytic graphitization technology to convert petroleum coke into graphite, reducing emissions and cost associated with conventional synthetic graphite production. The process uses lower temperatures and shorter times, making it more sustainable and efficient.
A study published in PLOS Climate found substantial connections between fossil fuel, plastics, and agrichemical industries on Twitter. The research analyzed over 125,300 tweets from nine key players in these industries, revealing strong inter-sector connections, particularly between fossil fuel and plastics organizations.
The Southwest Research Institute is recruiting residents and visitors from around the world to participate in an international oil sampling program. Participants will be paid for purchasing prequalified oil samples and shipping them to SwRI's headquarters, with payment amounts varying by location and type of sample.
Researchers identified two microbe strains capable of degrading petroleum hydrocarbons, holding promise for treating contaminated marine oil spills. These microorganisms also exhibit potential to reduce the toxicity of oily wastewater, offering a sustainable solution for environmental remediation.
Research reveals that crude oil pollution dramatically reduces sea otter fur buoyancy, placing newborn pups at risk due to their larger surface area relative to body mass. After cleaning, the buoyancy of the fur improves but not fully recovers, highlighting the need for thorough detergent rinsing.
The university-led project aims to reduce carbon emissions through innovative extraction methods, such as electromagnetic heating for heavy oil recovery. It will also provide educational and research opportunities to students from minority-serving institutions, promoting diversity and inclusion in the scientific community.
A new study suggests that using a combination of smaller impermeable barriers, known as a 'composite confining system,' can effectively trap CO2 for long-term storage. This approach is considered more efficient than traditional caprock-sealed reservoirs, which can be prone to leaks.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill released nearly 5 million barrels of crude oil and hydrocarbon gases, affecting an area of 1,100 square miles, nearly nine times larger than earlier studies. Biodiversity loss among harpacticoid copepods declined dramatically due to the spill.
A new UC Riverside study found that boreal forests in the northern hemisphere are particularly vulnerable to negative effects of cleaning up aerosol pollution. Reducing levels of human-made aerosols causes an increase in wildfires, especially in northern hemisphere forests.
A UTA chemist has developed a new method to separate and recycle mixed plastics using supercritical fluid chromatography. The technique can differentiate oils created from various plastics, holding promise for improving recycling rates and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
A new study from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa found that chlorine mixed with petroleum in water can produce disinfection byproducts harmful to human health. The researchers discovered elevated levels of THM4 and HAA5, which are classified as regulated disinfection byproducts.
Research found that oil spills in freshwater produce more chemical changes, creating compounds that can persist longer in the environment. The study simulated a freshwater oil spill and analyzed water samples using mass spectrometry, revealing higher concentrations of oxygen-loaded chemicals.
Researchers have discovered that bismuth alloys can provide a better seal than traditional cement plugs, reducing the risk of leaks and greenhouse gas emissions. The innovative solution has the potential to save Norway billions of dollars in plugging costs, with reduced installation time and no need for rigs.
Research assesses the susceptibility of open-top oil storage tanks in Patagonia to wind-induced damages, highlighting the need for wind vulnerability assessments. Fragility curves reveal a pronounced risk of structural and operational damages at common wind speeds, guiding design standards and retrofitting approaches.
Researchers have discovered that produced water, often considered waste, contains nearly every element in the periodic table, including critical minerals like lithium and platinum group metals. A new approach using CO2 desalination can extract these valuable minerals, making it a lucrative means of offsetting reclamation costs.
A new study reveals that introducing a simple, renewable chemical to the pretreatment step can make next-generation biofuel production cost-effective and carbon neutral. A CELF biorefinery can more fully utilize plant matter than earlier methods, resulting in sustainable aviation fuel at a break-even price of $3.15 per gallon.
A new study found that fossil fuel companies rarely respond to online discussions about extreme weather, but instead engage with sustainability initiatives and corporate efforts. Climate misinformation can fuel denialism and delay action, emphasizing the need for understanding how it's designed and spread.
A study found polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Southern Resident killer whales and Bigg's killer whales off the coast of B.C., with contaminants from oil spills and wildfire smoke. The presence of PAHs suggests recent exposures to toxic chemicals, emphasizing the need for improved pollution management.
Researchers from China University of Petroleum apply terahertz spectroscopy to characterize oil shale's anisotropy, organic distribution, and fingerprint spectrum. The method enables simultaneous characterization of main oil generation zones and natural gas zones.
Researchers at the University of California - Berkeley have developed a simple and green way to convert flared natural gas into economically valuable liquids, mostly alcohols like methanol and ethanol. The process utilizes a porous metal-organic framework (MOF) that mimics the oxygenation reaction in plants and animals.
Researchers found that plants can significantly reduce petroleum contamination in subarctic soil by altering the microbial community structure. The study provides insights into phytoremediation's potential to restore contaminated ecosystems.
MethaneMapper is an artificial intelligence-powered hyperspectral imaging tool that can detect real-time methane emissions and trace them to their sources. With a performance accuracy of 91%, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we monitor oil and gas operations and curb climate change.
A previously unidentified marine reptile fossil from Svalbard has been classified using X-ray analysis, providing unique insights into ancient life in the Norwegian archipelago. The study's findings suggest that fossils from this formation are particularly well-suited for radiographic imaging due to the presence of sulfur minerals.
University of Houston researchers have created digital applications to enhance energy efficiency, including calculators for hydrocarbon MMP, carbon dioxide MMP, and viscosity. These tools offer significantly higher accuracy than current methods, helping engineers save time and resources.
Researchers highlight the need for a coherent international framework for decommissioning offshore structures due to limited evidence on their environmental impact. The study emphasizes the critical need for consensus on future approaches as an estimated 1,800 offshore wind turbines will require decommissioning by 2030.
The project, STEAM TANKS, aims to measure methane and other volatile organic compounds emitted from liquid storage tanks in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The researchers will use mobile laboratories, machine learning methods, and partner with industry leaders to develop solutions to mitigate methane emissions.
Researchers found that petroleum production from Platform Holly reduced methane seepage into the waters, confirming earlier regional studies. The study suggests harnessing gas could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the South Ellwood Oil Field.
The 57th annual meeting of the Geological Society of America's South-Central Section will take place in Oklahoma, USA, from March 13-14. The event features a diverse program covering various geologic disciplines and includes environmental-related sessions on topics such as hydrogeology and unconventional resources.
Researchers have developed a novel process that converts plastic waste into liquid gasoline-like fuel at low temperatures, eliminating unwanted byproducts. The innovative method uses alkylation catalysts and combines cracking and reaction steps in a single vessel, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
Researchers have developed a shellac-based coating to improve the gas barrier properties of moulded pulp materials, making them suitable for food packaging. The coating, combined with nanofibrillated cellulose, provides superior water resistance and thermal stability, while preserving environmental sustainability.
A new study from Kyushu University examines the spillover effects of rising energy prices following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The research finds that a 20% increase in energy prices has little impact on global prices and social surplus, with only a small effect on certain sectors.
A new study by Dr. Urenmisan Afinotan from the University of Exeter Law School reveals that weak penalties and loopholes in Nigeria's legislation are failing to deter gas flaring in the Niger Delta, despite efforts since the 1960s. The study highlights the need for stronger regulations to mitigate climate change.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully converted asphaltene, a byproduct of crude oil production, into turbostratic graphene using flash Joule heating. This process utilizes the existing material to create useful graphene for thermal, anti-corrosion and 3D-printing applications.
Researchers at KAUST have identified thermophilic bacteria with potential to degrade oil contamination. The study reveals that certain bacteria can secrete surfactants and absorb emulsified petroleum into their cells for degradation via enzymatic activity.
Researchers have created exceptionally thin nanomembranes that can separate hydrocarbons from crude oil with 90% less energy than traditional distillation columns. The membranes' high permeance and selectivity enable rapid processing of crude oil, reducing plant footprint and energy consumption.
Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to understand the structure of bacterial propellers, which are made of a single protein. The study reveals that bacteria push themselves forward by coiling these appendages into corkscrew shapes, and that similar structures have evolved independently in archaea.
A research team analyzed the economic feasibility of in situ upgrading technology by assessing the energy consumption ratio. They found that appropriate well spacing and minimum total organic content are crucial for efficient energy use. The study aims to promote the application of this technology for optimized oil shale exploitation.
A new study published in Earth Science Frontiers elucidates the role of nanopores in accumulating shale oil in the Gulong-Qingshankou reservoir in China. The research found that well-developed nanopores and nanofissures play a crucial role in storing shale oil, leading to a high source-reservoir ratio.
A new study published in Earth Science Frontiers reveals that lacustrine shale oil reserves in China have significant potential to shape energy security and geopolitics. The research identifies optimal conditions for shale oil accumulation, including high organic content and thermal maturity, as well as characteristics of these deposits.
New polymer-based membranes developed at KAUST enable greener separation of simple to complex hydrocarbon mixtures, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions in crude oil refineries. The membranes' stability and selectivity can be tuned by thermal crosslinking, allowing for higher purity components and removal of byproducts.
Researchers developed a nanopore-scale glass-topped lab-on-a-chip to study complex fluid behaviors at the nanoscale. The device allowed for direct visual recordings of liquid to vapor and back to liquid phase changes, revealing that nanopore behavior influences production and affecting recovery discrepancies.