Articles tagged with Petroleum
A superabsorbent material can recover up to 5 gallons of crude oil per pound and is strong enough for collection and transportation. The material transforms an oil spill into a soft gel that can be converted back into refined oil, providing a cost-effective solution to reduce environmental impacts.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new technique to improve oil recovery and environmental cleanup using microbial enhanced oil recovery. The technology, which involves injecting microbes into wells to increase oil production, could make a comeback in the oil industry due to its potential for increased productivity.
A study published in PNAS found that Pacific herring embryos in shallow waters died at high rates after the 2007 Cosco Busan oil spill, highlighting an interaction between sunlight and chemicals in oil. The findings suggest oil threats in sunlit habitats, particularly for translucent animals like herring embryos.
The ASME Petroleum Division has donated $1.25 million to the University of Houston to establish an endowed chair in subsea engineering and support a petroleum technology program. The endowment will help recruit world-class leaders, advance research, and increase community outreach efforts.
Researchers B. Franz Lang and Mohamed Hijri have identified mushroom species that can consume petroleum, offering a breakthrough in soil decontamination. The discovery is based on phytoremediation principles, where microorganisms play a key role in degrading contaminants.
A recent study suggests that a spike in oil prices could bring together conservatives and liberals on energy policy due to its potential impact on public health. 76% of respondents believe oil prices are likely to triple in the next five years, with strong conservatives being the most sensitive to these risks.
Researchers found that only 8-9% oil coverage on fertilized mallard duck eggs resulted in a 50% mortality rate. The weathering process made the crude oil less toxic to bird embryos, with no significant deformities or malformations reported.
A research team led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution determined what chemicals were contained in a deep, hydrocarbon-containing plume in the Gulf of Mexico. The plume was found to be 22 miles long and comprised mainly of BTEX compounds, with concentrations significantly higher than background levels.
A research team led by WHOI has determined the chemical makeup of a deep hydrocarbon-containing plume in the Gulf of Mexico, shedding light on its composition and potential effects on ocean life. The study found that the plume contained high concentrations of BTEX compounds, which can be toxic to aquatic organisms.
ConocoPhillips is donating $1 million to the University of Houston's Energy Research Park, a comprehensive research facility for the energy industry. The gift will support the university's vision for a world-class petroleum engineering department.
A study found that commercial laundry detergents and hand washes may contain up to 97% plant-based carbon, while some 'green' products contained significantly less. The research used radiocarbon dating to analyze the carbon content of products and revealed inconsistencies between product claims and actual composition.
A lack of safety procedures was identified as a factor behind the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Norwegian regulation, which relies on internal control and trust between companies and unions, is more robust than the US model, with fewer near-accidents resulting in disasters.
A study suggests that adding a shear-thickening polymer like cornstarch to drilling mud could suppress instability, allowing the mud to sink and stop the leak. Physicist Jonathan Katz's idea was initially rejected by BP, but experiments show it might have worked.
Researchers have created a new soy-based glue that can replace traditional wood adhesives, eliminating the release of formaldehyde vapors. The adhesive, made from soy flour and a special additive, performs as well as conventional adhesives but is environmentally friendly.
A new technique allows for fast and accurate detection of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil and rock using a portable infrared spectrometer. This method reduces labor-intensive sampling and processing requirements, saving time and costs associated with assessing and remediating contaminated sites.
A University at Buffalo researcher is working on designing more environmentally friendly oil dispersants using polymers, surfactants and solvents. Her goal is to create novel dispersants that can interact with crude oil and naturally occurring particles at the nanoscale level.
Scientists have developed a new, eco-friendly adhesive made from soy flour and water-resistant additive that performs as well as traditional petroleum-based adhesives without releasing harmful formaldehyde vapors. The sustainable glue could lead to a resurgence of protein-based adhesives in the wood industry.
Researchers use advanced technologies to map the origin of a massive underwater hydrocarbon plume in the Gulf of Mexico, confirming it came from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The plume is 22 miles long and 3,000 feet deep, and its composition suggests it has been persisting for longer than expected.
Researchers develop integrated pest management system using Neoseiulus californicus predatory mites and petroleum spray oils to reduce pesticide usage in eggplant farming. The system aims to improve eggplant production, increase farmer income, and benefit consumers and the environment.
A large underwater hydrocarbon plume was detected in the Gulf of Mexico, measuring at least 22 miles long and 3,000 feet below the surface. Scientists confirmed its origin as the blown-out well and observed its slow migration southwest from the source.
Virginia Tech researchers investigate how the shape of crude oil remnants affects their biodegradation rate. They also explore the impact of oxygen levels and carbon leaching on microbe growth, which can accelerate or hinder the process.
A CCNY-led team has created a non-toxic, recyclable gelling agent that can solidify oil on salt water, allowing for efficient scooping and separation. The agent is environmentally benign and uses renewable sources.
Scientists have developed a faster technique for testing soils around oil spills, allowing for on-site analysis of petroleum contaminants in moist soil samples. The new method uses visible near infrared light with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to rapidly evaluate soils for oil contamination.
The Rice University-led Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry journal has released a special virtual edition making 25 previously published studies on the Exxon Valdez oil spill available for free. The collection provides insights into the occurrence, fate, and effects of oils and oil spills in the environment.
A new study predicts that world conventional crude oil production will reach its peak in 2014, years earlier than anticipated. The study, published in ACS' Energy & Fuels, uses a revised version of the Hubbert model to account for individual production trends and provides a more realistic forecast.
Researchers used mixed consortia of bacteria to degrade naphthenic acids, a type of toxic compound found in crude oil and tar sands. The microbes broke down the compounds in just a few days, reducing environmental pollution from these areas.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley have discovered a mild and relatively inexpensive procedure for removing oxygen from biomass, potentially replacing traditional petrochemical feedstocks. The formic acid treatment converts glycerol into allyl alcohol, used to manufacture polymers, drugs, and other chemical products.
A three-year research partnership aims to improve the characterization of Victoria's sedimentary basins, attracting investment and increasing resource estimates. The project will also enhance understanding of geological carbon dioxide storage and geothermal resources.
Researchers found that microbes in coastal mudflats can rapidly degrade petrochemical residues in aerobic conditions, but slower in anaerobic conditions. The study suggests using these microbes as a natural way to clean up pollution in estuaries.
A team of researchers from Wuhan University found that adding chicken manure to contaminated soil can break down 75% of crude oil after two weeks. The study identified 12 microbial species capable of metabolizing crude oil components, paving the way for a more environmentally benign bioremediation approach.
Scientists discovered 70-million-year-old tubular escape hatches in a formation near Denver, Colorado, which were previously identified as fossilized tubeworms. The findings reveal the potential for methane gas to seep out of geologic seals, impacting petroleum reservoirs and CO2 injection.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new technology that can generate accurate maps of underground oil reservoirs, guiding engineers to extract more oil. The technique uses JPEG compression to create realistic maps from limited measurements, improving predictions of oil production and potentially increasing efficiency.
Researchers focus on microbes fermenting lignocellulosic biomass to produce bioethanol and biodiesel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Biofuel production requires a major effort in biochemical engineering to scale up and make it cost-effective.
A survey of 3,146 earth scientists found consensus on the reality of climate change, with climatologists showing strongest agreement. Petroleum geologists and meteorologists were among the biggest doubters, but most still acknowledge human involvement in global warming.
The University of Houston has trained its first class of 'homegrown' oil geophysicists in Africa, addressing a critical shortage in the petroleum industry. The program, in collaboration with the University of Cape Town, provided a comprehensive education in petroleum geophysics and prepared students for jobs in the oil industry.
Two Fortune 500 oil companies, Devon Energy Corp. and Marathon Oil Corp., have pledged major funding to the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering. The funds will support a new undergraduate petroleum engineering program with scholarships, textbooks, and state-of-the-art equipment.
Chemists at NIST have developed the first detailed chemical analysis of crude oil made from pig manure, revealing that it contains over 83 major compounds and requires significant refining to produce viable fuel. The study shows that the oil's high water content and presence of heavy metals make it unfavorable for use in vehicles.
The partnership aims to spread Chinese scientific knowledge on petroleum exploration to a wider audience, facilitating communication between Chinese and international experts. The journal's strict peer-review process and high rejection rate ensure the publication of high-quality research.
A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers found that retail biofuel samples often do not contain the advertised amount of biofuel. The actual percentage of biofuel in blends like B20 ranged from 10 to 74 percent, while only 10% met US Department of Defense standards.
A team of scientists has identified a biological process that breaks down crude oil into methane, offering a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way to produce natural gas. This breakthrough could increase oil sands production by recovering clean-burning methane directly from deeply buried deposits.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison study examines the global potential for biodiesel production from vegetable oils and animal fats, ranking countries by their ability to manufacture biodiesel at low cost. The top-ranked developing nations include Malaysia, Thailand, Uruguay, Colombia, and Ghana, which are well-positioned due to stron...
A multidisciplinary study recommends increasing the practicality of using biofuels and biomaterials as a supplement to petroleum. The group suggests exploring a broader spectrum of materials, including agriculture wastes and fast-growing trees, to address current transportation fuel needs.
Researchers found that certain populations of bacteria in contaminated coastal waters can degrade crude oil components, particularly polycyclic aromatic compounds. This discovery suggests that indigenous microbiota have evolved to handle the pollution, paving the way for potential bioremediation methods.
The ACS Petroleum Research Fund has distributed over $420 million in grants, supporting groundbreaking research in areas like drug development, catalysis, and oil exploration. The fund's impact is evident in the careers of 19 Nobel laureates and thousands of students who have benefited from its support.
Arthur B. Weglein, a physics professor at the University of Houston, testified before the US Congress Science Committee on the proposed ultradeep energy bill (H.R. 6). The hearing focused on the benefits of ultradeep water research and development, which could create nearly one million jobs and increase domestic oil and gas production.
Researchers developed self-cleaning hydrogen sensors using titania nanotubes that can recover from contamination by exposing them to ultraviolet light. The sensors' photocatalytic properties allow for efficient removal of contaminants, enabling real-world applications with minimal sensor error.
An anthropologist suggests a connection between decreasing energy use and declining fertility rates. The availability of energy affects economic activity, leading to a depressed economy which in turn causes a decline in fertility rate. This prediction is based on the link between petroleum consumption and economic conditions.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed new phosphide-based catalysts that improve the removal of sulfur and nitrogen from hydrocarbon fuels. These catalysts are more active, physically strong, and inexpensive to produce and regenerate than existing sulfide-based catalysts.
A Rochester chemist has developed a new method to activate hydrocarbons directly with small, extremely reactive metals, cutting out an inefficient middle step in the process. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of plastics and other products.
Bipin V. Vora has developed more efficient ways to make chemicals from petroleum, reducing environmental harm. His work on linear alkylbenzenes has improved the manufacture of environmentally-friendly detergents, making them safer for water and wildlife.
Marshall's work with mass spectrometry has enabled the analysis of complex mixtures such as blood and crude oil, identifying thousands of molecules and creating unique identifiers for oil sources. His techniques have been widely adopted in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and forensic science.
Research by Wayne Ahr and his team seeks to improve recovery methods for mature oil fields, aiming to extract between one-third and one-half of the remaining oil. The team uses computer modeling, geological analysis, and detergents to force out residual oil from porous rocks.
The USGS has released the World Petroleum Assessment 2000, revealing a 20% increase in undiscovered oil and a slight decrease in natural gas. Potential additions to reserves from reserve growth are nearly as large as estimated undiscovered resource volumes.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar and nuclear power, are crucial to fill the gap between energy demand and supply. John D. Edwards predicts that world crude oil production will peak in 2020 at 90 million barrels per day, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy options.
USGS geochemist Keith Kvenvolden's study suggests that most oil residues in Monterey Bay are likely from natural seeps, rather than ruptured tankers. The study found unusually heavy carbon isotopic compositions characteristic of crude oils from the Miocene Monterey Formation of California.