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At least 631 records · Page 35
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Pyrolysis Vapor and Bio-Oil Preconditioning via Ex Situ Hydrodeoxygenation and Alkylation Using a Heteropolyacid Catalyst

Ex situ catalytic preconditioning of biomass pyrolysis vapors (partial deoxygenation) has the potential for both reducing the oxygen content and beneficially influencing the oxygen speciation of condense bio-oils for enhancement of downstream condensed phase upgrading processes. Here, condensed phase upgrading processes may refer to both coprocessing and hydroprocessing with vacuum gas-oil (VGO). Reduction of oxygen content to produce bio-oils with greater hydrophobicity can enhance VGO-solubility while tailoring of oxygen speciation by removal of reactive carbonyls (e.g., acetic acid) can lessen catalytic deactivation via coking reactions. 1,2 Furthermore, enhanced VGO-solubility and reduced coking leads to greater biogenic carbon incorporation in end-products from condensed phase upgrading processes. By leveraging the hydrodeoxygenation and alkylation activity of a titania-supported molybdenum-heteropolyacid (Mo-HPA/TiO2) catalyst, pyrolysis vapors and resulting condensed bio-oils were effectively preconditioned for downstream upgrading. 3 Data regarding the use of Mo-HPA/TiO2 for pyrolysis vapor preconditioning will be presented on, including method of employment, catalyst characterization, and impacts on bio-oil in relation to downstream condensed phase upgrading processes. Our approach is to: Compare Mo-HPA/TiO2 product distribution to HZSM-5; Investigate Mo-HPA/TiO2 regeneration and characterize changes in acid site character; Assess product differences in terms of enhanced VGO-solubility.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Corrosion Behavior of Alloy Structural Steels in Catechol and Biomass-Derived Pyrolysis Oils

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to assess the corrosion behavior of three steels, 2.25Cr-1Mo, 5Cr-1Mo and 9Cr-1Mo (UNS K21590, S50200 and K90941) in bio-oils and catechol, an organic constituent commonly found in bio-oils. Two types of biomass pyrolysis oils produced from selected forest residue feedstocks, classified as high-ash and high-moisture (HAHM) and low-ash and low-moisture (LALM) types and 10 wt.% catechol, were used to test the alloys. According to previous results, 10 wt.% catechol in a water and methanol mixture was corrosive to 2.25Cr-1Mo but not to 9Cr-1Mo, highlighting that increasing Cr content in the steels resulted in improved corrosion resistance. 5Cr-1Mo, a steel with an intermediate Cr content, was tested in catechol solutions to better estimate the critical value of Cr for corrosion resistance under these conditions. Also, the three alloys were tested in both HAHM and LALM bio-oils to assess corrosion susceptibility. For EIS measurements, a customized electrochemical setup was employed to minimize the ohmic path through the bio-oils. The corrosion susceptibility was evaluated by determining the resistance at the alloy-corrosive medium interface.

Jun, Jiheon↗
DOE OSTI2023

Thermo-Hydrological Modeling of Thermal Energy Storage in a Depleted Oil Reservoir

Thermal energy storage in oil and gas reservoirs leverages the existing surface and subsurface infrastructure, which can pave the way for economic production of geothermal energy. Existing studies on geothermal energy storage are focused mostly on the use of aquifers with more homogeneous rock and fluid properties. Coupling of heat and fluid flow in a multiphase-multicomponent system, such as an oil reservoir, is imperative especially if existing oil field assets need to be repurposed as required for a sustainable energy transition. The objective is to model the subsurface thermo-hydrological processes associated with reservoir performance and operational sustainability. The model evaluates formation pressure and temperature within the reservoir and at the injection/production wells during multiple charge and discharge cycles. Hot water (approximately 200 degrees C) heated by Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) at high pressure is injected into the existing oil reservoir for storage and produced as thermal energy for power generation, which will be accompanied by enhanced oil recovery. To demonstrate the coupled fluid and heat flow during the injection/production cycle in the subsurface reservoir, TOUGH3 (developed by Berkeley Lab) is used to simulate the thermo-hydrological (TH) processes in a multiphase, multicomponent system. Two well geometries are considered within the reservoir grid: 1) a single-well huff-n-puff system (same well is used for injection and production), and 2) an isolated injection-production well doublet. Seasonal charge and discharge cycling are implemented based on the scheduling specified in the model input file. The model reports pressure, temperature, enthalpy, liquid fluxes, heat fluxes, pore velocities, and changes in porosity & permeability due to temperature and pressure variations during the cyclic Reservoir Thermal Energy Storage (RTES) operations. The results from the simulations can be used to optimize the operational parameters (such as well spacing and injection/production rates) and round-trip efficiency for surface power-plants coupled with thermal energy storage over time. They can also serve as important inputs for levelized cost of storage estimations. The research will help to design and integrate surface renewable energy sources, such as concentrating solar power (CSP), with RTES to help balance out power supply and demand on the grid.

CSP↗
DOE OSTI2016

A Thermoplasticity Model for Oil Shale

Several regions of the world have abundant oil shale resources, but accessing this energy supply poses a number of challenges. One particular difficulty is the thermomechanical behavior of the material. When heated to sufficient temperatures, thermal conversion of kerogen to oil, gas, and other products takes place. This alteration of microstructure leads to a complex geomechanical response. In this work, we develop a thermoplasticity model for oil shale. The model is based on critical state plasticity, a framework often used for modeling clays and soft rocks. The model described here allows for both hardening due to mechanical deformation and softening due to thermal processes. In particular, the preconsolidation pressure—defining the onset of plastic volumetric compaction—is controlled by a state variable representing the kerogen content of the material. As kerogen is converted to other phases, the material weakens and plastic compaction begins. We calibrate and compare the proposed model to a suite of high-temperature uniaxial and triaxial experiments on core samples from a pilot in situ processing operation in the Green River Formation. In conclusion, we also describe avenues for future work to improve understanding and prediction of the geomechanical behavior of oil shale operations.

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Vegetable Oil Based Polyurethane Containing 1,2,3-Triazolium Functional Groups as Antimicrobial Wound Dressing

Preparation of antimicrobial polyurethane wound dressing membranes from a mixture of castor oil and a novel soybean oil-based polyol containing 1,2,3-triazolium rings (QTSBO) was described in this research. QTSBO was prepared through N-alkylation of 1,2,3-triazole functional soybean oil (TSBO) with methyl iodide, and TSBO was synthesized from an azidated soybean oil and propargyl alcohol through click reaction. The excellent tensile strength of these dressings under dry state and minimum deterioration of this property at fully hydrated state guaranteed the mechanical protection of wounds during the entire period of the healing process. The measured quantities of equilibrium water absorption and water vapor transmission rate for the optimized dressings confirmed the applicability of the selected formulations for the preservation of proper moist environment over low exuding wounds. The cyto-compatibility of dressings was verified by the excellent ability of the dressings to support the growth and proliferation of dermal fibroblasts. Due to the presence of 1,2,3-triazolium rings the dressing showed efficient antimicrobial activity against different bacterial and fungal stains. Therefore, these dressing could promote wound healing by preserving moist and hygienic environment over the wound bed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Degradation of Bunker C Fuel Oil by White-Rot Fungi in Sawdust Cultures Suggests Potential Applications in Bioremediation

Fungal lignocellulolytic enzymes are promising agents for oxidizing pollutants. This study investigated degradation of Number 6 “Bunker C” fuel oil compounds by the white-rot fungi Irpex lacteus, Trichaptum biforme, Phlebia radiata, Trametes versicolor, and Pleurotus ostreatus (Basidiomycota, Agaricomycetes). Averaging across all studied species, 98.1%, 48.6%, and 76.4% of the initial Bunker C C10 alkane, C14 alkane, and phenanthrene, respectively were degraded after 180 days of fungal growth on pine media. This study also investigated whether Bunker C oil induces changes in gene expression in the white-rot fungus Punctularia strigosozonata, for which a complete reference genome is available. After 20 days of growth, a monokaryon P. strigosozonata strain degraded 99% of the initial C10 alkane in both pine and aspen media but did not affect the amounts of the C14 alkane or phenanthrene. Differential gene expression analysis identified 119 genes with ≥ log 2 (2- fold) greater expression in one or more treatment comparisons. Six genes were significantly upregulated in media containing oil; these genes included three enzymes with potential roles in xenobiotic biotransformation. Carbohydrate metabolism genes showing differential expression significantly accumulated transcripts on aspen vs. pine substrates, perhaps reflecting white-rot adaptations to growth on hardwood substrates. The mechanisms by which P. strigosozonata may degrade complex oil compounds remain obscure, but degradation results of the 180-day cultures suggest that diverse white-rot fungi have promise for bioremediation of petroleum fuels.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Near-Term Projections of CO 2 Utilization for Enhanced Oil Recovery

In 2013 a total of 113 CO 2 -EOR projects inject 3.1 billion cubic feet per day (Bcfd) (60 million metric tons (MMmt) per year) of CO 2 for enhanced oil recovery in the United States. The associated crude oil production in 2012 was 282,000 barrels per day. Based on the increased volumes of CO 2 supplies, the completion of major CO 2 pipelines, and the announced new, large-scale CO 2 -EOR floods, production of crude oil from CO 2 -EOR floods is forecast to grow significantly, reaching 615,000 barrels per day from at least 124 active CO 2 floods by year 2020. While the Permian Basin remains the largest CO 2 -EOR oil producer, much of the growth occurs in the Gulf Coast, the Rockies, and the Mid-Continent.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Integration of Clean Energy into Oil Field Operations

Integrating clean energy into oil and gas operations could reduce emissions and maximize higher-value use of produced hydrocarbons. In this published study, analysts from the Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis (JISEA) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) evaluated clean power technologies for an oil field in the Delaware Basin using NREL’s Renewable Energy Integration and Optimization, or REopt, tool. The analysts evaluated different configurations of distributed energy resources based on the technologies available and the load they could satisfy, available land, and hypothetical carbon pricing. The analysis is part of a collaborative program with industry to understand site-specific energy consumption and prices in the oil and gas supply chain and determine under what conditions clean energy options are economically attractive. This work was sponsored by a consortium including ConocoPhillips, Baker Hughes, Extraction Oil & Gas, Kinder Morgan, and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America Foundation.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Effect of Fatty Acid Polyunsaturation on Synthesis and Properties of Emulsion Polymers Based on Plant Oil-Based Acrylic Monomers

This study demonstrated that polymerization behavior of plant oil-based acrylic monomers (POBMs) synthesized in one-step transesterification reaction from naturally rich in oleic acid olive, canola, and high-oleic soybean oils is associated with a varying mass fraction of polyunsaturated fatty acid fragments (linoleic (C18:2) and linolenic (C18:3) acid esters) in plant oil. Using miniemulsion polymerization, a range of stable copolymer latexes was synthesized from 60 wt.% of each POBM and styrene to determine the impact of POBM chemical composition (polyunsaturation) on thermal and mechanical properties of the resulted polymeric materials. The unique composition of each plant oil serves as an experimental tool to determine the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acid fragments on POBM polymerization behavior and thermomechanical properties of crosslinked films made from POBM-based latexes. The obtained results show that increasing polyunsaturation in the copolymers results in an enhanced crosslink density of the latex polymer network which essentially impacts the mechanical properties of the films (both Young’s modulus and toughness). Maximum toughness was observed for crosslinked latex films made from 50 wt.% of each POBM in the monomer feed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Plant Oil-Based Acrylic Latexes towards Multisubstrate Bonding Adhesives Applications

To investigate the utility of acrylic monomers from various plant oils in adhesives manufacturing, 25–45 wt. % of high oleic soybean oil-based monomer (HOSBM) was copolymerized in a miniemulsion with commercially applied butyl acrylate (BA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), or styrene (St). The compositions of the resulting ternary latex copolymers were varied in terms of both “soft” (HOSBM, BA) and “rigid” (MMA or St) macromolecular fragments, while total monomer conversion and molecular weight of copolymers were determined after synthesis. For most latexes, results indicated the presence of lower and higher molecular weight fractions, which is beneficial for the material adhesive performance. To correlate surface properties and adhesive performance of HOSBM-based copolymer latexes, contact angle hysteresis (using water as a contact liquid) for each latex-substrate pair was first determined. The data showed that plant oil-based latexes exhibit a clear ability to spread and adhere once applied on the surface of materials differing by polarities, such as semicrystalline polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), bleached paperboard (uncoated), and tops coated with a clay mineral paperboard. The effectiveness of plant oil-based ternary latexes as adhesives was demonstrated on PET to PP and coated to uncoated paperboard substrates. As a result, the latexes with high biobased content developed in this study provide promising adhesive performance, causing substrate failure instead of cohesive/adhesive break in many experiments.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1926

Experimental investigation of the physical properties of medium and heavy oils, their vaporization and use in explosion engines. Part I

While little has been accomplished in obtaining an abundant supply of light oils from coal and heavy oils, progress has been made on engine design to make use of the heavier oils. Progress has been made in two different directions which are outlined in this paper: the group of engines with medium and high-pressure carburetion in the cylinder; and the group of engines with low-pressure carburetion of the heavy oils before reaching the cylinder.

OILS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization with a Mixture of Absolute Ethanol and Iodized Oil for Poorly Visualized Endophytic Renal Masses Prior to CT-Guided Percutaneous Cryoablation

PurposeTo retrospectively evaluate the feasibility of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using a mixture of absolute ethanol and iodized oil to improve localization of endophytic renal masses on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) prior to CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation (PCA).Materials and MethodsOur institutional review board approved this retrospective study. From September 2011 to June 2015, 17 patients (mean age, 66.8 years) with stage T1a endophytic renal masses (mean diameter, 26.5 mm) underwent TAE using a mixture of absolute ethanol and iodized oil to improve visualization of small and endophytic renal masses on unenhanced CT prior to CT-guided PCA. TAE was considered successful that accumulated iodized oil depicted whole of the tumor edge on CT. PCA was considered successful when the iceball covered the entire tumor with over a 5 mm margin. Oncological and renal functional outcomes and complications were also evaluated.ResultsTAE was successfully performed in 16 of 17 endophytic tumors. The 16 tumors were performed under CT-guided PCA with their distinct visualization of localization and safe ablated margin. During the mean follow-up period of 15.4 ± 5.1 months, one patient developed local recurrence. Estimated glomerular filtration rate declined by 8 % with statistical significance (P = 0.01). There was no procedure-related significant complication.ConclusionTAE using a mixture of absolute ethanol and iodized oil to improve visualization of endophytic renal masses facilitated tumor localization on unenhanced CT, permitting depiction of the tumor edge as well as a safe margin for ablation during CT-guided PCA, with an acceptable decline in renal function.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Applied Aspects of the Study of Thermodynamic Parameters of Oil Disperse Systems

For intensification of oil refining without using secondary processes, thermodynamic parameters of gas condensate and residual fuel oil blends were calculated from experimental investigations involving inverse gas chromatography. Apparently, from thermodynamic parameters of gas condensate and residual fuel oil blend, it is possible to determine the optimal ratio of the components for increasing the yield of light fractions. It is likely that the new colloidal structure of the blend of the disperse system (residual fuel oil) with the homogeneous system (gas condensates) forms via formation of a semicolloidal system followed by restructurization due to intermolecular interaction and dissolution processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Vanadium and Nickel Distribution in Resin Fractions of High-Sulfur Heavy Oils

The mechanisms of occurrence and distribution of vanadium and nickel in resins and their fractions are studied with reference to high-sulfur heavy oils of Tatarstan, Samara Oblast (region), and Kazakhstan deposits. For all the investigated heavy oils, the content of vanadium and nickel in resins increase in direct proportion to the increase in contents of these metals in the oils. The resins were fractionated into benzene and alcohol-benzene fractions by adsorption chromatographic separation on silica gel. The alcohol-benzene fractions are characterized as being more polar on account of a larger content of oxygen-bearing structural groups. The special features of vanadium and nickel content and distribution in resin fractions are disclosed for heavy oils of various production complexes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Evaluation of alternatives for the evolution of palm oil mills into biorefineries

Six alternatives for the conversion of an average Colombian palm oil mill (30 t/h) of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) into biorefineries were evaluated. The alternatives studied were: (C1) Production of biogas from the Palm Oil Mill Effluents (POME), (C2) Composting of empty fruit bunches (EFB) and fiber, (C3) Biomass combustion for high pressure steam combined heat and power, (C4) Pellets production, (C5) Biochar production and, (C6) Biochar and bio-oil production. The available biomass could result in up to 125 kWh of electricity, 207 kg of compost, 125 kg of pellet, 44 kg of biochar and 63 kg of bio-oil per metric ton of FFB. The global warming potential (GWP), eutrophication potential (EP), net energy ratio (NER), capital expenditures (CAPEX), operational costs (OPEX), net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) were calculated for all the alternatives. GHG reductions of more than 33% could be achieved. Anaerobic digestion and composting contributed to 30% reduction of the EP. The CAPEX for all of the biorefinery alternatives studied varies between 0.7 $/t and 2.8 $/t of FFB. The OPEX varies between 1.6 $/t and 7.3 $/t of FFB. The NPV for viable scenarios ranged between 2.5 million and 13.9 million US dollars. The IRR calculated varied between 3% and 56% and the payback periods were between 3 and 8 years. The total extra incomes reached values up to 15.2 $/t of FFB. Overall the pellets production biorefinery was the preferred alternative.

palm oil mill, biorefinery comparison, Life Cycle ↗
DOE OSTI2019

Enhanced crude oil depletion by constructed bacterial consortium comprising bioemulsifier producer and petroleum hydrocarbon degraders

The aim of this work was to study the production of bioemulsifier by Rhodococcus erythropolis OSDS1, and the improvement of crude oil depletion efficiency using a consortium of petroleum hydrocarbon degraders and OSDS1. The results showed that R. erythropolis OSDS1 produced highly stable bioemulsifier under various salinity (0-35 g/L NaCl) and pH (5.0-9.0) conditions; more than 90% of the initial emulsification activity was retained after 168 h. Emulsification capacity of the bioemulsifier on different petroleum hydrocarbons was diesel > mineral oil/crude oil > gasoline. A mixed bacterial consortium combining OSDS1 and four other petroleum hydrocarbon degraders was constructed. GC-MS results revealed that the constructed consortium achieved 85.26% depletion efficiency of crude oil in 15 days, which was significantly higher than that of individual strains. During the process, we observed alkane hydroxylase gene ( alkB ) was successfully amplified from the consortium, confirming presence of crude oil degrading enzymes.

02 PETROLEUM↗
DOE OSTI2019

Investigating the correlation of biomass recalcitrance with pyrolysis oil using poplar as the feedstock

Pyrolysis of five poplar samples with differing degrees of recalcitrance was performed; the correlations between the poplar enzymatic hydrolysis glucose yields and the physicochemical properties of pyrolysis product were studied in this work. Sugar release of five poplar samples varied from 48.1 to 112.3 mg/g for glucose, and 12.0 to 32.4 mg/g for xylose. The yield of pyrolysis products was calculated and the molecular weight distribution of pyrolysis oils was measured by GPC, ranging from 268 to 289 g/mol for its weight-average molecular weight. GC–MS analysis of the bio-oil exhibited a strong correlation between biomass recalcitrance and guaiacyl-type structures in bio-oils. The correlation between biomass recalcitrance and the ratio of syringyl-to-guaiacyl-type-related structures was also assessed. The results from quantitative 31 P NMR indicated some correlation between biomass recalcitrance and the guaiacyl hydroxyl groups in bio-oils. These conclusions illustrate correlations and differences between converting biomass to biofuels via the biological and thermal platform.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2019

In-situ hydrogenation of bio-oil/bio-oil phenolic compounds with secondary alcohols over a synthesized mesoporous Ni/CeO 2 catalyst

Mesoporous ceria, which was synthesized under supercritical conditions, was found to be an effective support material of Ni catalyst for the in-situ hydrogenation of m-cresol (a representative compound of bio-oil) using secondary alcohols of 2-propanol (2-PrOH) and 2-butanol (2-BuOH) as a hydrogen source (H-donor) to produce 3-methylcyclohexanol, 3-methylcyclohexene, and methylcyclohexane under a H2 gas-free atmosphere. The activities of different metal catalysts (Ni, Cu, and Co) for the in-situ hydrogenation of m-cresol were examined using 2-PrOH as a H-donor. Total and effective conversion of m-cresol achieved only over Ni/CeO 2 because of its fair catalytic properties, as determined by N2 adsorption-desorption, hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction, ammonia temperature-programmed desorption, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The dependence of Ni/CeO2 performance on the reaction time (4-6 h) and Ni loading (3-9 wt%) was examined from the in-situ hydrogenation of m-cresol with 2-PrOH. The deactivation test of Ni/CeO 2 was performed by reusing the spent catalyst, which was then regenerated through successive oxidation and reduction, several times in the m-cresol transformation employing 2-PrOH as a H-donor. In addition to m-cresol, other phenolic model compounds of bio-oil, such as anisole, phenol, and guaiacol, were also treated by in-situ hydrogenation with 2-PrOH over Ni/CeO 2 . Although this catalyst was effective for phenol and guaiacol transformation, it was relatively ineffective for anisole conversion. The in-situ hydrogenation of crude bio-oil with 2-PrOH and 2-BuOH was accomplished over the Ni/CeO 2 catalyst, resulting in a refined bio-oil with a 37.5-38.9% lower oxygen content and a high heating value (HHV) of up to 25 MJ/kg.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗