Hydrocarbon potential of cretaceous sediments from lower Indus Basin,Pakistan

In previous studies, Patala-Nammal Composite Total Petroleum System (TPS) was recognized as a potential source of hydrocarbon in the Upper Indus Basin, and Sembar-Goru Composite TPS in the Lower Indus Basin. However, petroleum source-rock potential of Cretaceous strata in the Indus Basin is poorly known. In the current study, Rock Eval and total organic carbon (TOC) analyses were conducted to investigate the thermal maturity and source-rock potential of Cretaceous unit in the Lower Indus Basin. The Parh Formation of the Lower Indus Basin is lean in organic contents (TOC < 0.73%) and consistent with immature type-III/IV kerogen. The Upper Goru Formation is fair in organic contents and presents similar characteristics to the Parh Formation with respect to the hydrocarbon generation zone. The Lower Goru Formation presents fair to very good organic contents. The members of Lower Goru Formation have enough organic matter (OM) and are mature, with the exception of Badin shales. The OM, throughout the formation, is predominantly gas prone. The Sembar Formation is fair in organic contents and mature with respect to hydrocarbons generation. These results support that the Lower Goru rocks are comparatively more prospective with respect to hydrocarbons.     

The geochemical characterization of crude oils reservoired in Cretaceous sequences,Lower Indus Basin,Pakistan

Geochemical analyses of the 10 crude oils from Cretaceous sequences, Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan, are performed to characterize source, depositional environment, biodegradation, and thermal maturity to establish genetic relationship. Low sulfur, high pristane/phytane (Pr/Ph) ratios, and high American Petroleum Institute gravity indicate oxic depositional environment and terreginous input of organic matter (OM). Full suite of n-alkanes, low isoprenoid/n-alkane ratios, elevated saturates/aromatics ratios, and the absence of unresolved complex mixture indicate typical non-biodegraded light crude oils. The carbon preference index, odd even predominance, Pr/n-C₁₇, and Ph/n-C₁₈ ratios reveal that source rocks generating Lower Indus Basin crude oils are thermally mature. Based on geochemical analyses, the source OM input is probably terreginous mixed with marine, deposited under suboxic to oxic depositional environments.     

Exhumation Studies in Hydrocarbon Exploration

Abstract

The Cooper-Eromanga Basins of South Australia and Queensland are not at their maximum burial-depth due to Late Cretaceous–Tertiary and Late Triassic–Early Jurassic exhumation. This study reviews evidence of exhumation and palaeo-thermal history in the Cooper-Eromanga Basins based on previous apatite fission track analysis and fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures. Previous works using these techniques have tended to focus their research in the palaeo-thermal history, rather than exhumation magnitudes, indeed thermal annealing witnessed by apatite fission track analysis and associated with the recent/present high geothermal gradients precludes estimation of exhumation at the Cooper-Eromanga Basins unconformity. The relative importance of hot fluids, burial/exhumation and/or other heating processes is unclear. Nonetheless, where reported, exhumation results from apatite fission track analysis and fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures are in a broad agreement with those from compaction analysis.     

Direct coal liquefaction safety risks: Feedstock production and transportation

We identify major factors resulting in serious injury and loss of life during coal mining and shipment necessary to supply a hypothetical 1-quad/yr direct coal liquefaction industry with feedstock and fuel. Regional siting of direct coal liquefaction processing facilities, mine type, and coal transport mode would all govern the magnitude of deaths and injuries occurring as a consequence of commercial liquefaction. Of the five coal supply regions evaluated, the most serious occupational hazards would be generated by underground mining in the Central Appalachian Basin. The least hazardous mining regions are predicted to be the Powder River and Northern Great Plains Basins. Truck transport of coal in either the Northern or Central Appalachian basins was determined to generate the greatest risk of employee fatalities and lost workdays; barging on Appalachian or mid-western waterways is least hazardous to workers. Public risks for fatal injury accidents via rail or truck transport are comparable for all regions except the Illinois Basin, which would generate approximately half the risk of the other four regions. The risks of injury and death to workers and the public during these first segments of the fuel cycle are greater than any other risks attributable to direct liquefaction commercialization.     

A perspective on catalytic conversion of glycerol to olefins

Glycerol, an alcohol and oxygenated chemical from biodiesel production, has enormous potential to be converted into higher value-added fuels and chemicals. Conversion of glycerol to olefins, although relatively new, has been proven viable by the limited number of literatures available. However, the studies on alcohol-to-hydrocarbons involving methanol and ethanol conversions to hydrocarbons (MTHC and ETHC) have extensively been conducted. Due to the increasing amount of glycerol produced worldwide and the importance of olefins in the industry, it is therefore essential to have broadened knowledge on the technology of glycerol conversion to olefin (GTO). This review focuses on GTO with reference to the more established MTHC and ETHC studies. The chemistry and reaction schemes for methanol and ethanol reactions to produce hydrocarbons are also reviewed to provide some basics study for GTO. Catalytic conversion processes with different raw materials for obtaining olefins are then compared with GTO. GTO offers viable, sustainable and environmental friendly technology for green olefins production from renewable resources, and concerted efforts should be geared to explore its potential.     

浅谈鸡西盆地穆棱组沉积规律

通过对含煤地层穆棱组的沉积体系类型、空间配置及沉积环境、演化的分析，阐述了鸡西盆地含煤地层穆棱组的沉积规律。     

Development of metal supported solid oxide fuel cells based on powder metallurgical manufacturing route

Abstract

In the past few decades, stationary solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems have been developed that can generate electricity and heat from the energy stored in hydrogen or hydrocarbons with total efficiencies up to 95%. While the mechanical cell support of stationary systems is commonly supplied by thick ceramic cell components (i.e. anode and electrolyte supported concepts), mobile systems demand a more robust design. This is ensured by a strong yet porous metallic substrate which serves as the mechanical backbone of thin film membrane electrode assemblies [metal supported cell (MSC) concept]. Porous PM Fe–Cr oxide dispersion strengthened alloys for use as MSC supports have recently been developed. These materials provide mechanical and chemical long term stability in typical SOFC atmospheres at operation temperatures up to 850°C. The substrates support a multilayer anode–electrolyte–cathode thin film assembly, constituting a high performance MSC repeat unit. These units are the building blocks for MSC stacks with superior properties for mobile applications.     

Exporting the “Norwegian Model”: The effect of administrative design on oil sector performance

Norway has administered its petroleum resources using three distinct government bodies: a national oil company engaged in commercial hydrocarbon operations; a government ministry to direct policy; and a regulatory body to provide oversight and technical expertise. Norway's relative success in managing its hydrocarbons has prompted development institutions to consider whether this “Norwegian Model” of separated government functions should be recommended to other oil-producing countries. By studying ten countries that have used widely different approaches in administering their hydrocarbon sectors, we conclude that separation of functions is not a prerequisite to successful oil sector development. Countries where separation of functions has worked are characterized by the combination of high institutional capacity and robust political competition. Unchallenged leaders often appear able to adequately discharge commercial and policy/regulatory functions using the same entity, although this approach may not be robust against political changes. Where institutional capacity is lacking, better outcomes may result from consolidating commercial, policy, and regulatory functions until such capacity has further developed. Countries with vibrant political competition but limited institutional capacity pose the most significant challenge for oil sector reform: Unitary control over the sector is impossible but separation of functions is often difficult to implement.     

Micro-fuel cells—Current development and applications

The importance of micro-fuel cell has been increased with the demand for uninterrupted power source in today's power hungry portable electronics. Currently, there is aggressive research going on to commercialize the micro-fuel cell by many laboratories and companies. The three different fuels feeding systems, i.e. pure hydrogen, pure hydrocarbons (alcohol, i.e. methanol and ethanol; formic acid and ethylene glycol) and on-board hydrogen from reformed hydrocarbons like methanol or other compound like water can be used for operating the micro-fuel cells. The current status on the research and development of micro-fuel cell with all the above three types of fuels have been discussed. The different substrate materials used in micro-fuel cells for the suitability of the portable electronics have also been stated. The design aspects of micro-fuel cells and micro-reformers are discussed here. The current state of commercialization of micro-fuel cells for portable electronics has been reviewed based on the open literature. The hurdles to overcome in order to commercialize in full phase have been reported, whenever possible. Some very new technologies which can make the micro-fuel cell into a very promising system with a simple operation have also been focused.     

Natural emissions of CO2 from the geosphere and their bearing on the geological storage of carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and storage has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Although leakage from monitored CO₂ injection sites has been minimal to non-existent, experience from the natural gas storage industry suggests that, if it becomes a widely deployed technology, leaks may be expected from some storage sites. Natural occurrences of CO₂ in the geosphere, some of which have been exploited, provide insights into the types of emissions that might be expected from anthropogenic CO₂ storage sites. CO₂ emission sites are commonly found in clusters in CO₂-prone geological provinces: the most common natural emissions sites in sedimentary basins consist of carbonated springs and mofettes. These represent at worst only a local hazard. In volcanic and hydrothermal provinces, more energetic emissions may occur due to active supply from degassing magma. These include rare, sudden emissions from fissures and craters that have caused fatalities. It is unlikely that such provinces would be considered for CO₂ storage Major lake overturn events such as occurred at Lake Nyos in 1986 are considered highly unlikely to occur as a result of CO₂ storage, not least because CO₂ levels in lake waters can be monitored and remediated. Natural CO₂ fields indicate that under favourable conditions CO₂ can be retained in the subsurface for millions of years. The main risk from man-made CO₂ storage sites that does not have any close analogy in nature is considered to be a well blowout. A blowout that took place at a natural CO₂ field provides some indication of the likely hazard.     

Flue Gases Analysis with Soot Formation from Lump-coal Combustion in a Fixed Bed

The objective of this work is to study flue gases emission regularity with soot formation in fixed bed. A laboratory-scaled, movable fixed bed has been designed and employed in the process. The results of experiments show that the relative concentration of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons are decreased by 42.98% and that of aromatic hydrocarbons are increased by 50.84% with temperature increase; the relative concentration of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons are decreased by 39.05% and that of aromatic hydrocarbons are increased by 30.71% with the residence time extension; more aromatic hydrocarbons are formed in flue gases from high-volatiles coals combustion; and the relative concentration of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons are decreased with oxygen quantity increase.     

Exhumation Study in the Cooper-Eromanga Basins,Australia and the Implications for Hydrocarbon Exploration

Abstract

The Cooper-Eromanga Basins of South Australia and Queensland are not at their maximum burial-depth due to Late Cretaceous-Tertiary and Late Triassic-Early Jurassic exhumation. The main tool used for estimating the exhumation is the available vitrinite reflectance data. Exhumation studies using compaction analysis have also been compiled in order that exhumation is better constrained. The results suggest that Late Cretaceous-Tertiary exhumation increases eastwards from the South Australia to the Queensland sector of the basins. This study has major implications for hydrocarbon exploration. Predicted maturation of source rocks will be greater for any given geothermal history if exhumation is incorporated in maturation modeling.     

开发度--评价水资源可持续开发的新模型

从可持续发展的观点出发，对水资源可持续开发的内涵进行了定义；从保证生态环境稳定的角度，对开发度进行了界定，并确定了保证河流系统生态环境稳定的生态需水模型，从而建立了河流系统水资源开发度模型；用开发度模型对海滦河流域开发的情况进行评价，结果表明海滦河流域的实际开发利用量大量占用了河流系统的生态用水，超过其开发度，影响了河流系统生态环境稳定和流域水循环可再生性的维持，使海滦河流域生态环境恶化。     

Experimental study of the kinetic interactions in the low-temperature autoignition of hydrocarbon binary mixtures and a surrogate fuel

The oxidation and autoignition of five undiluted stoichiometric mixtures, n-heptane/toluene, isooctane/toluene, isooctane/1-hexene, 1-hexene/toluene, and isooctane/1-hexene/toluene, has been studied in a rapid compression machine below 900 K. Ignition delay times of two- and one-stage autoignition have been measured and compared to those for pure hydrocarbons. The largest influence of mixing is in the region of the negative temperature coefficient. Intermediate products have been analyzed. The main reaction paths of low-temperature co-oxidation are discussed according to current knowledge of the oxidation paths of pure hydrocarbons. The influence of toluene on the temperature coefficient of the first stage of ignition of isooctane cannot be accounted for by the current theories of low-temperature autoignition. Each hydrocarbon generates a pool of radicals whose reactivity and selectivity toward further attack changes with temperature and with the family of hydrocarbons. The overall behavior of mixtures may result from changing competition for HO₂ and OH as temperature increases during the delay time. Termination reactions between stable radicals seem to have a minor impact at low temperature.     

The threshold effects of energy efficiency on the elasticity of substitution between energy and non-energy factors

Considerable efforts have been made to estimate the relationship between energy and non-energy inputs in the production process. However, it remains controversial whether energy and non-energy inputs are complements or substitutes. Empirical analysis is conflicting on this issue. This study seeks to explore an alternative way to explain these conflicting results by examining the issue from the perspective of energy efficiency. This study is based on time series data for capital, labor, and energy from 28 Chinese provinces, covering 1985 to 2012. The results show that capital and energy are substitutes in all of the provinces, whereas labor and energy are complements in most of the provinces. Using the threshold effect model, we discover evidence of a threshold point based on the amount of energy efficiency activity in a province. This point separates the substitution behavior of provinces between energy and non-energy inputs. Low-energy efficiency provinces do not substitute as readily as high-energy efficiency provinces. The findings imply that the energy-saving technologies should be applied in provinces with comparatively higher energy intensity because they have more energy conservation potential.     

An experimental and kinetic investigation of premixed furan/oxygen/argon flames

The detailed chemical structures of three low-pressure (35 Torr) premixed laminar furan/oxygen/argon flames with equivalence ratios of 1.4, 1.8 and 2.2 have been investigated by using tunable synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoionization and molecular-beam mass spectrometry. About 40 combustion species including hydrocarbons and oxygenated intermediates have been identified by measurements of photoionization efficiency spectra. Mole fraction profiles of the flame species including reactants, intermediates and products have been determined by scanning burner position with some selected photon energies near ionization thresholds. Flame temperatures have been measured by a Pt–6%Rh/Pt–30%Rh thermocouple. A new mechanism involving 206 species and 1368 reactions has been proposed whose predictions are in reasonable agreement with measured species profiles for the three investigated flames. Rate-of-production and sensitivity analyses have been performed to track the key reaction paths governing furan consumption for different equivalence ratios. Both experimental and modeling results indicate that few aromatics could be formed in these flames. Furthermore, the current model has been validated against previous pyrolysis results of the literature obtained behind shock waves and the agreement is reasonable as well.     

Geology of Southeast Asia with particular reference to the South China Sea

The concentric arrangement of the Phanerozoic arc-trench systems of the western part of Southeast Asia has been previously interpreted in the light of plate tectonics as a migration of subduction zones related to the oceanic spreading centers located in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea respectively.The Sumatra, Java, and Meratus arcs, with ages ranging from Paleozoic to the present time, were generated by spreading centers situated in the Indian Ocean, whereas the Natuna and Palawan arcs had their origin in the spreading center located in the South China Sea. The Tertiary Banda arc was generated by a spreading center in the Indian Ocean whereas the more or less Tertiary Sulawesi arc had its origin in the spreading center located in the Pacific Ocean.In the South China Sea region, the results of recent exploration drilling on the Reed Bank supports the previous concept that the intermediate shelfal region at a depth of about 2000 m represents the fragmented remains of continental crust. Oceanic crust emplaced between 32 and 17 million years (my) occupies the abyssal depths. Magnetic patterns of the basin show an east-west alignment of the spreading axis. Reconstruction by closure of this basin would place the northeastern Palawan-Mindano microcontinent against the China Shelf adjacent to the eastern Macclesfield Banks. Prior to this event, southerly directed Cretaceous and Paleogene subduction was active beneath the northern Sundaland, which already existed as an accreted crystalline core dating into the Paleozoic era.The geotectonic evolution of Southeast Asia is reconstructed with particular reference to the South China Sea Region. Several dominant basin types have been recognized on the margins of the South China Sea. These basins as a whole contain an estimated 56% or 20 billion barrels of the remaining undiscovered oil reserves in Southeast Asia.     

Offshore hydrocarbon potential of Indonesia

Offshore producing Tertiary sedimentary basins in Indonesia account for 34% of total daily production and some 12% of cumulative production of oil. The producing basins offshore are basically the geological continuation of onshore producing basins. Exploration plays are in variations of traditional sandstone reservoirs, with occasional prospects in limestone, structural traps and potential stratigraphic traps. Offshore exploration has taken place mainly in the shallower part of the shelf regions although regional reconnaissance seismic reflection information on deeper waters also exists. The offshore potential is governed by the following criteria: regional tectonic setting; water depth, which is important for subsequent development; and development of clastic reservoir rock with limestone plays whose potential is of increasing significance. The knowledge of development of volcanic reservoirs in this rocktype seems important. Knowledge of geological criteria forms an essential prerequisite. In regional perspective, the South China Sea area does not conform to the typical Indonesian offshore basin setting, although geologically the Natuna basins form an undivided part of the Indonesian geological system.     

Recent anode advances in solid oxide fuel cells

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are electrochemical reactors that can directly convert the chemical energy of a fuel gas into electrical energy with high efficiency and in an environment-friendly way. The recent trends in the research of solid oxide fuel cells concern the use of available hydrocarbon fuels, such as natural gas. The most commonly used anode material Ni/YSZ cermet exhibits some disadvantages when hydrocarbons were used as fuels. Thus it is necessary to develop alternative anode materials which display mixed conductivity under fuel conditions. This article reviews the recent developments of anode in SOFCs with principal emphasis on the material aspects. In addition, the mechanism and kinetics of fuel oxidation reactions are also addressed. Various processes used for the cost-effective fabrication of anode have also been summarized. Finally, this review will be concluded with personal perspectives on the future research directions of this area.