Iraqi Journal of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
The Iraqi Journal of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering is a quarterly peer-reviewed scientific journal that was established in 2000 by the College of Engineering / University of Baghdad. The Iraqi Journal of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering receives citations in the category of Chemical /Petroleum Engineering and relevant subjects.
University of Baghdad/ College of Engineering
Implementation of chemical injection with WJSTP in the Gullfaks field attributed to reservoir permeability
The Gullfaks field is a complex field and it’s divided into several formations, which have reservoirs in several stratigraphic layers and fragments of numerous faults. With current technological advancement techniques used in the Gullfaks field, the WJSTP is one of the solution-testing platforms that focuses on treating produced water for re-injection back into the reservoir to increase oil production. The implementation of chemical injection with WJSTP in the Gullfaks field, attributed to reservoir permeability to increase oil production, is the aim of this paper. To attest to the set aimed, a three-dimensional static model of the reservoir is constructed using data provided by NGB Geosciences Consulting LTD. With credit to the Petrel software simulation tool, an in-place volume estimate of 2,748,727,672.95 Bbls of oil and 970,264,150,943.39 SCF of gas was reviewed. Subsequently, a dynamic model is constructed on the foundation of the static model and the specified water injection parameters, and simulated with the use of the Eclipse software. The reduction in permeability of the reservoir's high-permeability zones through chemical injection of WJSTP resulted in 70% oil recovery, representing a 44.99% increase, and 74% gas recovery, representing a 37.9% increase. The sensitivity analysis conducted on oil price, oil production, and investment demonstrates that the viability of the project is highly contingent on the oil price. The findings of this study indicate that chemical injection of WJSTP represents a technically feasible and economically profitable method of enhancing oil production in the Gullfaks field.
Gullfaks field; static and dynamic model; permeability; WJSTP; Petrel; Eclipse; profitability
Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s). Published by College of Engineering, University of Baghdad. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Enhanced transportation of crude oil from the East Baghdad field using kerosene mixed with silica nanoparticles and the presence of surfactant
This study investigates the enhancement of heavy crude oil transportability from the East Baghdad Oil field through viscosity and density reduction. The proposed approach combined the use of silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles, kerosene, and the anionic surfactant SDBS. Prior to application, the silica nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). These techniques confirmed the particles’ thermal stability, crystalline structure, nanoscale morphology, and elemental composition, validating their suitability for crude oil modification. A nanofluid was formulated with 18 vol% kerosene, 2 wt% SiO₂ nanoparticles, and 10wt% surfactant relative to nanoparticle mass. The mixture was dispersed ultrasonically under controlled thermal and temporal conditions. Optimal performance was achieved at 75 °C and 60 minutes of mixing, reducing viscosity from 58.15 cP to 16.53 cP and increasing API gravity from 19.67 to 28.84. Further enhancement was achieved with increased additive concentrations of 30% vol. kerosene, 3,000 ppm SiO₂, and 300 ppm surfactant, yielding a viscosity of 5.5 cP and an API gravity of 32.67. These results correspond to improvements of 90.5% and 66%, respectively. Control experiments using kerosene alone highlighted the superior efficiency of the ternary system. Given its affordability and availability, kerosene contributes to the practicality of this technique, offering a scalable and economically viable strategy for upgrading heavy crude oil in real-field applications.
Heavy crude oil; East Baghdad field; Reducing viscosity; Density; Nanoparticles; Silica; Kerosene; Surfactant
Tetracycline removal from aqueous solution through photo-anodic oxidation process using rotating graphite cylinder anode
In the present work, tetracycline (TC) was removed from a simulated wastewater through a new photo-anodic oxidation process with a rotating graphite cylinder anode. The effects of current density, pH, rotation speed, and NaCl addition were evaluated. The results confirmed that increasing the current density results in improving the removal of TC. However, increasing the current density beyond 5 mA/cm2 had little effect on TC removal. Results revealed that TC removal using photoanodic oxidation can be achieved at high performance with an initial pH of 5. Increasing or decreasing pH beyond this value has a negative effect on TC removal. Increasing rotation speed gave better performance for TC removal due to the increase in mass transfer. The addition of NaCl improved the removal efficiency of TC due to the participation of indirect anodic oxidation within the oxidation process. The best conditions were: current density of 5mA/cm2, pH=5, 250 rpm, and the addition of 1 g/L NaCl, in which TC removal of 84% was achieved that claims (103 kWh/m3) as a total electrical energy consumption. In comparison with the anodic oxidation process alone, photo-anodic improved TC removal by an increment of (13.73%), confirming the photo-anodic process can be adopted successfully for treating wastewaters.
Tetracycline; anodic oxidation; photo-oxidation; rotating anode; graphite; wastewaters
Improving the elimination of methyl orange dye by combining electrocoagulation system with the adsorption process by oven-dried alum sludge: adopting different combined systems
Due to their recalcitrant characteristics, Azo dyes such as methyl orange (MO) are extremely poisonous substances, making their removal from textile industry wastewater a major problem. By employing various EC-Adsorption combined system configurations and reusing alum sludge as an adsorbent, the current study seeks to investigate the efficiency of these various systems in removing MO dye. To estimate their benefits and limitations, experiments were carried out utilizing nickel foam (NiF) and aluminum plate (Al plate) as anodes, and stainless-steel mesh (SS mesh) as cathode in the presence of alum sludge as an adsorbent in all systems. The EC-Adsorption combined system with NiF as anode and two SS meshes as cathodes with 10 g/L of alum sludge in the solution, which is referenced as S3, offered 98.968% of MO dye removal efficiency within 30 minutes without the need for prolonged treatment and with very low concentration of leached Ni ions. The BET surface area, pore size, surface morphology, and composition of alum sludge were examined. The utilization of alum sludge in the combined system enhanced the removal of excess Ni ions and reduced its impact in the treated solutions, and moderately enhanced the MO dye removal efficiency. To attain a detailed explanation of the adsorption mechanism, various kinetics and isotherm models were applied. The adsorption of MO dye in the S3 EC-Adsorption system follows the intra-particle diffusion model, and the best-fit isotherm was the Freundlich isotherm.
combined systems; alum sludge; electrocoagulation; Adsorption; kinetic model
A low-cost in-line ozone gas monitor via ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy
A low-cost in-line ozone monitor based on the principle of ultraviolet absorption was built and tested for different ozone for concentrations up to 300 mg h-1 and flow rates up to 5 lpm using air as a feed source. A widely available T5 ultraviolet (UV) tube was used as a UV source and two UV light absorption cells were made to act as reference and measuring cells. The output of the two cells was used to calculate the ozone concentration using Beer-Lambert’s law. To correlate the output readings of the ozone monitor with those obtained using the iodometric titration method, a correction factor of 1.5117 was determined and applied. The results demonstrate a strong linear correlation ≥0.99 between estimated and measured ozone concentration values. Relative errors less than 10% were observed for ozone concentrations ranging from 400 to 5000 ppb, while a relative error up to 16% was reported for concentrations below 400 ppb. The developed monitor offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive ozone monitoring systems for standard applications, with a total construction cost under $100.
ozone monitor; UV-absorption; Beer-Lambert law
Challenges and future directions in photoelectro-Fenton techniques: A comprehensive review of emerging applications and innovations
This comprehensive review examines the fundamental principles and practical applications of heterogeneous electrochemical wastewater treatment utilizing Fenton's reactions. The fundamental equations involved in generating hydroxyl-free radicals in electro-Fenton and photoelectro-Fenton processes have been reviewed. Photoelectro-Fenton processes have been proven to be the most effective methods for mineralizing and degrading pollutants in wastewater. The primary focus is on understanding the limitations of hybrid Fenton processes and proposing practical solutions to address these challenges. Additionally, the study evaluated the significance of electrode configuration development and light penetration enhancement in promoting hydrogen peroxide production and enhancing hydroxyl radical generation. These improvements contribute to the enhanced degradation and mineralization of contaminants in groundwater. A comparative analysis of electrode materials, novel reactor configurations, and operating conditions demonstrates the relationship between preparation methods and treatment efficiency. Research gaps for improving the photoelectro-Fenton process are identified, with suggestions for future work. Studies have shown that internal light irradiation leads to higher removal efficiency compared to external lighting systems with the same light source power. The most important recommendations were utilizing multi-electrode stacked reactors to reduce energy consumption, enhancing current efficiency, the shape of the electrodes also plays a vital role in increasing light exposure on the photoanode surfaces, and conducting long-term experiments with various contaminants to demonstrate the reactor's stability, efficiency, and efficacy in treating industrial wastewater.
Electrode arrangements; Novel reactors; Fenton hybrid; Doping methods; Fenton's challenges
Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by robust visible-light-driven polyvinylidene fluoride membranes incorporating Ag2O@CRA photocatalyst: Kinetics analysis and cost assessment
The kinetic study of the visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye by the Ag₂O@CRA heterojunction photocatalyst and robust polyvinylidene fluoride membranes incorporating Ag₂O@CRA heterojunction photocatalyst (PVDF/Ag₂O@CRA) was investigated. This study involves a comparison of the outcomes of the kinetic study performed based on the experimental data of the oxidative photocatalytic degradation of the MB dye. The zero-order, pseudo-first-order, and modified Freundlich kinetic models were applied to accomplish this study. The results showed that the photocatalytic oxidation of the MB dye by the Ag2O@CRA photocatalyst followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, and the apparent rate constant (k1) value was 0.1231 min-1. The photocatalytic oxidation of the MB dye by the modified PVDF membrane with 0.3 wt.% Ag2O@CRA photocatalyst followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, and the apparent rate constant (k1) value was 0.0196 min-1. Also, the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model was used to model the MB photocatalytic degradation kinetics by the Ag2O@CRA photocatalyst for 10-40 mg/L inlet MB concentrations. Likewise, the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model was used to model the kinetics of the MB photocatalytic degradation by the PVDF membrane with 0.3 wt.% Ag₂O@CRA photocatalyst for 5-20 mg/L inlet MB concentrations. It was found that the intrinsic photocatalysis reaction rate constant (kr) was 0.8286 mg/L.min for the Ag₂O@CRA heterojunction photocatalyst and 0.209 mg/L.min for the PVDF/Ag₂O@CRA photocatalytic membrane. Also, it was found that the equilibrium adsorption constant (Kad.) was 0.3245 L/mg for the Ag₂O@CRA heterojunction photocatalyst and 0.218 L/mg for the PVDF/Ag₂O@CRA photocatalytic membrane. The manufacturing cost for the Ag₂O@CRA photocatalyst and PVDF/Ag₂O@CRA photocatalytic membrane was estimated to be $2.45/10 g and $78/m², respectively.
Kinetics, oxidation; heterojunction photocatalyst; photocatalytic membrane; polyvinylidene fluoride; methylene blue
Modification of Y-zeolite mesoporosity by ultrasonic-assisted technique as active catalysts for catalytic cracking of VGO
In this study, Pristine Y zeolite (CBV 400) of Si/Al )2.5( was treated to produce modified mesoporous zeolites. The process involved the aid of post-synthesis sequential dealumination in its conventional mode and ultrasonic-assisted desilication techniques. Both ethylene-diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and oxalic acid (OX) were tested as chelating reagents in the dealumination step for 1, 3, and 6 h. The dealuminated samples of zeolite were treated sophisticatedly with sodium hydroxide NaOH in a water bath sonication at a frequency of 20 Hz and 65 ºC for different times of 5 and 15 min. Dealumination of the original zeolite by OX acid for 3h and desilication of the acid-treated sample with NaOH solution for 15 min has improved the mesoporosity by around 120% higher than the parent sample of Vmeso=0.08 m3/g. The modified sample has a mesopore volume (Vmeso) of 0.2 m3/g and an external surface area (Sexternal) of 89 m2/g. The resulting mesoporous zeolite was examined for stability measurements via thermal treatment at 550 ºC for 3h, which reveals high stability. Parent and modified zeolite were tested as heterogeneous catalysts for the catalytic cracking reaction with VGO and 1g catalyst load with different temperatures (from 400 to 420 °C) and a reaction time of 480 minutes. The reaction was carried out using a batch reaction system, and a higher yield of gasoline (about 44.44 vol%) was obtained using the modified zeolite (UDSY15-OX3) at 420 °C reaction temperature, as opposed to the direct use of the non-modified catalyst, which gives out only 18.4 vol% gasoline yield. Thus, commercializing the OX-NaOH pathway with the assistance of ultrasonic energy can decrease the treatment duration and energy consumption, producing a thermally stable mesoporous material to catalyze the cracking reactions of heavy oils.
Mesopore volume; Y zeolite; dealumination; Ultrasonic-assisted desilication; Modified Zeolite; VGO; catalytic cracking
CO2 hydrate formation enhancement via bare and hybrid silica nanoparticles effect: Implications for hydrate-based CO2 sequestration
Carbon dioxide geological storage gives tremendous promise for mitigating anthropogenic carbon emissions. CO2 hydrate has been given rising attention due to its potential in carbon geo-sequestration projects. The effect of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) on the kinetics of CO2 hydrate formation was systematically studied at 3.5 MPa and 280 K. Pure (bare) and surface-modified (hybrid) SiNPs were separately characterized and used in this study. The effect of bare and hybrid SiNPs concentrations on the induction time of CO2 hydrate formation was investigated. A high-pressure, high-temperature stainless steel vessel was used as a hydrate reactor, and pressure-temperature data were continuously recorded to follow the hydrate formation process. Results revealed that the SiNPs significantly impact the kinetics of CO2 hydrate formation. The increase of Hybrid SiNPs concentration (>0.03 wt% hybrid SiNPs), significantly reduces the induction time and thus accelerates the rapid formation of CO2 hydrate. In contrast, bare SiNPs showed a lower effect on CO2 hydrate formation. Further, the increase of bare SiNPs (e.g., >0.07 wt% bare SiNPs) can tend to eliminate the effect of NPs on induction time. Thus, surface-modified SINPs can significantly enhance CO2 hydrate formation when formulated correctly.
CO2 hydrates; carbon storage; silica nanoparticles; nanofluids; formation kinetics
Dynamic modeling for optimal subsurface reservoir fluid mapping in Mature oil fields
Development of a mature oil reservoir blocks strategy in optimizing hydrocarbon production from mature oil fields. Using dynamic modeling techniques together with subsurface interpretations that were based on sharply adjacent well data, the study has presented new development well placements. Production data studies, pressure surveys, and detailed subsurface studies will be integrated to improve the understanding of the reservoir behavior to predict reservoir performance. The key findings indicate high increments in oil production on account of the implementation of new development wells. The current research provides not only empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of strategic drilling but also lends a structured workflow applicable for similar mature oil fields, thus providing practical means for increasing production and improvement in field life. Opportunities that deliver high value yet have limited associated risks and costs are typically characterized in general by short payout periods and reinvestment of savings. Unlocking residual potential from low-productivity or shut-in wells, maximizing asset value, and using information to drive decisions on optimizing is an asset development strategy. These strategies can only be effectively implemented if inter-disciplinary teams work together to ensure that data is comprehensively analyzed and all solutions are formulated in line with these analyses. This work discusses the efficiency of developing non non-drained oil reservoir blocks strategy in optimizing hydrocarbon production from mature oil fields. Using dynamic modeling techniques together with subsurface interpretations that were based on sharply adjacent well data, the study has presented new development well placements. The study of the Abu Rudeis oil field has laid the foundation for long-term optimization, integrating production data, pressure surveys, and geological studies into a comprehensive reservoir management strategy. The interdisciplinary approach ensured well-informed and targeted decisions, resulting in enhanced hydrocarbon recovery and improved field performance. Results from the three-dimensional grid that captured heterogeneity in the reservoir, the assignment of reservoir properties like porosity and permeability, and fluids distribution helped to leverage data-driven strategies and advanced technology, the field's sustainability and efficiency have been significantly improved, providing a strong foundation for future optimization efforts.
Modeling; mature field; well placement; fluid saturation; reservoir management; subsurface studies; Abu Redeis Field
Studying the chromatographic separation of caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine
Theobromine, theophylline, and caffeine retention times in a C18 HPLC column (stationary phase) were investigated as a function of mobile phase flow rate, mobile phase composition, and column temperature. When the mobile phase flow rate increased from 0.1 to 1 mL/min and the methanol concentration increased from 5 to 30%, the retention time and peak width of these three compounds were found to be reduced. While there was a small influence of increasing the mobile phase flow rate on the resolution, decreasing the methanol concentration in the mobile phase considerably reduced the resolution. In addition, the mobile phase flow rate and composition were determined to have a more significant impact than the column temperature. According to the findings, theobromine, theophylline, and caffeine were most effectively separated by liquid chromatography at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min with a mobile phase methanol concentration of 15%.
HPLC; Mobile phase; Stationary phase; Retention time; Resolution
Tracking metabolic gases in an airlift bioreactor for enhanced microalgae cultivation
Airlift bioreactors have been classified as a promising technology for microalgae cultivation. Several improvements have contributed to increasing the mixing efficiency and production. However, some challenges are still facing this biological process. One challenge is the efficient dissolution and delivery of carbon dioxide to microalgae cells, which remains a limiting factor in the biological processes. On the other hand, sparging the gas in large quantities may lead to gas loss if microorganisms do not completely consume it. In this study, microalgae were cultivated in two stages and compared: the first stage of injecting 5 ml of carbon solution into a conical flask and the second stage of sparging 5 liters/hour in an airlift bioreactor with increasing sparging time this is done by sparging carbon dioxide gas at the same flow rate from day to day, but increasing the sparging time by 30 seconds, starting with sparging the gas for one minute until reaching 7 minutes. The results showed that the airlift bioreactor gives a higher growth rate of microalgae than that produced in a conical flask. The maximum biomass concentration reached 5 g/L in the airlift bioreactor culture with a maximum specific growth rate of 0.324 day−1, while it reached 1.0799 g/L in the conical flask culture with a specific growth rate of 0.187 day−1. This result shows the importance of the airlift bioreactor in microalgae cultivation. Also, the internal composition of the biomass was found that the airlift bioreactor was the best, as the amount of lipids, carbohydrates and protein was (2.06, 1.43, and 18.03 g per 30 g of dry biomass), respectively, while the internal composition of the control cultivation was (0.005386, 0.00428, 0.05754 and g/L), respectively. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient showed that when the sparging time increases, the oxygen gas transfer coefficient increases until it reaches 1.0397 s−1. The pH value was also maintained around 7, which is the appropriate value for increasing the growth rate.
Mass transfer; airlift bioreactor; microalgae; sparging; carbon dioxide
Analysis of production characteristics and engineering measures for deep coalbed methane wells in the Ordos Basin
Given the significant differences in gas accumulation modes, coal reservoir characteristics, and gas preservation conditions for ultra-deep coalbed methane (vertical depth > 3000 m, measured depth > 5000 m), their production characteristics, flowback patterns, and flow phase classifications also vary greatly. Additionally, there are limitations in the production technologies applicable to deep reservoirs. To explore the relationship between the production characteristics of deep coalbed methane and medium-shallow coalbed methane, as well as to investigate suitable technologies for deep coalbed methane, this paper uses Well Q1 as an example and conducts research and analysis based on reservoir engineering theory. It is believed that in the vertical section of Well Q1(The depth is generally less than 3000m), the flow pattern transitions from bubbly flow to slug flow in the early stage, and with reduced water production, it is predicted to transition from transitional flow to annular flow in the later stage. In the inclined section (The depth is generally between 3000 and 4000m), slug flow predominates most of the time, while in the horizontal section (The depth is generally greater than 4000m), the flow evolves from elongated bubble flow to slug flow in the early stage, from elongated bubble flow to stratified smooth flow in the middle stage, and remains in the stratified smooth flow zone in the later stage. Furthermore, it is proposed that the insertion depth of Well Q1 should be correlated with the well deviation angle, gas production rate, and water production rate. From the perspective of gas-water ratio optimisation and energy efficiency, there should be an optimal timing for tubing insertion.
Deep coalbed methane; Production regime; Production mode; Engineering measures; Flowback analysis; Flow pattern prediction
Geomechanical properties evaluation of Mauddud formation based on experimental measurements and well log data
Mauddud formation is one of the most prominent formations in Northeastern Iraq due to its significant hydrocarbon reserves, making accurate geomechanical characterization essential for safe drilling operations and informed development planning. This study constructs a calibrated post-drill one dimensional mechanical earth model (1D-MEM) for selected wells, levering Techlog software to integrate rock mechanical data, image logs, multi-arm caliper measurements, conventional well logs, drilling reports, and core analyses. The methodology provides a detailed workflow for estimating geomechanical properties from log and image analysis to model calibration. Validation of the 1-D MEM performed through cross-comparison with direct measurements, ensuring the reliability of the predicted stress and strength profile. Laboratory and field data including pore pressure measurements using DST method, destructive and non-destructive mechanical tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thin section test (TS), X-ray diffraction test (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) have all been used for analyzation and calibration process. These datasets enhance the MEM parameters and support the derivation of empirical correlation specific to the Mauddud Formation. Derived correlations include compressional-shear slowness velocity, slowness velocity- bulk density, compression slowness-unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and the Young's modulus to UCS correlation. Results show that mineralogical composition particularly porosity and calcite content have a dominant influence on formation strength with high porosity, low calcite intervals resulting in the lowest UCS values.
Rock Mechanical Properties Evaluation; Experimental Rock Evaluation; UCS; X-Ray Diffraction; Scanning Electron Microscopy
Research and application of gas lift technology in bedrock gas reservoirs -A case study of Jianbei gas reservoir
The Jianbei gas reservoir, situated in the Altun Mountains of the Qaidam Basin, is a typical bedrock gas reservoir. Since its commissioning, the gas wells have generally encountered water breakthrough, leading to a significant drop in production. To address this issue, a pressurised gas lift process was implemented to drain water and boost production. While most wells exhibited positive production increases, some showed little to no change in productivity post-treatment. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the reasons for these discrepancies and adjust/upgrade the original plan accordingly. Through comprehensive analysis from various perspectives, including fluid accumulation issues, the gas lift process itself, and wellbore structure, it was identified that the primary factors limiting the effectiveness of gas lift in the Jianbei gas reservoir are severe fluid accumulation in the wellbore, poor adaptability of the gas lift process in certain wells, inappropriate tubing size, and severe formation damage. To tackle these issues, the gas lift plan for the Jianbei gas reservoir was upgraded and optimised. Relevant parameters were redesigned based on tubing diameter optimization principles and gas lift characteristic curves, aiming to maximize the stimulation effect of gas lift. This approach effectively resolves the existing technical challenges and provides a solid scientific foundation and technical support for future gas reservoir management and development, ensuring optimal operation of the gas wells.
Bedrock; Gas lift; Restrictive factors; Gas recovery by water drainage
Determination of controlling fouling mechanism using the Hermia models and estimation of the manufacturing costs of the modified polyvinylidene fluoride-based ultrafiltration membranes
Membrane fouling is the main problem that limits the use of membrane technology. This work focuses on using the Hermia models to determine the controlling fouling mechanisms, including intermediate pore blocking, complete pore blocking, standard pore blocking, and cake formation. Also, it investigates the estimation of the manufacturing costs, which included the costs of preparation materials and energy consumed during the preparation and casting processes of the polyvinylidene fluoride/polyethylene glycol (PVDF/PEG) and PVDF/PEG-tin oxide nanoparticles (PVDF/PEG-SnO2 NPs) membranes. The results of Hermia’s models were applied on the first, third, and fifth cycles of the rhodamine B dye solution filtration processes. Depending on linear fitting parameters, the membrane fouling occurred in all fouling mechanism types simultaneously. However, the predominating fouling mechanism was cake formation followed by intermediate pore blocking. Analysis of the parameters of the fouling models validated that the irreversible fouling exceeded the reversible fouling when the correlation factor (R2) value was higher than 0.95, which explains the continuous reduction of the permeate flux for both studied membranes. The estimated cost of the locally manufactured PVDF-based membranes did not surpass 80 $/m2 of the membrane. Also, the locally fabricated flat sheet ultrafiltration membranes are cheaper than other pristine PVDF membranes manufactured by Guochukeji Technology (Xiamen) Company.
PVDF membrane; PEG, Tin oxide (SnO2); Fouling mechanisms; Hermia models; Economic estimation
Identification and optimization of production bottleneck in a deviated oil well: a case study using nodal analysis
Hydrocarbons play a substantial role in the energy industry; however, maintaining a steady and optimal production rate in deviated wells remains a significant challenge, especially due to flow bottlenecks that reduce output efficiency. This study focuses on identifying and resolving production constraints in a deviated well located in the TK oil field in North Iraq with a total measured depth of 9639.5 ft. The true vertical depth is at 8137 ft. at an inclination angle of 39.90o. The well failed to meet the pre-evaluated rate of 1044 STB/D based on the current conditions. To accomplish the optimum rate, the deviated well S17 is subjected to nodal analysis and various possible alterations in the well geometry and production system. The nodal analysis through the Inflow Performance Relationship and Vertical Lift Performance characteristics is addressed utilizing IPM suites Prosper to replicate the flow in the tubing through integrated correlations, the fluid behavior, and the phase envelope. The saturation pressure is tuned with the correlations in the PVTp program. Different scenarios were set, such as the change in wellhead pressure, tubing internal diameter, reservoir pressure, skin factor, and the introduction of artificial lift. Following the simulation, as referred to previously, the detailed analysis of the variables provides an exhaustive insight for the field operators. The key finding of this well is that reducing skin factor and alongside the use of Electrical submersible pump (ESP) installation, significantly enhance production feasibility and the well will be able to produce when the reservoir pressure drops to 1500 psi These results provide actionable insides for field operators to improve production performance in similar well conditions.
Optimization; Nodal analysis; IPR; VLP; phase envelope; ESP; Prosper
Characterization of copper based chitosan nanoparticles synthesis by chemical method: Approach cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cells
Chitosan polymer is an essential supporting material for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) because of its exceptional capping and stabilizing qualities, biocompatibility, biodegradability, eco-friendliness, polycationicity, and non-toxicity. To produce copper-based chitosan nanoparticles, choose a suitable chemical procedure hydrothermal method. Each approach offers advantages in terms of homogeneity, morphology, and particle size. This study has produced, described, and examined the bacteriological characteristics of metal nanoparticles based on chitosan, including copper nanoparticles (CS-Cu NPs). Chitosan-based metal nanoparticles have been created using the solution casting technique. The generated nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, AFM, UV, ZP, and SEM examination. The TEM image illustrates that the materials created are nanomaterials, ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm. The CS-CuNPs, displaying a stable brick-red hue, showed an absorption peak at 214 nm, indicative of monodisperse nanoparticle formation and surface plasmon resonance. X-ray diffraction confirmed the face-centered cubic structure with peaks at 36.78°, 43.38°, 50.56°, and 74.26°, and an average particle size by AFM to 62.45 nm. FTIR analysis showed interactions between chitosan and copper, particularly around 3370 –3226 cm⁻¹, 1633 cm⁻¹, and 680 cm⁻¹ and.The MCF7 cell line demonstrated the strongest anti-human breast cancer cell line properties of the nanocomposite when compared to the aforementioned cell lines. The aforementioned results suggest that the nanocomposite could be used to treat various forms of human breast cancer. Breast cancer had increased nanoparticle sensitivity. At a concentration of 25 μL/mL, Chi-Cu NPs demonstrated excellent cytotoxicity and anticancer activity, making them suitable for use as an anticancer agent.
FTIR; MCF7; cytotoxicity chitosan; copper nanoparticle (Chi-Cu NPs); TEM
Oxidation desulfurization of model oil using carbon composite derived from peach stone waste
In this study, oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) with H2O2 as an oxidant was studied, whereas the catalyst used was zirconium oxide supported on Activated carbon (AC). Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) was impregnated over prepared activated carbon (AC) and characterized by various techniques such as XRD, FTIR, BET, SEM, and EDX. This composite was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for oxidation desulfurization of simulated oil. The results of this study showed that ZrO2/AC composite exhibited significant catalytic activity and stability, effectively lowering sulfur content under mild conditions. Factors such as reaction temperature (30, 40, 50, 60°C), time (5, 10, 15,20,30,60, 80 100 min), catalyst dose (0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 g) and initial concentration of dibenzothiophene (DBT) (20,40, 60, 80, 100, 200, 300 ppm) was used to achieved maximum efficiency. 10 ml of H2O2 /100 ml of simulated oil was used as an oxidizing agent. It was found that an increase in all the above variables led to an increase in desulfurization efficiency, except for an increase in initial DBT concentration, which led to a decrease in removal efficiency. The maximum removal efficiency of sulfur content was 92.22%, which was achieved at 60 °C and 0.9g of composite /100 ml of simulated oil at equilibrium time 100 min and 100ppm initial concentration of DBT. Finally, the reaction kinetics matched the pseudo-second order rate model, with an activation energy of 36.665 KJ/mol.
Activated carbon; ZrO2; simulated oil; oxidation desulfurization; Dibenzothiophene
Assess the maturity of source rocks and their oil potential in greater Kirkuk and surrounding area
The region of Kirkuk and its surrounding areas, including (Baba, Jambour, Qara Chuq, Qaiyarah, Demir Dagh, Bai Hassan, Taq Taq, Makhul, Gilabat as well as southern Mosul and the cities of Erbil and Sulymania, are known as one of the oldest discovered oil fields in northern Iraq. This area presents a significant opportunity for further organic geochemical analysis to describe maturation zones and estimate economically generated hydrocarbons with particular reference to the Sargelu formation, to enhance hydrocarbons productivity. To assess the potential of these oil fields, it is essential to perform correlation, comparisons, and geochemical analyses of the data collected from exploration wells in the surrounding area. This approach provides key information and evidence related to the source rock precursors, maturation indices, and other physical properties. The depth of samples in this study ranges from 5,125 ft (1,562 m) to 10,866 ft (3,312 m). Notably, about 20% of these samples demonstrate Total Organic Carbon (TOC) values higher than 4%, with Rock-Eval Hydrogen indices (HI) between 100 and 600, corresponding to Tmax values within the oil generative window. The proven TOC value that has been measured is 16%, while the recorded HI value is 442, and the Tmax value of 439°C. The oil and gas accumulations of the Cretaceous and Tertiary in the Mesopotamian Basin and Zagros fold belt are overlying mature Jurassic source rocks, emphasizing the importance of vertical migrat ion in hydrocarbon generation. Terpane and Sterane biomarker distributions as well as stable carbon isotope values were determined for oils in the region and potential Sargelu source rock extracts in order to determine dependable oil-to-source rock correlations. The remarkable API gravity, sulfur content, and biomarker ratio provide valuable insights into the source and maturity of various reservoirs. The high sulfur content and wide range of API gravity, from extra heavy to light, are achieved within the range of 8.5–43.3 API.
Source rocks; Jurassic period; Maturation indices; Sargelu formation; Total petroleum system API°
Utilizing red Iraqi kaolin for methylene blue sorption from aqueous solutions
This paper explores the sorption potential of red Iraqi kaolin (IRK) for methylene blue (MB) elimination by sorption process. Batch tests were examined the impact of agitation time, IRK dose, pH, shaking speed, and MB concentration. The results demonstrated that IRK effectively removes MB, achieving a maximum elimination efficiency of 91.976% within 0.05 g/100 mL, 120 min, 7, 200 rpm and 50 mg/L for IRK dosage, contact duration, pH, shaking speed, and concentration of MB, respectively. The kinetic analysis showed that the sorption mechanism was fitted a pseudo 2nd order, therefore chemisorption is the primary mechanism. Intra-particle diffusion investigation demonstrated that the sorption mechanism is influenced by many concurrent procedures, particularly surface complexation and ion exchange. In addition, the Freundlich isotherm model fits the experiment's measurement higher than the Langmuir model, showing the heterogeneous surface features of IRK and the maximum sorption capacity (qmax) equal to 587.08 mg/g. The current investigation demonstrates the possibility of IRK as an effective and inexpensive sorbent for wastewater treatment applications, opening up opportunities for further research into sorbent regeneration and real-world wastewater situations.
Methylene blue; Iraqi kaolin; sorption; wastewater treatment; kinetic modeling; and sorption isotherms
Influence of PVA on wettability alteration of carbonate rocks: the role of different ions
The petroleum industry faces a significant problem in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) from carbonate reservoirs because of their mostly oil-wet character, which restricts hydrocarbon extraction. To better understand how surfactant-polymer techniques can enhance oil recovery, this study investigates the effectiveness of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a stand-alone agent and the function of ionically modified smart water on carbonate properties. The study focuses on its effect on critical parameters essential for effective oil displacement and recovery, such as wettability alteration, interfacial tension, and surface tension (ST) using different brines (smart water). The ability of the polymer PVA to lower interfacial and surface tension was investigated. PVA decreased surface tension in brine to 44 mN/m, although smart water solutions showed more noteworthy outcomes. When PVA was added to smart water with a 1:1 Mg²⁺/SO4²⁻ ratio, the lowest ST (29 mN/m) and IFT (11.8 mN/m) values were observed. The hydrophilic properties of PVA and its ionic interaction with Mg²⁺ were key factors in encouraging water adsorption on the surface of the carbonate rock. The contact angle was getting closer to zero, indicating that this interaction resulted in a full transition to a water-wet condition. Enhancing the oil displacement process in carbonate reservoirs—generally refractory to recovery—requires this complete transition to water-wet conditions. This full shift to water-wet conditions is vital for enhancing the oil displacement process in carbonate reservoirs, which are typically resistant to recovery due to their oil-wet surfaces.
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA); Wettability Alteration; Brine; Contact Angle; Surface Tension; Interfacial Tension
Green-driven CaO catalyst for biodiesel production
With increasing population and development, the resources of fossil fuels decreased, leading to the need to find alternative sources of energy. Furthermore, the use of fossil fuels is accompanied by several downsides including environmental fatality associated with toxic gas emissions from diesel engines and continuous increase of the price of diesel fuel. Biodiesel is one of the most important types of renewable energy that replaces the fossil fuel requirement (mineral diesel) and maintains eco-friendly sustainability. Calcium is an essential plant nutrient as it plays an important role in the formation of plant cell walls and membranes. Therefore, the fallen leaves of mango tree can be utilized to produce nano calcium oxide and serve as a highly effective catalyst in the transesterification process for biodiesel production. The green approach of mango leaves extract is more cost-effective, nontoxic, and environmentally friendly compared to other ways such as chemical and physical procedures. Transesterification reaction was conducted at fixed parameters of 65 ℃ reaction temperature, 3 wt.% catalyst concentration, 1.5 h reaction time, and 50% alcohol to oil weight ratio. The effects of several other parameters on the transesterification reaction were studied such as the volume of the reaction mixture, mixing speed, FFA% content, and methanol/ethanol weight ratio. The study found that methanol is more effective than ethanol as alcohol in transesterification reaction, and the FFA% has a slight effect on the catalyst to 1.8% FFA. The produced biodiesel was characterized by GC-MS and FT-IR analysis which indicate the presence of esters. The physical and fuel characteristics of the produced biodiesel were measured; it had a viscosity of 3.708 mm2/s, a density of 0.88869 g/cm3, and a flash point of 108 °C.
Biodiesel; mango fallen leaves; mixing; FFA content; transesterification; volume of reaction mixture; waste cooking oil
Investigation of the effects of chitosan-zinc nanoparticles Ch-ZnO NPs on phenotypic biofilm formation of Acinetobacter baumannii and cytotoxicity assay
The research aimed to create chitosan zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ch-ZnO NPs) for use as agents to combat biofilms produced by Acinetobacter baumannii. The Ch-ZnO NPs were produced using chitosan biomass as a cost-effective, eco-friendly material for synthesis purposes. The properties of the produced nanoparticles were analyzed through a range of methods. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) carried out chemical structure identification and analysis. The maximum absorption peak, at 235 nm was confirmed through UV spectrophotometry. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) varied the hexagonal crystal structure with a particle size measurement of 34 nm. Surface morphology was probed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Further details on the particle structure were obtained through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM). To assess how Ch-ZnO NPs perform in real-world scenarios when dealing with Acinetobacter baumannii bacterial infections and tackling biofilms effectively was the focus of the study, with exploration into its impact on cytotoxicity using the cell line model of A375 for potential medical applications. The research findings indicated that Ch-ZnO NPs exhibited capabilities in inhibiting biofilm growth from drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria strains with an IC50 concentration of 2.0 g/mL. The assessment of cell mortality rates highlighted a rise, in cell death among the treated cells from the application of Ch-ZnO NPs. The research revealed that Ch-ZnO NPs demonstrated ant-biofilm properties and cytotoxic effects, which suggest their potential for use is significant. This study emphasizes the promise of Ch-ZnO NPs as an efficient option for treating infections resistant to multiple antibiotics.
Acinetobacter baumannii; Biofilm, Chitosan; Nanocomposites; Zinc oxide
Comparative study for degradation of Congo red dye from synthetic wastewater by photocatalytic redox reactions using various nanoscale semiconductors
A comparative study for two nanoscale semiconductors (TiO2 and WO3) was conducted as heterogeneous photocatalysts to degrade about 50 ppm of Congo red dye in an aqueous solution. The reaction was carried out in a batch reactor placed in a dark box and equipped with an air pump. The dye solution and 0.2 g/L of the catalyst were mixed, firstly, in a dark environment to monitor the amount of adsorbed dye, then the ultraviolet light was turned on with two different powers (15 and 30 W) to study the photocatalytic degradation reactions. The results showed that TiO2 had higher photocatalytic activity to degrade the dye. The CRD removal values for TiO2 and WO3 were 99.67 and 72.16 %, respectively, using 15 W, and the UV power did not have a significant effect on redox reactions according to the observations and the electrical energy consumption. The reaction kinetics study showed that the results obtained followed a first-order kinetics model. A mathematical model was developed based on the recycle ratio approach to study the effects of the recycle ratio and space-time on the Congo red dye removal through the different types of reactors. The simulated results showed that the ideal plug flow reactor performance gave the highest removal in less space-time than the recycle plug flow reactors. The recorded reactor performance decreased with the increasing recycling ratio, and the worst reactor performance was reported for the mixed-flow reactor.
Photocatalyst; Advanced oxidation process; Energy consumption; Kinetic study; Reactor design; Recycle ratio
Geological characterization and reservoir evaluation for Mishrif formation in Nasiriyah oilfield
Hydrocarbon estimation is a vital step for formation evaluation and development plans, significantly impacting the decision-making process. Well logs data from 40 wells in the Nasiriyah oilfield was utilised to characterise the Mishrif formation and construct a 3D static model. This model illustrates the spatial distribution of petrophysical properties and calculates the Original Oil in Place volume (OOIP) using a volumetric approach. The model incorporates water saturation, effective porosity, permeability, and a 2D structural, which is discretized by 317130 grids. These petrophysical properties are populated in 3D dimensions using the geostatistical method SGS. At the same time, the difference in depths of OWC is captured and represented by three regions of initialization for accurate characterization of the reservoir. The geological modeling identified unit MB1 as the main reservoir in the Mishrif formation, characterized by an average porosity of 21.5%, permeability up to 500 md, and water saturation of 27%. However, unit MB2 exhibits similar petrophysical properties but with significantly higher water saturation above 70%, making it a water-bearing zone. The total OOIP volume for the studied reservoir was calculated to be 8535 MMSTB, mainly accumulated in units MB1 and MB2. Unit MB1 holds approximately 73% of the total oil in place, establishing it as the major reservoir in the Mishrif formation, while unit MB2 contains the remaining 27%.
geological characterization; reservoir evaluation; Nasiriyah oilfield; hydrocarbon estimation; petrophysical modeling
Evaluation of microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes for improving water quality: removal of turbidity, suspended solids, and bacteria from the Tigris River
The Tigris River in Baghdad is increasingly polluted by industrial and agricultural activities and untreated sewage, posing serious risks to public health and the environment. This pollution degrades water quality through various physical, chemical, and biological contaminants. This research aims to use membrane filtration techniques to treat Tigris River water, improving water quality and ensuring a clean, safe water supply. The study assesses the efficiency of polypropylene (P.P) 1µm, ceramic 0.5µm microfiltration, and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) 500KD ultrafiltration membranes in removing turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), and E. coli, and their impact on permeate flux. Experiments were conducted at a temperature of 25°C and a flow rate of 20 L/h, with regular intervals and an initial turbidity of 65 NTU. The results indicated that after 1.25 hours of operations, the permeate flux decreased by 23.12% for polypropylene membranes, 32.63% for ceramic membranes, and 38.48% for PVDF membranes. The PVDF membrane demonstrated the best performance, removing 98.7% of turbidity, 88% of total suspended solids (TSS), and 100% of E. coli. This makes it the most efficient membrane among the tested options. Hermia’s model was used to study fouling in crossflow ultrafiltration (UF) and microfiltration (MF) membranes. Results showed that cake formation and standard pore-blocking models best predicted flux behavior for the ceramic membrane, while complete and intermediate pore-blocking models were more effective for the PVDF membrane. This study shows that membrane filtration improves Tigris River water quality by removing turbidity, suspended solids, and bacteria, ensuring a safe water supply.
Microfiltration; Ultrafiltration; Tigris River; Hermia model; Membrane fouling
Enhancing drilling mud efficiency and environmental safety with biodegradable materials
Using biodegradable chemicals such as potassium sorbate, potassium citrate, and potassium bicarbonate in drilling mud is pivotal for enhancing the rheological mud properties while addressing environmental concerns. Despite their proven success in various industries, their potential in drilling operations remains largely untapped. The presence of potassium ions in these chemicals can consider them as promising alternatives to the traditional shale inhibitors including KCl. In this study, different concentrations (1%-7%) of the selected chemicals were incorporated into the drilling mud, with varying weights (3.5g to 24.5g). These drilling muds were then subjected to different tests encompassing mud density, rheology, filtration volume, and pH. The results indicated that potassium sorbate at 7% concentration notably an increase in mud viscosity with a shear stress reading of 150 at 600 RPM. Conversely, potassium citrate exhibited similar rheological properties to KCl, with a shear stress reading of 50 at the same concentration. The results of Potassium bicarbonate are comparable to the results of KCl. Potassium sorbate significantly enhanced the mud filtration properties at 7% concentration, yielding approximately 5 ml filtrate in 7.5 minutes, while the other chemicals showed minimal impact on filtration volume even at higher concentrations. All materials maintained a pH of around 8 at elevated concentrations. This study underscores the potential of biodegradable materials in optimizing rheological mud properties for efficient and environmentally friendly drilling operations.
Drilling fluid; environmentally friendly; Potassium sorbate; potassium citrate; potassium bicarbonate.
Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s). Published by College of Engineering, University of Baghdad. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Boosting catalytic performance in ZSM-5 (50) catalyst cracking: microwave and Taguchi method with nitrogen activation
Microwave power has a more significant effect on cracking with less energy consumption. The microwave power and the catalysis increase the racking rate and the conversion at lower temperatures. Accordingly, the generated hot spots in the catalyst offer a suitable condition for cracking (high rate and low temperature). The microwave technique was used to conduct the cracking of heavy naphtha. A set of experiments was done with microwave power (750–1250 W), preheating temperatures (150–250 ˚C), and space velocities (2–6 l/hr) with and without nitrogen injection. The nitrogen injection enhanced the conversion for all situations. The best result has a conversion of 47.37% with nitrogen injection at microwave power of 1250 W, a flow rate of 4 l/hr, and a preheating temperature of 250˚C. Generally, it was noted that the flow rate did not affect the conversion. Compared to conventional techniques, the microwave power increased both the reaction and conversion rates, allowing for work at lower temperatures that traditional methods cannot achieve. This study investigated how microwaves with catalysts affect residence time, energy savings, and conversion. The microwave technique experiment could be scaled up to become a mass production unit in any refinery.
Microwave reactor; Catalytic cracking; Heavy naphtha cracking; Microwave heterogeneous catalysis
The utilization of nanoparticles to modify surface properties in acidification processes
Stimulation plays a crucial role in the oil and gas industry, particularly in the acidizing process. Thus, the development of acidification processes is essential for improving the productivity index and enhancing the physical properties of reservoirs. This research investigates the effect of Tin oxide (SnO2) and Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials on the surface properties in acidic media of hydrochloric acid (HCl) at various acid and nanomaterials concentrations, as well as their impact on the wettability of carbonate rocks. To achieve this, surface tension, contact angle, and zeta-potential were measured using various instruments. The findings show that SnO2 and TiO2, at a concentration of 1000 ppm, significantly reduce surface tension to 34.69 and 43.44 mN/m, respectively, while maintaining stability with zeta potential values up to 51.27 and 49.17 mV, respectively. These results exceed the generally accepted stability threshold of around ±30 mV, indicating a strong electrostatic repulsion that prevents agglomeration and ensures prolonged suspension stability. Additionally, the findings show a substantial decrease in contact angles, from 95.17° to 16.32° with SnO2 and from 98.48° to 25.26° with TiO2. This shift indicates a transition from non-wetting to a more wetting condition, which is crucial because it reflects an increased affinity of the acid solution for the carbonate rock surfaces. This results in promoting better acid distribution and enhancing rock dissolution. In conclusion, both SnO2 and TiO2 reveal excellent performance as surfactants in the stimulation process, presenting substantial benefits for the acidizing process in the oil and gas industry.
Acidic Nanofluids; Surface Properties; Zeta Potential Stability; Contact Angle of Nanofluids; SnO2 nanoparticles; TiO2 nanoparticles