Die Forschungsarbeit beschäftigte sich mit der Frage, ob es zielführend ist, die Mongolei durch Veredelung eigener Ölressourcen mit Mineralölprodukten zu versorgen. Die Mongolei ist ein Land mit großem mineralischen Rohstoffpotential, darunter auch Erdöl. Zurzeit wird der Bedarf an Mineralölprodukten ausschließlich durch Import gedeckt. Zur Untersuchung der technischen Machbarkeit einer Ölverarbeitungsindustrie wurden verschiedene Raffinieriekonzepte auf Basis des mongolischen Rohöls Tamsag erarbeitet. Anschließend wurde anhand einer Bewertungsmethode die gesamtwirtschaftliche Relevanz der Downstream-Industrie in der Mongolei geprüft. Im Ergebnis der Untersuchungen zeigte sich, dass eine Erdölindustrie für die Mongolei sinnvoll ist. Die Erdölveredelung, als neuer Wirtschaftszweig, würde Möglichkeiten wirtschaftlicher Entwicklung eröffnen und die Importabhängigkeit der strategisch wichtigen Mineralölprodukte vermeiden.

NAFTOS IR NAFTOS PLOVIKLIO SIMPLE GREEN BENDRAS TOKSINIS POVEIKIS VAIVORYKŠTINIAM UPĖTAKIUI ANKSTYVOJE ONTOGENEZĖJE E. Ratkelytė Vilniaus universitetas Santrauka Tyrimai buvo atlikti su vaivorykštinio upėtakio (Oncorhynchus mykiss) ikrais (nuo „akutės“ stadijos) ir lervomis (nuo jų išsiritimo pradžios iki trynio maišelio rezorbcijos), veikiant juos 0,11, 0,22, 0,43, 0,87, 1,73, 3,46, 6,93 g/l naftos koncentracijomis į kiekvieną iš jų pridedant 0,5 g/l ploviklio Simple Green. Toksiškumo kriterijai buvo upėtakio ikrų ir lervų žuvimo procentas, ir tokie fiziologiniai rodikliai, kaip širdies (ŠD) bei kvėpavimo (KD) dažniai. Darbo tikslas buvo ištirti naftos ir naftos ploviklio Simple Green bendrą toksinį poveikį vaivorykštiniam upėtakiui (Oncorhynchus mykiss) ankstyvose jo vystymosi stadijose priklausomai nuo koncentracijos ir poveikio trukmės bei įvertinti ilgalaikio poveikio fiziologiniams rodikliams ypatumus. Apibendrinus gautus rezultatus galima teigti, kad vaivorykštinio upėtakio jautrumas naftos ir ploviklio Simple Green mišiniui priklauso nuo mišiniu veikiamos individo vystymosi stadijos, poveikio trukmės, ir naftos bei ploviklio koncentracijų santykio mišinyje. Nustatyta, kad jautriausios naftos poveikiui pasirodė lervutės ritimosi metu, mažiau jautrūs pasirodė embrionai ankstyvoje „akutės“ stadijoje. Palyginus gautus rezultatus su rezultatais gautais tiriant vien tik naftos poveikį vaivorykštiniam upėtakiui ankstyvoje ontogenezėje, matome, kad ploviklis Simple Green... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / THE TOXIC EFFECT OF CRUDE OIL COMBINED WITH OIL CLEANER „SIMPLE GREEN“ ON RAINBOW TROUT IN EARLY ONTOGENESIS E. Ratkelytė Vilnius University Summary Long-term effects of crude oil combined with oil cleaner „Simple Green“ were evaluated in chronic toxicity tests by use of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in early stages of development (embryos, larvae) as test-objects. The following toxicity criteria were studied for evaluation of toxic effects: mortality of embryos and larvae; physiological parameters (heart rate, ventilation frequency). The aim of the study was to investigate the overall effect of crude oil combined with oil cleaner „Simple Green“ on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in early development stages (embryos, larvae) depending on oil concentration in the mixture and exposure duration and to evaluate the specificity of negative effects of mixture on physiological parameters of fish. It was determined that 0.87, 1.73, 3.46 and 6.93 g/l concentrations of crude oil combined with 0.5 g/l of “Simple Green” resulted in the significant increase in larvae mortality, but practically had no negative effect on embryos. Hatching was found to be the most sensitive stage of development, 1 day age larvae were less and embryos were the least sensitive to the toxic impact of mixture, respectively. It was estimated that 0.87+0.5, 1.73+0.5, 3.46+0.5 and 6.93+0.5 g/l concentrations of crude oil combined with oil cleaner „Simple Green“ disturbed the work of cardiorespiratory... [to full text]

Exposure to crude oils has been shown to induce CYP1A enzymes and cause chronically toxic effects in aquatic organisms. Earlier studies indicated that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in crude oil are primarily responsible for the chronic toxicity. Crude oil contains a variety of PAHs; the majority of them are alkyl substituted. In this work, we have used an effects-driven fractionation and analysis approach (EDFA) to isolate and characterize PAHs present in Alaskan North Slope and Scotian Light crude oils that are toxic to fish. The crude oil components were first fractionated into four fractions using a low temperature vacuum distillation technique. Among them, the heavy gas oil fraction (boiling range 287°C – 461°C) of both oils caused highest toxicity to fish. To isolate the PAHs from waxes present in this fraction, a low temperature wax precipitation method was developed and optimized. CYP1A induction results showed that the extract contained a large number of CYP1A inducers while the residue contained none. Chemical analyses confirmed that most of the PAHs were partitioned into the extract fraction. Alkyl PAHs present in the extract were further fractionated into five fractions based on the number of aromatic rings using a normal phase HPLC method. Chemical analysis and the toxicity testing of these fractions indicated that alkyl PAHs belonging to classes such as phenanthrene, fluorene, naphthobenzothiophene, and chrysene are likely responsible for the observed toxic effects. To aid the EDFA scheme, a new HPLC-DAD method for the analysis of alkyl PAHs was developed. The alkyl PAHs were first fractionated based on the number of aromatic rings using a normal phase column followed by their analysis using reverse phase HPLC–DAD technique. The reverse phase analysis involved classifying the alkyl PAH peaks into different PAH classes based on their DAD spectra. Then, alkyl carbon numbers for each peak were assigned based on their retention time. To analyze co-eluting alkyl PAH isomers an offline multi-dimensional HPLC method was developed. Orthogonal separation was achieved by first fractionating the alkyl PAHs on a normal phase column followed by the RP-HPLC-DAD analysis. Using these data a 2D contour plot was developed and used for the detailed analysis of alkyl PAHs isomers. Analysis results showed good agreement with a gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis method, and the new method was able to distinguish some PAH types which could not be identified by GC-MS. / Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2007-11-19 13:46:18.602

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Entrotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 is a causative agent of post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in early-weaned pigs. This study investigated the efficacy of two alternative diets, charcoal (0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2%) and a low crude protein (CP) diet (17%) supplemented with probiotic E. coli strains (UM2 and UM7), against PWD infection in ETEC K88 challenged piglets. The present study found that charcoal had no effect on the challenged piglets’ performance, ileal and colonic microbiota or their fermentation end products. There was, however, a correlation between charcoal dosage and fecal consistency score. Charcoal reduced the ileal mucosal attached ETEC K88. Feeding a low-CP diet resulted in a lower ileal ammonia concentration. The low-CP diet reduced the E. coli populations in the ileal digesta as well as lowered mRNA expression of the IL-1ß. We concluded that the use of both 1-2% charcoal diet and a low-CP diet supplemented with probiotic E. coli strains were effective in reducing the incidence and severity of PWD infection.

When first received by a refinery, the crude oil usually contains some water, mineral salts, and sediments. The salt appears in different forms, most often times it is dissolved in the formation water that comes with the crude i.e. in brine form, but it could also be present as solid crystals, water-insoluble particles of corrosion products or scale and metal-organic compounds such as prophyrins and naphthenates. The amount of salt in the crude can vary typically between 5 to 200 PTB depending on the crude source, API, viscosity and other properties of the crude. For the following reasons, it is of utmost importance to reduce the amount of salt in the crude before processing the crude in the Crude Distillation Unit and consequently downstream processing units of a refinery. 1. Salt causes corrosion in the equipment. 2. Salt fouls inside the equipment. The fouling problem not only negatively impacts the heat transfer rates in the exchangers and furnace tubes but also affects the hydraulics of the system by increasing the pressure drops and hence requiring more pumping power to the system. Salt also plugs the fractionator trays and causes reduced mass transfer i.e. reduced separation efficiency and therefore need for increased re-boiler/condenser duties. 3. The salt in the crude usually has a source of metallic compounds, which could cause poisoning of catalyst in hydrotreating and other refinery units. Until a few years ago, salt concentrations as high as 10 PTB (1 PTB = 1 lb salt per 1000 bbl crude) was acceptable for desalted crude; However, most of the refineries have adopted more stringent measures for salt content and recent specs only allow 1 PTB in the desalted crude. This would require many existing refineries to improve their desalting units to achieve the tighter salt spec. This study will focus on optimizing the salt removal efficiency of a desalting unit which currently has an existing single-stage desalter. By adding a second stage desalter, the required salt spec in the desalted crude will be met. Also, focus will be on improving the heat integration of the desalting process, and optimization of the desalting temperature to achieve the best operating conditions in the plant after revamp.

Entrotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 is a causative agent of post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in early-weaned pigs. This study investigated the efficacy of two alternative diets, charcoal (0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2%) and a low crude protein (CP) diet (17%) supplemented with probiotic E. coli strains (UM2 and UM7), against PWD infection in ETEC K88 challenged piglets. The present study found that charcoal had no effect on the challenged piglets’ performance, ileal and colonic microbiota or their fermentation end products. There was, however, a correlation between charcoal dosage and fecal consistency score. Charcoal reduced the ileal mucosal attached ETEC K88. Feeding a low-CP diet resulted in a lower ileal ammonia concentration. The low-CP diet reduced the E. coli populations in the ileal digesta as well as lowered mRNA expression of the IL-1ß. We concluded that the use of both 1-2% charcoal diet and a low-CP diet supplemented with probiotic E. coli strains were effective in reducing the incidence and severity of PWD infection.

This paper determines the relationship between the crude oil price and the financial performance of International Oil Companies (IOCs) of the Eurozone during the last decade (from 2004 to 2013). This study is conducted around a multiple regression model with panel data with the financial performance ratios (ROA, ROE, Profit Margin) as dependent variables and the crude oil price as independent variables. A knowledge gap is visible since the crude oil price was never used as an independent variable in relation to the financial performance ratios of IOCs. In addition, the IOCs in the Eurozone have not been studied since most studies focuses on the United States and Asia. Moreover these studies focus on stock returns rather than financial performance. The research follows a quantitative approach by assessing the relationship of the crude oil price with financial performance of IOCS during the 10-year period (from 2004 to 2013) for 11 companies from 10 countries. The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of the crude oil prices on the financial performance of oil producer companies on a 10-year period using a multiple regression model with panel data. The research question therefore is:What is the relationship between the crude oil price and the International Oil Companies’ financial performance in the Eurozone during the last ten years (2004-2013)?The empirical results show that the crude oil price has a negative relationship with the financial ratios and that the crisis had an impact during that time period on the financial performance of the IOCs. It is also noted that the debt level and the size of IOCs have a strong relationship with their financial performance. The findings on the relationship between the crude oil price and the financial performance of IOCs are opposed to the results of Dayanandan & Donker study (2011). The findings of this research paper are relevant for investors and researchers looking to assess the performance of the Oil & Gas Industry so as its determinants.

CO2 injection has been used to improve oil recovery for several decades. In recent years, CO2 injection has become even more attractive because of a dual effect; injection in the subsurface 1) allows reduction of CO2 concentration in the atmosphere to reduce global warming, and 2) improves the oil recovery. In this study, the density effect from CO2 dissolution in modeling of CO2 injection is examined. A method to model the increase in oil density with CO2 dissolution using the Peng-Robinson equation of state and the Pedersen viscosity correlation is presented. This method is applied to model the observed increase in oil density with CO2 dissolution in a West Texas crude oil. Compositional simulation of CO2 injection was performed in a 2D vertical cross section and a 3D reservoir with the density effect. The results show that the density increase from CO2 dissolution may have a drastic effect on CO2 flow path and recovery performance. One main conclusion from this work is that there is a need to have accurate density data for CO2/oil mixtures at different CO2 concentrations to ensure successful CO2 injection projects. While CO2 enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is part of the solution, saline aquifers have the largest potential for CO2 sequestration. A literature review of the CO2 sequestration in saline aquifers is performed. The dominant trapping mechanisms and transport processes and the methods used to model them are discussed in detail. The Aruma aquifer, a shallow saline aquifer in southwest Qatar is used as a case study for CO2 sequestration. A compositional simulation model is prepared for the Aruma aquifer using the available log data and flow test data. It was found that the grid size is a key parameter in modeling CO2 sequestration accurately. It affects the propagation of the CO2 plume and amount of CO2 dissolved in brine.

As correntes pesadas do refino de petróleo podem ser utilizadas para a produção de óleos combustíveis para uso industrial ou marítimo, sendo esse último conhecido como óleo bunker. Para tal, é necessária a diluição dessas correntes pesadas com frações de refino mais leves para ajuste da viscosidade. Enquanto o uso industrial do óleo combustível vem sendo significativamente reduzido em função de restrições ambientais, o mercado de óleo bunker apresenta crescimento importante face a expansão do comércio marítimo mundial. No Brasil, há um aumento da produção de petróleos pesados, extrapesados e asfálticos, que exigem complexos esquemas de refino para a sua conversão em frações mais leves. Dessa forma, ocorre uma redução da quantidade de correntes disponíveis para a produção de bunker, além da variação da qualidade das correntes usadas na sua formulação. Esta dissertação avalia a utilização de petróleos pesados e asfálticos na produção de bunker, sem a necessidade do processamento tradicional em refinarias de petróleo. A comparação da qualidade de ignição e de combustão da nova formulação deste produto com o combustível marítimo preparado a partir de correntes residuais é realizada por duas metodologias diferentes. Após a realização de um pré-tratamento, a mistura formulada a partir dos cortes dos petróleos apresenta melhor desempenho que os combustíveis formulados com as correntes residuais. Além disso, este trabalho compara o efeito de diferentes diluentes e a contribuição da corrente pesada utilizada na qualidade de ignição e de combustão do produto / Heavy streams from crude oil refining can be used to prepare fuel oils for industrial or maritime purposes, the latter known as bunker fuel. In order to prepare them, it is necessary to set viscosity to its appropriate value by dilution with lighter fractions from petroleum refining. While industrial usage of fuel oils is decreasing significantly due to environmental restrictions, the bunker fuel market shows an important increasing face to the growing in world maritime trading. Production of heavy, extra heavy and asphaltic crude oils in Brazil is rising and more complex refining process are required to convert them into lighter petroleum products. Because of that, the amount and the quality of available streams to prepare bunker fuel are decreasing. The present dissertation evaluates the feasibility of using heavy and asphaltic crude oils to prepare bunker fuel without traditional processing into petroleum refineries. The comparison of ignition and combustion quality considering the bunker fuel prepared from residual streams are made considering two different methodologies. After pre-treating the crude oils to prepare bunker fuels, that mixture shows a better ignition and combustion performance than those prepared with residual streams. Finally, this study compares the effect of different diluent streams and the heavy fraction contribution to products ignition and combustion quality