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Surface Flashover Across a Polyurethane Barrier Separating Oil and Water Dielectrics
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High-flux underwater superoleophobic hybrid membranes for effective oil–water separation from oil-contaminated water
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Surface engineering of polymeric membranes with metal oxides for improved fouling resistance and superior oil-water separation
Rapid industrial growth has increased the need for efficient membranes to separate oil-water emulsions. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes, although widely used due to their chemical inertness and favorable mechanical properties, suffer from fouling due to their intrinsic hydrophobicity. Modifying these membranes after fabrication offers a practical solution as it easily fits into existing large-scale manufacturing processes. Atomic layer deposition (ALD), an atomically-precise vapor phase surface modification technique, can create ultrathin metal oxide layers that greatly improve membrane hydrophilicity without significantly affecting the original pore size. However, PVDF's lack of reactive chemical moieties makes ALD challenging. Here, in this study, we present a simple alkali treatment that greatly enhances ALD nucleation and growth on PVDF membranes. This treatment imparts exceptional oil-water emulsion separation capabilities and antifouling behavior in PVDF membranes after just a few ALD cycles, surpassing the performance of PVDF membranes coated with hundreds of ALD cycles. This dramatic reduction in the number of ALD cycles required could enable cost-effective modification of commercial PVDF membranes at scale using spatial, roll-to-roll ALD. These modified membranes outperform reported modified PVDF membranes, with >99 % permeance recovery and <1 % irreversible loss of permeance and >98 % oil rejection from oil-water emulsions over 100 h continuous operation, making them promising for advanced water purification technologies.
Ultrasonic in-situ water-cut measurement using ultrasonic oil-water separation for affecting sound speed calibration
An apparatus and method for the separation of an oil-water mixture into its components are described. An acoustic radiation force moves oil droplets to the nodes of an acoustic standing wave generated in a vertical column containing the oil-water mixture. Once the droplets are sufficiently close together, attractive forces become dominant and the droplets may coalesce to form larger droplets, which have greater buoyancy, and separation of the mixture into a layer of oil and a layer of water occurs, not possible by simple gravitational separation. Acoustically-driven oil-water separation may be used for water-cut measurements in oil production wells, since separation of the oil from the water permits accurate sound speed measurements to be made for both the oil and the water, thereby allowing frequent in situ calibrations of the apparatus to determine whether sound speed measurements on the mixture are accurate in the event that one or both of the mixture constituents is changing.
3D-Printed Membranes with a Zwitterionic Hydrogel Coating for More Robust Oil–Water Separation
Three-dimensional (3D)-printed membranes via stereolithography (SLA) are promising in oil–water separation, which is the key in the purification of industrial oily wastewater. To achieve gravity-driven oil–water separation, the membrane material needs to be simultaneously hydrophilic/oleophobic. However, most of the state-of-the-art materials for SLA do not meet the requirement. While water-adsorbing hydrogel is simultaneously hydrophilic/oleophobic and there have been reports on 3D printing of hydrogels in biomedical applications, the hydrogel is too soft for membrane application. Here, we report a simple approach to tackle the issue: a hydrogel coating on SLA-based plastic membranes. The coating is fabricated, using [2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide as the zwitterionic monomer and acrylamide as the comonomer, via in situ polymerization on SLA-based plastic membranes. The contact angle tests and Fourier transform infrared spectrum show that such a membrane readily adsorbs water and becomes simultaneously hydrophilic/oleophobic. The oil–water separation tests indicate that the water-adsorbed membrane is highly efficient in gravity-driven oil–water separation in 31 repeating cycles. Our results indicate the great potential of 3D-printed membranes in oil–water separation.
Separating Oil-Water Mixtures Using Bump Arrays
Particle separation is an important process step across many fields. One technique being applied for separating solids such as blood components or sand particles from carrier fluids is the use of arrays of aligned posts called deterministic lateral arrays to bump particles to one side in the flow stream to enhance separation. This technique may be useful for separation of deformable particles. The ability to efficiently separate two-phase industrial (oil/water) mixtures is key for future use of valuable resources. Over 1 trillion gallons of petroleum production water could be reclaimed annually for reuse in the drought-ridden western US states. The ability to reclaim this petroleum production water may be critical for the Central High Plains (Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico). Trends in just the High Plains area already lost 20 to 25% of the irrigated farming area due to insufficient ground water storage to irrigate, and farmland losses are expected to grow to 40%. Proving this technology is key to reuse of petroleum production water for crop irrigation or to replace water from currently failing aquifers in rich agricultural lands of the Central High Plains. We conducted experiments applying mesofluidic separation for flowing two-phase (oil/water) mixtures. Experiments were conducted using oils of differing viscosities with water as the carrier fluid; separation was achieved over a range of oil-water concentrations. We describe the results of these experiments in this paper.
Oil-flow separation patterns on an ogive forebody
Oil flow patterns on a symmetric tangent ogive forebody having a fineness ratio of 3.5 are presented for angles of attack up to 88 deg at a transitional Reynolds number of 8 million (based on base diameter) and a Mach number of 0.25. Results show typical surface flow separation patterns, the magnitude of surface flow angles, and the extent of laminar and turbulent flow for symmetric, asymmetric, and wakelike flow regimes.
Mesofluidic Oil-Water Separation
Separating flowing multiphase solutions in process at industrial scale is challenging. A rapid continuous approach is desired. These mesofluidic oil-water separation tests were motivated by reports by Dijkshoorn et al [1] who reported separating droplets and particles using displacement with regularly spaced channels using a cross-flow microsieve.. Droplets, including deformable particles, larger than the channel migrate in one direction and thereby deplete in the other direction. Test flowrates were motivated by Burns et al. [4] who showed that separation could occur under laminar conditions, and Pease et al [8, 9] who extended the range to turbulent flow. Testing was conducted using two two-component oil-water mixtures at room temperature. Analysis showed separation of both mineral oils from their oil water mixtures at flowrates from 1-2 L/min and concentrations from 2-10 wt% oil in water.
Nucleobase-Functionalized Poly(alkylthiophene)s: One-Pot, Sequential Direct Arylation Polymerization and Deprotection, and Surface Modification for Oil–Water Separations
Direct arylation polymerization (DArP) has emerged as an environmentally friendly, atom efficient method of synthesizing a variety of conjugated polymers. In this work, we report a one-pot approach consisting of DArP followed by Boc deprotection to synthesize a functional, surface-active adenine-containing poly(alkylthiophene). Careful control over the polymerization temperature enables the one-pot polymerization and deprotection strategy for synthesis, with quantitative (>99%) Boc deprotection achieved in 24 h. This temperature-controlled synthesis method reduces extra purification and isolation steps, which makes the total synthesis more efficient and practical, and allows higher molecular weight polymer to be made. We quantify the hydrogen bonding ability of the resulting adenine-containing polythiophene, T Ad -tT 4h , by 1 H NMR host–guest titration studies and analyze the results with the Benesi–Hildebrand model, yielding an association constant of 18.7 M –1 between alkylated thymine and T Ad -tT 4h . We demonstrate that T Ad -tT 4h robustly modifies the surface of cellulosic filter paper (CFP), and the modified cellulosic filter paper, CFP-T Ad -tT 4h , is an effective oil–water separatory filter with superhydrophobic properties (water contact angle (CA) ~151°). The utility of hydrogen bonding interactions between adenine and cellulose highlights the importance of side-chain engineering for creating functional materials.
Converting environmental wastes into valuable resources
This concept employs a viable energy saving method that uses a solvent to separate oil from particle matter; it can be used in metal forming industries to deoil sludges, oxides, and particle matter that is presently committed to landfill. If oily particles are used in their oily state, severe consequences to environmental control systems such as explosions or filter blinding, occur in the air handling equipment. This is due to the presence of hydrocarbons in the stack gasses resulting from the oily particles. After deoiling, the particles can be recycled and the separated oil can be used as a fuel. The process does not produce a waste of it's own and does not harm air or water. It demonstrates the dual benefits of it being commercially viable and in the national interest of conserving resources.
Oil flow separation patterns on an ogive forebody
(Previously announced in STAR as N82-10011)
Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC): Combining biofuel and high-value bioproducts to meet the RFS
The Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC) was formed to address pressing challenges in the commercialization of microalgae as a source of biofuel. The “Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC): Combining biofuel and high-value bioproducts to meet the RFS” project formally addressed two US Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) goals: (1) Model the sustainable supply of 1 million metric tonnes ash free dry weight (AFDW) cultivated algal biomass and (2) Demonstrate valuable co-products produced along with biofuel intermediates to increase value of algal biomass by 30%. To achieve these goals, the project demonstrated and validated high-value co-products to drive down the cost of biofuel by increasing the value of algae “co-products” towards increasing the selling price of total algae biomass as one of the key drivers of economics and adoption. This was accomplished through five core, interdependent tasks including: (1) strain selection to identify and deliver strains for mass culture, (2) mass culture using a hybrid cultivation system and following key operating parameters for downstream applications to provide algae feedstock, (3) recovery and conversion to evaluate two alternative methods to separate dry algae biomass into oil and residuals for downstream testing, (4) product assessment to determine biofuel, aquafeed or poultry feed product efficacy using algae biomass fractions as well as to provide critical performance data for valuation and (5) commercialization to use technoeconomic and life cycle assessments (TEA/LCA) as iterative design and assessment tools including consideration of target markets, competitors, and distribution channels to guide product assessment, development and valuation. A total of 46 peer-review publications, many open-access, provide detail of much of the work carried out and the results of the tasks. Additional reports and presentations provide other technical and public engagement material. At a high level, using a variety of approaches, more than 1000 marine microalgae strains were evaluated to ultimately identify the seven winners that were down-selected to be grown in mass culture. Strain selection demonstrated that there were no ‘super strains’ and that each candidate had strengths and limitations for specific products, growth conditions or operational considerations. Mass culture growth of these seven strains at >5000 L / 29 m 2 scale found that four them were suitable for product assessment. More than 250 kg of biomass was produced across hundreds of pond runs along with thousands of cultivation entries on the growth and biomass characteristics as well as environmental parameters. In the process, dozens of standard operating procedures were generated as was custom software to process and analyze cultivation data. Recovery and conversion of algae biomass demonstrated that a hexane solvent based extraction protocol was most effective at recovering oil (biocrude) from algae and four strains were processed to produce oil and lipid extracted algae (residuals) for downstream testing. Membrane-based oil separation was less successful, but may still be applicable to other commercial applications in the future. Product testing demonstrated that algae biocrude is of high quality and hydrotreating generated numerous fractions of high quality composition for fuel and lubricate based applications. Aquafeed studies performed at a variety of scales showed that both whole and defatted (lipid extracted algae) microalgae were suitable as a feed ingredient, but that the specifics of the fed animal and biochemical composition of the algae are critical factors when determining formulation. Similarly, poultry studies on whole and defatted microalgae generally showed positive outcomes on animal growth and health, with some microalgae providing enhanced nutritional composition of the animal product. Economic and life cycle assessments covered a wide range of possible commercialization and sustainability scenarios. Replacement value, improved product value added, consumer values marketing added valuation and improved animal health were considered as alternatives for microalgae valuation. Using the open pond system, algae productivity was identified as the key driver of commercialization economics, but combination of co-products (e.g. animal feed) with biofuel production substantially increased the total selling price of algae. Modeled microalgae selling price exceeded $\$$1500/tonne and could generate competitive biofuel selling prices below $\$$5 gallon gas equivalents using realistic algal productivities. Short (process scale) and longer (decadal trends) sustainability assessments show that marine microalgae can enhance the sustainability of energy production and lead to other realized benefits in water, fertilizer and land use for other sectors (e.g. agriculture). This project successfully demonstrated all of the components of an end-to-end process from mass microalgae cultivation and dewatering, to recovery and conversion of algae biomass components, to final product demonstration and process valuation; the combined results provide a framework for future commercialization of algae based biofuels.
Worm Gear With Hydrostatic Engagement
In proposed worm-gear transmission, oil pumped at high pressure through meshes between teeth of gear and worm coil. Pressure in oil separates meshing surfaces slightly, and oil reduces friction between surfaces. Conceived for use in drive train between gas-turbine engine and rotor of helicopter. Useful in other applications in which weight critical. Test apparatus simulates and measures some loading conditions of proposed worm gear with hydrostatic engagement.
Identification of SPR Caverns with Multiple Oil Layers
This analysis shows that when lower density crude oil is injected into the top of an underground salt storage cavern containing more dense crude, separate oil phases can form and coexist indefinitely. This has been observed at the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve in spite of geothermal heating and natural convection, which tend to mix the contents of containers with significant vertical extent subjected to wall and bottom heating. Such persistent layering can create operational challenges for meeting delivery specifications if high-value, low-vapor pressure oil becomes trapped below incoming low-density, high-vapor pressure oil, effectively blocking access to the lower layers until the top layer is removed. Previous conceptual models assumed that the oil injection process mixed incoming oil with resident oil in a storage cavern, forming a single oil phase with relatively homogeneous properties. Here, a review of historical data from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve revealed that several caverns contain multiple oil layers. As a result, oil layering needs to be another variable considered when planning oil movements at SPR in order to optimize low-vapor pressure oil availability to assist in oil delivery blending.
Method and Device for Extraction of Liquids from a Solid Particle Material
A method, system, and device for separating oil from oil sands or oil shale is disclosed. The method includes heating the oil sands, spinning the heated oil sands, confining the sand particles mechanically, and recovering the oil substantially free of the sand. The method can be used without the addition of chemical extraction agents. The system includes a source of centrifugal force, a heat source, a separation device, and a recovery device. The separation device includes a method of confining the sands while allowing the oil to escape, such as through an aperture.
Geochemical characterization of lithium deposition in fossil energy wastes
Lithium is a critical mineral used in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and future modernization of electric grids with sensitive supply chains that are subject to volatility. Therefore, methods to recover lithium from domestic unconventional sources are actively being pursued in the United States. Herein, we report on the lithium recovery potential from four fossil energy waste feedstocks: oil and gas drill cuttings (sample number n = 16); oil and gas produced waters (n > 200) from Marcellus, Bakken and Permian basins; coal byproducts (n>20), such as coal ash; and acid mine drainage treatment solids (AMD solids). Select solid samples underwent sequential extraction to explore lithium hosting phases and simple organic and inorganic acid extraction to explore lithium recovery potential. Our preliminary results found lithium concentrations up to 440 mg/kg in select AMD treatment solids and up to 300 mg/L in Marcellus Shale produced waters, demonstrating these sources have lithium yield potentials comparable to conventionally mined lithium ores and brines. Sequential extractions revealed that lithium is mostly associated with clay and silicate phases in shale drill cuttings, whereas lithium resides in Fe,Mn-oxide reducible phases in AMD solids. Further, the lithium content in produced waters has a strong linear relationship with total dissolved solid (TDS) levels in three separate oil and gas basins. At the same TDS level, Marcellus Shale produced waters contain more lithium compared to Bakken Shale and Permian Basin waters, with higher percentages of Ca and Mg, major cations that might impact lithium recovery efficiencies. Our study demonstrates the heterogeneity of lithium hosts from different fossil energy wastes. Characterization results will inform future lithium recovery from these different feedstocks.
Porous Janus materials with unique asymmetries and functionality
Porous Janus materials have attracted widespread attention due to their asymmetry in wettability, charge, pore size or structure, thermal/electrical conductivity, and chemical activity, among other properties. Multifunction integration and unique directional manipulation of liquid, ions, or gas within porous Janus materials enable rapid progress in diverse applications such as water-oil separation, fog collection, personal moisture and healthcare management, energy conversion, desalination, sensor devices, and biomedical applications. Additionally, compared with conventional homogeneous materials, porous Janus materials not only showcase superior performance and energetic potential but also open up new applications by virtue of the synergistic or independent effects of asymmetry. This in-depth review systematically analyzes the research progress of porous Janus materials, highlighting fabrication strategies, synergistic/independent work mechanisms, and emerging advanced applications. Finally, ongoing challenges and outlook for the future research of porous Janus materials are presented.