Evaluation of CO₂ sequestration through enhanced oil recovery in West Sak reservoir

Thesis (M.S.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2013CO₂ enhanced oil recovery (EOR) has been proposed as a method of sequestering CO₂. This study evaluates using CO₂ as an EOR agent in the West Sak reservoir. The injected CO₂ mixes with the oil and reduces the oil viscosity, enhancing its recovery. A considerable amount of CO₂ is left in the reservoir and 'sequestered'. Due to low reservoir temperature, this process can lead to formation of three hydrocarbon phases in the reservoir. An equation of state was tuned to simulate the West Sak oil and complex phase behavior of the CO₂-oil mixtures. A compositional simulator capable of handling three-phase flash calculation and four-phase flow was used to simulate CO₂ injection into a three-dimensional heterogeneous pattern model. The results showed that CO₂ EOR in the West Sak reservoir increases oil recovery by 4.5% of original oil in place and 48 million metric tons of CO₂ could be sequestered. Ignoring four-phase flow underestimated oil recovery and sequestered CO₂ volume. Enriching the CO₂ with natural gas liquid decreased sequestered CO₂ volume without a significant increase in oil recovery. Dissolution of CO₂ in the water phase and different water/CO₂ slug sizes and ratios did not change the sequestered CO₂ volume and oil recovery.Chapter one: Introduction -- 1.1. Overview -- 1.2. Objective -- Chapter two: Literature review -- 2.1. Description of West Sak reservoir -- 2.2. West Sak development -- 2.3. Gas injection mechanisms -- 2.4. Carbon dioxide EOR -- 2.4.1. CO₂ sequestration through EOR -- 2.5. Water alternating gas (WAG) -- 2.6. Dissolution of CO₂ in the aqueous phase -- 2.7. Injection of CO₂ in West Sak reservoir -- 2.8. Fluid characterization -- 2.9. Simulator description -- Chapter three: Methodology and model construction -- 3.1. The 1D model -- 3.2. The 3D pattern model -- 3.3. Tuning of EOS -- 3.4. Relative permeability -- 3.5. Production/injection options -- Chapter four: Results and discussion -- 4.1. Waterflooding -- 4.1.1. The 1D models -- 4.1.2. The 3D pattern model -- 4.2. CO₂ injection -- 4.2.1. The 1D model -- 4.2.2. The 3D pattern model -- 4.3. Effect of ignoring the second HC liquid phase -- 4.4. Effect of CO₂ dissolution in aqueous phase -- 4.4.1. The 1D model -- 4.4.2. The 2D pattern model -- 4.5. Effect of enriching CO₂ with natural gas liquid (NGL) -- 4.5.1. The 1D model -- 4.5.2. The 3D pattern model -- 4.6. WAG parameters -- Chapter five: Conclusions and recommendations -- 5.1. Conclusions -- 5.2. Recommendations -- References -- Appendix

Silica-Supported Co3O4 Nanoparticles as a Recyclable Catalyst for Rapid Degradation of Azodye

In this paper, silica nanoparticles with particle size of ~ 10-20 nm were selected as a support for the synthesis of Co3O4 nanoparticles by impregnation of silica nanoparticles in solution of Co(II) in a specific concentrations and then calcination to 800 oC. This nanocomposite was then, used as a catalyst for oxidative degradation of methyl orange (MO) with ammonium persulfate in aqueous media. Effect of pH, temperature, contact time, amount of oxidant and catalyst were studied in the presence of manuscript. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), FT-IR, and ICP-AES analyses were used for analysis of silica-supported Co3O4 (Co3O4/SiO2). Treating MO with ammonium persulfate in the presence of Co3O4/SiO2 led to complete degradation of MO under the optimized conditions. Also, the catalyst exhibited recyclability at least over 10 consecutive runs.

Cuminum cyminum methanolic extract – Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite: A novel and efficient insecticide against the potato tuber moth (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) to protect potatoes

Phthorimaea operculella is a significant insect pest of cultivated potatoes in tropical and subtropical regions such as Iran. Since the potato is one of the most valuable sources of human food, non-chemical control of potato pests is essential. Application of medicinal plant extracts is a low-risk alternative method to synthetic chemical insecticides. Hence, the present study was conducted to investigate a potential strategy to improve the insecticidal activity of plant extracts for efficient management of P. operculella. The insecticidal efficacy of pure methanolic extract (PME) and Fe3O4@methanolic extract (FME) of Cuminum cyminum were evaluated against the potato tuber moth under laboratory conditions. The morphological characteristics of Fe3O4@Cumin were investigated by scanning electron microscope. Magnetic properties of the samples were determined using a vibration sample magnetometer. XRD was used to prove the crystalline structure of Fe3O4@Cumin. SEM, FTIR, XRD, and VSM analyses confirmed that the methanolic extract was loaded on Fe3O4. The toxicity of PME and Fe3O4@Cumin were evaluated on one-day-old eggs and penetration the first instar larvae of P. operculella into potato tubers and leaves. The LC50 values of Cumin extract and Fe3O4@ Cumin were 961.07 and 601.48 and 496.84 and 268.82 ppm for penetrating neonate larvae to tubers and leaves, and 874.90 and 595.16 ppm for eggs, respectively. Bioassays revealed that Fe3O4@Cumin was more toxic than non-formulated Cumin methanolic extract against eggs and neonate larvae of P. operculella. The formulated methanolic extract was significantly more repellent against the pest. Our results suggested that the prepared nanocomposite could be used as a new effective tool for P. operculella management strategies to protect potatoes

Acoustic characteristics of dysfluent speech : a study of Persian and English

EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Effects of Mixed Leaf Litters of Iranian Oak, Tree of Heaven, and Wild Pistachio on Decomposition and Dynamics of Nutrients in Zagros Forests (Case Study: Ilam Province)

Leaf litter decomposition plays a key role in the nutrient cycle of forest ecosystems. However, there is not a comprehensive understanding of the non-additive decomposition effects in leaf litter mixing experiments. In this study, the dynamics of nutrients and the rate of decomposition of Iranian oak (Quercus brantii), tree of heaven (Celtis caucasica), and wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica) were investigated in both pure and mixed stands. For this purpose, 81 single- and double-litter bags were placed in the study area and incubated for 180 days. According to the results, at the end of the incubation period, the decomposition of oak litters in combination with tree of heaven, tree of heaven in combination with wild pistachio, and wild pistachio in combination with oak showed positive results. Based on the results, the nitrogen concentration in oak mixed with tree of heaven was higher than in its pure state. But the concentration of phosphorus in its pure and combined states did not show any significant differences. In general, the findings showed the positive non-additive effects of litter on its decomposition rate. Regarding the dynamics of nutrients, these effects were considered positive only for nitrogen

Effective factors in formation of forest structure in Aras riparian zone (Case study: Ardebil Province)

A study was conducted to investigate the effective factors in the formation of the forest structure across the Aras Riparian Zone in northwestern Iran. To this aim, the study area was divided into 5 units based on the vegetation status (natural, artificial), destruction rate of riparian zone and topography. The silvicultural (e.g. density, average diameter, average height, growth form, canopy cover and quality of trees), ecological and socioeconomic ecological, socioeconomic parameters were studied in each unit.The silvicultural parameterswere surveyedwithin a number of 20 sample plots each encompassing 10×10 m which were selected by randomized systematic design. The results showed that species density was the only factor showing a significant difference (

Nutrient dynamics and early decomposition rates of Picea abies needles in combination with Fagus orientalis leaf litter in an exogenous ecosystem

The Hyrcanian forests in the Northern Iran are originally poor of coniferous and are considered as a refugium of temperate broad-leaved trees during the Quaternary glaciations. In this study mass loss and nutrients dynamic of Norway spruce needles when combined with oriental beech litter was investigated in a 50-year plantation of pure Norway spruce in the Hyrcanian forests. The litter bags technique was used to monitor the mass loss and nutrients concentration after 60, 120, 180, 270 and 400 days. The results showed that when decomposed alone the mass loss rate of spruce needles was generally lower than what reported in Europe. However, when combined with oriental beech litter the mass loss rate was hastened compared to when decomposed alone. A positive non-additive effect of beech leaf litter was observed on spruce nutrients dynamic. The concentration of N, P, K, and Mg in combined spruce needles with beech litter was generally higher compared to when spruce needles decomposed alone duringdecomposition time. While the concentration of Mn and Ca in combined spruce needles with beech litter was generally higher than when spruce needles decomposed alone. At the end of the decomposition period the release of Mn and N was significantly higher in combined spruce needles than when it decomposed alone. Based on the stepwise regression N was the only nutrient entered to model which explained 37% of mass loss variation. It was concluded that oriental beech leaf litter drive a non-additive effect on mass loss and nutrient dynamic of Norway spruce needles. Therefore combining the plantation of Norway spruce with oriental beech can result in better regulating of needles decomposition and nutrients cycle.</p

Silica-Supported Co3O4 Nanoparticles as a Recyclable Catalyst for Rapid Degradation of Azodye

In this paper, silica nanoparticles with particle size of ~ 10-20 nm were selected as a support for the synthesis of Co3O4 nanoparticles by impregnation of silica nanoparticles in solution of Co(II) in a specific concentrations and then calcination to 800 oC. This nanocomposite was then, used as a catalyst for oxidative degradation of methyl orange (MO) with ammonium persulfate in aqueous media. Effect of pH, temperature, contact time, amount of oxidant and catalyst were studied in the presence of manuscript. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), FT-IR, and ICP-AES analyses were used for analysis of silica-supported Co3O4 (Co3O4/SiO2). Treating MO with ammonium persulfate in the presence of Co3O4/SiO2 led to complete degradation of MO under the optimized conditions. Also, the catalyst exhibited recyclability at least over 10 consecutive runs. Copyright © 2016 BCREC GROUP. All rights reserved Received: 12nd December 2015; Revised: 27th January 2016; Accepted: 27th January 2016 How to Cite: Baghban, A., Doustkhah, E., Rostamnia, S., Aghbash, K.O. (2016). Silica-Supported Co3O4 Nanoparticles as a Recyclable Catalyst for Rapid Degradation of Azodye. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis, 11 (3): 284-291 (doi:10.9767/bcrec.11.3.568.284-291) Permalink/DOI: http://doi.org/10.9767/bcrec.11.3.568.284-29

siRNA-E6 sensitizes HPV-16-related cervical cancer through Oxaliplatin: an in vitro study on anti-cancer combination therapy

Abstract Background Persistent infection with high-risk Human papillomaviruses (HPV), such as hr-HPV-16 and hr-HPV-18, lead to cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer in the world. In the present study, we investigated the alteration of E6 oncogene expression by E6-specific short interfering RNA (siRNA) combined with Oxaliplatin. Methods The cervical cancer cell line, CaSki, was transfected with E6-siRNA, then treated with Oxaliplatin. The cellular genes, such as p53, MMP9, Nanog, and caspases expression, were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. The cell death rate, cell cycle, and cell viability were assessed by Annexin V/PI staining, DAPI staining, and MTT test, respectively. Furthermore, colony formation assay and scratch test determined the stemness ability and cell metastasis, respectively. Results Combination therapy increased the re-expression of genes involved in the p53-dependent apoptosis pathway (increase in apoptosis to 44.2%), and reduced stemness and metastasis ability compared to either siRNA or Oxaliplatin monotherapy. Together, our results demonstrate that E6-siRNA and Oxaliplatin combination increased the cervical cancer cells’ sensitivity to Oxaliplatin and decreased the survival rate, proliferation, and metastasis, and consequently escalated apoptosis rate, induced cell cycle arrest in the sub-G1 stage, and reduced the chemotherapy drug dosage. Conclusion Inhibition of E6 oncogene expression and subsequent E6-siRNA with Oxaliplatin combination therapy could be a novel strategy for cervical cancer treatment. Graphical Abstrac

Entomopatogena gliva, Lecanicillium lecanii R. Zare & W. Gams, vključena v MCM-41: Novi učinkoviti bio-insekticid za zatiranje mokaste kapusove uši (Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hom: Aphididae)) pri zaščiti zelja

Brevicoryne brassicae is a significant pest of cultivated cabbages and vegetable crops in the world. The present study was carried out to examine a potential strategy to enhance the insecticidal activity of Lecanicillium lecanii for cost-effective management of B. brassicae. The insecticidal efficacy of pure entomopathogenic fungus (PEF) and MCM-41 (Mobil Composition of Matter) L. lecanii were assessed against the cabbage aphid under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The fungus was supported on MCM-41 and was completely characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques. LC50 values of PEF and MCM-41@fungus were 1.9×106 and 2.5×104 and 2.0×107 and 2.0×105 conidia/ml on adults of B. brassicae under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, respectively. Bioassays demonstrated that MCM-41@fungus significantly decreased LC50 values of entomopathogenic fungus and it was more toxic than L. lecanii at adult stage of the pest. The results showed that pure L. lecanii and its nano-formulation could play key roles as bio-pesticides in B. brassicae management programs.Mokasta kapusova uš (Brevicoryne brassicae) je pomemben škodljivec zelja in drugih zelenjadnic širom po svetu. Raziskava je bila izvedena za preučitev potencialne strategije povečanja insekticidne aktivnosti glive Lecanicillium lecanii za učinkovito in poceni zatiranje mokaste kapusove uši. Insekticidna učinkovitost čistega pripravka entomopatogene glive (PEF) in njene vključitve v MCM-41 (Mobil Composition of Matter)@L. lecanii) je bila ocenjena na kapusovi mokasti uši v laboratoriju in v rastlinjaku. Gliva, ki je bila vključena v MCM-41 je bila podrobno opisana z vrstičnim elektronskim mikroskopom (SEM), termogravimetrično analizo (TGA) in Fourierjevo transformacijsko unfrardečo tehniko (FT-IR). LC50 vrednosti za odrasle osebke mokaste kapusove uši so bile za PEF in MCM-41@gliva 1,9×106 in 2,5×104 ter 2,0×107 in 2,0×105 konidijev/ml v laboratoriju, oziroma rastlinjaku. Biotest je pokazal, da je kombinacija MCM-41@gliva značilno zmanjšala LC50 vrednosti entomopatogene glive in, da je bila bolj toksična za odrasle uši kot gliva sama. Rezultati so pokazali, da lahko imajo čiste kulture glive L. lecanii in njeni nano pripravki ključno vlogo kot biopesticidi v programih biološkega uravnavanja mokaste kapusove uši