Pore Scale Simulation of NMR Response in Porous Media

Rock properties are usually predicted using 3D images of the rock’s microstructure. While single-phase rock properties can be computed directly on these images, twophase properties are usually predicted using networks extracted from these images. To make accurate predictions with networks, they must be topologically similar to the porous medium of interest. In this work, NMR response is simulated using a random walk method. The simulations were performed on 3D images obtained from micro-CT scanning and in topologically equivalent networks extracted from these images using a maximal ball algorithm. A comparison of the NMR simulations on a 3D image and an extracted network helps to ascertain if the network is representative of the underlying 3D image. Single-phase NMR simulations are performed on 3D images and extracted networks for different porous media including sand packs, poorly consolidated sandstones, consolidated sandstones and carbonates, and are compared successfully with experimental measurements. The algorithm developed for the simulation of NMR response in networks was validated using a tuned Berea network that reproduced experimental capillary pressure data in Bentheimer sandstone. Simulation results of the sand packs and poorly consolidated media show that the T2 distributions of the networks are narrower than those of the corresponding micro-CT images and experimental data. This is attributed to the loss of some fine details of the pore structure in the network extraction algorithm. The algorithm developed for singlephase NMR response in networks was extended to two-phase fluids in order to study the effect of wettability on simulated NMR response in networks. While NMR behaviour is influenced pore structure, wettability and phase saturation, it is not possible to determine each of these influences uniquely. The ultimate goal is to have a two-phase simulator that predicts relative permeability, electrical resistivity, NMR response and capillary pressure which will be used to determine the wettability of a porous medium

Characterization of the Nigerian Shoreline using Publicly-Available Satellite Imagery

Current methods of shoreline mapping include aerial and high-resolution satellite imagery and ground-based surveying, all of which require considerable investment of human and material resources. Mapping and continuous updating of the shoreline for developing countries, such as Nigeria, is a challenge. Most of the information on the Nigerian shoreline is based on ‘surveys of opportunity’ performed by various government agencies over a wide time span. Additional surveys conducted by the multi-national oil and gas companies exploring in the region are typically not available for use by government agencies. In cases where the data are available, the variety in methods used for shoreline mapping can result in inconsistencies

Potential of Orange Peel Ash as a Cement Replacement Material

The potential of Orange peel ash (OPA) as a cement replacement material was investigated with focus on the effect of OPA content on the physicomechnical properties such as consistency, setting times, soundness, compressive and flexural strengths of OPA-cement blend for cement replacement between 2.5-10% at 2.5% interval. The optimal calcination temperature and time of orange peel (OP) was achieved by calcining the OP at various temperature between (600 °C, 700 °C, 800 °C) and time (1 hr. and 2 hrs.) respectively. The chemical compositions of the various orange peel ashes were determined using X-ray fluorescence equipment and the optimal conditions was obtained at 600 °C and 2 hours. The consistency and setting time tests were conducted with a Vicat apparatus on the binary cement pastes in accordance to ASTM standards. Results indicated an increase in the water required for consistency as the OPA content was increased from 2.5-10 % which was attributed to the unburnt carbon content present in the ash. Similarly, a gradual increase in the cement replacement with OPA resulted in a prolonged setting time which was could be attributed to the diminution of the clinker content and the higher water requirement for normal consistence. The soundness of the OPA cement blend experienced an increase in free lime content as the OPA content rose from 2.5-10 %. Both compressive and flexural strengths were found to decrease as the OPA content was gradually increased whereas an increase in the strengths were observed as the curing days progressed. It was also observed that 5% cement replacement with OPA did not adversely affect the strength in comparison to the OPC control due to the pozzolanic reaction which resulted in the enhanced strengths especially at 28 days

TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENTS OF BIOFUEL PRODUCTION FROM WOODY BIOMASS THROUGH TORREFACTION-FAST PYROLYSIS AND CATALYTIC UPGRADING

Biofuel production through fast pyrolysis of biomass is a promising conversion route in the production of biofuels compatible with existing technology. The bio-oil produced from fast pyrolysis is a versatile feedstock that can be used as a heating oil or upgraded to a transportation hydrocarbon biofuel. Comparative study of a one-step, fast pyrolysis only pathway and a two-step torrefaction-fast pyrolysis pathway was carried out to evaluate the effect of torrefcation on (i) the minimum selling price of biofuel and (ii) the potential life cycle GHG emissions of the biofuel production pathway. To produce bio-oil which can serve as a substitute for heating oil from loblolly pine biomass feedstock, torrefaction at three different temperatures of 290, 310 and 330°C were investigated while fast pyrolysis occurred at 530°C. Three scenarios of producing process heat from natural gas, internal by-products biochar or torrefaction condensate were also investigated. Economic assessment showed more favorable economics for the two-step bio-oil production pathway relative to the one-step bio-oil production pathway. The lowest minimum selling price of $1.04/gal was obtained for a two-step pathway with torrefaction taking place at 330°C. The environmental impact assessment also showed more the two-step bio-oil production pathway to be more environmentally friendly. The lowest GWP of about -60g CO2eq was observed for the two-step pathway at torrefaction temperature of 330°C while GWP of about 36g CO2eq was observed for the one-step pathway. Relative to heavy fuel oil, the one-step and two-step pathways are more environmentally friendly with lower GWP. To produce hydrocarbon biofuel by the catalytic upgrade of bio-oil derived from fast pyrolysis of loblolly pine, three torrefaction temperatures of 290, 310 and 330°C were investigated with fast pyrolysis taking place at 530°C. Three scenarios of producing process heat from natural gas, internal by-products biochar or torrefaction condensate were investigated. The effect of heat integration was also examined. The economic assessment showed equal minimum selling price for the one-step hydrocarbon biofuel production pathway and a two-step pathway with torrefaction occurring at 290°C. A minimum selling price of$4.82/gal was estimated while higher torrefaction temperatures showed less favorable economics. The environmental impact assessment however showed the two-step pathway to be more environmentally friendly when compared with the one-step pathway. GWP of about -66g CO2eq was observed for the two-step pathway with torrefaction taking place at 330°C compared to a GWP of about 88g CO2eq obtained for the one-step. Further reduction in minimum selling price and GWP were observed with heat integration. A minimum selling price of about $4.01/gal was estimated for the one-step and two-step pathway with torrefaction taking place at 290°C while GWP of about -144 g CO2eq was observed for the two-step hydrocarbon biofuel with torrefaction temperature of 330°C

Effect of Locust Bean Pod Ash and Eggshell Ash on the Mortar Compressive and Flexural Strengths of Cement Blends

An increase in the generation of biogenic wastes such as locust bean pods and eggshells coupled with the need to drive sustainability in the cement industry has led the use of these wastes as cement replacement materials. The paper aims to investigate the effect of locust bean pod ash (LBPA) and eggshell ash (ESA) on the mortar compressive and flexural strength of ternary cement blends. The LBPA was obtained by calcining locust bean pod (LBP) at various temperatures of 800-900 °C and time of 60–120 minutes at an interval of 50 °C and 30 minutes respectively to determine the optimal conditions. The chemical composition of Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), LBPA and ESA were obtained via X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectrometer and LBPA chemical composition did not satisfy one of the requirements specified by ASTM C618-01 (2001) with SiO2+ Al2O3+Fe2O3 of 30.42 wt. % which is less than 50 wt. %, but satisfies SO3 content requirement of 0.7 wt. % and Loss on Ignition (LOI) of 7.12 wt. % and contains 19.42 wt. % CaO which is within the range of 10-30 wt. % CaO is class C pozzolan. The compressive strength of blended cement mortars at the early age of 2 and 7 days produced better strengths for cement blends with higher ESA content than LBPA especially at LBPA/LBPA-ESA ratio of 0, 0.4 and 0.6 for 2.5 wt. % cement replacement respectively. The early strength gain could be attributed to the provision of more nucleation sites by ESA inclusion which results in the acceleration of cement hydration rate. On the other hand, the enhanced strengths at 28 days of cement blended with various replacement from 2.5–10 wt. % could be attributed to the pozzolanic reaction between the available lime and reactive silica from LBPA despite clinker diminution which was close to control. Another reason for enhanced strength' could be attributed to the increased potassium content by an increase in LBPA content resulting in a gradual strength gain (retarder) muscovite formation K2Al2Si6Al4O20(OH)4. All cement blends experienced an increase in the mortar compressive and flexural strengths as the curing day progressed with some blends producing enhanced strength compared to control especially with 1.5 ESA1LBPA produced the best strength at 50.15 (6.82) N/mm2 against 48.80 (6.80) N/mm2. This enhanced strength could be related to the pozzolanic activity and the high potassium content from LBPA despite clinker diminution, especially at 28 days

Fish: the healthy friendly species

Fish is a very important part of a healthy diet. Fish and other seafood are the major sources of healthful long-chain omega-3 fats and they are also rich in other nutrients such as vitamin D and selenium, protein, and low in saturated fat. There is strong evidence that eating fish or taking fish oil is good for the heart and blood vessels. Research over the past few decades has confirmed the importance of the nutritional components of fish in brain development and reproduction and highlighted a role for fish in a variety of other functions in the body. Much of the importance of fish in health has come from research into long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the n-3 family. The n-3 Fats are also generally known as omega 3 fats. Fish is a rich source of two important n-3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DBA). Marine algae are the only form of life that can easily make long chain n-3 PUFA. As fish feed on algae, they become rich sources of these important n-3 fats which in turn transfer to humans through consumption of the former. In addition, fish is also a good source of iodine, zinc vitamins A and some B vitamins. Fish intake has bee on decline for many years based on different food consumption survey with alarming findings that some people never eating fish without any taboo attached. The level of fish intake has been linked with a lower risk of death from heart disease and likewise playing vital roles in preventing other illnesses such as arthritis, strokes, breast cancer, diabetes to mention a few. However, it is recommended by various finding that eating fish at least twice a week and including oil- rich fish at least once a week in diet will maintain healthy conditions against illnesses

Develping a Methodology for the Mapping and Characterization of the Nigerian Coastline Using Remote Sensing

Coastline delineation is important in maritime boundary determination, as well as for analyzing coastline change rates due to coastal erosion, sea level change, storms, and other causes. Coastline change rate estimates depend on the uncertainty of the current and historical coastlines used in the analysis, which, in turn, depend on the surveying technologies and techniques that were originally used. Current techniques for coastline mapping include photogrammetric delineation using tide-coordinated aerial imagery. However, in many developing countries, the charted coastlines may have been inadequately and inconsistently mapped largely due to inadequate resources. This paper describes the use of an automated technique for coastline mapping and classification that is based on satellite imagery. A spectral analysis using different image bands can be used to define the land/water boundary and characterize the coastal area around the coastline. A first-order uncertainty analysis was also performed. The satellite-derived coastlines were compared to charted coastlines to evaluate the adequacy and consistency of the charted coastlines. The satellite-derived coastlines were also compared to coastlines derived from historical maps to assess changes and change rates. The results of the coastline uncertainty analysis were then used to compute propagated uncertainties in coastline change rate estimates and to gain greater insight into actual changes. The procedure was developed in a GIS environment using study sites along the Nigerian coastline. However, this procedure can be applied to other poorly charted/mapped coastal areas as well

Prediction of Loss on Ignition of Ternary Cement Containing Coal Bottom Ash and Limestone Using Central Composite Design

The effect of CBA/CBA-L ratio and the cement replacement on the Loss on ignition (LOI) of ternary cement blends was investigated using central composite design approach in the prediction of LOI of ternary cement blend comprising of Ordinary Portland cement, coal bottom ash and Limestone. LOI is an essential technique employed in the determination of the quality of the cement blend which can be achieved by heating a sample strongly at a specified temperature to enable release of volatile components until the weight remains constant. In this study, monitoring of the LOI of the various cement blends conducted dependent on cement replacement and coal bottom ash to coal bottom ash-limestone ratio (CBA/CBA-L ratio) via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The CBA/CBA-L ratio was varied from 0.25-0.75 while the cement replacement ranges from 20-40%. The significance of these factors within the specified ranges considered was evaluated using analysis of variance.The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of CBA/CBA-L ratio and cement replacement in the prediction of LOI for ternary cement blends by employing Face Central Composite Design. Analysis of variance results indicated that the LOI prediction via XRF analysis was better than that of TG analyses in which both satisfied Two-Level Factorial model. It was observed from the predictive models that the LOI of the ternary cement decreased as the CBA/CBA-L ratio was increased while LOI of the ternary cement blend increased as the cement replacement was increased. An increase in both CBA/CBA-L ratio and cement replacement resulted in a decrease in the LOI of ternary cement. The cement replacement level of the ternary cement blends indicated a stronger influence on LOI compared to the CBA/CBA-L ratio which was indicated by a significantly high F value for cement replacement compared to CBA/CBA-L ratio.The LOI results from XRF analysis were also found to significantly predict the LOI of the ternary cement blend compared to TGA with Regression value of 99.96% against 97.36% respectively. The CBA/CBA-L ratio and cement replacement were found to have a significant and interactive effect on the LOI of ternary cement blend for both XRF and TGA analyses

Social Media Big Data Approach to Emotional Intelligence

This paper aims to research the possibility of detecting regional sentiment by analyzing Social Media Big Data (SMBD). It can be said that the vast majority of people with some form of internet access participate in one Social Media platform or the other. The importance of the insight derivable from SMBD cannot be overemphasized. Many theories have been postulated that show that human emotion is extremely powerful and drives our thought process. Noting that our communication is driven by our thoughts makes social media data a huge wealth of information from which an average regional sentiment analysis can be deduced. This sentimental knowledge becomes a valuable tool in policing (security) and marketing (commerce)