Treatment of drilling wastewater from a sulfonated mud system

Treatment of drilling wastewater from a sulfonated drilling mud system in the Shengli Oilfield, East China, was studied. The wastewater was deeply treated by a chemical coagulationcentrifugal separation-ozone catalytic oxidation combined process. The factors （i.e. pH value, chemical dosage, reaction time, etc.） influencing the treatment effect were investigated, and pH = 7 was determined as optimal for the coagulation; polymeric aluminum chloride （PAC） was selected as the optimal coagulant with a dosage of 18 g/L; cationic polyacrylamide （CPAM） with molecular weight of 8 million was selected as the optimal coagulant aid with an optimum dosage of 8 mg/L; and the optimal condition of catalytic ozonation was found to be a pH of 12 and an oxidation time of 40 min. The results showed that the combined treatment process was effective. The oil content and suspended solids content of the effluent reached the first class discharge standard according to China＇s standard GB 8978-1996 （Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard） and the chemical oxygen demand （COD） decreased to 195 mg/L from 2.34×10^4 mg/L after coagulation process and ozone oxidation at pH = 12 for 40 min.

Calculation and application of partition coefficients of light hydrocarbons in oil-based mud system

To find out the relationship between the oil-based mud,the formation fluid and the extracted gas,we use a thermodynamic approach based on static headspace gas chromatography technique to calculate the partition coefficients of 47 kinds of light hydrocarbons compounds between nC5 and nC8 in two kinds of oil-based mud-air systems,and reconstruct the original formation fluid composition under thermodynamic equilibrium.The oil-based drilling mud has little effect on the formation fluid compositions in the range of nC5-nC8(less than 1%for low-toxicity oil-based mud and less than 10%for oil-based mud).For most light hydrocarbon compositions,the partition coefficients obtained by vapor phase calibration and the direct quantitative methods have errors of less than 10%,and the partition coefficients obtained by direct quantitative method are more accurate.The reconstructed compositions of the two kinds of crude oil have match degrees of 91%and 89%with their real compositions,proving the feasibility and accuracy of reconstructing the composition of original formation fluid by using partition coefficients of light hydrocarbon compositions between nC5 and nC8.

Synergistic CO_(2) mineralization using coal fly ash and red mud as a composite system

CO_(2) mineralization plays a critical role in the storage and utilization of CO_(2).Coal fly ash(CFA)and red mud(RM)are widely utilized as CO_(2) mineralizers.However,the inert calcium species in CFA limit its carbonation capacity,meanwhile the substantial Ca^(2+)releasing of RM is hindered by a covering layer of calcium carbonate.In this study,CO_(2) mineralization in a composite system of CFA and RM was investigated to enhance the carbonation capacity.Multiple analyzers were employed to characterize the raw materials and resulting mineralization products.The results demonstrated that a synergistic effect existed in the composite system of CFA and RM,resulting in improving CO_(2) mineralization rate and efficiency.The produced calcium carbonate was ectopically attached the surface of CFA in the composite system,thus slowing down its coverage on the surface of RM.This phenomenon facilitated further releasing Ca^(2+)from the internal RM,thereby enhancing CO_(2) mineralization efficiency.Meanwhile,the inclusion of RM significantly improved the alkalinity of the composite system,which not only promoted the dissolution of Ca^(2+)of the inert CaSO_(4)(H_(2)O)_(2) in CFA,but also accelerated CO_(2) mineralization rate.The investigation would be beneficial to CO_(2) mineralization using industrial solid wastes.

Response and assembly of abundant and rare taxa in Zaopei under different combination patterns of Daqu and pit mud:from microbial ecology to Baijiu brewing microecosystem

The quality and aroma of strong-flavor Baijiu are mainly dependent on Daqu,pit mud(PM),and the interaction of both.However,little is known about how their combination patterns affect the microbiome and metabolome of Zaopei,especially the metabolic function of rare taxa.Here,an experiment on industrial size was designed to assess the effects of 6 combinations(3 kinds of Daqu×2 kinds of PM)on the composition and assembly of different taxa,as well as the flavor profile.The results showed that Zaopei's microbiota was composed of a few abundant taxa and enormous rare taxa,and rare bacterial and abundant fungal subcommunities were significantly affected by combination patterns.The assembly processes of abundant/rare taxa and bacterial/fungal communities were distinct,and environmental changes mediated the balance between stochastic and deterministic processes in rare bacteria assembly.Furthermore,specific combination patterns improved the flavor quality of Zaopei by enhancing the interspecies interaction,which was closely related to rare taxa,especially rare bacteria.These findings highlighted that rare bacteria might be the keystone in involving community interaction and maintaining metabolic function,which provided a scientific foundation for better understanding and regulating the brewing microbiota from the viewpoint of microbial ecology.

Utilization of Basalt Saw Mud as a Spherical Porous Functional Aggregate for the Preparation of Ordinary Structure Concrete

To promote the production and application of artificial aggregates,save natural sand resources and protect the ecological environment,we evaluated the feasibility of using spherical porous functional aggregates(SPFAs) formed by basalt saw mud under autoclave curing in ordinary structural concrete.In our work,two types of prewetted functional aggregates were taken as replacements for natural aggregates with different volume substitution rates(0%,5%,10%,15%,20%,25%,and 30%) in the preparation of ordinary structural concrete with water-to-binder ratios(W/B) of 0.48 and 0.33.The effects of the functional aggregate properties and content,W/B,and curing age on the fluidity,density,mechanical properties and autogenous shrinkage of ordinary concrete were analyzed.The experimental results showed that the density of concrete declined at a rate of not more than 5%,and the 28 d compressive strength could reach 31.0-68.2 MPa.Low W/B,long curing age and high-quality functional aggregates were conducive to enhancing the mechanical properties of SPFAs concrete.Through the rolling effects,SPFAs can optimize the particle gradation of aggregate systems and improve the fluidity of concrete,and the water stored inside SPFAs provides an internal curing effect,which prolongs the cement hydration process and considerably reduces the autogenous shrinkage of concrete.SPFAs exhibits high strength and high density,as well as being more cost-effective and ecological,and is expected to be widely employed in ordinary structural concrete.

Solidification/Stabilization of Chromium in Red Mud-based Geopolymer

Up to 1.5wt%of Cr(Ⅲ)salts(CrCl_(3),and Cr_(2)O_(3))and Cr(Ⅵ)salts(Na_(2)CrO_(4),and CaCr_(2)O_(7))were incorporated into red mud-based geopolymers,respectively.The solidification/stabilization,compressive strength,and durability of the Cr-containing geopolymers were investigated.The experimental results indicate that the red mud-based geopolymer could effectively solidify/stabilize different types of Cr salts with solidification/stabilization rates of above 99.61%.Geopolymers are environmentally safe when the dosage of CaCr_(2)O_(7)is≤1.0wt%,or the dosage of CrCl_(3),Cr_(2)O_(3),and Na_(2)CrO_(4)is≤1.5wt%,respectively.The effects of Cr salts on the compressive strength varies with the type and content of Cr salts.The freeze-thaw cycle is more destructive to geopolymer properties than sulfate attack or acid rain erosion.The solidification/stabilization of Cr is mainly attributed to the following reasons:a)The chemical binding of Cr is related to the formation of Cr-containing hydrates(eg,magnesiochromite((Mg,Fe)(Cr,Al)_(2)O_(4)))and doping into N-A-S-H gel and C-A-S-H gel framework;b)The physical effect is related to the encapsulation by the hydration products(e g,N-A-S-H gel and C-A-S-H gel).This study provides a reference for the treatment of hazardous Cr-containing wastes by solid waste-based geopolymers.

Machine learning for carbonate formation drilling: Mud loss prediction using seismic attributes and mud loss records

Due to the complexity and variability of carbonate formation leakage zones, lost circulation prediction and control is one of the major challenges of carbonate drilling. It raises well-control risks and production expenses. This research utilizes the H oilfield as an example, employs seismic features to analyze mud loss prediction, and produces a complete set of pre-drilling mud loss prediction solutions. Firstly, 16seismic attributes are calculated based on the post-stack seismic data, and the mud loss rate per unit footage is specified. The sample set is constructed by extracting each attribute from the seismic trace surrounding 15 typical wells, with a ratio of 8:2 between the training set and the test set. With the calibration results for mud loss rate per unit footage, the nonlinear mapping relationship between seismic attributes and mud loss rate per unit size is established using the mixed density network model.Then, the influence of the number of sub-Gausses and the uncertainty coefficient on the model's prediction is evaluated. Finally, the model is used in conjunction with downhole drilling conditions to assess the risk of mud loss in various layers and along the wellbore trajectory. The study demonstrates that the mean relative errors of the model for training data and test data are 6.9% and 7.5%, respectively, and that R2is 90% and 88%, respectively, for training data and test data. The accuracy and efficacy of mud loss prediction may be greatly enhanced by combining 16 seismic attributes with the mud loss rate per unit footage and applying machine learning methods. The mud loss prediction model based on the MDN model can not only predict the mud loss rate but also objectively evaluate the prediction based on the quality of the data and the model.

A strength model for cement-stabilized mud subjected to various curing temperatures and its early-stage quality control

The influence of curing temperature on the strength development of cement-stabilized mud has been well documented in terms of strength-increase rate and ultimate strength.However,the strength development model is not mature for the extremely early stages.In addition,there is a lack of studies on quality control methods based on early-stage strength development.This paper presents a strength model for cement-stabilized mud to address these gaps,considering various curing temperatures and early-stage behaviors.In this study,a series of laboratory experiments was conducted on two types of muds treated with Portland blast furnace cement and ordinary Portland cement under four different temperatures.The results indicate that elevated temperatures expedite strength development and lead to higher long-term strength.The proposed model,which combines a three-step conversion process and a hyperbolic model at the reference temperature,enables accurate estimate of the strength development for cement-treated mud with any proportions cured under various temperatures.With this model,a practical early quality control method is introduced for applying cement-stabilized mud in field projects.The back-analysis parameters obtained from a 36-h investigation at temperature of 60C demonstrated a sufficient accuracy in predicting strength levels in practical applications.

Detection of a mud volcano in the Weitan Banks area of the northern South China Sea

Situated between the petroliferous Cenozoic Zhujiang(Pearl)River Mouth Basin and the mud volcano-rich Mesozoic Dongsha Basin in the middle sector of the northern South China Sea,the Weitan Banks area has been previously mapped as a basement high that is composed of Mesozoic magmatic rocks.In this study,we present several favorable indicators for petroleum geology that were detected from geophysical profiling and benthic sampling in the area.A conspicuous hill was discovered,named“Zhongwei Hill”,~80 m high above the~340 m deep seafloor and~1 km broad,in a depression with more than 7 km thick sedimentary strata.The Zhongwei Hill was seismically imaged with a mushroom-shaped structure and containing a cake-like crown,fluid flow pipes,and an~10 km broad anticline at depth.Thus,the hill represents a source-plumbing-eruption system.Shallow gas zones linked to deep fracture were found at or near the hill.Stratigraphic correlation indicates that the deep strata comprise the Jurassic and Paleogene strata,the major hosts of hydrocarbon source rocks.In addition to the hill,there are number of mounds from which three bottom water samples were collected and the samples are rich in dissolved methane with concentrations high up to~900 nmol/L,much higher than the background level(0.5–2 nmol/L).The benthic samples are rich in coarse sediment clastics,authigenic carbonate nodules,and deep-water habitats likely feeding on methanotrophic community.Given these observations and the context,we propose that the Zhongwei Hill represents a mud volcano,likely thermally driven,that seeps methane from Jurassic and Paleogene source layers,thus poses a favorable clue for significant hydrocarbon generation capacity in transitional zone of the Zhujiang River Mouth Basin and the Dongsha Basin.

Analysis of Calcined Red Mud Properties and Related Mortar Performances

Red mud(RM)is a low-activity industrial solid waste,and its utilization as a resource is currently a hot topic.In this study,the micro characteristics of red mud at different calcination temperatures were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.The performance of calcined red mud was determined through mortar strength tests.Results indicate that high-temperature calcination can change the mineral composition and microstructure of red mud,and increase the surface roughness and specific surface area.At the optimal temperature of 700°C,the addition of calcined red mud still leads to a decrease in mortar strength,but its activity index and flexural coefficient increase by 16.2%and 11.9%with respect to uncalcined red mud,reaching values of 0.826 and 0.974,respectively.Compared with the control group,the synergistic activation of calcined red mud with slag can increase the compressive and flexural strength of the mortar by 12.9%and 1.5%,reaching 8.7 and 62.4 MPa,respectively.Correspondingly,the activity index and flexural coefficient of the calcined RM and GGBS(Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag)mixtures also increase to 1.015 and 1.130,respectively.

Growth and Diet Utilization Efficiencies of Overwinter Juvenile Mud Crabs Fed with Different Diets

[Objectives]To study the utilization efficiency of different diets for juvenile Scylla paramamosain.[Methods]Low-value fish,shrimp,clam and clamworm were fed to overwintering young mud crabs,and the performance of the feed was evaluated by growth,feed utilization and energy allocation.[Results]Shrimp-fed mud crabs showed the best growth performance,while fish-fed mud crabs showed the worst growth performance and converted the least protein and energy for growth.Shrimp-fed mud crabs molted more frequently,and the dry matter mass and energy of Exuviation were significantly higher than those of fish-fed mud crabs.The shrimp-fed crabs also had significantly higher food intake than those fish-fed crabs.The order of feed conversion efficiency(FCE)of fish-fed mud crabs was Polychaete>clam>shrimp>fish,while the order of FCE calculated with FCE-P and FCE-E was Polychaete>clam>shrimp>fish.Fish-fed mud crabs had the least energy intake and the least energy for growth,molting,excretion,metabolism,and feces.Among the four treatments,the mud crabs fed on Polychaete had the largest proportion of energy used for growth,while the mud crabs fed on fish had the largest proportion of energy used for molting.The proportion of energy consumed by mud crabs fed on Polychaete was the smallest,which may be the main reason for the higher FCE-P and FCE-E of mud crabs fed on Polychaete.[Conclusions]The results of this experiment showed that the utilization of low-value fish by mud crabs was the worst,suggesting that fish should not be used as control or reference food when studying the formula feed of mud crabs.

Morphing the Rules:Advanced Adaptations of Mud in Nigerian Buildings

Mud is a ubiquitous building material in Nigeria,perhaps this is the reason why it is hardly seen as the outright building material that it is.The most popular contribution of mud to Nigerian architecture can only be seen in the ancient traditional huts all over the country.Although still a building material in the suburbs of the country,mud is seen as a relic of the past,a symbol of a primitive tale of Nigerian building construction.The primary effort here is to redefine mud as a“skin”with infinite possibilities of imagery and texture,rather than its typical application as a wall in Nigerian architecture.Mud is attempted to be expressed via a new geometric vocabulary by re-evaluating its surreptitious properties including its ability to behave like a formally defined NURBS(non-uniform rational basis spline)surface.The properties of mud and clay are unconventionally simulated in computer modelling and analysis software to understand the ways in which it can be optimized for advanced building applications.Streamlined calculations and algorithmic calculations serve as tools to discover the NURBS-propensity of mud.This provides a whole new low-cost construction opportunity for the building of irregularly flowing structures.

Formulating Dead Sea Mud in Cosmetic Products, Its Effects on Skin, and the Underlying Biological Mechanism: A Review

Research Background: The marketing of cosmetic products derived from Dead Sea (DS) mud has undergone significant evolution, transforming from simple souvenirs into a large-scale cosmetic industry offering a diverse array of products. DS mud is utilized both as pure mud for home spa treatments and as an active ingredient in cosmetic and cosmeceutical formulations. Its global appeal is largely due to its natural, health-oriented image, which aligns with consumer preferences and provides assurance regarding its use in skincare. Research Objectives: This review examines the published data related to the rationale for formulating DS mud in cosmetics, the biological and cosmetic effects of DS mud on the skin, and the speculated bio-mechanisms underlying these effects. Methods: We screened relevant literature on DS mud collected from the shores of the Dead Sea in Jordan and Israel. Publications on mineral muds excavated in different locations around the globe, as well as studies on the biological mechanisms of other DS minerals, were also reviewed as indications and supportive recommendations. Summarizing the vast collected data into a comprehensive review was undertaken to expose readers to the various aspects of DS mud in cosmetics. Results: The primary reason for formulating DS mud in skincare products is its deep cleansing and skin detoxification properties. Consequently, it is often incorporated into rinse-off masks, soaps, and scrubbing products. Additionally, DS mud is used in leave-on products and sheet masks. Cosmeceutical applications of DS mud, recommended for various skin conditions, offer complementary treatments to improve the quality of life for people with skin diseases. The physicochemical and biological effects of DS mud are driven by its rich mineral ion composition, including magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc, and strontium—elements known to improve skin barrier function, enhance hydration, and reduce inflammation. The high salt concentration induces moderate ionic osmotic stress, stimulating cellular growth and hydration pathways. Moreover, DS mud’s anti-microbial properties further contribute to its therapeutic potential. Ongoing innovations in formulation techniques continue to expand the applications of DS mud, including blending it with other active ingredients, developing novel application methods, and refining manufacturing processes to improve product quality and efficacy. Conclusions: DS mud remains a valuable ingredient in modern skincare due to its rich mineral content and therapeutic properties. Ongoing research and technological advancements promise further innovations, reinforcing its status as a natural and effective component in the global cosmetics industry.

Real-Time Fracture Aperture Identification Using Mud Loss Data and Solution for LCM Combination

Managing server lost circulation is a major challenge of drilling operation in naturally fractured formations and it causes much nonproductive rig time. When encountered with loss, the fracture aperture intersecting the wellbore is not well-identified in time, which has a significant impact on the decision of drilling operation and the undesired result of loss curing. Therefore, the onset of fracture is identified in a timely manner and evaluated comprehensively to formulate an appropriate strategy over time. However, the mud loss date, which is the primary source of information retrieved from the drilling process, was not properly used in real-time prediction of fracture aperture. This article provides a detailed mathematical study to discuss the mechanism of mud invasion in the near-wellbore region and prediction of fracture aperture. The fracture aperture can be calculated from mud-loss data by solving a cubic equation with input parameters given by the well radius, the overpressure ratio, and the maximum mud-loss volume. It permits the proper selection of loss-circulation material (LCM) with respect to particle size distribution and fiber usage. The case study illustrates the applicability of this methodology with a discussion on LCM particle distribution in different scenarios and the result demonstrates the outcome of inappropriate LCM usage and the advantages of the novel fiber-based LCM treatment.

Development of key additives for organoclay-free oil-based drilling mud and system performance evaluation

Traditional oil-based drilling muds(OBMs) have a relatively high solid content, which is detrimental to penetration rate increase and reservoir protection. Aimed at solving this problem, an organoclay-free OBM system was studied, the synthesis methods and functioning mechanism of key additives were introduced, and performance evaluation of the system was performed. The rheology modifier was prepared by reacting a dimer fatty acid with diethanolamine, the primary emulsifier was made by oxidation and addition reaction of fatty acids, the secondary emulsifier was made by amidation of a fatty acid, and finally the fluid loss additive of water-soluble acrylic resin was synthesized by introducing acrylic acid into styrene/butyl acrylate polymerization. The rheology modifier could enhance the attraction between droplets, particles in the emulsion via intermolecular hydrogen bonding and improve the shear stress by forming a three-dimensional network structure in the emulsion. Lab experimental results show that the organoclay-free OBM could tolerate temperatures up to 220 ?C and HTHP filtration is less than 5 m L. Compared with the traditional OBMs, the organoclay-free OBM has low plastic viscosity, high shear stress, high ratio of dynamic shear force to plastic viscosity and high permeability recovery, which are beneficial to penetration rate increase, hole cleaning and reservoir protection.

Axial Vibration Analysis of the Mud Recovery Line on Deepwater Riserless Mud Recovery Drilling System

The series connection of multistage pumping module is the common concept of deepwater riserless mud recovery drilling system. In this system, the influence of the mass of pumping module on the vibration of mud recovery line cannot be ignored, and the lumped mass method has been utilized to discretize the mud recovery line. Based on the analysis of different boundary conditions, the paper establishes the axial forced vibration model of the mud recovery line considering the seawater damping, and the vibration model analysis provides the universal solution to the vibration model. An example of the two-stage pumping system has been used to analyze the dynamic response of mud recovery line under different excited frequencies. This paper has the important directive significance for the application of riserless mud recovery drilling technology in deepwater surface drilling.

Gas-Liquid Separation Processes for Mud Logging Systems

The TRU-Vision system,developed by Baker Hughes,analyzes the gas extracted from drilling mud to estimate the hydrocarbons composition in drilled rock formations.Several separation processes had been surveyed in order to enhance the gas extraction at the gas trap,namely,mechanical stirring,vacuum,air sparging,membrane separation processes,ultrasounds,and cyclones.Mechanical stirring devices(one propeller,one flat-blade turbine,and two baffles sets),a vacuum generator,and an air bubble generator were designed and assembled to increase the efficiency and the response stability of TRU-Vision system.

Influence of Bayer Red Mud on the Operational and Mechanical Characteristics of Composite Cement Mortar

The aim of this study is to enhance the value and utilization of red mud generated in the Bayer process by preparing composite cement mortars.The effects of two different types of Bayer red mud with varying physical and chemical characteristics on the fluidity,mechanical strength,mineral composition,and microstructure of the composite cement mortar were systematically evaluated.The results showed that the optimal addition of red mud A was 10 wt%,while it was 20 wt% for red mud B.The mechanical properties of the composite cement mortar met the standards for P·O42.5 cement.Furthermore,the composite mortar with the addition of red mud B showed higher flexural and compressive strengths compared to the composite mortar with red mud A.This improvement is attributed to the smaller particle size of red mud B,which filled the micro-pores and increased the compactness of the cement stone,as well as its higher content of Na_(2)O,K_(2)O,and other free alkalis,which resulted in more obvious alkali activation,accelerating the hydration of the active minerals in the slurry.

Research Progress on Green Utilization of Red Mud

Based on the research at home and abroad in recent years,this paper summarizes the recycling of metals in red mud,the preparation of cement and concrete with red mud,and the preparation of cementitious materials with red mud,so as to achieve the purpose of efficient utilization of waste and turning waste into wealth,make positive contribution to environmental protection,and ensure the green and sustainable development of various industries.

A Seismic Facies Analysis to Determine the Relative Age and History of the Al Idrissi Mud Volcano from Offshore Larache Located in the NW Moroccan Atlantic Margin

Formed on top of the Gulf of Cadiz, the Al Idrissi mud volcano is the shallowest and largest mud volcano in the El Arraiche mud volcano field of the northwestern Moroccan margin. The development and morphology of mud volcanoes from the El Arraiche mud volcanoes group have been studied at a large scale. However, the time interval related to their formation period still needs to be better understood. In this regard, we interpreted and analyzed the seismic facies from the 2D reflection data of the GEOMARGEN-1 campaign, which took place in 2011. The aim was to identify the seismic sequences and draw the Al Idrissi mud volcano system to determine the formation period of the Al Idriss mud volcano. And as a result, the Al Idrissi mud volcano system is made of both buried and superficial bicone and was identified along with the Upper Tortonian to Messinian-Upper Pliocene facies. As the initial mud volcano extrusive edifice, the buried bicone was formed in the Late-Messinian to Early-Pliocene period. However, the superficial bicone, as the final extrusive edifice, was included in the Late Pliocene. In this case, the timing interval between the buried and superficial bicone is equivalent to the Late-Messinian to Upper-Pliocene period. Therefore, the latter corresponds to the Al Idrissi mud volcano formation period.