LDH-based nanomaterials for photocatalytic applications:A comprehensive review on the role of bi/trivalent cations, anions,morphology, defect engineering, memory effect, and heterojunction formation

Using sunlight to drive chemical reactions via photocatalysis is paramount for a sustainable future.Among several photocatalysts,employing layered double hydrides(LDH) for photocatalytic application is most straightforward and desirable owing to their distinctive two-dimensional(2D) lamellar structure and optical attributes.This article reviews the advancements in bimetallic/trimetallic LDHs and various strategies to achieve high efficiency toward an outstanding performing photocatalyst.Firstly,the tuning of LDH components that control the electro nic and structural properties is explained.The tu ning obtained through the adoption,combination,and incorporation of different cations and anions is also explained.The progress of modification methods,such as the adoption of different morphologies,delamination,and defect engineering towards enhanced photocatalytic activities,is discussed in the mainstream.The band engineering,structural characteristics,and redox tuning are further deliberated to maximize solar energy harvesting for different photocatalytic applications.Finally,the progress obtained in forming hierarchical heterostructures through hybridization with other semiconductors or conducting materials is systematically disclosed to get maximum photocatalytic performance.Moreover,the structural changes during the in-situ synthesis of LDH and the stability of LDH-based photocatalysts are deliberated.The review also summarizes the improvements in LDH properties obtained through modification tactics and discusses the prospects for future energy and environmental applications.

A gated recurrent unit model to predict Poisson’s ratio using deep learning

Static Poisson’s ratio(vs)is crucial for determining geomechanical properties in petroleum applications,namely sand production.Some models have been used to predict vs;however,the published models were limited to specific data ranges with an average absolute percentage relative error(AAPRE)of more than 10%.The published gated recurrent unit(GRU)models do not consider trend analysis to show physical behaviors.In this study,we aim to develop a GRU model using trend analysis and three inputs for predicting n s based on a broad range of data,n s(value of 0.1627-0.4492),bulk formation density(RHOB)(0.315-2.994 g/mL),compressional time(DTc)(44.43-186.9 μs/ft),and shear time(DTs)(72.9-341.2μ s/ft).The GRU model was evaluated using different approaches,including statistical error an-alyses.The GRU model showed the proper trends,and the model data ranges were wider than previous ones.The GRU model has the largest correlation coefficient(R)of 0.967 and the lowest AAPRE,average percent relative error(APRE),root mean square error(RMSE),and standard deviation(SD)of 3.228%,1.054%,4.389,and 0.013,respectively,compared to other models.The GRU model has a high accuracy for the different datasets:training,validation,testing,and the whole datasets with R and AAPRE values were 0.981 and 2.601%,0.966 and 3.274%,0.967 and 3.228%,and 0.977 and 2.861%,respectively.The group error analyses of all inputs show that the GRU model has less than 5% AAPRE for all input ranges,which is superior to other models that have different AAPRE values of more than 10% at various ranges of inputs.

Flow Regimes in Bubble Columns with and without Internals: A Review

Hydrodynamics characterization in terms offlow regime behavior is a crucial task to enhance the design of bubble column reactors and scaling up related methodologies.This review presents recent studies on the typicalflow regimes established in bubble columns.Some effort is also provided to introduce relevant definitions pertaining to thisfield,namely,that of“void fraction”and related(local,chordal,cross-sectional and volumetric)variants.Experimental studies involving different parameters that affect design and operating conditions are also discussed in detail.In the second part of the review,the attention is shifted to cases with internals of various types(perfo-rated plates,baffles,vibrating helical springs,mixers,and heat exchanger tubes)immersed in the bubble columns.It is shown that the presence of these elements has a limited influence on the global column hydrodynamics.However,they can make the homogeneousflow regime more stable in terms of transition gas velocity and transi-tion holdup value.The last section is used to highlight gaps which have not beenfilled yet and future directions of investigation.

Revisiting the theoretical prediction of the explosive performance found by the Trauzl test

The Trauzl lead block test allows the determination of the approximate performance of explosives in blasting applications by measuring the volume increase(expansion)that is produced by the detonation of an explosive charge in the cavity of a lead block.In this paper,we reconsider the possibility of interpreting the Trauzl test results in terms of detonation parameters or quantities.The detonation parameters used in the analysis are calculated using the thermochemical code EXPLO5,while the hydrocode AUTODYN is used to simulate the effect of explosive charge density and reaction rate on the results of the Trauzl test.The increase in the volume of the lead block cavity was found to correlate best with the product of the detonation heat and the root of the volume of detonation products.Hydrocode simulation showed that the density of explosive charge and the rate of explosive decomposition affect the dynamics of the interaction of the detonation product and the lead block,and consequently the lead block cavity volume increase.

Role of high-density brines in reservoir development stages:A review

High-density brines have been recognized beneficial for oilfield applications,with various key areas such as drilling,completion and formation evaluation.High-density brines can play a critical role in the development and production of oil and gas reservoirs during the primary,secondary,and tertiary recovery phases.High-density brines can enhance the mobility and recovery of the oil in the reservoir by controlling the density and viscosity.However,a less attention has been given to the application of high-density brine in the area of reservoir development.This review is shedding light on a concise overview of reservoir development stages in association with the recovery mechanisms.In addition,most possible applications of high-density fluids have also been reviewed in the field of the reservoir development.In summary,this review state that high-density brines can be used to stimulate reservoirs by hydraulic fracturing during the primary recovery phase.However,the risk of increased interfacial tension,which relies on the density difference of two fluids,can trap more residual oil relative to conventional water flooding.In addition,high-density brines are effective in decreasing the mobility ratio and facilitating favorable displacement during polymer flooding.However,they can be least effective in alkaline flooding due to the high IFT related to large density differences.Thus,it is suggested to consider the utilization of sustainable high-density brines by taking into account effective factors in petroleum engineering aspects such as stimulation,secondary recovery and polymer flooding.

Prediction of face advance rate and determination of the operation efficiency in retreat longwall mining panel using rock engineering system

A new approach for prediction of face advance rete (FAR) prior to mining operation and determination of the operation efficiency after mining operation in retreat longwall mining panel is presented based upon the concepts of rock engineering system (RES). For this purpose, six longwall panels considered in Parvadeh-I coal mine. Seven major effective parameters on FAR was selected including coal mine roof rating, gas propagation, safety factor of longwall face, ratio of joint spacing to cutting depth at longwall face, longwall face inclination, panel width, floor rock mass rating. To performance evaluation of the presented model, the relationship between the average vulnerability indexes of advance operation with FAR was determined in considered panels with coefficient of determination (R2) equal to 0.884 that indicate relatively acceptable correlation and compatibility. Investigations of the research indicated that it is possible to determine the actual operation efficiency under fair conditions by a RES-based model. The inevitable reduction of FAR for each longwall panel was determined by presented model that the difference amount between the maximum possible practical face advance rate (FARmpp) and recorded actual face advance rate (FARa) indicate the operation efficiency. Applied approach in this paper can be used to prediction of FAR in retreat longwall mining panel for same conditions that can have many benefits, including better and more accurate planning for the sales market and mine operation. Also, presented method in this paper can be applied as a useful tool to determination of actual operation efficiency for other sections and extraction methods in coal mines.

Burial and thermal maturity modeling of the Middle Cretaceous-Early Miocene petroleum system,Iranian sector of the Persian Gulf

The Cretaceous Kazhdumi and Gurpi forma- tions, Ahmadi Member of the Sarvak Formation, and Paleogene Pabdeh Formation are important source rock candidates of the Middle Cretaceous-Early Miocene pet- roleum system in the Persian Gulf. This study characterizes generation potential, type of organic matter, and thermal maturity of 262 cutting samples （marls and argillaceous limestones） from these rock units taken from 16 fields in the Iranian sector of the Persian Gulf. In addition, the burial and thermal histories of these source rocks were analyzed by one-dimensional basin modeling. Based on the total organic carbon and genetic potential values, fair hydro- carbon generation potential is suggested for the studied samples. Based on Tma~ and vitrinite reflectance values, the studied samples are thermally immature to mature for hydrocarbon generation. The generated models indicate that studied source rocks are immature in central wells. The Gurpi and Pabdeh formations are immature and the Ahmadi Member and Kazhdumi Formation are early mature in the western wells. The Pabdeh Formation is within the main oil window and other source rocks are at the late oil window in the eastern wells. The hydrocarbon expulsion from the source rocks began after deposition of related caprocks which ensures entrapment and preserva- tion of migrated hydrocarbon.

Harmony search optimization applied to reservoir engineering assisted history matching

Based on the analysis of characteristics and advantages of HSO(harmony search optimization) algorithm, HSO was used in reservoir engineering assisted history matching of Kareem reservoir in Amal field in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. HSO algorithm has the following advantages:(1) The good balance between exploration and exploitation techniques during searching for optimal solutions makes the HSO algorithm robust and efficient.(2) The diversity of generated solutions is more effectively controlled by two components, making it suitable for highly non-linear problems in reservoir engineering history matching.(3) The integration between the three components(harmony memory values, pitch adjusting and randomization) of the HSO helps in finding unbiased solutions.(4) The implementation process of the HSO algorithm is much easier. The HSO algorithm and two other commonly used algorithms(genetic and particle swarm optimization algorithms) were used in three reservoir engineering history match questions of different complex degrees, which are two material balance history matches of different scales and one reservoir history matching. The results were compared, which proves the superiority and validity of HSO. The results of Kareem reservoir history matching show that using the HSO algorithm as the optimization method in the assisted history matching workflow improves the simulation quality and saves solution time significantly.

Optimizing Utilization of Petroleum Coke in Nigerian Metallurgical Industry

Utilization of petroleum coke in the rejuvenating Nigerian metallurgical industry is currently satisfied by importation from more industrialized nations of the world such as the USA, Brazil and Venezuela where delayed coking plants operate and grow in number. The sad years of poor planning have revealed lapses in integration and synergic planning of our industrial complex. The sources of petroleum coke feedstock have been identified and confirmed as atmospheric and vacuum residues of Nigerian refineries. Analysis has portrayed a symbiotic relationship between the metallurgical industry as one of the major end users of various petroleum coke grades, the shot coke, the sponge coke and the needle coke, and the petroleum industry on its part benefiting while providing ready market for steel sheet metals for even coke drum manufacture. This effort shall greatly increase the Nigerian content in these key industrial sectors, with the resultant reduction in capital flight through importation, if rethinking, and re-strategizing are injected into our industrial planning, and revamps models. Redesign options of existing refineries and reengineering of newly proposed refineries should contain resid processing units such as Delayed Coking Plant which will deepen conversion of residual petroleum feed stocks and produce various petroleum coke grades for utilization in power generation sector and our growing metallurgical and electrode industries.

Fabrication of a highly efficient new nanocomposite polymer gel for controlling the excess water production in petroleum reservoirs and increasing the performance of enhanced oil recovery processes

A new nanocomposite polymer gel is synthesized for reduction of excess water production in petroleum reservoirs at real operating conditions.This new nanocomposite gel contains SiO2 nanoparticles,partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide(HPAM)and chromium triacetate.High pressure and high temperature tests using porous carbonate core are carried out to evaluate the effects of nanoparticles on the synthesized polymer gel performance.It is shown that the residual resistance factor ratio of water to oil using the synthesized polymer gel nanocomposite in this work is much higher than that of the ordinary polymer gels.The presented results confirm the high performance of the synthesized nanocomposite polymer gel for decreasing the water flow through porous carbonate bed.A mathematical model for description of oil and water flow behavior in the presence of synthesized nanocomposite polymer gel is also presented.The presented nano polymer gel leads to considerable cost saving in enhanced oil recovery(EOR)processes.

Evaluation of Novel Chitosan Based Composites Coating on Wettability for Pure Titanium Implants

This work aims to prepare chitosan(CS)-based coated layers,CS(10 wt%nanosilver/90 wt%CS,10 wt%biotin/90 wt%CS,and 5 wt%nanosilver–5 wt%biotin)/90 wt%CS coatings are prepared,onto pure Ti substrate.The surface morphology of the novel CS composite coating was studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy,atomic force microscopy(AFM),Fourier transforms infrared(FTIR)and wettability test.Results show that the addition of(biotin,nanosilver)5 Vol.%improves the properties of composite materials.Using different particles’scale size aid in improving the combinations in the alginate,producing a dual effect on film properties.Coating surface roughness decreased in the chitosan-based biocomposite with preferable homogeneity and crack-free coating layers,as confirmed by AFM.An increase in surface roughness ensured substitution,which enhanced the surface structures.The high wettability of the CS-based coating layers was due to the presence of nanoparticles,and the composite coatings with CS,nanosilver,or biotin had excellent wettability because of the good hydrophilic nature of the CS matrix combined with reinforced particles.The FTIR results showed that peaks of the blending of CS plus nanoparticles,CS plus biotin,or CS plus nanosilver plus biotin were excellent matching with no changes in the structure of the matrix.

Recent advances in titanium carbide MXene-based nanotextures with influential effect of synthesis parameters for solar CO_(2)reduction and H_(2)production:A critical review

Photocatalytic solar to energy conversion is considered an attractive approach for overcoming energy crises and environmental concerns.Recently,titanium carbide(Ti_(3)C_(2))MXenes have been recognized as promising cocatalysts based on their metallic conductivity,excessive active reaction sites,and enlarged surface area.The current review focuses on the properties and applications of Ti_(3)C_(2)MXenes useful in the field of photocatalysis.More specifically,surface modification of Ti_(3)C_(2)MXenes by varying synthesis parameters to get pure materials and also composites with the role of functional groups towards solar energy conversion applications is highlighted in this review.The effect of etching and oxidizing pathways to get an efficient cocatalyst has been discussed in detail.Considering the significant effect of parameters,optimum synthesis conditions such as etchant type,concentration,time and type of intercalant in both the Ti_(3)C_(2)synthesis approaches for improved photoactivity are discussed.Additionally,the surface modification of Ti_(3)C_(2)through oxidation for TiO2growth on its surface is deliberated with a detailed discussion on etchant type,concentration,etching time,and environmental factors.The optimum oxidation condition,including temperature,time,and environment for thermal treatment of Ti_(3)C_(2),were also included.Lastly,the review summarizes the conclusion and future perspectives for solar energy conversion applications.

Gibbs自由能最小化法计算二氧化碳-烃-水系统相平衡

油-气-水三相的相平衡计算是二氧化碳驱物性参数分析及数值模拟研究的核心问题之一。Gibbs自由能最小化法基于相平衡的热力学理论,适应性广、计算稳定,比较适合二氧化碳-烃-水系统的相平衡计算。通过引入相稳定性变量,采用拉格朗日乘数法计算多相多组分系统Gibbs自由能的最小化问题,由Newton-Raphson迭代法求解相应的控制方程。迭代计算时,二氧化碳和烃类组分气-油平衡常数的初值采用Wilson公式进行计算。气相和油相的状态方程采用SRK方程。分别计算了凝析气、酸气和二氧化碳-烃混合物3个算例的相平衡问题,计算值同实验实测值符合良好,验证了算法的准确性。分别对二氧化碳-烃系统和二氧化碳-烃-水系统算例的相平衡进行了计算,研究了一定温度和压力条件下,系统内二氧化碳和水的含量对烃类组分平衡常数的影响。

颗粒-流体密度比对两相流动不稳定性影响的格子-Boltzmann方法模拟

采用格子-Boltzmann方法模拟周期性边界计算域内的颗粒流化。计算采用的流化系统Archimedes数为1 432,对应于颗粒终端Reynolds数为30。研究模拟颗粒浓度为25%,颗粒-流体密度比为2~1 000时,密度比对流体-颗粒流动不稳定性的影响。密度比的范围对应由液固到气固的两相流动。颗粒与颗粒之间的碰撞采用弹性碰撞。研究获得颗粒平均速度、速度方差、偏度及峰度随密度比变化的规律。结合结构因子的分析,因密度比变化使颗粒-流体流动由稳定转变为不稳定的过程中颗粒速度特性变化与聚团形成的关系被确定,也确定了不稳定流动产生时所对应的密度比范围。

基于纳米压痕技术的破碎煤样力学特性实验研究

在煤系地层中,与完整坚硬岩石不同,煤体松软破碎、强度低。受地应力和开采扰动的影响,松软破碎煤体内部裂隙进一步发育,强度进一步弱化,很难获得标准的完整煤样进行常规的拉压剪力学测试。煤体力学参数的缺失增加了采煤、掘进、支护和瓦斯抽采等采矿活动的风险。因此,探究新的力学实验方法对于煤矿生产活动非常有必要。文章采用纳米压痕技术测试破碎煤体的硬度、弹性模量和断裂韧度,分析了不同力学参数之间的联系。纳米压痕实验设计4个峰值荷载,每个峰值荷载进行12次实验,阐述了煤的力学特性与峰值荷载之间的关系。结合X射线衍射和扫描电镜实验,讨论了煤样矿物组分对其力学性质的影响规律。实验结果表明,峰值荷载在1~30 mN,煤的硬度和弹性模量不随峰值荷载的增加而明显变化;然而,煤的断裂韧度随峰值荷载的增加有增大的趋势。峰值荷载为1,5,10和30 mN时,煤的平均断裂韧度为0.40,0.36,0.61和0.77 MPa·m0.5。煤的纳米压痕硬度、弹性模量和断裂韧度具有明显的线性关系。硬度和弹性模量之间的线性关系与峰值荷载无关;断裂韧度与弹性模量之间的线性关系受峰值荷载的影响。煤是以有机质为基体的非均质岩土材料,其力学性质和矿物组分密切相关。石英强度高,能够强化煤基质的力学特性;高岭石松软,使煤具有软弱大变形特性。采用纳米压痕技术研究破碎煤体力学特性,具有操作方便,数据可靠和测试精确的优点。

Review on application of nanoparticles for EOR purposes: A critical review of the opportunities and challenges

Nanoparticles have already gained attentions for their countless potential applications in enhanced oil recovery.Nano-sized particles would help to recover trapped oil by several mechanisms including interfacial tension reduction, impulsive emulsion formation and wettability alteration of porous media. The presence of dispersed nanoparticles in injected fluids would enhance the recovery process through their movement towards oil–water interface. This would cause the interfacial tension to be reduced. In this research, the effects of different types of nanoparticles and different nanoparticle concentrations on EOR processes were investigated. Different flooding experiments were investigated to reveal enhancing oil recovery mechanisms. The results showed that nanoparticles have the ability to reduce the IFT as well as contact angle, making the solid surface to more water wet. As nanoparticle concentration increases more trapped oil was produced mainly due to wettability alteration to water wet and IFT reduction. However, pore blockage was also observed due to adsorption of nanoparticles, a phenomenon which caused the injection pressure to increase. Nonetheless, such higher injection pressure could displace some trapped oil in the small pore channels out of the model. The investigated results gave a clear indication that the EOR potential of nanoparticle fluid is significant.

Effect of ultrasonic irradiation on rheological properties of asphaltenic crude oils

In this work, the rheological changes of several crude oil samples exposed to ultrasonic waves for different time intervals in addition to the effect of temperature on viscosity behavior of heavy crude oils were investigated using a series of steady shear flow and oscillatory tests. The colloidal structural evolutions of flocs in oil samples were illustrated by analysis of the size distribution of flocculated asphaltene particles （confocal microscopy tests）. The rheological investigations indicate that the ultrasonic irradiation dissolved heavy components in crude oil. After ultrasonic treatment, the Kouh-e-Mond crude oil was found to be pseudoplastic. In addition, confocal microscopy confirms that there was an optimum duration for ultrasonic irradiation, at which the viscosity and flocculation rate of asphaltenic crude oils reduced to the minimum values. The optimum was found to be approximately 40 min for the Kouh-e-Mond crude oil. Experimental results illustrate that the ultrasonic irradiation could disaggregate heavy colloid components in crude oil, and breakdown of asphaltene molecules would only occur in a specific time interval of irradiation. Also according to the temperature sweep test, the oil temperature rise caused by ultrasonic irradiation was not the main reason for theological changes of the crude oil and this alteration may be due to physical and chemical phenomena induced by sonication in crude oil.

CFD modeling of immiscible liquids turbulent dispersion in Kenics static mixers: Focusing on droplet behavior

The present study is concerned with the computational fluid dynamics(CFD)simulation of turbulent dispersion of immiscible liquids,namely,water–silicone oil and water–benzene through Kenics static mixers using the Eulerian–Eulerian and Eulerian–Lagrangian approaches of the ANSYS Fluent 16.0 software.To study the droplet size distribution(DSD),the Eulerian formulation incorporating a population balance model(PBM)was employed.For the Eulerian–Lagrangian approach,a discrete phase model(DPM)in conjunction with the Eulerian approach for continuous phase simulation was used to predict the residence time distribution(RTD)of droplets.In both approaches,a shear stress transport(SST)k-ωturbulence model was used.For validation purposes,the simulated results were compared with the experimental data and theoretical values for the Fanning friction factor,Sauter mean diameter and the mean residence time.The reliability of the computational model was further assessed by comparing the results with the available empirical correlations for Fanning friction factor and Sauter mean diameter.In addition,the influence of important geometrical and operational parameters,including the number of mixing elements and Weber number,was studied.It was found that the proposed models are capable of predicting the performance of the Kenics static mixer reasonably well.

Influence of ECAP as grain refinement technique on microstructure evolution, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of pure aluminum

Pure aluminum samples were processed by equal channel angular pressing（ECAP） up to 10 passes at room temperature. The effects of the ECAP number of passes on the microstructure evolution, the mechanical properties, deformation homogeneity and corrosion behavior of the processed samples were fully investigated. The imposed strain resulted in an obvious reduction in the grain size from 390 μm before ECAP down to 1.8, 0.4, and 0.3 μm after ECAP up to 2, 4 and 10 passes, respectively. The microhardness, deformation homogeneity and tensile strength were increased while the elongation decreased with the increase of ECAP number of passes. Immersion tests, open circuit potential, Tafel polarization, cyclic polarization and potentiostatic measurements in 3.5% Na Cl solution revealed an obvious improvement in the corrosion resistance of ECAP processed samples compared with the as-cast sample. The increase of the number of passes can be used successfully in producing ultra-fine grained（UFG） bulk pure aluminum sample with a high misorientation angle, reasonably high mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

A novel correlation approach for prediction of natural gas compressibility factor

Gas compressibility factor （z-Factor） is one of the most important parameters in upstream and downstream calculations of petroleum industries.The importance of z-Factor cannot be overemphasized in oil and gas engineering calculations.The experimental measurements,Equations of State （EoS） and empirical correlations are the most common sources of z-Factor calculations.There are more than twenty correlations available with two variables for calculating the z-Factor from fitting in an EoS or just through fitting techniques.However,these correlations are too complex,which require initial value and more complicated and longer computations or have magnitude error.The purpose of this study is to develop a new accurate correlation to rapidly estimate z-Factor.Result of this correlation is compared with large scale of database and experimental data also.Proposed correlation has 1.660 of Absolute Percent Relative Error （EABS） versus Standing and Katz chart and has also 3.221 of EABS versus experimental data.The output of this correlation can be directly assumed or be used as an initial value of other implicit correlations.This correlation is valid for gas coefficient of isothermal compressibility （cg） calculations also.