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Effect of Starch on the Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Polypropylene
M. K. Oduola,
P. O. Akpeji
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2-1, March 2015
Pages:
1-8
Received:
31 December 2014
Accepted:
8 January 2015
Published:
14 January 2015
Abstract: Blends of starch (tapioca) and polypropylene were prepared in various wt/wt concentrations ranging from 100% polypropylene resins to 5:95, 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, and 50:50 wt% starch to wt% polypropylene blends. Then the rheological and mechanical properties of the resulting blends were determined using Plastometer and Universal Testing Machine respectively. Tensile strength, percentage elongation, flexural modulus, Izod impact, vicat softening temperature and melt flow index tests were carried out according to American standard for testing and materials procedure. The melt flow index was found to decrease linearly with increasing starch concentrations up to 30 wt% starch to wt% plastic, beyond which no flow was observed. The presence of starch in polypropylene was found to have positive effect on some of the mechanical properties like flexural modulus and Izod impact strength, whereas a negative impact was obtained on the tensile strength and percentage elongation. It was observed that higher starch loadings above 30% reduced the mechanical properties while lower starch loadings below 30% improved some mechanical properties. In addition, higher starch loadings above 30% does not favor the melt flow index and the Izod impact strength since there was no flow due to lower vicat softening temperature. Thus, with the aid of controlled incorporation of the starch additive, several properties of the modified polypropylene specimen could be enhanced.
Abstract: Blends of starch (tapioca) and polypropylene were prepared in various wt/wt concentrations ranging from 100% polypropylene resins to 5:95, 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, and 50:50 wt% starch to wt% polypropylene blends. Then the rheological and mechanical properties of the resulting blends were determined using Plastometer and Universal Testing Machin...
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Development of Model Equations for Predicting Gasoline Blending Properties
M. K. Oduola,
A. I. Iyaomolere
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2-1, March 2015
Pages:
9-17
Received:
7 January 2015
Accepted:
8 January 2015
Published:
19 January 2015
Abstract: Gasoline blending is of pertinent importance in refinery operations owing to the fact that gasoline gives about 60 - 70 % of the refinery profit. The blending process is essential to obtain gasoline in the demanded quantities and ensure property specifications are met. Two model equations, multivariable nonlinear and multivariable exponential are proposed in this study which are useful in predicting three significant properties of a motor gasoline: research octane number, reid vapour pressure and specific gravity. Gasoline blend data obtained from four different streams: straight run gasoline, straight run naphtha, reformate and fluidized catalytically cracked gasoline have been subjected to multivariate regression analysis with the aid of a statistical software to ascertain the fitness of the proposed equations in predicting the research octane number, reid vapor pressure and the specific gravity of the resulting premium motor spirit. The results of the regression analysis showed that the nonlinear multivariable models proposed gave a good fit as evidenced by the value of the coefficient of determination R2 = 0.988 & 0.994 for the research octane number, 0.853 & 0.883 for the reid vapor pressure and 0.988 for specific gravity. In conclusion, the proposed model equations were fit to the data, found to be adequate, and therefore could be used for prediction of the blend gasoline properties.
Abstract: Gasoline blending is of pertinent importance in refinery operations owing to the fact that gasoline gives about 60 - 70 % of the refinery profit. The blending process is essential to obtain gasoline in the demanded quantities and ensure property specifications are met. Two model equations, multivariable nonlinear and multivariable exponential are p...
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Aligning the Nigerian Petrochemical Industry to Oil and Gas Industry Needs
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2-1, March 2015
Pages:
18-24
Received:
13 January 2015
Accepted:
17 January 2015
Published:
9 May 2015
Abstract: Nigeria is Africa’s largest producer of crude oil and the sixth largest exporter of oil within the OPEC bloc. However, virtually all chemical and petrochemical products used in the Nigerian oil and gas industry are currently imported. There is therefore the need for the Nigerian petrochemical industry to reposition itself to take advantage of these increasing market opportunities. This paper examines the strategic fit of the petrochemical industry within the value chain of the oil and gas industry, using critical petrochemical-based products as examples.
Abstract: Nigeria is Africa’s largest producer of crude oil and the sixth largest exporter of oil within the OPEC bloc. However, virtually all chemical and petrochemical products used in the Nigerian oil and gas industry are currently imported. There is therefore the need for the Nigerian petrochemical industry to reposition itself to take advantage of these...
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Technical Analysis of the Natural Gas to Hydrocarbon Liquid Process
I. J. Otaraku,
O. A. Vincent
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2-1, March 2015
Pages:
25-40
Received:
20 February 2015
Accepted:
24 March 2015
Published:
9 May 2015
Abstract: The technical analysis carried out in this paper is aimed at dealing with element incorporation, structure generation and optimization of the gas-to-liquid (GTL) process. The GTL model developed did not include the desulphurization unit as well as the product upgrading unit. A detailed description of the sequential steps for analyzing the process is as follows: firstly, a base-case process is designed with parameters and operating conditions obtained from literature. Secondly, this flowsheet is simulated with computer-aided simulation package ASPEN Hysys V8.4 to evaluate the specific characteristics of the main equipment and streams entering and leaving units. Thirdly, the simulated base case was analyzed in terms of Thermal Efficiency (TE), Carbon Efficiency (CE) and product flow to upgrading. This process was carried out using the optimizer tool for steady-state modelling to account for multiple variables in the Hysys simulation with the aid of case studies to maximize a given objective function. This resulted in a CE of 82.41%, TE of 65.93% and a production of 19940 bbl/d of syncrude.
Abstract: The technical analysis carried out in this paper is aimed at dealing with element incorporation, structure generation and optimization of the gas-to-liquid (GTL) process. The GTL model developed did not include the desulphurization unit as well as the product upgrading unit. A detailed description of the sequential steps for analyzing the process i...
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Simulation of Loading Capacity of MDEA and DEA for Amine-Based CO2 Removal Using Hysys
I. J. Otaraku,
F. O. Esemuze
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2-1, March 2015
Pages:
41-46
Received:
22 February 2015
Accepted:
17 March 2015
Published:
9 May 2015
Abstract: Besides meeting international stringent LNG product specification, this work will address the problem of off-spec product, high operational cost of acid gas (CO2) removal and pollution-free product, which is currently a huge global challenge. This work studied other ways by which amine unit can best be optimized to produce LNG gas with low CO2-content and high cost of acid gas removal. MDEA instead of DEA solvent-absorption method was chosen for the optimization using HYSYS 3.1 process simulator to predict the CO2 removal through the establishment of process operating conditions. A base case of amine-based CO2 removal process was used to create a steady-state and dynamic simulation using HYSYS 3.1 simulator. The differences between the values of acid gas loading capacity and CO2 content of the existing DEA operational value and HYSYS simulations were 0.00005 and 4.98 respectively. This established the advantage and accuracy of the HYSYS simulator and the developed models. The simulation results showed that the proposed MDEA had higher CO2 removal capacity of 89% to 55.02% for DEA and lower CO2 content of 0.0012 mole of CO2 in sweet gas to 0.014 mole of CO2 in DEA. MDEA had higher solvent recovery of 83% to 60% recovery for DEA. The pump size required to recycle MDEA with molar flow rate of 1877 Kg mol/hr. was smaller and less expensive than that required for DEA at 2371 Kg mol./hr. resulting in lower production cost.
Abstract: Besides meeting international stringent LNG product specification, this work will address the problem of off-spec product, high operational cost of acid gas (CO2) removal and pollution-free product, which is currently a huge global challenge. This work studied other ways by which amine unit can best be optimized to produce LNG gas with low CO2-cont...
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Hydrogen Pinch Analysis of a Petroleum Refinery as an Energy Management Strategy
M. K. Oduola,
T. B. Oguntola
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2-1, March 2015
Pages:
47-54
Received:
11 January 2015
Published:
9 May 2015
Abstract: The glaring need for energy management in a petroleum refining industry is as a result of significant refinery energy costs, typically 40-50% of operating costs. Consequently, energy auditing is frequently carried out to identify energy management opportunities for higher profitability. Hydrogen management in a refining plant by means of the hydrogen pinch analysis approach aimed at identifying the optimum hydrogen network has been recognized as an effective way of optimizing the processes. The numerous benefits of hydrogen management include maximum processing revenue as a result of reduced hydrogen system operating costs and production benefits, minimum capital investment, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, and more importantly, up to 20% cost savings from energy efficiency improvements. Hydrogen pinch technology has been employed in this study to discover optimum hydrogen distribution systems which can be a potential energy management opportunity in a refining industry. The goal was to identify shortcomings in the hydrogen distribution of the system so as to improve the energy utilization of the plant. Analysis of the case study resulted in identification of optimum hydrogen target for the system. Achieving the target will reduce the power consumption of the catalytic reforming unit by 10.8% and also help to conserve hydrogen use by more than 20%. Implementation of suggestions for efficient utilization of energy made will increase the profit as well as the operating costs. However, there will be annual increase in marginal revenue as the profit is considerably greater than the operating costs. The payback period and return on investment (ROI) of these suggestions are less than 3yrs and 28% - 44% (depending on the option adopted) respectively. Another significant advantage of the project is that it will reduce the gas flaring and helps prepare the refinery for future environmental challenges.
Abstract: The glaring need for energy management in a petroleum refining industry is as a result of significant refinery energy costs, typically 40-50% of operating costs. Consequently, energy auditing is frequently carried out to identify energy management opportunities for higher profitability. Hydrogen management in a refining plant by means of the hydrog...
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Comparative Economic Investigation Options for Liquefied Petroleum Gas Production from Natural Gas Liquids
A. B. Raheem,
A. Hassan,
S. A. Samsudin,
Z. Z. Noor,
A. Adebobajo
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 2-1, March 2015
Pages:
55-69
Received:
22 February 2015
Accepted:
18 March 2015
Published:
30 June 2015
Abstract: There is new trend in the value of oil and gas in the world, with the value of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) soaring higher. It is due to its uses as a potential fuel in the several parts of the world, its demand in the petrochemical industries for plastics and automotive composites productions, and other uses. These results in steadily increases in price. There is also increase in volume of feed gas, which demands efficient LPG processing and recovery technology. This paper mainly focuses on comparative economic investigation options for Liquefied Petroleum Gas plant, which processes feed from natural gas wells and dehydrating units to produce Liquefied Petroleum Gas along with natural gasoline having a higher value as separate product. Recovery of LPG is possible but raises both the initial cost of plant and operational cost considerably. The value of LPG recovered should be high enough to widen the operating margins between the processing costs and the market price for which the recovered liquids can be sold. Therefore, the most economic means of extracting this product must be used. This was done using two alternatives; the Conventional Fractionation process and Single column overhead recycle process (SCORE). Both alternatives were simulated with Hysys and are analyzed based on product recovery level, energy required and fixed capital cost. There are two feeds to the plant, one from the natural gas wells and the other from dehydrating units of natural gas processing plants with a total flow rate of 6.99 MMSCFD. Analysis of result from modeling shows that Single column overhead recycle process has a total product recovery of 97.2 % while Conventional fractionation process has a total recovery of 88.5 %, the require energy margin between the alternatives is about 38.9 % in favor of conventional process and the fixed capital cost is in the favor of Single column process. Sensitive to choosing the most economic option of LPG recovery between the conventional process and SCORE process is the recovery level of LPG from each of the options, total energy required and the cost of the equipment. From the analysis, it shows that, it is more economical to use the Single column overhead recycle process, as compared to conventional fractionation process.
Abstract: There is new trend in the value of oil and gas in the world, with the value of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) soaring higher. It is due to its uses as a potential fuel in the several parts of the world, its demand in the petrochemical industries for plastics and automotive composites productions, and other uses. These results in steadily increases i...
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