A molecule-based characterization methodology was developed for correlation and prediction of assays and properties for crude oil and petroleum fractions. From readily accessible crude oil, the assay data such as distillation curve, API gravity, and PNA contents, identifies an optimal set of chemical compositions of model hydrocarbon molecules that were designed to mimic measurable physical and...

Hydrocarbons occur in fossil fuels such as crude oil and consist mainly of hydrogen carbon. Although they are natural chemicals, refining results commercial products with new physico-chemical properties, which can increase their complexity toxicity, hamper degradation. The presence biodiverse microbial communities is a prerequisite for an effective homeostatic response to the various hydrocarbo...

The detailed characterisation of middle distillates is essential for a better understanding of reactions involved in refining process. Owing to higher resolution power and enhanced sensitivity, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC x GC) is a powerful tool for improving characterisation of petroleum samples. The aim of this paper is to compare GC x GC and various ASTM methods -- ...

A time series is estimated of in-ground prices of U.S. oil and natural gas reserve prices for the period 1982–2003, usingmarket transaction data. Reserves sold are considered as proved; errors in this respectmay affect estimates, in either direction. The data are also used to examine the impact of reserve status, production rate, andwell head prices, on reserve prices. Both oil and gas current ...

Determination of concentrations of sulfur compounds in different petroleum samples is a true analytical challenge. Only analytical procedures based on gas chromatography can meet the sensitivity and accuracy requirements dictated by up-to-date petroleum industry. The objective of this work is to develop the method for the quantifying of sulfur compounds in petroleum hydrocarbon streams. The opt...

The understanding of the phylogenetic diversity, metabolic capabilities, ecological roles, and community dynamics taking place in oil reservoir microbial communities is far from complete. The interest in studying microbial diversity and metabolism in petroleum reservoirs lies mainly but not only on providing a better comprehension of biodegradation of crude oils, since it represents a worldwide...

Refrigeration systems are common in the natural gas processing industry and processes related to the petroleum refining, petrochemical, and chemical industries. Several applications for refrigeration include natural gas liquids (NGL) recovery, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) recovery, hydrocarbon dew point control, reflux condensation for light hydrocarbon fractionators, and liquefied natural gas...

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are fused-ring hydrocarbon compounds that are highly recalcitrant under normal conditions due to their structural complexity and strong molecular bonds. These groups of petrochemicals are mainly found in petroleum-refining plants, accidental oil spills and pipe leakages, and rainwater run-off from roadway. Improperly managed and disposed PAHs can cause en...

The knowledge of hydrocarbon/water phase equilibria is important in the design and operation of equipment for petroleum transport and refining and petrochemical plants. The presence of water in a hydrocarbon mixture can affect the product quality and damage the operation equipment due to corrosion and formation of gas hydrates. Tracing the concentration of hydrocarbons in aqueous media is also ...

The major microbial problem in the petroleum refining industry is contamination of stored products, which can lead to loss of product quality, formation of sludge and deterioration of pipework and storage tanks, both in the refinery and at the end-user. Three major classes of fuel are discussed in this article gasoline, aviation kerosene and diesel, corresponding to increasingly heavy petroleum...