Petroleum and Low-Carbon Energy Process Engineering

1. Section Aims and Scope:

This section aims to publish high-quality research on fundamental theories, key technologies, process innovations, modeling, optimization, scaling, and system integration related to the transformation, separation, and transport of materials within the petroleum and associated energy sectors. We particularly encourage interdisciplinary contributions focusing on digitalization, intelligence, decarbonization, and sustainable development in process engineering.

2. Key Research Themes:

• Intensification and Optimization of Traditional Petroleum Processing: Advanced crude oil separation, residue upgrading (e.g., coking, hydroconversion), clean fuel production (FCC, hydrotreating), and petrochemical feedstock production (steam cracking, catalytic reforming), with a focus on catalyst design, reactor simulation, and process optimization.
• Low-Carbon Refining and Carbon-Neutral Pathways: Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) in refineries; hydrogen network optimization and integration of green hydrogen; energy efficiency and heat integration; lifecycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) of low-carbon pathways.
• AI and Digitalization in Oil and Gas Processes: Mechanistic and data-driven hybrid modeling; process monitoring, fault diagnosis, and predictive maintenance; application of digital twins and advanced process control (APC); molecular management and crude oil fingerprinting.
• Emerging Energy and Chemical Processes: Production of biofuels and bio-chemicals from biomass; recycling processes for plastics and waste oils (e.g., pyrolysis); synthesis of advanced fuels and chemicals (e.g., Fischer–Tropsch); modeling and optimization of integrated polygeneration systems (refining–chemicals–power).
• Fundamental Theory and Core Technologies: Thermodynamics and transport properties of petroleum systems; multiphase flow and reaction engineering; advanced separation technologies (membranes, adsorption); catalyst engineering and characterization. Download Section Flyer