Search Results (97)

This study presents preliminary findings from an experimental campaign conducted on a pilot-scale green hydrogen production plant powered by a photovoltaic (PV) system. The integrated setup, implemented at the University “Mediterranea” of Reggio Calabria, includes renewable energy generation, hydrogen production via electrolysis, on-site storage, and reconversion through fuel cells. The investigation assessed system performance under different configurations (on-grid and selective stand-alone modes), focusing on key operational phases such as inerting, purging, pressurization, hydrogen generation, and depressurization. Results indicate a strong linear correlation between the electrolyser’s power setpoint and the pressure rise rate, with a maximum gradient of 0.236 bar/min observed at 75% power input. The system demonstrated robust and stable operation, efficient control of shutdown sequences, and effective integration with PV input. These outcomes support the technical feasibility of small-scale hydrogen systems driven by renewables and offer valuable reference data for calibration models and future optimization strategies. Full article

Zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) of desulfurization wastewater from coal-fired power plants is a critical challenge in the thermal power industry. Flash evaporation technology provides an efficient method for wastewater concentration and the recovery of high-quality freshwater resources. In this study, numerical simulations of the high-temperature and high-pressure spray flash evaporation process within a flash tank were conducted using the Discrete Phase Model (DPM) and a self-developed heat and mass transfer model for superheated droplets under depressurization conditions. The effects of feedwater temperature, pressure, nozzle spray angle, and mass flow rate on spray flash evaporation characteristics were systematically analyzed. Key findings reveal that (1) feedwater temperature is the dominant factor, with the vaporization rate significantly increasing from 19.78% to 55.88% as temperature rises from 240 °C to 360 °C; (2) higher pressure reduces equilibrium time (flash evaporation is complete within 6 ms) but shows negligible impact on final vaporization efficiency (stabilized at 33.93%); (3) increasing the spray angle provides limited improvement to water recovery efficiency (<1%); (4) an optimal mass flow rate exists (0.2 t/h), achieving a peak vaporization rate of 42.6% due to balanced evaporation space utilization. This work provides valuable insights for industrial applications in desulfurization wastewater treatment. Full article

The valorization of by-products in the olive sector has increasingly become the focus of business and research in the context of biorefineries. This work evaluates the recovery of bioactive compounds from olive leaves and their subsequent incorporation into poly(L-lactic- acid-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) filaments through supercritical impregnation. Obtaining an olive leaf extract (OLE) using enhanced solvent extraction at a high pressure (ESE with CO₂/ethanol 1:1 v/v) resulted in higher yields and concentrations of bioactives with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. No significant differences were found between the extracts obtained with different water regimes (irrigated and dry land). The supercritical impregnation of PLCL filaments showed that a low depressurization rate is essential to avoid material deformation, while the impregnation pressure and temperature influenced the OLE loading and antioxidant activity of the filaments. In vitro release studies showed the prolonged release of active compounds over 90 days, and the kinetics best fit the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, suggesting a diffusion mechanism. These results validate supercritical impregnation as a promising strategy for the development of OLE-active PLCL filaments with potential for biomedical applications requiring sustained therapeutic release. Full article

Fluid dynamics modeling was conducted for the supply unit of a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) consisting of a nonwoven fabric filter and a pump, as well as for the exhaust filter (nonwoven fabric). The supply flow rate Q₁ was modeled as a function of the differential pressure ΔP and the duty value d of the PWM control under a constant pump voltage of V = 12.0 [V]. In contrast, the exhaust flow rate Q₂ was modeled solely as a function of ΔP. To simulate the pressurized hood compartment of the PAPR, a pressure buffer and a connected “respiratory airflow simulator” (a piston–cylinder mechanism) were developed. The supply unit and exhaust filter were connected to this pressure buffer, and simulated respiratory flow was introduced as an external disturbance flow. Under these conditions, it was demonstrated that the respiratory state—i.e., the expiratory state (flow from the simulator to the pressure buffer) and the inspiratory state (flow from the pressure buffer to the simulator)—can be estimated from the differential pressure ΔP, the pump voltage V, and the PWM duty value d, with respect to the disturbance flow generated by the respiratory airflow simulator. It was also confirmed that such respiratory state estimation remains valid even when the duty value d of the pump is being actively modulated to control the internal pressure of the PAPR hood. Furthermore, based on the estimated respiratory states, a theoretical investigation was conducted on constant pressure control inside the PAPR and on the inverse pressure control aimed at supporting respiratory activity—namely, pressure control that assists breathing by depressurizing when expiratory motion is detected and pressurizing when inspiratory motion is detected. This study was conducted as part of a research and development project on public-oriented PAPR systems, which are being explored as alternatives to lockdown measures in response to airborne infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The present work specifically focused on improving the wearing comfort of the PAPR. Full article

Conventional techniques for incorporating active ingredients into polymeric matrices are accompanied by certain disadvantages, primarily attributable to the inherent characteristics of the active ingredient itself, including its sensitivity to temperature. A potential solution to these challenges lies in the utilization of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) for the formation of polymeric foam and the incorporation of active ingredients, in conjunction with the encapsulation of inclusion complexes (ICs), to ensure physical stability and augmented bioactivity. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of IC impregnation and subsequent foam formation on PLA films and PLA/PBAT blends that had been previously impregnated. The study’s methodology encompassed the formation and characterization of ICs with caffeic acid (CA) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), along with the thermal, structural, and morphological properties of the resulting materials. Higher incorporation of impregnated IC into the PLA(42)/PBAT(58) blend was observed at 12 MPa pressure and a depressurization rate of 1 MPa/min. The presence of IC, in addition to a lower rate of expansion, contributed to the formation of homogeneous cells with a size range of 4–44 um. On the other hand, the incorporation of IC caused a decrease in the crystallinity of the PLA fraction due to the interaction of the complex with the polymer. This study makes a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge on the incorporation of compounds encapsulated in β-CD by scCO₂, as well as to the development of active materials with potential applications in food packaging. Full article

Natural gas hydrate (NGH) is a clean resource characterized by abundant potential reserves, clean combustion, and high energy density. Although significant progress has been made in the development of NGH resources all around the world, challenges still exist that hinder commercial exploitation, such as a low daily gas production rate and short steady production periods. One significant reason lies in the complex gas–liquid–solid phase transitions occurring within the formation during production, which lead to changes in flow capacity. Understanding the phase change mechanism of NGH reservoirs will help to further reveal the production increase mechanism. To address the phase transitions’ effect on production, this paper establishes a numerical simulation model for the depressurization exploitation of natural gas hydrates in order to investigate phase transition characteristics at the field scale. First, the phase equilibrium calculation method is presented and the phase equilibrium curve is modified by considering the capillary effect, soluble salt, and surface adsorption. Then, the phase transition model is successfully characterized in a simulation and the numerical simulation model is established based on the first test project parameters in the Shenhu area. The production characteristics of different sediment types (montmorillonite, South China Sea sediments, kaolin, and silt) are analyzed under the effects of water content and salinity. It is shown that lower initial water content and higher salinity result in higher gas production. The results provide a better understanding of the effects of phase transition parameters on NGH production at the field scale. Full article

This study deeply explores the permeation deformation mechanism of limestone cores in deep-water environments. Through a customized test device, the mechanical responses of deep-water rocks under different moisture content conditions are simulated. The device is composed of a pressurization system, a pressure vessel, and a data acquisition system, which can accurately apply high water pressure and monitor the stress and strain changes in the core in real time. The cores used in the experiment were cut to standardized sizes and subjected to strict saturation and drying treatments to ensure the consistency of test conditions and the accuracy of data. The mechanical behaviors of cores under four working conditions of dryness, 50% moisture content, and 100% moisture content are analyzed. Through the cyclic process of pressurization and depressurization, the changes in the strain characteristics of the cores are observed. The research results show that when pressure is applied for the first time, low moisture content cores will absorb water and expand, and the strain will increase and then tend to be stable as the pressure increases. There is no such process for cores with 100% moisture content. Water pressure is positively correlated with the elastic modulus of rocks, negatively correlated with the strain rate during pressurization, and positively correlated during depressurization. Moreover, an increase in moisture content reduces the average strain mutation, reduces the average strain rate amplitude, and increases the elastic modulus. This study provides important theoretical support for the design and construction of deep-water rock engineering and provides a reference for further research in related fields. Full article

The decomposition of hydrate during hydrate mining can reduce the strength of the formation and induce engineering geological disasters. Clarifying the decomposition characteristics of geological hydrate during hydrate mining is of great significance for preventing marine geological disasters. This study comprehensively examines the effects of various extraction conditions, including production pressure, hydrate saturation, and permeability, on methane hydrate decomposition during depressurization-based extraction. Key findings show that reduced production pressure significantly increases gas and water production rates due to an enhanced pressure differential, albeit at the cost of potential geomechanical instability. Variations in hydrate saturation reveal that lower-saturation reservoirs initially exhibit higher production due to faster pressure propagation and greater porosity, whereas high-saturation layers may sustain production in the later stages. Permeability changes impact pressure diffusion and heat transfer within the formation; higher permeability leads to faster initial production but causes rapid energy depletion, requiring supplementary energy inputs to maintain production. These findings provide essential insights for optimizing methane hydrate extraction, ensuring high productivity while mitigating formation stability risks. Full article

This study reports an investigation into both isotropic and anisotropic permeability effects on gas production behavior during depressurization-induced natural gas hydrate dissociation at site NGHP-01-10D in the Krishna-Godavari basin. Numerical simulations were performed on a reservoir-scale model incorporating a single vertical well, examining different scenarios of permeability ratios (r_rz). The investigation assessed gas and water production rates, cumulative production volumes, the gas-to-water ratio, and the spatial distribution of reservoir parameters throughout a production duration of 3 years. The findings indicate that permeability anisotropy has a substantial impact on hydrate dissociation and gas recovery. For r_rz > 1, horizontal pressure propagation was promoted and gas production increased. For example, at t = 1100 days, the total gas production improved from 7.88 × 10⁵ ST m³ for r_rz = 1 to 55.9 × 10⁵ ST m³ for r_rz = 10. For r_rz < 1, vertical pressure propagation resulted in higher water production with concomitantly lower rates of gas production rates. Spatial distribution analysis revealed that higher r_rz values led to more extensive radial propagation of pressure drop, temperature decrease, gas saturation increase, and hydrate dissociation. The study concludes that higher horizontal permeability enhances depressurization effects, resulting in higher gas production rates and more favorable gas-to-water ratios. Full article

Real-time drilling depressurization technology is widely used in the prevention and control of dynamic disasters, such as deep-seated rock burst. However, current coal- and rock-loading tests under drilling conditions seldom account for real-time issues associated with drilling, thus failing to fully reflect the actual stress state of the surrounding rock during the implementation of drilling depressurization technology. Therefore, this study designed and implemented a uniaxial loading scheme for coal samples incorporating real-time-drilling characteristics. The results indicate a significant reduction in the uniaxial compressive strength ($R_{\mathrm{C}}$), elastic energy index ($W_{\mathrm{ET}}$), and impact energy index ($K_{\mathrm{E}}$) of the samples post-drilling. These parameters show a clear decreasing trend with increasing axial stress during real-time drilling. The weakening effect of impact tendency following real-time drilling depressurization is significant, and the depressurization effect is pronounced. The $R_{\mathrm{C}}$, $W_{\mathrm{ET}}$, and $K_{\mathrm{E}}$ of each real-time-drilled sample exhibit a notable decrease with increasing drilling stress, with the reduction rate significantly diminishing after the drilling stress reaches 20% of the peak strength. Full article

This study investigates the modeling and experimental validation of cell morphology in microcellular-foamed polycaprolactone (PCL) using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) as the blowing agent. The microcellular foaming process (MCP) was conducted using a solid-state batch foaming process, where PCL was saturated with scCO₂ at 6 to 9 MPa and 313 K, followed by depressurization at a rate of −0.3 and −1 MPa/s. This study utilized the Sanchez–Lacombe equation of state and the Peng–Robinson–Stryjek–Vera equation of state to model the solubility and density of the PCL-CO₂ mixture. Classical nucleation theory was modified and combined with numerical analysis to predict cell density, incorporating factors such as gas absorption kinetics, the role of scCO₂ in promoting nucleation, and the impact of depressurization rate and saturation pressure on cell growth. The validity of the model was confirmed by comparing the theoretical predictions with experimental and reference data, with the cell density determined through field-emission scanning electron microscopy analysis of foamed PCL samples. This study proposes a method for predicting cell density that can be applied to various polymers, with the potential for wide-ranging applications in biomaterials and industrial settings. This research also introduces a Python-based numerical analysis tool that allows for easy calculation of solubility and cell density based on the material properties of polymers and penetrant gases, offering a practical solution for optimizing MCP conditions in different contexts. Full article

The fracture network’s stimulation of China’s second hydrate trial production area was investigated. First, the stimulation potential of the fracture network and the influence of well arrangement on hydrate development were explored. Second, the fracture distributions’ influence on development behavior was investigated. Results showed that the fracture network could cause the trial production reservoir to reach the commercial production rate. The average CH₄ production rate of unit horizontal well length using the depressurization method and depressurization combined with thermal stimulation (combined method) were 61.3 and 151.5 m³/d with the fracture network and 23.7 and 14.3 m³/d without the fracture network. In addition, without the fracture network, the development behavior of wells arranged in the mixed layer was better than that of wells arranged in the hydrate layer. However, with the fracture network, the result was reversed. With the depressurization method, the best production behavior was obtained by fracturing in the hydrate layer; however, for the combined method, the best production behavior was obtained by fracturing in the hydrate and mixed layer, while fracturing in the free gas layer was useless. This study provides a valuable reference for the hydrate development of China’s trial production reservoir. Full article

Submarine hydrate mining can trigger geological disasters, including submarine landslides and seafloor subsidence due to excess pore pressure and weakened layers, which may potentially lead to the reactivation of faults and increased seismic activity. However, current research encounters challenges in assessing geotechnical issues associated with long-term and large-scale production from well grids located in sloped areas. Limited by the complexity of the hydrate sediment, a multifield coupled numerical model of hydrate slope in the Shenhu area was established. Utilizing the modified Mohr–Coulomb model as the constitutive model for hydrate-bearing sediments to track the dynamic reduction in strength and employing the shear strength method to assess submarine slope stability, a series of depressurization strategies are applied to evaluate the risks associated with submarine landslides and seafloor subsidence. Results show that the hydrate dissociation tends to stagnate after a period of mining. The strength of the hydrate decomposed area is severely reduced, and a volume deficit occurs in this area, causing formation displacement. The peripheral region of the decomposed area is compacted by high stress, resulting in a serious decrease in permeability and porosity, which limits the continued decomposition of hydrates. The large-scale submarine landslides with hydrates decomposition will not appear in this block. However, several meters’ seafloor subsidence over a wide range risks engineering safety significantly. The amount of seafloor subsidence in the first 50 days is approximately half of the final settlement. A higher production pressure drop can speed up the recovery rate while resulting in more significant seafloor subsidence and slippage. Therefore, the balance between mining speed and formation stability needs more research work. Full article

Natural gas hydrate (NGH) trials have been performed successfully with different development methods and gas recovery drainage technologies. Multiphase flow in a wellbore and the drainage of natural gas hydrate are two important parts for its whole extraction process. Additionally, the choice of the drainage method is linked to the development method, making the drainage of NGH more complex. Jet pump drainage is usable for NGH production wells with the combined depressurization and thermal stimulation method. The objective of this study is to shed more light on the multiphase flow behavior in jet pump drainage and NGH production wells and put forward suggestions for adjusting heat injection parameters. The mechanism of jet pump drainage recovery technology for NGH wells was analyzed and its applicability to NGH development by the combined depressurization and thermal stimulation method was demonstrated. In addition, multiphase flow models of tubing and annulus were established, respectively, for the phenomenon of the countercurrent flow of heat exchange in the process of jet pump drainage and gas production, and the corresponding multiphase flow laws were derived. On the basis of these studies, sensitivity analysis and the optimization of thermal stimulation parameters were conducted. It is demonstrated that jet pump drainage gas recovery technology is feasible for the development of onshore NGH with the combined depressurization and thermal stimulation method. The laws of multiphase flow in the tubing and annulus of jet pump drainage and NGH production wells were disclosed in this study. Numerical simulation results show that the temperature and pressure profiles along the wellbore of jet pump drainage and NGH production wells during the drainage recovery process are affected by injection conditions. Increasing injection rate and injection temperature can both improve the effect of heat injection and reduce the hydrate reformation risk in the bottom of the annulus. This study offers a theoretical basis and technical support for production optimization and hydrate prevention and control in the wellbore of jet pump drainage and NGH production wells. Full article

In this paper, a one-dimensional model of gas–water two-phase productivity for hydrate depressurization is established, which takes into account permeability variation and gas–water two-phase flow. By solving the coupled algebraic equations of dissociation front position, equilibrium temperature, and pressure in an iterative scheme, the movement law of the hydrate dissociation front and the evolution process of temperature and pressure near the well were obtained, and the effects of bottom hole pressure, reservoir temperature, and hydrate saturation on productivity were analyzed. The results show that the hydrate reservoir is divided into a decomposed zone and an undecomposed zone by the dissociation front, and the temperature and pressure gradients of the former are greater than those of the latter. Reducing bottom hole pressure, increasing reservoir temperature, and increasing hydrate saturation all lead to an increase in temperature and pressure gradient in the decomposed zone. Methane gas production is a sensitive function of bottom hole pressure, reservoir temperature, and hydrate saturation. The lower the bottom hole pressure, the higher the reservoir temperature, the lower the hydrate saturation (within a certain range), and the higher the gas production rate. The trend of the water production curve is the same as that of gas, but the value is 3–4 orders of magnitude smaller, which may be due to the large difference in the viscosity of gas and water, and the gas seepage speed is much larger than that of water. Full article