Search Results (106)

The growth of urban and industrial areas is accompanied by an increase in vehicle traffic, resulting in rising concentrations of various air pollutants. This is a global issue that causes environmental damage and risks to human health. The dataset presented in this research contains records with measurements of the air pollutants ozone (O₃) and carbon monoxide (CO), as well as meteorological parameters such as temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and barometric pressure (BP). This dataset was collected using a set of low-cost sensors over a four-month study period (March to June) in 2024. The monitoring of air pollutants and meteorological parameters was conducted in a city with high industrial activity, heavy traffic, and close proximity to a petrochemical refinery plant. The data were subjected to a series of statistical analyses for visualization using plots that allow for the identification of their behavior. Finally, the dataset can be utilized for air quality studies, public health research, and the development of prediction models based on mathematical approaches or artificial intelligence algorithms. Full article

Petrochemical complexes are spatially expansive and host diverse emission sources, making accurate monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) challenging using conventional two-dimensional methods. This study introduces Mobile-extraction Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (Me-DOAS), a real-time, three-dimensional remote sensing technique for assessing benzene emissions in the Ulsan petrochemical complex, South Korea. A vehicle-mounted Me-DOAS system conducted monthly measurements throughout 2024, capturing data during four daily intervals to evaluate diurnal variation. Routes included perimeter loops and grid-based transects within core industrial zones. The highest benzene concentrations were observed in February (mean: 64.28 ± 194.69 µg/m³; geometric mean: 5.13 µg/m³), with exceedances of the national annual standard (5 µg/m³) in several months. Notably, nighttime and early morning sessions showed elevated levels, suggesting contributions from nocturnal operations and meteorological conditions such as atmospheric inversion. A total of 179 exceedances (≥30 µg/m³) were identified, predominantly in zones with benzene-handling activities. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between high concentrations and specific emission sources. These results demonstrate the utility of Me-DOAS in capturing spatiotemporal emission dynamics and support its application in exposure risk assessment and industrial emission control. The findings provide a robust framework for targeted management strategies and call for integration with source apportionment and dispersion modeling tools. Full article

The increasing levels of ozone pollution have become a significant environmental issue in urban areas worldwide. Previous studies have confirmed that the urban ozone pollution in China is mainly controlled by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) rather than nitrogen oxides. Therefore, a study on the emission characteristics and source analysis of VOCs is important for controlling urban ozone pollution. In this study, hourly concentrations of 57 VOC species in four groups were obtained in April 2022, a period of high ozone pollution in Kunming, China. The ozone formation potential analysis showed that the accumulated reactive VOCs significantly contributed to the subsequent ozone formation, particularly aromatics (44.16%) and alkanes (32.46%). In addition, the ozone production rate in Kunming is mainly controlled by VOCs based on the results of the empirical kinetic modeling approach (K_NOx/K_VOCs = 0.25). The hybrid single-particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory model and polar coordinate diagram showed high VOC and ozone concentrations from the southwest outside the province (50.28%) and the south in local areas (12.78%). Six factors were obtained from the positive matrix factorization model: vehicle exhaust (31.80%), liquefied petroleum gas usage (24.16%), the petrochemical industry (17.81%), fuel evaporation (11.79%), coal burning (7.47%), and solvent usage (6.97%). These findings underscore that reducing anthropogenic VOC emissions and strengthening controls on the related sources could provide a scientifically robust strategy for mitigating ozone pollution in Kunming. Full article

The sustainability of the chemical industry requires replacing oil and natural gas with alternative raw materials and reducing CO₂ emissions from processes and utilities. In the particular case of petrochemicals, decarbonization is not easy, since carbon is an integral part of the products. Fossil carbon can be replaced with recycled carbon and renewable carbon, but it is the use of CO₂ as a raw material that will finally make it possible to close the carbon cycle in the chemical industry. The options available are discussed herein, highlighting recent breakthroughs in catalysis and identifying areas where further research is needed. Full article

The efficient separation of light hydrocarbons, particularly alkanes from their isomers (C₅–C₆), represents a significant and energy-intensive challenge for the petrochemical industry. Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) offer promising solutions due to their exceptional porosity, surface area, and, crucially, their structural and chemical tunability. This study employs advanced computational methods, including Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations and Molecular Dynamics (MD), to systematically investigate the adsorption and separation of pentane isomers (n-pentane, isopentane, and neopentane) in the UiO-66 MOF family. Specifically, the impact of organic linker functionalization with -H (parent), -NH₂, -CH₃, and -COOH groups on adsorption isotherms, isosteric heats, and competitive behavior in mixtures is evaluated. The analysis provides a molecular-level view of host-guest and guest-guest interactions, elucidating the recognition and selectivity mechanisms governing the separation of these C5 isomers and the potential for engineering MOF materials for this application. Full article

The rapid expansion of the petrochemical industry has led to significant environmental issues, including groundwater and soil contamination from hydrocarbon spills. This study investigates the movement and dispersion of hydrocarbon contaminants in the Rey industrial area in Tehran (Iran) using a two-dimensional finite element model. The results indicate that the oil plume exhibits slow migration, primarily due to low soil permeability and high hydrocarbon viscosity, leading to localized contamination. High-density pollution zones, such as TORC and REY7, are characterized by persistent hydrocarbon accumulation with minimal lateral migration. The findings emphasize the limited effectiveness of natural attenuation alone, highlighting the need for targeted remediation measures in high-density zones to accelerate contamination reduction. This study provides insights into the dynamics of hydrocarbon pollution and supports the development of effective remediation strategies. Full article

Recently, there has been a growing interest in issues related to mining equipment maintenance, with particular focus on pumping systems’ continuous operation. However, despite wide applications of pump system maintenance in a wide range of industries, such as water and wastewater, aviation, petrochemical, building (HVAC system), and nuclear power plant industries, the literature on maintenance of pump systems operating in the mining industry still needs development. This study aims to review the existing literature to present an up-to-date analysis of maintenance strategies for mining pumps, with a particular focus on proactive maintenance approaches. Key aspects considered include predictive diagnostics and prognosis, health status monitoring, maintenance management, and the integration of intelligent mining systems to enhance operational reliability and efficiency in harsh mining environments. The proposed methodology includes a systematic literature review with the use of the Primo multi-search tool, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The selection criteria focused on English studies published between 2005 and 2024, resulting in 88 highly relevant papers. These papers were categorized into six groups: (a) condition/health status monitoring, (b) dewatering system operation and maintenance, (c) health diagnosis and prognosis, (d) intelligent mining (modern technologies), (e) maintenance management, and (f) operational efficiency and reliability optimization. A notable strength of this study is its use of diverse scientific databases facilitated by the multi-search tool. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis was performed, showcasing the evolution of research on pump maintenance in the mining sector over the past decade and identifying key areas such as predictive diagnostics, dewatering system optimization, and intelligent maintenance management. This study highlights the varied levels of research and practical implementation across industries, emphasizing the mining sector’s unique challenges and opportunities. Significant research gaps were identified, including the need for tailored diagnostic tools, real-time monitoring systems, and cost-effective maintenance strategies specific to harsh mining environments. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on advancing predictive maintenance technologies, integrating intelligent systems, and enhancing operational efficiency and reliability. The study concludes with a detailed discussion of the findings and their implications, offering a roadmap for innovations in pump maintenance within the mining industry. Full article

This study assesses the spatial distribution and contamination levels of some heavy metals (HMs), i.e., cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb), in seawater and surface sediments along the Romanian Black Sea coast (RBSC). Sampling was conducted at 40 stations across 12 transects during May–June 2021, and the measured levels of HM concentrations were compared with Environmental Quality Standards (EQS), i.e., maximum allowable concentration (MAC) values, for seawater and effects range-low (ERL) thresholds for sediments. HM concentrations were measured using high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS AAS). In seawater, the levels of Cd, Cu, and Pb concentrations exceeded the MAC values at three stations located in areas influenced by the Danube River or anthropogenic activities. In sediments, exceedances of ERL thresholds were found for Ni at 11 stations, for Cu at three stations, and for Pb at one station. HM contamination of sediment samples collected from these stations can be caused by both natural and anthropogenic sources, e.g., the Danube River, rock/soil weathering and erosion, agricultural runoff, port and construction activities, maritime and road transport, coastal tourism, petrochemical industry, wastewater discharges, offshore oil and gas extraction. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) provided valuable information about the relationships between relevant variables, including water depth and HM concentrations in seawater and sediments, and potential sources of contamination. The results highlight the influence of fluvial inputs and localized human activities on HM contamination. While the overall chemical status of Romanian Black Sea waters and sediments remains favorable, targeted management strategies are needed to address localized pollution hotspots and mitigate potential ecological risks. These findings provide valuable insights for environmental monitoring and sustainable coastal management. Full article

The ambient levels of NO₂ in urban areas in China in recent years have generally shown a downward trend, but high NO₂ concentrations still exist under certain conditions, and the causes for such phenomenon and its impact on air quality remain unclear. Taking Dongying, a typical petrochemical city in the Bohai Bay of China, as an example, this paper analyzed the influence of NO₂ on urban air quality and investigated the causes for the formation of NO₂ with high concentrations. The results indicated that higher daily NO₂ concentrations (>40 μg/m³) mainly occurred during January-April and September-December each year, and higher hourly NO₂ concentrations mainly occurred during the nighttime and morning rush hour in Dongying from 2017 to 2023. With the increase in daily NO₂ concentrations, the daily air pollution levels showed a general increasing trend from 2017 to 2023. The occurrence of high NO₂ values in Dongying was affected by the combination of unfavorable meteorological conditions, local emissions and regional transports, and localized atmospheric chemical generation. High-pressure and uniform-pressure weather patterns in 2017–2022, along with land–sea breeze circulation in 2022, contribute to high NO₂ concentrations in Dongying. Boundary layer heights (BLH) in spring (−0.43) and winter (−0.36), wind direction in summer (0.21), and temperature in autumn (−0.46) are the primary meteorological factors driving NO₂-HH (High hourly NO₂ values), while BLH (−0.47) is the main cause for NO₂-HD (High daily NO₂ values). The titration reaction between NO with O₃ is the main cause for NO₂-HH in spring, summer and autumn, and photochemical reactions of aromatics have a significant influence on NO₂-HD. NOx emissions from the thermal power and petrochemical industry in Dongying and air pollution transports from western and southwestern Shandong Province (throughout the year) and from the Bohai Sea (during spring and summer) had serious adverse impact on high NO₂ values in 2022. The results of the study could help to provide a scientific basis for the control of NO₂ and the continuous improvement of air quality in Dongying and similar petrochemical cities. Full article

This review comprehensively focuses on catalyst dense-phase packing technology. It provides a systematic review of its principles, characteristics, and applications across diverse fields. A detailed comparison between dense-phase packing and traditional packing methods is presented, along with an in-depth analysis of its application status in petrochemical, fine-chemical, and other industries. The innovative trends of this technology in packing equipment and processes, as well as the challenges and countermeasures in its application, are thoroughly discussed. The aim is to offer a comprehensive and profound reference for relevant research and industrial practices, guiding future development in this crucial area of chemical engineering. Full article

Houston, Texas, with its large-scale industrial activities, serves as a national hub for petrochemical processing and chemical feedstock production, making it a unique emission region for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and production-related emissions. These emissions can be associated with industrial activities, including solvent usage and production to manufacture consumer products such as volatile chemical products. To support the Houston-based Dept. of Energy’s Atmospheric Measurement Radiation program-led Tracking Aerosol Convection ExpeRiment (TRACER) projects, VOCs were measured at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site during September 2021 and 2022. The observed VOC mixing ratios reveal unique emission signatures for select VOCs, including benzene, toluene, acetone, and isoprene. Routine nighttime enhancements of these compounds exceeded the urban background, with mixing ratios increasing by up to 20 ppbv per hour and persisting for up to 6 h, suggesting that emissions from local industrial activities near the Houston Ship Channel (HSC) are impacting the site. For example, mixing ratios exceeding 15 ppbv for at least one VOC were observed on 58% of nights (n = 32 nights), with 19 nights (~35%) having two or more VOCs with mixing ratios above 15 ppbv. For select peak emission events, the NOAA dispersion model estimated plume transport across parts of the urban system, suggesting that VOCs from the HSC may impact local air quality. This study highlights the importance of VOC-related emissions from industrial production and supply chains in contributing to total VOC emissions in urban areas like Houston, Texas. Full article

The use of basalt fibers, which are employed in various fields, such as construction, automotive, chemical, and petrochemical industries, the sports industry, and energy engineering, is also increasingly common in soil reinforcement studies, another application area of geotechnical engineering, alongside their use in concrete. With this growing application, scientific studies on soil reinforcement with basalt fiber have also gained momentum. This study establishes the effects of basalt fiber on the liquid limit, plastic limit, and strength properties of soils, and the relationships among the liquid limit, plastic limit, and unconfined compressive strength of the soil. For this purpose, 12 mm basalt fiber was used as a reinforcement material in kaolin clay at ratios of 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, and 3.0%. The prepared samples were subjected to liquid limit, plastic limit, and unconfined compressive strength tests. As a result of the experimental studies, the fiber ratio that provided the best improvement in the soil properties was determined, and the relationships among the liquid limit, plastic limit, and unconfined compressive strength were established. The experimental results were then used as input data for an artificial intelligence model. The used neural network (NN) was trained to obtain basalt fiber-to-kaolin ratios based on the liquid limit, plastic limit, and unconfined compressive strength. This model enabled the prediction of the fiber ratio that provides the maximum improvement in the liquid limit, plastic limit, and compressive strength without the need for experiments. The NN results were in great agreement with the experimental results, demonstrating that the fiber ratio providing the maximum improvement in the soil properties can be identified using the NN model without requiring experimental studies. Moreover, the performance and reliability of the NN model were evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation and compared with other AI methods. The ANN model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy, achieving the highest correlation coefficient (R = 0.82), outperforming the other models in terms of both accuracy and reliability. Full article

The industrial emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a major contributor to air pollution in urban areas. Previous studies on VOC emissions in industrial zones have primarily relied on in situ monitoring techniques, which pose significant challenges in capturing high emissions peaks and near-source measurements on regional scales. In this study, we employed mobile proton transfer reaction–time-of-flight–mass spectrometry (PTR–ToF–MS) to identify and characterize industrial VOC hotspots in a petrochemical park in eastern China, from June to September 2021. The average total VOC concentrations in the industrial zone were 131.5 ± 227.7 ppbv, approximately 48% higher than those in the background area (88.9 ± 63.3 ppbv), reflecting the substantial emissions from industrial hotspots. Oxygenated VOCs were the most abundant components in the industrial zone (83.2 ppbv). The overall OH reactivity, aerosol formation potential, and lifetime cancer risk of the industrial zone were also substantially higher than those in the background zone. These findings emphasize the need for targeted VOC emissions controls in industrial hotspots to mitigate air quality and health risks. Full article

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the applied WC/C and CrN + WC/C protective coatings applied using various PVD methods as protection for cavitation generators operating in an environment of intense cavitation wear. In order to carry out planned tasks, special devices generating a cavitation environment have been designed and manufactured. As part of this study, an analysis of the surface of cavitation generators, both before applying the coatings and with the applied protective PVD coatings, and also before and after operation in a cavitation environment, was carried out using the following research techniques: stereoscopic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission microscopy, XRD, and confocal microscopy. Despite the use of corrosion-resistant steels as a result of the cavitation environment, this causes surface material wear, especially in the area of the through holes. This is due to the fact that there are no protective coatings inside the through hole. Moreover, it was found that, for the tested steel with multilayer CrN + WC/C coatings, there were significantly fewer cavitation defects both on the surface of the material and on the edge of through holes, which indicates that the use of these multilayer coatings can significantly extend the service life of structural elements operating in such environmental conditions. Based on the conducted research tests, it was proven that the applying protective coatings significantly reduce the wear of the surfaces of the tested cavitation generators, thus allowing the use of cheaper steels, not resistant to corrosion, e.g., P265GH steel, which is five times cheaper than austenitic steel. The P265GH steel is used for structural elements in the heating, petrochemical, energy, food, and chemical industries, as well as for structural elements in the aviation, shipbuilding, and many other industries, and, thus, it is possible to reduce the costs associated with the operation of this construction solution in industrial conditions. Full article

Metal pipes are often interfered with by currents of irregular frequency and wavelength. This is called stray current interference. The corrosion of metal pipes caused by stray current interference is one of the many factors contributing to their deterioration. Pipeline corrosion and leakage caused by stray currents can significantly impact the safety, environment, and economy of the surrounding areas. Over the past few years, stray current interference has become one of the research hotspots in the petrochemical and natural gas transportation industries. This review article investigates accident cases caused by stray currents and compares the corrosion mechanisms of DC stray currents and AC stray currents, analyzes the influence of pipeline material, environment, voltage and current, stress, and other factors on corrosion, and puts forward corrosion protection measures, such as cathodic protection, coating technology, internal corrosion control, and means of detecting stray current corrosion. Finally, it provides an outlook on future research directions on corrosion protection against stray currents. Full article