Browsing by Author "Ikechukwu Okafor"

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A Comparative Analysis of the Well Performance of Vertical, Horizontal and Multilateral Well
(Petroleum and Coal, 2019) Ameena A. Gaji; Petrus Nzerem; Oghenerume Ogolo; Ikechukwu Okafor ; Ternenge Joseph Chior
The demand for energy in the world has been ever increasing. Conventional technologies are being replaced gradually by different new technologies. Horizontal wells and multilateral wells have proved to be highly beneficial by improving production rates significantly. This study focuses on investigating the well performance of vertical well (Well V), horizontal well (Well H), and multilateral well (Well M) in the Hurricane field using PROSPER software. PVT matching, well modelling and well performance analysis was carried out. Sensitivity analysis was performed on key parameters such as tubing diameter, water cut, wellhead pressure and tubing roughness to determine their effects on well productivity. It was observed that increasing the water cut decreased the production rates of Well V, Well H and Well M by 41%, 36.1% and 33.5% respectively. An increase in the tubing diameter improved the production rates, wellhead pressure had high impacts on the well performance while tubing roughness had a minimal effect on oil production. The optimum production rates of 21,622.5 STB/day, 28,653.6 STB/day and 29,800.9 STB/day for Well V, Well H and Well M respectively were achieved at reservoir pressure of 3500 psig, wellhead pressure of 400 psig, water cut of 5% and a 5.5 inches tubing diameter.
A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING TECHNIQUES IN SHALE GAS PRODUCTION
(NJEAS, 2023-01-01) Umar Adekola; Abdullahi Gimba; Ayuba Salihu; Khaleel Jakada; Ikechukwu Okafor ; Petrus Nzerem; Joseph Chior; Oghenerume Ogolo; Khadijah Ibrahim
Shale gas has emerged as a significant source of natural gas due to advancements in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling technologies. This extraction method has facilitated drilling and production activities in regions previously untouched by oil and gas development. Hydraulic fracturing, a well-stimulation technique suitable for low and moderate-permeability reservoirs, relies on the successful drilling of horizontal wells and the creation of multiple hydraulic fractures to ensure economic viability. While shale gas presents significant energy production opportunities, concerns have been raised regarding its environmental impact. To mitigate these risks and determine the most effective approach for shale gas extraction, alternative fracturing technologies are being investigated. Notably, a considerable number of perforation clusters in shale gas horizontal wells do not contribute to production, highlighting the potential for refracturing. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis is required to evaluate the performance of hydraulic fracturing and alternative fracturing technologies in shale gas wells, considering factors such as cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and gas extraction efficiency. This article aims to evaluate the hydraulic fracturing technology's capability to enhance gas recovery in shale gas formations as well as its environmental implications. The focus of this research is primarily on the hydraulic fracturing technique employed in shale gas development, its production capability, and associated environmental concerns. Through a systematic evaluation, this study provided valuable insights into the potential of hydraulic fracturing in maximizing gas recovery while addressing environmental challenges in shale gas formations.
Application of Pressure Transient Analysis to Gas Material Balance for Multi Rate Production
(Society of Petroleum Engineers, 2024-08-05) Ikechukwu Okafor; Ajibade A. A.; Jakada K.; Ternenge Joseph Chior; Abdullahi Gimba; Petrus Nzerem
A producing field's oil and gas reserves are continually estimated throughout its lifetime. As more data about the reservoir is obtained over time, the uncertainty regarding the actual amount of reserves decreases. Various methods have been employed to determine these reserves, including the Material Balance Technique. The classical method applies the conservation of mass, which has evolved over time. This study aims to further enhance the gas Material Balance Technique by incorporating equations derived from analytical pressure transient analysis with multiple rate production. By combining transient analysis solutions with the linear Material Balance method, this approach offers the advantage of determining the initial gas-in-place, permeability, and skin of a reservoir simultaneously, without relying on independent sources for prior knowledge of any of these parameters. To streamline the process and facilitate analytical deductions, this work also utilizes Python programming for automation. Ultimately, this study develops a series of steps that were applied to a case study, enabling the simultaneous determination of the reservoir's permeability, skin-factor, and initial gas.
Assessing the Impact of Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Ammendments on the Economics of Deep Offshore E&P Assets in Nigeria
(Society of Petroleum Engineers, 2020-08-04) Oghenerume Ogolo; Omowumi Iledare; Petrus Nzerem; Ikechukwu Okafor ; Emeka Iloegbunam; Isaac P. Ekeoma
Nigeria recently amended the Deep Offshore and Inland Basins Act. The Act seeks to generate aditional annual revenue of over $1 billion for the government. The 2019 Law seems attractive to the government in the short run in terms of early rent extraction; on one hand, the seeminglly attractiveness of the fiscal terms in the Ammended Act, which is to expand output from investment in Nigeria deep offshore in the country is conjectural. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of the amendments to the PSC Act on value creation and addition to stake holders using systems and economic metrics that include investment earning power and discounted government take. A designed petroleum economic modeling framework applied to the fiscal terms in the new Act show a significant decrease in value addition to contractor portfolio of assets by about 25% but increases government discounted take statistics from 63.70% to 72.64% in comparison to the fiscal and contract terms in PSC 1993. The IRR and FLI obtained using the terms in the new Act were 23.66% and 0.043, respectively.
ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTION INDEX OF WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUID WASTE
(NJEAS, 2023-10-01) Malut Abba; Abdullahi Gimba; Ayuba Salihu; Petrus Nzerem; Ikechukwu Okafor; Khaleel Jakada; Joseph Chior
The prevalence of heavy metal pollution in oil and gas producing areas, Niger-Delta Nigeria, due to drilling activities in some oil and gas sites has resulted in the pollution of an immeasurable area of land and water. This study appraised the level of environmental menace caused by heavy metals in water-based drilling fluid waste. It involved an oil and gas site where drilling activities were taking place and settlement with no record of drilling activities served as control. In the drilling sites, two composite drilling fluid waste samples were collected before and after treatment and analyzed for cadmium, chromium, iron, nickel, lead, and zinc using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The measured concentrations of the heavy metals in drilling fluid wastes were then used to determine the pollution and ecological risk posed by heavy metals. The thermal desorption treatment method was used. Their concentrations before and after treatment of the drilling fluid wastes were in the order Fe > Cr >Zn > Cd > Ni > Pb and Fe > Cr > Ni > Zn > Pb > Cd respectively with Cr, Fe, Ni, and Pb having their concentrations higher than permissible levels in water after treatment and responsible for most of the total potential ecological risk. The PLI (Pollution Load Index) before and after treatment were 0.0463 and 0.0017 respectively. There was a drastic decrease in potential pollution levels after treatment. Also, all the several pollution indices studied revealed that the drilling sites were contaminated with Cd and Cr. This reveals that drilling sites cause further risk of heavy metal pollution. The correlation analysis of heavy metals assessed is between 0.9 - 1.0 suggesting that all the heavy metals assessed showed high positive correlation coefficients at (p < 0.05) and likely originated from the same source of drilling activities in the study area.
Comprehensive Characterization of Some Selected Biomass for Bioenergy Production
(ACS Omega, 2023-11-08) Asmau M. Yahya; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Petrus Nzerem; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Salihu Ayuba; Hauwa A. Rasheed; Abdullahi Gimba; Ikechukwu Okafor; Jude A. Okolie; Prabhu Paramasivam
There is a lack of information about the detailed characterization of biomass of Nigerian origin. This study presents a comprehensive characterization of six biomass, groundnut shells, corncob, cashew leaves, Ixora coccinea (flame of the woods), sawdust, and lemongrass, to aid appropriate selection for bio-oil production. The proximate, ultimate, calorific value and compositional analyses were carried out following the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence were employed in this study for functional group analyses, thermal stability, and structural analyses. The H/C and O/C atomic ratios, fuel ratio, ignitability index, and combustibility index of the biomass samples were evaluated. Groundnut shells, cashew leaves, and lemongrass were identified as promising feedstocks for bio-oil production based on their calorific values (>20 MJ/kg). Sawdust exhibited favorable characteristics for bio-oil production as indicated by its higher volatile matter (79.28%), low ash content (1.53%), low moisture content (6.18%), and high fixed carbon content (13.01%). Also, all samples showed favorable ignition and flammability properties. The low nitrogen (<0.12%) and sulfur (<0.04%) contents in the samples make them environmentally benign fuels as a lower percentage of NOx and SOx will be released during the production of the bio-oil. These results are contributions to the advancement of a sustainable and efficient carbon-neutral energy mix, promoting biomass resource utilization for the generation of energy.
Current Developments on the Application of Hydrogen in Industry: A Review
(NJEAS, 2024-04-18) Petrus Nzerem; Jacklyn Oche; Mohammed Sherrif; Khaleel Jakada; Ikechukwu Okafor; Joseph Chior; Chinaza Enwere; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke
The worldwide transition in energy utilization to a society that is “carbon-neutral” demands a major revamp of power generating and distribution networks. Notwithstanding, in the great drive for the growth of renewable energy that is clean and environmentally safe, hydrogen's incorporation into energy networks is currently understudied. The state of the current art and prospects for the future, including prospective applications of hydrogen technologies in energy are examined in this overview. The findings demonstrate the fact, which portrays continual efforts to increase performance, technological perspective, and increases in scale. Finally, governmental support is of great importance and necessity if allowance is to be made for a cost-competitive hydrogen economy.
Defining the Optimal Development Strategy to Maximize Recovery and Production Rate from an Integrated Offshore Water-Flood Project
(Society of Petroleum Engineers, 2019-07-31) Hajara Kabeer Abdulfatah; Ikechukwu Okafor; Petrus Nzerem; Khaleel Jakada
A reservoir development plan provides the necessary guidance and information for establishing whether or not a project is economically viable considering possible development project options, risks and uncertainties in order to define the most optimal development concept that will increase oil production and reduce production costs. The aim of this project was to determine the optimum way to develop and produce an offshore oil field in a manner that considers risks and uncertainties and values stakeholders’ interest. A stochastic multi-tank reservoir model was created using MBAL and it consist of various producers and water injection wells. Sensitivity analysis was carried out on Seven development scenarios with a view to examine effect of maintaining reservoir pressure, sustaining well productivity and injectivity, optimize well counts and improving well delivery- timing, cost and well performance. The economic viability of each of the development scenarios was carried out to determine the net present value, incremental project cash flow, unit technical cost, unit development cost and breakeven price BEP of each of the scenarios. The optimal development strategy was then selected based on the production performance and key economic indicators. The project provided an opportunity to develop an additional 396MMbbls of recoverable oil from 32 new wells both producers and injector wells (P+WI).
Determination of the Optimal Blend Ratio of Hydrogen in Natural Gas System Using Physical Properties as Basis
(ICMEAS, 2023-11-01) Ayuba Salihu ; Ikechukwu Okafor; Aniezi Okoro Daniel; Abdullahi Gimba ; Petrus Nzerem
The Determination of the optimal blend ratio of hydrogen in natural gas systems using physical properties as a basis is an important research topic given the increasing use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source. This research aims to determine the optimal blend ratio of hydrogen in a natural gas system using physical properties such as its Composition, Heating Value, Density, and Wobbe index as the basis of evaluation. Samples of consumer-grade Natural gas and clean Hydrogen gas were sourced in Nigeria. Both samples were used for blending and laboratory analysis. The blend volume ratios of Natural Gas (NG) and Hydrogen analyzed were 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, & 5:5 using a Gasometer and Gas Chromatography Machine (CG). The experiment results provided valuable insights into the potential feasibility of replacing natural gas systems with a Hydrogen-Natural gas blend. The result obtained indicated about 2.06% reduction in percentage methane content, 26.35% reduction in gas density, 19.97% reduction in heating value (HHV), 5% reduction Wobbe index for every 10% increment of Hydrogen Ratio. This implies that blending carbon-neutral hydrogen gas into the natural gas systems for the purpose of decarbonization requires adequate compensation for expected changes in properties like heating value, flow dynamics, and process handling. The EUROMOT specification recommends that the percentage change in the wobbe index should be within the limit of +4% and -4% as an acceptable limit of interchangeability of fuel gas. Using the EUROMOT specification on Wobbe index, further numerical analysis affirmed that Natural Gas blended with as much as 25.74% Hydrogen can effectively be a substitute for fuel gas systems that are presently using Natural Gas.
Effect of Raw and Delignified Banana Stem (Musa Cavendish) On the Rheological and Filtration Loss Properties of Water Based Mud
(NJEAS, 2023-10-12) Ayuba Salihu; Ahmed Abubakar; Petrus Nzerem; Abdullahi Gimba; Khadijah Ibrahim; Ikechukwu Okafor; Khaleel Jakada
In compliance with environmental laws and safety rules, oil and gas companies have taken necessary steps to eradicate the use of toxic chemicals conventionally used in drilling muds, thereby promoting biodegradable alternatives. This research was carried out to investigate the effect of two banana stem samples; Raw Banana Stem (RBS) and Delignified Banana Stem (DBS) as potential and proficient viscosifiers and fluid loss control agents in water based mud. The rheological properties evaluated include plastic viscosity (cP), apparent viscosity (cP), yield point (Ib/100ft2) and gel strength (Ib/100ft2) at 10 seconds and 10 minutes. Filtration loss properties evaluated include filter cake thickness (mm) and fluid loss volume (ml). Each drilling mud sample was prepared using 350 ml, 20 g bentonite and varying contents (g) of carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC), RBS and DBS. A mixer was used to mix the mud homogenously; the rheological properties were calculated using a viscometer while the filtration loss properties were calculated using a filter press. The results and analysis were compared to the effects of commercially available carboxymethyl cellulose to validate its properties. RBS and DBS improved the rheological properties of the mud sample contents of 3 g, 5 g, 7 g and 9 g. At contents of 5 g, 10 g, 15 g and 20 g, RBS and DBS samples provide significant fluid loss control and their results are similar to the results of CMC. RBS has a fluid loss volume increase of 6.84 %, 5.69 %, 17.12 % and 8.06 % from CMC’s results at slightly similar filter cake thickness while DBS has a fluid loss volume increase of 15.59 %, 15.09 %, 27.55 % and 15.35 % from CMC’s result. The data obtained from the experiments showed both banana samples can be used as environmentally friendly viscosifiers and fluid loss control agents.
Evaluation and Treatment of Cement Contamination in Water Based Mud
(NJEAS, 2023-01-01) Tahir Aliyu; Ikechukwu Okafor; Ayuba Salihu; Khaleel Jakada; Oghenerume Ogolo; Petrus Nzerem; Abdullahi Gimba; Oluogun Olawale
Drilling mud is susceptible to contamination, particularly from cement, yet monitoring its characteristics and implementing control and remediation strategies is critical for its performance in safe and cost-effective drilling operations. This study presents an experimental investigation into the evaluation and treatment of cement contamination in Water Based Mud (WBM). Four mud samples were prepared and three were contaminated with 4g, 8g and 12g of cement. A chemical treatment using 6g of sodium bicarbonate was applied as a remedy for contamination. The Rheological properties, mud pH and mud densities of the contaminated and treated Water Based Mud at temperatures of 35°C, 55°C, 75°C and 95°C were determined. Furthermore, the elemental composition of samples of contaminated and treated Water Based Mud was determined using an X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer. From the results obtained the mud density increased with a rise in cement concentration for both contamination and treatment with the exception of 8g cement concentration at 75°C and 95°C and 12g cement concentration at 55°C and 75°C where a decrease was observed in the treatment process. The yield point and 10second gel increased for both contamination and treatment process. In contrast, the 10minute gel decreased for both contamination and treatment process. With some exceptions, increasing cement concentration resulted in a decrease in plastic viscosity, whereas treatment with sodium bicarbonate resulted in an increase with some exceptions. The mud pH for the contamination process increased as cement concentration increased, while treatment only marginally increased it with exception of 12g at 75°C and 95°C where a decrease was observed. Sodium bicarbonate treatment improves stability by decreasing excessive calcium and lime contamination from cement, reducing pollutants and enhancing the pH stability of the drilling mud. Additionally, results from the mud characterization indicates a higher percentage of 17.962% lime (CaO) for cement contamination and lower percentage of 15.710% lime (CaO) for treatment with sodium bicarbonate which agrees with literature for the treatment process.
Evaluation of the Potential of Calcium Hydroxide Synthesized from Eggshells as a Drilling Fluid Additive
(Petroleum and Coal, 2020-01-09) Abdullahi Gimba; Shalom Onome Amakhabi; Oghenerume Ogolo; Oluwaseun Alonge; Nzerem Petrus; Ikechukwu Okafor; David Afolayan
This research work studied the suitability of Ca(OH)2 synthesized from eggshell as a drilling fluid additive. Ca(OH)2 was synthesized from calcined eggshells (CES) and uncalcined eggshells (UCES) and characterized using FTIR and EDX. Samples of one laboratory barrel of water-based mud were prepared using bentonite clay from Afuze, Edo State, Nigeria, and the synthesized Ca(OH)2 produced from CES and UCES and commercial Ca(OH)2 were added to different mud samples prepared, and its effect on the mud properties were tested for. The results obtained from the experiment conducted showed that the synthesized Ca(OH)2 gave comparable pH values as the commercial Ca(OH)2. Hence it served primarily as a pH enhancer. However, the addition of Ca(OH)2 from both sources increased the filtrate volume and mud cake thickness far beyond API standard which might create wellbore problems due to the high filtrate loss and mud cake thickness that were observed.
Influence of Local Additives on Water Based Drilling Mud: A Review
(NJEAS, 2023-09-20) Petrus Nzerem; Khaleel Jakada; Mohammed Shariff; Abdulquddus Ozigi; Ayuba Salihu; Ikechukwu Okafor; Steve Adeshina; Khadijah Ibrahim; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke
This review paper focuses on the use of local additives in water-based drilling mud to reduce environmental impact and improve drilling operations. Drilling mud plays a crucial role in drilling operations by acting as a coolant, carrying drilled particles, stabilizing the wellbore, and preventing wellbore issues. However, poorly formulated drilling mud can lead to drilling difficulties and environmental pollution. Therefore, the exploration of organic-based drilling mud additives, sourced locally in Nigeria, is discussed in this paper.it highlights the potential of transforming organic waste materials, such as rice husk, cassava, corn cobs, and more, into usable products for drilling mud. By utilizing these locally sourced organic materials, the environmental impact of drilling waste can be minimized. The importance of waste management in the oil and gas industry is emphasized, as it is crucial for sustainable drilling practices. The paper further discusses various studies and experiments conducted on the use of local polymers and natural materials as substitutes for imported additives in water-based drilling mud. These materials include cassava starches, agro-waste materials, eco-friendly drilling fluid additives, and various plant-based substances. The performance and effectiveness of these materials are evaluated in terms of viscosity control and fluid loss prevention. The results indicate that many of these local polymers and natural materials can be viable and have shown positive results in terms of improving the rheological and filtration characteristics of the mud, reducing fluid loss, and enhancing overall mud qualities. Earlier studies on the use of agro-waste products as additives in drilling fluids are reviewed in this paper. These studies examine the properties affected by local materials, the type of mud used, and the findings of each study. The economic analysis of using agro-waste materials as drilling additives is also discussed. The conclusion highlights the availability and affordability of agricultural waste materials as potential substitutes for traditional drilling additives, which can help reduce drilling costs. The paper also provides recommendations for future research in this area.
INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF ACHI (BRACHYSTEGIA EURYCOMA) ON THE THICKENING TIME OF CEMENT
(NJEAS, 2023-01-01) Ayuba Salihu; Yakubu Nuhu; Khadijah Ibrahim; Abdullahi Gimba; Petrus Nzerem; Ikechukwu Okafor; Oghenerume Ogolo
In recent times, more wells are being drilled and producing in the petroleum industry. To prevent early workover resulting from casing collapse caused by corrosion, shattering of cement sheath during perforation and fracturing, and to protect the integrity of the well, it is important to use properly designed cement slurry with appropriate additives to protect the well from the formation. The development of adequate thickening time cement is a critical task in cementing operations today. Achieving suitable thickening time of oil well cement ensures both prevention of lost circulation and a long wait on cement time. With this in mind, this research work shows a comparative study of the thickening time of oil well cement with achi and without achi contamination under different temperature of 130 ℉, 150 ℉, 200 ℉, and 250℉ and pressure conditions of 1000 psi, 1500 psi, 2000 psi and 3000psi respectively for all the experiment conducted. The thickening time of cement slurry without achi content at 70 Bc were 205, 215, 202 and 200 minutes respectively. The experiment was also conducted under different achi content ranging from 2 g, 4 g, 8 g, 10 g to 12g. The results and analysis were compared. The result with 2g achi content were 164, 147, 146, and 141 minutes. The results with 4g achi content were 127, 131, 130, and 124 minutes. The results with 8g achi content were 71, 69, 75, and 65 minutes, while the results at 10g achi content were 67, 62, 63, and 60 minutes. The results with 12g achi content were 63, 62, 60, and 56 minutes under the temperature and pressure respectively. The data obtained from the experiment signifies that introducing achi and altering the temperature and pressure to the cement slurry has a significant effect on the properties of the cement by accelerating the thickening time.
MODIFICATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATION OF LOCALLY SOURCED ORGANOCLAY FOR OIL SPILL REMEDIATION
(NJEAS, 2023-01-01) Ikechukwu Okafor; Roselyn Odimba; Ayuba Salihu; Oghenerume Ogolo; Petrus Nzerem; Abdullahi Gimba; Khaleel Jakada
The Bentonite clay, obtained from Ubakala, Umuahia, in Abia State was investigated as a sorbent for the potential treatment of oil spill in aquatic medium after its modificaion with Dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (DODAB). The purified clay sample was subjected to hydrothermal ion exchange reaction to synthesize organoclays under mild reaction conditions. Changes in the microstructural, morphological and physicochemical properties of the modified clay samples were investigated and studied with the use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The observations showed the presence of new organic compound groups which indicated that the surfactant was intercalated successfully. The organoclays were further tested in a simulated oil spill situation to assess their potential as oil sorbents and sorbed about 4.5% of the oil that was simulated in the laboratory in water. The results further showed that the synthesized organoclay can be used for the remediation of oil spillage. The organoclays present a cost effective and a suitably environmentally friendly alternative for the remediation of oil spill polluted lands in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Preparation and Characterization of Different Eco-Friendly Demulsifiers from Calabash Seed for Emulsion Management
(Nigerian Journal of Technology, 2024-12-31) Ikechukwu Okafor; Adewumi, C. N.; Jakada K.; Petrus Nzerem; Abdullahi Gimba; Danbauchi S.
The process of crude oil demulsification is still confronted with numerous challenges within the petroleum industry. Consequently, it is pertinent to develop innovative means or materials to accomplish the efficient separation of oil– water emulsions. In this work, three different Eco-friendly demulsifier: oil based, ethanol-based and Nano-based demulsifiers were prepared via a simple one-step hydrothermal route using Lagenaria siceraria (calabash) seed as raw materials. The eco-friendly demulsifiers were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Gas chromatographic-mass spectroscopic (GC-MS) and their chemical content and Physico-chemical properties compared with a commercial demulsifier (Phase treat). The results obtained showed that the seed have an oil content of 31%. The phytochemical screening of the extracted oil reveals the presence of most compounds found in chemical demulsifiers such as phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids etc. The FT-IR spectra of the chemical demulsifier was found to be similar to that of the oil and most of the functional groups present in the ethanol and oil bases demulsifiers whereas that of Nano-based was observed to differ. The GC MS analysis reveals the presence of both lipophilic and hydrophilic compound needed for demulsifiers preparation. In the bottle test analysis carried out to determine the efficacy of the eco-friendly demulsifiers, it was observed that the nano-based demulsifier performed better than the commercial demulsifier in the following trend: Nano-based > commercial > ethanol-based > oil-based. This current study not only encourage the effectual application of agricultural waste (Calabash seed) but also creates an understanding into the search of new demulsifying materials that would offer excellent performance. Finally, future investigations should focus on assessing the efficacy, stability, and potential industrial applications of these bio-demulsifiers and Nano-based demulsifiers.
Production of Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oil by Transesterification Process using Heterogeneous Catalyst
(NIJEST, 2021-12-07) Ayuba Salihu; Mahmood A. A.; Gimba S. B.; Petrus Nzerem; Ikechukwu Okafor
Non-renewable diesel from fossil has been considered as potentially carcinogenic with serious harmful effect to human health and to the environment. This study aimed to produce a renewable diesel –biodiesel- via transesterification of waste cooking oil (WCO), investigated and determined the most suitable amongst various types of heterogenous catalysts (viz a viz KOH/CaCO3, KOH/CaO and KOH/K2CO3). The chemical and physical characterisation of the biodiesel was been carried out. Among the catalysts investigated, KOH/CaCO3 catalyst showed the best catalytic performance in terms of % yield and better fuel quality in density, acid value, viscosity and free fatty acid. The reason for this performance may be due to its most basic characteristic than the others. As a result, this catalyst was selected for the optimisation study. At the optimum reaction conditions of 10 wt% catalyst loading and 1:10 oil to methanol feed mole ratio, triglycerides conversion was highest, 98.12%. The characterisation results shows that the parameters tested (i.e. density, viscosity, acid value and free fatty acid) meet the strict requirements of the biodiesel standard and therefore, the produced fuel can be used in place of the petrol diesel.
Production of bioplastic films from wild cocoyam (Caladium bicolor) starch
(Elsevier, 2024-10-15) Chinaza Enwere; Ikechukwu Okafor; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Petrus Nzerem; Khaleel Jakada; Adebayo Isaac Olosho; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Prabhu Paramasivam; Ayuba Salihu
This study tackles the pressing environmental challenges resulting from the rapid and ongoing use of conventional plastics by investigating biodegradable alternatives derived from wild cocoyam starch. The bioplastics developed from various formulations, incorporating gelatin, glycerine, vegetable oil, and vinegar, were systematically evaluated for their mechanical, chemical, microstructural and biodegradability properties. The addition of glycerine and gelatin enhanced the moisture content and flexibility of the films while vegetable oil improved water resistance, reducing water absorption. Th sample that contains 3 g of gelatin and 3 ml of glycerine exhibited the best overall performance with a tensile strength of 6.5 MPa and an elongation at break of 77 %. This sample also achieved an impressive biodegradation rate of 70 % within 7 days. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed a uniform and smooth morphology, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of key functional groups responsible for the material's performance. These results establish wild cocoyam starch as a promising resource for producing biodegradable bioplastics with considerable potential in various industries, particularly in packaging and agricultural applications. The excellent mechanical properties and biodegradability of the materials along with its natural abundance, offer an eco-friendly solution to the plastic waste problem. The study also opens new avenues for optimizing bioplastic formulations to enhance specific properties like thermal stability and moisture resistance, further broadening their practical applications. This research contributes to the sustainable materials landscape and represents a step toward reducing reliance on fossil-based plastics, advancing the global effort to mitigate environmental pollution.
Production of Fuel Oil from Blends of Refinery Products for Powering Heat Exchanger
(NJEAS, 2024-04-21) Aminu Abubakar; Joseph Chior; Ayuba Salihu; Petrus Nzerem; Abdullahi Gimba; Ikechukwu Okafor; Khaleel Jakada
Fuel oil, also known as furnace oil is a fraction of crude oil obtained when distillation processing is carried out in the refinery. Due to the high viscous of the heavy fuel oil, that makes it difficult to be pump throughout the pipework of the power plant, it is necessary to produce a fuel oil that will meet up the required standard. The aim of this study was to produce fuel oil from the blend of refinery intermediate product which meet certain European fuel specifications outlined in the EN 590:2009 standard alongside NMDPRA Standards. The blending stocks obtained from the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) were first filtered to remove some particulate impurities before they were analyzed to determine their properties after which, they were introduced into a mixed-tank that has an agitator connected and the blending was done using the blending ratio obtained from literature. The fuel oil produced was eventually analyzed for properties such as: Specific Gravity, API Gravity, Density, Viscosity, Kinematic Viscosity, Moisture Content, Flash Point, Cloud Point, Pour Point and Sulphur content. The sample with a composition of 33.3% of Decant oil (DCO), 33.3% Heavy gas oil (HGO), 33.3% light cycle oil (LCO) produced fuel oil of specific gravity 0.916, API Gravity 22.95, Density 0.896, Viscosity 40, Kinematic viscosity 4.7, pour point -6.5 and flash point 109, The analysis of the fuel oil meet the standard for blended fuel oil, according to the ISO 8217:2017 Standard. The results confirmed that blending of decant oil with conventional petroleum diesel (heavy and light gas oil) has a highly significant effect on the properties of the resulting fuel blend. The results show that by increasing the heavy gas oil content of the blend, the flash point of the blend increases; while increasing the decant oil content of the blend results in a decrease in Cloud point. The results of the analysis of the produced fuel oil confirms that its properties fall within the acceptable range for Fuel Oil and can be used as fuel for fired heaters and furnaces of the refinery and other process plants.
Simulation Study of the Effect of Various Water Alternating Gas Injection Schemes on Recovery in a Gas Condensate Reservoir
(Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), 2023-07-30) Jakada K.; Abdullahi Gimba; Ikechukwu Okafor ; Petrus Nzerem; Abdulfatah H. K.; Oluogun M.
The volatile characteristics of gas condensate reservoirs in the phase envelope makes its temperature and pressure conditions between the critical and cricondentherm points very sensitive to perhaps only rely on one source of reservoir energy enhancement and puts enormous technical constraints on quality decision making on effective reservoir management. Non adequate oil production simulation performance interpretation for high, base and low case scenarios based on critical high quality input data is definitely the technical missing link which severely hampers effective design, development, planning, optimization and prediction of gas condensate reservoir performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recovery performance of a rapidly declining reservoir flow rates of a gas condensate reservoir through the water alternating gas (WAG) injection technique using the Schlumberger Eclipse simulator. Five different case scenarios were used which include cases of no-injection wells (which is the control case), gas injection, water injection, water alternating gas (for 7, 5, and 3-spot patterns) and flow rate alterations with a seven spot pattern-WAG technique. A total of 13 simulation runs were done with one control and 12 other runs with high, base and low cases. The sensitized water and gas injection rates used ranges from 12,000STB/day to 2,000STB/day and 12,000MSCF/day to 1,000MSCF/day. All results showed increase in oil flow rates with appreciable pressure response and subsequently, the viable option would be to consider in the short term water and gas injection before considering the more holistic WAG techniques in the long term. This is due to the current economic and technical constraints to boost the viability of the best choice of action. The results of these comprehensive simulation runs is a viable data bank needed for critical decision making for improved recovery from this rapidly declining condensate reservoir.