Scientists propose a climate-neutral way to refine oil

Photo by: xenotar / iStock

Specialists from Surgut State University (SurSU) and Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) have created a pollution-free method of refining petroleum products. The development was demonstrated at the XXVII International Specialized Technological Exhibition “Surgut. Oil and Gas — 2022” in Yugra, the press service of Surgut State University told TASS.

According to Roman Ostwald, Vice-Rector for Science and Technology of SurSU, the scientists have created a knowledge-intensive technology that allows recycling waste from the oil industry without incineration and associated harmful emissions, turning it into advanced carbon materials.

In this way, superhard materials based on refractory metal carbides, composite composites, nanomaterial carbon tubes or graphenes can be produced.

The representative of SurSU added that, for the first time, the exhibition presented prototypes of devices made from new carbon materials. These are sensors for chemical technologies, deformation control devices and carbon heating elements powered by standard batteries.

“In terms of economic effect and environmental agenda oil companies are interested in implementation of such technologies,” Roman Ostwald stressed.

The joint project of SurSU and Tomsk Polytechnic University was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation.

Отметим, в мае 2022 года ученые ТПУ предложили еще один метод экологичной переработки нефтешламовых отходов. Эти вещества представляют собой устойчивые смеси из нефтепродуктов с водой и механическими примесями — глиной, илом и песком.

Oil sludge accumulates during oil extraction and over time becomes a serious threat to the environment.

Specialists at Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a method of decomposing pollutants into their constituent elements using steam pyrolysis, a thermochemical process in which saturated hydrocarbons are broken down into smaller and unsaturated hydrocarbons through high temperatures in the absence of oxygen.

The hot water vapour converts the oil waste into fuel oil-like liquid hydrocarbons, semi-coke and non-condensable gas.

Cover photo: iStock