The radiation swelling of bitumens and bitumenised wastes

Phillips, D. C.; Hitchon, J.W.; Johnson, Donald M.; Matthews, James R.

doi:10.1016/0022-3115(84)90546-4

Cited by 15 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…Another frequently used method for sterilization is γ radiation. However, several studies showed that bitumen is affected by γ radiation, resulting in radiolytic gas production (hydrogen) and swelling of the bitumen body causing changes of the overall composition. − Chemical sterilization would also affect and change the bitumen matrix. Additionally, spore formers with unknown germination times are present in many oil fields which are difficult to monitor within the bitumen. − Because of these unknown matrix effects, we did not setup sterile controls.…”

Section: Materials and Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microbial Degradation Rates of Natural Bitumen

Pannekens

Voskuhl

Mohammadian

et al. 2021

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Microorganisms are present in nearly every oil or bitumen sample originating from temperate reservoirs. Nevertheless, it is very difficult to obtain reliable estimates about microbial processes taking place in deep reservoirs, since metabolic rates are rather low and differ strongly during artificially cultivation. Here, we demonstrate the importance and impact of microorganisms entrapped in microscale water droplets for the overall biodegradation process in bitumen. To this end, we measured degradation rates of heavily biodegraded bitumen from the Pitch Lake (Trinidad and Tobago) using the novel technique of reverse stable isotope labeling, allowing precise measurements of comparatively low mineralization rates in the ng range in microcosms under close to natural conditions. Freshly taken bitumen samples were overlain with artificial brackish water and incubated for 945 days. Additionally, three-dimensional distribution of water droplets in bitumen was studied with computed tomography, revealing a water bitumen interface of 1134 cm 2 per liter bitumen, resulting in an average mineralization rate of 9.4−38.6 mmol CO 2 per liter bitumen and year. Furthermore, a stable and biofilm-forming microbial community established on the bitumen itself, mainly composed of fermenting and sulfate-reducing bacteria. Our results suggest that small water inclusions inside the bitumen substantially increase the bitumen−water interface and might have a major impact on the overall oil degradation process.

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Section: Materials and Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microbial Degradation Rates of Natural Bitumen

Pannekens

Voskuhl

Mohammadian

et al. 2021

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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“…In simple terms the matrix becomes stiffer and more carbonlike, while at the same time hydrogen and volatile hydrocarbons are generated. In tars and bitumens this produces the macroscopic effects of swelling and cracking [35]. The solubility of hydrogen and other gases is significant, so release to the surface will be important for thin layers so swelling is not likely to be to important.…”

Section: Carbon-based Materialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Innovative materials for fusion power plant structures: separating functions

Stoneham¹,

Matthews

Ford

2004

J. Phys.: Condens. Matter

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Fusion reactors create extreme conditions for structures close to the plasma. It seems unlikely that materials currently being considered can meet all performance requirements under such conditions. We explore the possibility of separating functionality in composite structures to overcome this barrier. To this end, several suggestions of directions are made for the search for such materials. In particular, we note some of the new materials that have become available only in the last two decades. Those discussed include the use of diamondlike carbon coatings, nano-structured materials, layered structures, stacked structures, and viscous coatings, including more complex carbon composite materials. Materials modelling will be an important component in the search for viable materials. However, the extreme conditions and the nature of the radiation damage demand extensions both to molecular dynamics and to the much-used Norgett-Robinson-Torrens model. We identify some of the relevant condensed matter challenges for modelling and materials testing in the fusion context, including the relevance of spallation source neutron testing to fusion materials evaluation.

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“…Even wet wastes or sludge after solidification can be treated by asphalt emulsion [29]. For example, Phillips et al [27] studied bitumen encapsulation of radioactive wastes. Bednarik et al [30] applied asphalt emulsion to galvanic sludges.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although most attempts in the literature using ferrous sulfate reduction have been unsuccessful for COPR materials [24][25][26], this method was used for benchmarking and comparison to the other two methods that were applied. Asphalt has received considerable attention and has been widely used for waste encapsulation due to its low cost [27]. Moreover, asphalt is highly hydrophobic, chemically and biologically very stable and it is widely produced [28].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%