How new research could revolutionize detection of hydrate blockages in subsea pipelines

Hydrate Blockage in Subsea Oil/Gas Pipelines: Characterization, Detection, and Engineering Solutions

Higher Education Press

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Schematic diagram of hydrate blockage in subsea oil and gas extraction and transmission pipelines.

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Credit: Yang Meng et al.

A recent study published in Engineering offers a comprehensive review of the detection of hydrate blockages in subsea oil and gas pipelines, which is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of the oil and gas industry.

As offshore oil and gas exploration moves deeper into the ocean, the issue of hydrate blockages becomes more severe. Hydrates can form, accumulate, and settle in pipelines, which increases flow resistance, reduces transport capacity, and may even lead to pipeline ruptures, which may cause significant economic losses and potential safety hazards.

The researchers from institutions like Dalian University of Technology summarized the characteristics of hydrate formation and blockage from multiple aspects. Thermodynamically, hydrate formation is an exothermic process that consumes gas, leading to pressure drops and temperature changes in the system. Acoustically, the presence of hydrates affects the propagation of acoustic waves, and the impedance mismatch between hydrates and the surrounding medium can be used for detection. Electrically, hydrates have distinct electrical properties, such as low conductivity, and their formation can cause changes in resistivity and dielectric constant. In terms of flow characteristics, hydrates can alter the flow patterns, increase pressure drops, and change the slurry viscosity.

The paper also analyzed various detection methods. Acoustic pulse reflectometry is effective for long-distance blockage detection in both onshore and subsea environments, while transient-based methods offer rapid response and high accuracy, but their application in gas pipelines remains under-researched. These methods can detect blockages by analyzing the reflection of acoustic or transient waves. For example, acoustic pulse reflectometry can determine the location and length of blockages based on the impedance difference. However, they also face challenges, such as the need for accurate acoustic velocity estimation and signal denoising. Other methods like the eigenfrequency shift, vibration analysis, ultrasonic guided wave, and electrical methods have their own advantages and limitations. For instance, the eigenfrequency shift method can detect blockages by changes in the characteristic frequency of the pipeline, but it requires historical data for accurate results.

In addition, the article introduced the engineering applications of these detection methods. Some teams have conducted onsite experiments, and many commercial products are available in the market. For example, acoustic pulse reflectometry has been used to detect defects in pipelines of different lengths and diameters under various conditions.

Looking ahead, the researchers proposed future directions. They suggest developing algorithms to balance the detection distance and accuracy of acoustic waves, improving the performance of sensors in complex subsea environments, and integrating multiple detection methods to enhance the reliability of blockage detection. This research provides valuable insights for the development of more effective hydrate blockage detection techniques, which will contribute to the safe and efficient operation of subsea oil and gas pipelines.

The paper “Hydrate Blockage in Subsea Oil/Gas Pipelines: Characterization, Detection, and Engineering Solutions,” authored by Yang Meng, Bingyue Han, Jiguang Wang, Jiawei Chu, Haiyuan Yao, Jiafei Zhao, Lunxiang Zhang, Qingping Li, Yongchen Song. Full text of the open access paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2024.10.020. For more information about the Engineering, follow us on X (https://twitter.com/EngineeringJrnl) & like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EngineeringJrnl).

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Journal

Engineering

DOI

10.1016/j.eng.2024.10.020 

Article Title

Hydrate Blockage in Subsea Oil/Gas Pipelines: Characterization, Detection, and Engineering Solutions

 

New self-sensing composite bars revolutionize reinforced concrete structure monitoring

Higher Education Press

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Detail of self-sensing steel fiber-reinforced polymer composite bars.

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Credit: Zenghui Ye et al.

A recent study published in Engineering presents a groundbreaking approach to assess the performance of reinforced concrete (RC) structures using self-sensing steel fiber-reinforced polymer composite bars (SFCBs). This innovative research, led by Yingwu Zhou, has the potential to transform the way we monitor and maintain the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure.

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of structures. Traditional point sensors have limitations in monitoring complex components, while distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) technology offers a more comprehensive solution. By integrating DFOS with SFCBs, the researchers developed a composite bar that combines damage control, self-sensing, and structural reinforcement functions.

The study proposes a multilevel damage assessment method that evaluates RC structures from the perspectives of safety, durability, and suitability. Stiffness is used as a key metric to define damage variables, and the relationship between SFCB strain and various performance characteristics, such as moment, curvature, load, deflection, and crack width, is established. Threshold values for damage variables at different levels are determined based on loading peak, mid-span deflection limits, and crack width limits.

To improve the accuracy of damage identification, the researchers developed a modified fiber damage model. This model takes into account the stiffness degradation throughout the service life of the structure and uses DFOS strain data for correction. The reliability of the proposed theoretical and numerical models was verified through three-point flexural tests of SFCB-RC beams.

The experimental results showed that increasing the reinforcement ratio can lower the damage thresholds at all levels and improve the ability of flexural beams to control damage. The proposed crack width prediction method was also found to be effective in estimating the crack width of RC beams before yielding. Additionally, the simplified theoretical model accurately predicted the performance parameters and damage variables at the characteristic points of RC beams, and the modified fiber damage model effectively identified and reflected the progression of damage.

This research makes significant contributions to the advancement of structural intelligence. The multilevel damage assessment approach enables a rapid assessment of the safety, serviceability, and durability of RC structures using the monitored SFCB strain and relevant material parameters. This not only provides valuable insights for the design of intelligent RC structures but also has the potential to reduce maintenance costs and prevent catastrophic failures.

The development of self-sensing SFCBs and the proposed multilevel damage assessment method represent a major step forward in the field of structural health monitoring. As this technology continues to evolve, it is expected to play an increasingly important role in ensuring the safety and reliability of our built environment.

The paper “Performance Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Structures Using Self-Sensing Steel Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Bars: Theory and Test Validation,” authored by Zenghui Ye, Zhongfeng Zhu, Feng Xing, Yingwu Zhou. Full text of the open access paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2024.11.022. For more information about the Engineering, follow us on X (https://twitter.com/EngineeringJrnl) & like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EngineeringJrnl).

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Journal

Engineering

DOI

10.1016/j.eng.2024.11.022 

Article Title

Performance Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Structures Using Self-Sensing Steel Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Bars: Theory and Test Validation

 

China’s path to carbon neutrality: Aligning with the Paris Agreement’s 2°C target

Higher Education Press

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Differences between China’s carbon neutrality pathway based on the China Carbon Monitoring Verification and Supporting (CCMVS) system results and the 1.5 °C very low stabilization pathway and scenario (SSP1–1.9). GtCO2·a−1: gigaton CO2 per year, NDC: nationally determined contributions.

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Credit: Xiaoye Zhang et al.

A recent study published in Engineering has shed light on China’s strategies for achieving carbon neutrality in line with the Paris Agreement’s 2°C target. The research, conducted by a team of Chinese scientists, explores the country’s carbon peak and carbon-neutrality pathways, and assesses their potential impacts on future climate change.

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. However, the study suggests that for China, pursuing the 1.5°C target may be less feasible, as it could potentially incur 3~4 times the cost of pursuing the 2°C target. Instead, China can achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 without relying on extensive negative-emission technologies like direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) at an early stage.

The researchers estimate that China’s anthropogenic CO₂ emissions will peak between 2028 and 2029, at around 12.8 billion tonnes, and then decline continuously. By focusing on renewable energy development and transforming its energy system, China can achieve carbon neutrality around 2060, with the help of 2.1 billion tonnes of carbon sinks from terrestrial ecosystems.

Natural ecosystem carbon sinks will play a positive role in China’s carbon neutrality efforts, but the study emphasizes that emission reduction remains the key. Although these sinks can offset some emissions, their capacity is limited, and with future climate warming, their effectiveness may decline.

The study also discusses the concept of climate overshoot and the role of negative-emission technologies. While these technologies may be important in the long run, large-scale adoption at an early stage is unnecessary and economically challenging for China. Instead, China should accelerate the application of renewable energy and adjust its industrial structure.

As China reaches its carbon peak and moves towards carbon neutrality, it will have a significant impact on global climate change. The slowdown in global greenhouse gas emissions can help control the global temperature rise and reduce the likelihood of reaching climate tipping points. It may also mitigate the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, although the complex lag effects of the climate system need to be considered.

The research further touches on issues such as loss and damage caused by climate warming, and equity in China’s carbon neutrality process, especially regarding methane reduction. China’s large population and economic scale mean that methane reduction poses a greater challenge. However, China’s commitment to carbon neutrality aligns with its development philosophy and is an opportunity for a new green development path.

The researchers suggest several areas for future research, including more realistic carbon neutrality pathways, more accurate Earth system models, and precise observational research. Despite uncertainties in China’s energy consumption structure, renewable energy development, and negative-emission technologies, this study provides valuable insights into China’s climate change mitigation strategies and their global implications.

The paper “China Can Achieve Carbon Neutrality in Line with the Paris Agreement’s 2 °C Target: Navigating Global Emissions Scenarios, Warming Levels, and Extreme Event Projections,” authored by Xiaoye Zhang, Junting Zhong, Xiliang Zhang, Da Zhang, Changhong Miao, Deying Wang, Lifeng Guo. Full text of the open access paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2024.11.023. For more information about the Engineering, follow us on X (https://twitter.com/EngineeringJrnl) & like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EngineeringJrnl).

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Journal

Engineering

DOI

10.1016/j.eng.2024.11.023 

Article Title

China Can Achieve Carbon Neutrality in Line with the Paris Agreement’s 2 °C Target: Navigating Global Emissions Scenarios, Warming Levels, and Extreme Event Projections

 

Patients with mental health conditions would favour non-invasive interventions over medication, finds a new survey

University of Nottingham

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A new study, led by experts at the University of Nottingham, has found that patients who need treatment for neurological and mental health disorders, would favour non-invasive neuromodulation interventions over current interventions such as pharmaceutical drugs.

 

Neuromodulation is the alteration of nerve activity in the brain through targeted delivery of different stimulus such as electrical stimulation of chemical agents. Researchers are currently developing new brain interventions using neuromodulation, for neurological and mental health disorders – such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia as well as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

 

The new study, which is published in Scientific Reports, looked at the public perception of neuromodulation. In an online survey with almost 800 participants, novel neuromodulation interventions were viewed positively, often more highly ranked than current interventions. 

The research was led by Dr Marcus Kaiser from the School of Medicine at the University. He said: “Providing accurate information to patients significantly improved positive perception of neuromodulation.  This emphasises the importance of education and awareness, in understanding new medical interventions, to foster informed decision making, positive perception of new neuromodulation techniques, and increase adherence to treatment.”

WHO estimate that globally, 322 million people live with depression, and 264 million with anxiety, and numbers are increasing.  Developing new successful treatments is therefore imperative, to benefit patients, their families, and wider society, including social and economic development.

While academia and industry are working on improved and novel interventions, what kind of interventions would patients or currently healthy people prefer? Diagnosed patients are often faced with no alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. However, for example, 50% of patients with major depressive disorders do not adhere to medication. Therefore, there is increasing interest in non-invasive neuromodulation as an alternative, finding that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, for example is a safe procedure in patients with depression. However, how are emerging technologies, such as non-invasive focused ultrasound stimulation perceived?

In the study, supported by the EPSRC and linked to the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre and the Institute of Mental Health, Dr Cyril Atkinson-Clement from the School of Medicine asked a large sample of participants their opinion of neuromodulation, before and after being given information. 

Participants were provided with details, including advantages and disadvantages, of five different technologies inducing change in brain function.  These were pharmaceutical drugs or brain implants as well as non-invasive ultrasound, magnetic, and electrical stimulations. Participants were also asked to rank these in order of preference.

They found ultrasound stimulation was the highest rated option, regarded the safest and effective.  Pharmaceutical drugs were viewed as a middle-choice option, largely due to feelings of insecurity around their safety, effectiveness and side effects. 

“It’s part of a future where we can use less drugs pumping through our system, causing more side effects, and ending up taking more meds to counteract those. We need to get out of this loop.”  (Male, diagnosed with a mental health disorder)

The team found before participants were given information, 81% expressed interest in neuromodulation, and 48% confusion. After reading the information, they found there was a significant increase, with 70% of participants expressing optimism, 62% excitement, and although confusion reduced, some worry remained.

“The possibility of a treatment for the disease with fewer side effects, greater efficacy and longer lifetime than drugs” (Male, diagnosed with a neurological disorder)

Dr Kaiser adds: “Our study provides valuable insights into the priorities and preferences of current and potential future treatments, finding a preference for non-invasive neuromodulation.  There is a clear opening for government and industry stakeholders to prioritise the development and endorsement of safe, non-invasive brain stimulation treatments.”

The full study can be found here

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Journal

Scientific Reports

DOI

10.1038/s41598-025-89437-8 

Method of Research

Survey

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Neuromodulation perception by the general public

How did life develop on early Earth?

New source of nitrogen discovered

Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau

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Between a rock and a green place: Michelle Gehringer studies fossilized life on early Earth to learn more about the evolution of (oxygenic) photosynthesis - the process that makes the oxygen we breath.

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Credit: RPTU, Thomas Koziel

Researchers involving RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau, Southwestern Germany, are unraveling mysteries of a bygone era: As part of current studies, they are investigating how life could have developed on the early Earth. Contrary to previous assumptions, it appears that biologically available nitrogen was not a limiting factor.

Living organisms need nitrogen as a central building block for protein formation, for example. However, although our atmosphere contains plenty of nitrogen, neither humans nor the vast majority of plants can absorb it directly from the air. Just like today, early life on Earth was therefore dependent on nitrogen fixation by microbes. In other words, on their conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogen compounds that living organisms can absorb and utilize.

The details of the processes that took place on Earth billions of years ago are far from known: What were the sources of nitrogen on early Earth? How were they used? And what did this mean for the further development of life? RPTU researcher Dr. Michelle Gehringer is working on precisely these questions. She is a geomicrobiologist - and studies the interactions between microorganisms and geochemical processes.

Nitrogen fixation stable under changing environmental conditions

Under her leadership, a measurement method was recently verified that shows that biological nitrogen fixation remains stable under changing atmospheric compositions. To understand the researcher's approach, it is important to know that nitrogen has two stable isotopes, two different states so to speak, 15N und 14N. Michelle Gehringer explains: “Nitrogen gas is a mixture of the light atom 14N and the heavier atom 15N. When modern microbes use nitrogen in their metabolism, they use these two isotopes in a certain ratio to each other. We measure this by burning nitrogen-containing biomass and collecting the nitrogen gas produced during combustion.”

Michelle Gehringer explains: “Until now, it was always assumed that microbes have the same 15N /14N ratio, even though they live under completely different environmental conditions, without oxygen and with a much higher carbon dioxide content. However, no one has yet tested whether this is actually true.” However, since environmental conditions influence metabolic rates, they could presumably also influence the 15N /14N ratio.

The researchers led by Gehringer cultivated cyanobacteria under environmental conditions similar to those of the early Earth, i.e. without oxygen and with a very high carbon dioxide content. “We found that the 15N /14N ratios of the cyanobacteria remain stable. Our results therefore support the assumption that this ratio was the same throughout the Earth's history.”

Nitrogen also absorbed in the form of dissolved ammonium

Building on this, Michelle Gehringer and other researchers – under the leadership of her fellow scientist Dr. Ashley Martin from Northumbria University, UK, and Dr. Eva Stüeken from the University of St Andrews, UK – investigated the nitrogen cycle in ancient stromatolites, i.e. sedimentary rocks of organic origin. The ancient rocks, which were around 2.7 billion years old, contain the dead remains of various microorganisms and can provide the researchers with information about their ecosystems and environmental niches in past times. Michelle Gehringer: “We gained access to pristine, unweathered rock, which we ground into a fine powder and analyzed for nitrogen isotopes.”

With the help of the 15N /14N ratio measurements, the researchers discovered that in contrast to modern stromatolites, the organic material of ancient stromatolites was not solely dependent on the biological fixation of nitrogen gas by cyanobacteria. To be more precise, the results of the study point to the additional uptake of nitrogen in the form of dissolved ammonium. “And the most plausible source for this is hydrothermal activity on the sea floor,” says Gehringer.

The researchers also looked at sedimentary rocks in a volcanic basin that is also around 2.7 billion years old. Ammonium from hydrothermal sources also proved to be relevant in this system.

So would life on Mars also be possible?

“Until now, it was assumed that life on the early Earth, before the atmosphere was enriched with oxygen, was limited by a lack of biologically available nitrogen.” The current studies now prove an additional role of ammonium from deep-sea hydrothermal vents: “With the help of hydrothermal vents, nitrogen did not limit the spread of life on early Earth. Rather, life was able to flourish in both deep and shallow-water marine environments.” And according to Gehringer, this enabled the development of a great diversity of microorganisms that we still see today.

What could these findings mean for life on other planets? “Hydrothermal activity has been documented on Mars and probably also takes place on the icy moons in the outer solar system.” It is conceivable that processes similar to those on the early Earth took place or are still taking place there.

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Journal

Nature Communications

DOI

10.1038/s41467-025-57091-3 

Article Title

Anomalous δ15N values in the Neoarchean associated with an abundant supply of hydrothermal ammonium

Article Publication Date

22-Feb-2025