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The island cluster in the South Indian port city of Kochi has been the site of immense development activities since the 2000s. Thickly populated by shore communities and other caste-oppressed groups, the islanders struggled and mobilised themselves against development projects which threatened their livelihood and marine ecology. One such protest against the Liquefied Petroleum Gas terminal of the Indian Oil Corporation in Puthuvype, a scenic island off the Arabian sea, went on for over a decade. The protestors, including large numbers of women, sustained their struggle despite the state repression in various forms and thereby inserted the need for environmentally and locally conscious development as a necessary step towards social justice. An analysis of this protest signposts the need to acknowledge environmental injustice towards marginalised communities, including shore communities, to deliberate about locally nuanced and relevant development for sustainable eco-futures in South Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the lubrication failure of water-lubricated bearings under short-term harsh conditions, preliminary experiments have shown that temporarily supplying a small amount of lubricating oil into a bearing as a secondary lubricant can improve the load capacity of the water film therein. However, the physical flow and diffusion state of this secondary lubricant (oil) in water are unclear. Therefore, a mixed lubrication model and a volume-of-fluid model are incorporated to study the diffusion behavior of a small amount of lubricating oil in a water-lubricated bearing. The results show that there is a backflow effect in the local area inside the bearing, where the fluid velocity is in the opposite direction to the linear velocity of the shaft. This backflow effect intensifies with increasing eccentricity ratio, which enlarges the oil-free zone in the middle part of the bearing. In the convergence area at the water inlet end of the bearing, the water supply pressure and backflow effect prevent the lubricating oil from escaping. Increasing the shaft speed has a positive effect on the diffusion of the oil and the load capacity of the fluid. To enhance the assisted lubrication effect of the oil, the oil injection port should be set in the loading zone to avoid the backflow zone. This research provides some fundamental data for reducing the friction and wear of water-lubricated bearings under harsh conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to improve an earlier safety analysis of port and maritime transportation systems in two cases. The first case does not consider outside impacts and the second case operates under the assumption that they are impacted by their operation processes. New and original suggestions on separate and joint system safety and operation cost optimization are also described and future research is also outlined. Probabilistic modeling methods are used as the research methods. The proposed research procedures enable the determination of the safety function and risk function for the port oil terminal critical infrastructure and the maritime ferry technical system in both examined cases, based on the strictly exact statistical data about their operation processes and on the improved approximate evaluations of their components safety parameters through expert opinion methods that originate directly from the users of these systems. Other proposed practically significant safety and resilience indicators are the mean lifetime up to the exceeding of a critical safety state, the moment when the risk function value exceeds the acceptable safety level, the intensity of ageing/degradation in both cases, the coefficient of operation process impact on system safety, and the coefficient of system resilience to operation process impact in the second case. As a result of this research, it is originally found that the proposed cost optimization procedures and the finding of the corresponding system safety indicators deliver an important possibility for the system total operation cost minimizing and keep fixed the corresponding conditional safety indicators during the operation. It was also established that the proposed system safety optimization procedures, and corresponding system operation total costs, deliver an important possibility for the system safety indicators maximization and keep fixed the corresponding system operation total costs during the operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil spill incidents with tankers, port terminals and offshore platforms impact seriously on marine life and socio-economic services. They occur more and more frequently and require immediate and effective response which starts with good knowledge of the likely pathways of spilled oil in the region where a pollution has occurred. The drift of a hypothetical oil spill from the main oil port in Peter the Great Bay (PGB) in the Sea of Japan is simulated from a Lagrangian point of view based on the retrospective velocity field of the ROMS circulation model with horizontal resolution of 600 m. The particle-tracking experiments with the effects of oil evaporation and biodegradation have been performed releasing hourly passive tracers at the beginning of every month during a few years. These numerical experiments showed pathways of spilled oil in different seasons, size of the open-sea area covered by the oil and risks of coastline contamination. Three main scenarios of propagation of the spilled oil in the surface layer have been found and analyzed. In the first one, the spilled oil drifts fast away from the coast due to prevailing north/northwest winds in the cold season (from December to April). The second scenario predominantly occurs in the warm season (from May to November) with prevailing south/southeast winds when the oil slick remains near the coast in the first days after an incident. The third scenario is an intermediate one with the dispersal of the spilled oil away from the coast but not too far from the oil spill site. To explain this behavior, we used the Lyapunov maps which allowed us to identify Lagrangian fronts in the study area that shape passive tracer evolution. As a Lagrangian front moves, the oil slick moves with it. At the same time, the front acts as a transport barrier preventing cross-frontal spreading of oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A team from Marine Science Centre/ University of Basrah, in cooperation with some regional and local scientific institutions, attempted to cultivate the mangrove Avicennia marina in some Iraqi coastal areas, as part of an experiment that is the first of its kind in the country. A site was chosen to plant these trees in the tidal zone in the Khor Al-Zubair oil port. After six months of seedling growth in the greenhouse, the seedlings were transferred to the test site, and measurements of plant growth indicators were carried out for two years at the test site for the period from April 2019 to April 2021. The maximum height of the plants during the study period was 173.3 cm, while The indicators of vegetative growth and chlorophyll content increased significantly during the study period, which is close to the growth of trees in their natural habitats. The survival rates of seedlings were 44% after 24 months of planting. Most of the results were compared according to the Least Significant Difference test (L.S.D.). At a probability level of 0.05. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, no method utilizing satellite imagery exists for detailing the locations and functions of critical infrastructure across the United States, making response to natural disasters and other events challenging due to complex infrastructural interdependencies. This paper presents a repeatable, transferable, and explainable method for critical infrastructure analysis and implementation of a robust model for critical infrastructure detection in satellite imagery. This model consists of a DenseNet-161 convolutional neural network, pretrained with the ImageNet database. The model was provided additional training with a custom dataset, containing nine infrastructure classes. The resultant analysis achieved an overall accuracy of 90%, with the highest accuracy for airports (97%), hydroelectric dams (96%), solar farms (94%), substations (91%), potable water tanks (93%), and hospitals (93%). Critical infrastructure types with relatively low accuracy are likely influenced by data commonality between similar infrastructure components for petroleum terminals (86%), water treatment plants (78%), and natural gas generation (78%). Local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME) was integrated into the overall modeling pipeline to establish trust for users in critical infrastructure applications. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of a convolutional neural network approach for critical infrastructure identification, with higher than 90% accuracy in identifying six of the critical infrastructure facility types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To mitigate risk and enhance safety in oil ports, this study proposes a method to analyse the civil liability risk and criminal liability risk of oil spills in oil ports. Based on scenario analysis and data analysis, the probability, spill size, number of casualties, actual compensation and total spill cost are estimated for different scenarios, including loading arm/hose rupture and hull failure when a vessel is berthing, manoeuvring near a berth and moving through the port. Based on these estimated factors and legal liability, the civil liability risk and criminal liability risk borne by oil ports and ship owners are estimated. Finally, data from an oil terminal in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area are used to verify the applicability of the proposed method. The estimated probability and corresponding consequences can be used to determine which scenario would result in criminal liability and provide a reference for emergency capacity planning. The estimated risks are useful for loss mitigation and crime prevention. The findings and analysis reveal the current low compensation ratio and the inconsistency in criminal standards for oil spills in China. Therefore, the enforcement of civil compensation and unity among criminal standards should be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper introduces a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) / Human Machine Interface (HMI) system incorporated along with machine learning (ML) classifiers. Although some other studies have incorporated ML techniques to predict and control petroleum product terminals in terms of concentration, the proposed framework incorporates Add On Instruction (AOI) programming, PLC, and ML methods to automatically monitor petroleum products terminals. The framework adds an AOI in programming to achieve maximum usage of processor capabilities. Moreover, it uses AOI for programming in cooperation with the ladder diagram (LD). This leads to simplifying the LD graphical programming language, reducing the time of scanning, and making facilitate troubleshooting. The AOI is merged with ML to automate tank level detection and maintain good operational conditions and consequently protect these expensive essential assets. The introduced framework consists of three stages. The first stage is the PLC programming phase where the PLC is created using Add-On instructions. Next, HMI graphic displays are drawn and linked to the PLC tags in the following stage. During the third stage, the actual process readings are applied to the system based on ML algorithms to test its functionality. The proposed system results indicates a reduction in the LD number, highest program size, and maximum time of scanning. The results indicate that the AOI can help to trace the program more easily in fault situations. Besides, additional program instructions could reduce processor memory, system construction costs, and upgrade projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The war with Russia has become a real threat of food inflation and famine. Therefore, the issue of the grain market functioning in Ukraine during the war and the development of priority measures for stabilization is extremely important. Based on the forecasts, the key factors in the formation of the cereals and oilseeds crops structure for the harvest of 2022 have been determined, namely the physical unavailability of more than 30 % of the area; difficulties in obtaining seeds of crops; lack of export through ports. Grain stocks have been analyzed and it has been envisaged that a large number of farmers will sell stocks of cereals or oilseeds before spring sowing to replenish working capital. The problem is particularly acute in the areas close to the front line, where trade is very weak; availability of resources - farmers need to use the resources available in their area taking into account logistical issues. The key points of the state's encouragement of farmers to conduct food security campaigns have been identified. Summarizing the estimates and forecasts, we can note: a key factor in shaping the crops structure of cereals and oilseeds for the harvest of 2022 will be the physical unavailability of more than 30 % of the area due to hostilities and their consequences; difficulties in obtaining seeds of crops that depend on imported supplies will lead to an even greater reduction in harvesting of these crops; the lack of exports of corn and sunflower oil through the ports forms significant remnants of these crops in Ukraine in low demand. Cereals include wheat, barley and cereals - buckwheat, peas, oats. Among oil compensatory crops there can be soybeans, flax; also, when forming crops we should take into account the peculiarities of storage of crops that are planned for cultivation to minimize losses. During martial law, the state tries to encourage farmers to conduct food security campaigns. Among the key points are: the Law of Ukraine «On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Creating Conditions for Ensuring Food Security in Martial Law»; a decree simplifying the import of seeds; decisions on temporary abolition of excise duty and reduction of VAT rate on fuel to 7%, access of farmers to credit resources - loans at 0% interest rate, provision of credit lines for Ukrainian farmers. Methodological and practical aspects of studying the functioning problems of the grain market during the war have been further developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to uncover the changing climatic characteristics of the Iraqi regional water region as a result of global climate change and as a result of the lack of climatic studies on the region. All commercial and oil ports are in this region addition to that it is the point of a permanent border dispute between neighboring countries as well as its importance as the only marine fisheries for Iraq. This study based on the data got from Basra oil port and Boubyan stations for the period from 1981 to 2018 as well as from the analysis of time series and its direction as shown in the following results. There is a general trend of high temperature rise, as it recorded a positive change for all months of the study period. The presence of a general trend for the increase in the minimum temperatures in it recorded a positive change for all months of the study period. It is noted that the changes in the lower temperatures were greater than those of the great ones due to climate change in which the temperature changes. It reflects negatively on the marine environment, especially fish migration, decreasing and extinction of some species. There is a variation in the direction of wind speeds between the two stations, as Boubyan station recorded positive change rates for all months of the year, while it tended to decrease during January and April in the oil port. Despite the occurrence of stations in the study area within a coastal and water environment, it recorded its general trend of low relative humidity rates for all months, and this indicates an increase in air dryness caused by an increase in the frequency of dry northwest winds and a decrease repeated wet naughty south winds. The decrease of rainfall amounts on the stations of the region .The presence of a trend for a decrease in the frequency of dust storms within the study area, as the amount of its annual change in Boubyan Station reached storms, which is of great importance to the maritime transport sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops a system named Wuhan University of Technology Intelligent Tracer (WUT-iTracer) for identifying ships using high-fuel-sulfur-content (FSC) fuel oil in port waters. The system integrates a land-based sniffing monitoring module and a numerical simulation module. The land-based sniffing monitoring module collects and processes simultaneous several parameters from the automatic identification system (AIS) and micrometeorological monitoring system, which include the concentrations of gaseous pollutants emitted from ships, marine meteorological parameters, and dynamic and static information of ships. The numerical simulation module was developed based on a mobile ship emissions diffusion model, which estimates the concentration of SO2 at the location of the WUT-iTracer assuming the ship using compliant fuel. The relative difference between the measured and simulated concentration of SO2 is used to detect if the ship uses high-FSC fuel oil. The WUT-iTracer was installed on the shore of Yantian Port, Shenzhen, China, during June and August 2018. Ten ships were selected as samples to verify the efficacy of the WUT-iTracer. Based on these data, it was found that the ship can be treated as using high-FSC (>0.5%) fuel oil if the relative difference between the measured and simulated SO2 concentration is larger than 44%. The field test shows that the WUT-iTracer works well for identifying ships with high-FSC fuel oil. However, further tests and developments are needed for the system to work in different ports and weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses Ordinance on handling dangerous goods, the conditions and method of transport in maritime traffic, loading and unloading of dangerous goods, bulk and other cargo in ports and the method of preventing the spreading of oil spills in ports especially in the segment of the definition of dangerous goods, the supporting documents accompanying the handling of dangerous goods as well as supervision of the application of protective and safety measures. The author also discusses the terminological inconsistencies of important conceptual definitions while highlighting possible solutions. The paper also researches the role of the professional service, i.e., the qualified person who supervises handling dangerous goods in ports and who as such, is considered as the responsible person. The possible duality of the legal regulation of handling dangerous goods with regard to the Act on Transport of Dangerous Goods is also being researched. The last part highlights the contribution of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the achievements of the Republic of Croatia in establishing a system for the exchange of data on dangerous goods. In conclusion, the author gives an assessment of the compliance of the Croatian legal norm on the handling dangerous goods with international and EU solutions and makes appropriate proposals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the friction characteristics of the friction pair, find the flow state of particles in the oil film and the temperature distribution of oil film in flow distribution pair, the effects of solid particles in the oil on the oil film characteristics and volumetric efficiency of high-pressure vane pump were studied by means of theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and experimental test in this paper. Firstly, the two-phase flow calculation model was established, and the particle gravity equation and motion resistance equation were established also. Then, the passage model of flow distribution pair was set. The fluid domain of flow distribution pair included the oil port, groove and oil film. The passage model was meshed and the boundary conditions were set. According to the relevant standard of cleanliness requirement of hydraulic fluid system, the solid particle diameter was selected as 0.005, 0.010 and 0.013 mm, and the solid-phase volume fraction was selected as 0.2%, 0.6% and 1% for calculation. Finally, the influnce of solid particle diameter, solid-phase volume fraction and operating parameters on the flow field characteristics of oil film were analysed by FLUENT software. By changing the diameter and solid-phase volume fraction of solid particles, the working pressure and rotating speed of the pump, the nephogram of solid-phase volume fraction distribution and temperature distribution of the oil film in the flow distribution pair were obtained by numerical simulation and verified by test. The result showed the addition of solid particles in the oil had no effect on the pressure value and distribution of the oil film, but it leaded to the decrease of the oil film temperature in the oil discharge area, and the maximum change of oil film temperaturewas 2 K. The solid-phase volume fraction of oil film in the oil suction area decreased with the increase of particle diameter with the maximum change of 0.25%, while it increased in the oil discharge area with the maximum change of 0.35%. On the whole, the solid-phase volume fraction of oil film changed in the increasing trend, and the maximum change was 0.72%. The volumetric efficiency of vane pump decreased with the increase of solid particle diameter, and the relationship between them was approximately linear. With the increase of the solid-phase volume fraction of solid particles, the solid-phase volume fraction of oil film increased, which resulted in the decrease of volumetric efficiency of vane pump. The relationship between solid-phase volume fraction and volumetric efficiency was nonlinear. The surface temperature of oil film decreased with the increase of solid-phase volume fraction. The position of maximum change of oil film temperature was oil discharge area, and the maximum change was 2 K. The solid-phase volume fraction of oil film decreased with the increase of working pressure, and the maximum change was 0.3%. The temperature of all areas on the surface of the oil film was increased, and the temperature change of the core area was 4 K. The solid-phase volume fraction and temperature in most areas of oil film increased with the increase of rotating speed. The maximum change of solid-phase volume fraction and temperature of oil film was 0.2% and 3 K respectively in the areas with great effect. This research provides a reference for the flow distribution pair design of the port pair of high-pressure vane pump when the oil contains solid particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the friction characteristics of the friction pair, find the flow state of particles in the oil film and the temperature distribution of oil film in flow distribution pair, the effects of solid particles in the oil on the oil film characteristics and volumetric efficiency of high-pressure vane pump were studied by means of theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and experimental test in this paper. Firstly, the two-phase flow calculation model was established, and the particle gravity equation and motion resistance equation were established also. Then, the passage model of flow distribution pair was set. The fluid domain of flow distribution pair included the oil port, groove and oil film. The passage model was meshed and the boundary conditions were set. According to the relevant standard of cleanliness requirement of hydraulic fluid system, the solid particle diameter was selected as 0.005, 0.010 and 0.013 mm, and the solid-phase volume fraction was selected as 0.2%, 0.6% and 1% for calculation. Finally, the influence of solid particle diameter, solid-phase volume fraction and operating parameters on the flow field characteristics of oil film were analysed by FLUENT software. By changing the diameter and solid-phase volume fraction of solid particles, the working pressure and rotating speed of the pump, the nephogram of solid-phase volume fraction distribution and temperature distribution of the oil film in the flow distribution pair were obtained by numerical simulation and verified by test. The result showed the addition of solid particles in the oil had no effect on the pressure value and distribution of the oil film, but it leaded to the decrease of the oil film temperature in the oil discharge area, and the maximum change of oil film temperature was 2 K. The solid-phase volume fraction of oil film in the oil suction area decreased with the increase of particle diameter with the maximum change of 0.25%, while it increased in the oil discharge area with the maximum change of 0.35%. On the whole, the solid-phase volume fraction of oil film changed in the increasing trend, and the maximum change was 0.72%. The volumetric efficiency of vane pump decreased with the increase of solid particle diameter, and the relationship between them was approximately linear. With the increase of the solid-phase volume fraction of solid particles, the solid-phase volume fraction of oil film increased, which resulted in the decrease of volumetric efficiency of vane pump. The relationship between solid-phase volume fraction and volumetric efficiency was nonlinear. The surface temperature of oil film decreased with the increase of solid-phase volume fraction. The position of maximum change of oil film temperature was oil discharge area, and the maximum change was 2 K. The solid-phase volume fraction of oil film decreased with the increase of working pressure, and the maximum change was 0.3%. The temperature of all areas on the surface of the oil film was increased, and the temperature change of the core area was 4 K. The solid-phase volume fraction and temperature in most areas of oil film increased with the increase of rotating speed. The maximum change of solid-phase volume fraction and temperature of oil film was 0.2% and 3 K respectively in the areas with great effect. This research provides a reference for the flow distribution pair design of the port pair of high-pressure vane pump when the oil contains solid particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for reliability optimization, which is relevant for critical infrastructure activity governed by operational processes, is presented and applied to a port oil terminal. The optimal values for the reliability and resilience indicators related to the operation, are determined for this critical type of infrastructure. Simple suggestions regarding optimized infrastructural operation strategies are formulated and implemented towards reorganizing the port oil terminal processes in order to maximize its lifetime in defined reliability states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on a critical infrastructure reliability and resilience to its operation process and particularly is devoted to critical infrastructure reliability and resilience indicators. First, the model of critical infrastructure reliability without considering outside impacts is proposed and applied to determine the port oil terminal reliability indicators. In the next step, the operation impact model of critical infrastructure reliability is created and applied to reliability and resilience analysis of the port oil terminal. The comparison of the port oil terminal critical infrastructure reliability indicators without considering outside impacts with indicators considering impact of its operation process is performed. A significant influence of the operation process on the port oil terminal reliability is proved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling the safety of critical infrastructure free of outside impacts is presented, and basic safety indicators are defined. The safety of the port oil terminal critical infrastructure free of any outside impacts is examined based on critical infrastructure safety statistical data provided by the operators. Its safety function and other safety indicators are identified and predicted. Furthermore, the safety and resilience indicators for the critical infrastructure of the port oil terminal impacted by its operations are determined, and the results are compared to its indicators obtained without considering operation impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modelling of operation process influence on safety of a critical infrastructure is presented. New safety and resilience indicators for a critical infrastructure are defined and procedures of their determination in the case of the created model are proposed. Next, this model is applied to safety and resilience analysis of the port oil terminal critical infrastructure impacted by its operation process and the results are compared to the indicators of this critical infrastructure without operation impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper examines shipping liners' bunkering choices under IMO 2020 regulations. • A two-stage, multi-method framework combines game theory with optimization. • The game model proposed accounts for fluctuating fuel prices among competing ports. • The study explores the impact of uncertain fuel prices on bunkering port decisions. • Findings are presented for bunkering decisions on the Atlantic Pacific Express route. This paper addresses the shipping liner's bunkering problem in response to International Maritime Organization's low-Sulphur fuel regulations, commonly known as IMO 2020. To minimize bunkering and inventory costs while adopting a slow steaming strategy on the sailing route, we propose a two-stage analytical framework that integrates a game-theoretic model with an optimization model. The framework also considers the uncertainty surrounding low-Sulphur and high-Sulphur fuel oil prices in the port of call decision. Our experimental results demonstrate that, when the prices of low-Sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) and high-Sulphur fuel oil (HFO) increase by 40%, the total cost and bunkering cost increase by 3.88% and 4.77%, respectively. Conversely, a 10% decrease in fuel prices leads to a substantial 9.79% and 10.27% drop in total cost and bunkering cost, respectively. Additionally, the experiments consider the mandatory requirement of LSFO, making the results highly relevant and informative for the liner shipping industry. Moreover, this study provides a comprehensive and insightful approach to address the bunkering problem, facilitating the compliance of the IMO 2020 regulations while minimizing costs for shipping liners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generation process of natural gas in the Yacheng formation, including mudstone and coal strata, is simulated by an open system laboratory pyrolysis apparatus. The results show that higher geothermal gradient of the central depression could accelerate the generation of methane in the deep-water sags and the transformation of the residual hydrocarbons to methane in the deep-water area began from 5.3 Ma. Therefore, the main sags in the deep-water area are of high gas generation potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Studies of the intertidal benthos of the water area of the Vitino Specialized Marine Oil Port using typical hydrobiological methods were carried out for more than ten years. From the analysis of the structure of intertidal communities using different mathematical methods, a quasi-cyclic dynamics of their biomasses was found. The dynamics of the main features of the intertidal blue mussel bed was found at one particular sampling site. In addition, some analytical approaches to the expert assessments of the state of sea floor ecosystem are discussed specifically regarding the diagnostics of the anthropogenic influence. It was shown that a single sampling cannot serve as reliable assessment due to permanent quasi-cyclic processes taking place in the intertidal communities, and the applied methods based on a sampling taking into account the shifting alongside K-, r-axis should be used only with great precaution. Long-term monitoring is needed to make the proper conclusions. The number of samplings at each station should be set in a way that can help outweigh the aggregated distribution of particular species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving good tracking control beyond 0.1Hz by electrohydraulic manipulators still remains challenging due to the coupling of nonlinear actuation dynamics and multiple actuations. A novel order-separated feedforward, or FF, model has been proposed for estimating the major part of the commands of servo-proportional valves for metering their ports to monitor oil flow in the paired cylinders. Motion studies have been executed in serial manipulation mode by using such control to two valves and in serial–parallel mode to eight valves. Oil leakage and cylinder friction have been included as lower-order effects for the narrow radial clearance and near-zero lap in the valves each paired with a low-friction cylinder. Other assumptions of negligible inertia and suspended weight under the pistons have been validated by a numerical exercise. A PID feedback has been added during real-time tracking by an FFPID controller. Reciprocating and circular motion demands in the serial mode and heave tracking in serial–parallel mode, all in a vertical plane, have been executed. More precise and smoother tracking has been achieved up to 1Hz in the serial mode mostly with lower expense of energy than a conventional PID-alone controller. Results indicate FF guidance to mitigate oscillations occasionally apparent in PID-only case due to either hunting among multiple solutions or gain sensitivity of the nonlinear system. Good heave tracking has been obtained up to 0.2Hz. Substantial disturbance rejection capability of the controller has been demonstrated against tension arising from the connecting oil hoses. A potential use of the FF model in diagnosing emerging valve or cylinder fault with their aging has also been explained. • Real-time feedforward-PID control for electrohydraulic mini-manipulator system. • Order-separated feedforward for multiple nonlinearities in any double-acting cylinder. • Stability analysis shows D gain as necessary for low-inertia mini-manipulator system. • Estimation of feedforward parameters and PID gains by GA-based identification. • Precise tracking faster than existing manipulators despite significant disturbance. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dutos e Terminais do Centro Sul (DTCS) is one of the largest petroleum terminals of the South America located in the São Sebastião Channel (SSC) on the southeastern Brazilian coast. The aims of this study were to compare the sediment quality near the DTCS with that of several sites in the SSC region including the Araçá (AR) domestic sewage outfall and to assess the efficiency of the DTCS wastewater treatment plant. To achieve these goals, textural, geochemical, and living benthic foraminifera results were analyzed for the DTCS, AR, and SSC regions. Sediments in the DTCS area were silty with high concentrations of total organic carbon (1.7–2.4%), total nitrogen (0.2–0.3%), total sulfur (0.4–0.6%), and total (0.12–0.18%) and inorganic phosphorous (0.07–0.11%). These values were higher than those in sediments collected in the SSC and Araçá regions. The sediments’ concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the SSC and AR regions were lower than their corresponding probable effect levels (PELs). However, sediments near the DTCS were enriched with As, Cu, and Ni, whose concentrations exceeded their corresponding threshold effect levels (TELs). Around the DTCS outfall diffusers, living foraminiferal densities and diversities were lower than those for the other areas studied. In the DTCS area, it was necessary to search 50 to 190 cm3 of sediment to find 100 live specimens. In the SSC and Araçá areas, a maximum of 40 cm3 of sediment was enough to locate 100 live specimens. The lower density and diversity of living foraminifera around the DTCS than around the other areas illustrates the impact of the environmental stress caused by the presence of pollutants. These results indicate that the wastewater treatment plant efficiency is low and its discharge of pollutants from petrochemical waste liquids affects the benthic fauna around the DTCS in a potentially harmful manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The petroleum supply chain can be divided into three segments: upstream, midstream and downstream. This work studies the scheduling of operations in a crude oil terminal within the midstream segment. The first challenge consists in deciding how the crude oil that arrives in vessels should be uploaded to the storage tanks. At the same time, the operations engineer must decide which storage tanks will feed the pipeline connected to the refinery in order to satisfy its demand. This work concerns the crude oil terminal of the national refinery of Uruguay. To schedule terminal operations, this work proposes an iterative two-step MILP-NLP algorithm based on piecewise McCormick relaxation and a domain-reduction strategy for handling bilinear terms. For small instances for which an optimal solution is known, the proposed strategy consistently finds optimal or near-optimal solutions. It also solves larger instances which are, in some cases, intractable by a global optimization solver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tank truck loading operations in fuel distribution terminals have particular characteristics which are challenging to simulate. Demands for different fuel types are correlated rather than independent. In addition, queuing policies which do not address the current state of the terminal may increase equipment idleness and trucks' lead time. We propose a decomposition of the joint probability distribution of fuel types and a procedure to simulate it. We also propose a new queuing policy aimed at reducing equipment idleness and trucks' lead time. The procedures are tested and validated through a discrete-event simulation model of a real fuel distribution terminal. We simulate alternative scenarios in which we increase fuel flow rate as well as the number of loading arms and test a new queuing policy. Results show the effectiveness of the simulation procedure in replicating real performance indicators. Moreover, the proposed idleness-based queuing policy resulted in lower idleness and lead time compared with a first-come-first-served policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an integrated general model of complex technical system, linking its multistate safety model and the model of its operation process including operating environment threats and considering variable at different operation states its safety structures and its components safety parameters. Under the assumption that the system has exponential safety function, the safety characteristics of the port oil piping transportation system are determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the uncertainty modelling of experimental results for a physical model of a tanker moored to a terminal inside a port. The physical model was built for an oil terminal at the port of Leixões in Portugal. The model incorporates the new modified port layout, as well as a future 300 m extension of the port outer north breakwater to enhance operational conditions. The physical model tests were performed on a scale of 1:80 in the Portuguese Civil Engineering Laboratory (LNEC). A generic mooring system of four mooring lines and two fenders is simulated using a nonlinear spring system. Decay tests are carried out to evaluate the natural periods of the moored model. Then, tests are carried out for the moored model in waves. The major aim of the experimental study is to obtain novel results for the wave elevation and direction at various locations inside the port, the ship motions at six degrees of freedom, and loads on mooring lines and fenders including the modified port layout. As the physical model measurements are subjected to different types of uncertainties, a systematic uncertainty analysis is carried out here, following ITTC guidelines and recommendations, to quantify all possible sources of uncertainties. The results are discussed, and several conclusions are reached. Based on the experimental results, the presented physical model study may replicate the results for waves and motions with uncertainties less than 9% of the significant amplitudes. The assessment of the applied nonlinear spring model reveals load predictions on the moorings, with uncertainties less than 4% of the maximum mooring loads. • The uncertainty modelling of experimental results for a model of a tanker moored to a terminal inside a port is presented. • The model incorporates the modified port layout, as well as a future 300 m extension of the port outer north breakwater. • The aim is the wave elevation and direction inside the port the ship motions in 6dof and loads on mooring lines and fenders. • An uncertainty analysis is carried out, following ITTC guidelines, to quantify all possible sources of uncertainties. • Based on the experimental results, the physical model study may replicate the target results with minimal uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsea infrastructure for deep-water oil and gas developments is often supported by mudmat foundations. Traditionally, subsea mudmats are designed to resist the loads imposed by pipeline thermal expansion and contraction while remaining stationary. As subsea facilities have grown, the required size and weight of the mudmats challenge the handling capacity of installation vessels and raise costs. Tolerable mobility of a subsea mudmat can significantly relieve the applied loads, leading to reduced mudmat size and weight. In this paper, the cyclic shearing and reconsolidation response of fine-grained soil around a tolerably mobile mudmat is investigated through results of finite-element analysis using a critical state soil model. The mudmat was subjected to a simulated lifetime of operation, with many cycles of undrained sliding with intervening consolidation between cycles. The sliding resistance was shown to rise exponentially with cycles and reach the drained limit, accompanied by significant strength gain in the subsoil because of the intervening consolidation between movements. The degree of reconsolidation between slides affects the number of cycles required to mobilise the drained limit. The hardening response for periodic shearing with intervening consolidation is shown to scale from the hardening response for continuous undrained shearing by an amount depending on the degree of intervening consolidation during pipeline operation. Expressions for the rate of hardening of sliding resistance of a tolerably mobile mudmat foundation are proposed in this paper to assist design practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the economic conditions of the world and the opportunities for increasing the economic growth. Topics discussed include monetary accommodation from the European Central Bank, decision of the Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico, regarding the opening of deep-water oil deposits to international energy companies and impact of the enactment of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal on the tariff.

Light hydrocarbons vaporize to the space between crude oil interface and roof of the storage tank during loading of crude oil tankers in marine oil terminals. When crude oil is loaded to the tank, these hydrocarbons are vented into the atmosphere which is considered as a main source of emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in oil terminals. VOCs emitted from the crude oil not only create severe air pollution problems but also a considerable amount of valuable hydrocarbons are wasted to the atmosphere. On the other hand, VOCs are flammable which create major safety hazards to the loading process. Therefore, the oil industry has largely focused on control of VOCs. In this research, an experimental study was conducted to characterize VOCs emitted from storage tanks of crude oil in a large-scale oil export terminal. Using the industrial data and simple mathematical tools, effect of different parameters on the composition of emitted gases was investigated. Furthermore, an experimental procedure is proposed to assess the potential of a crude oil absorption process for recovering emitted gases. Experimental results showed that the crude oil absorption process can be adapted to the situation of considered marine terminal for recovering this vent stream of emitted gases. This work can help plant engineers to decide on an appropriate strategy to control VOCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submerged Combustion Vaporizer (SCV), as an equipment with the highest operating costs of LNG terminal, its calculation of operation efficiency and cost check of energy consumption are of much concern. Therefore, firstly, the enthalpy of inlet LNG and outlet NG of SCV was obtained based on BWRS function. Then, based on enthalpy calculation, according to Secant Iteration Method to confirm the temperature of fuel gas achieved from transportation high-pressure natural gas through adiabatic buck, the energy consumption supplied by fuel gas heater is obtained. Afterwards, the calorific value of fuel gas is calculated and according to the law of energy conservation, efficiency and energy costs of SCV are acquired. Finally, in order to facilitate the use of LNG terminal, this calculation method is designed to a calculation software to meet the needs; simultaneously, its reliability with the actual operating data and examples of costing accounting of energy consumption are verified. The results proved that the software can calculate SCV operation efficiency and energy consumption accurately, and provide help and guidance for SCV operation and calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Apapa-Badagry Creek in southwestern Nigeria is a largely man-impact area being bordered to the north by sprawling residential estates and industries and to the south by recreational centers and villages. It also houses the Lagos Harbour and petroleum terminals. Sewage from these complexes is discharged into the creek, thus the pollutants impact the living faunas, such as benthic foraminifera. The implications of organic matter (OM) type and source on the diversity and abundance of living benthic foraminifera in the Apapa-Badagry Creek are investigated. Results show that the distribution of the living benthic foraminifera in this area is largely dependent on sediment type, OM source, and salinity and that only ten species of living benthic foraminifera thrive in muddy sediments with TOC < 2 wt%. Carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) and C/N molar ratios reveal that the OM is of terrestrial origin (C 3 plants) and that it is not the ideal food for benthic foraminifera in this estuary, in particular, for Ammonia species. • The Apapa-Badagry Creek represents a typical marginal marine environment under great anthropogenic stress. • Benthic foraminifera are used as ecosystem indicators. • Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N) reveal the terrestrial origin of the sedimented organic matter. • Changes in assemblage structure and distribution are due to presence of organic matter nutrients, and salinity gradients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviewed the research progress of natural gas interchangeability in European and American countries and regions, and summarized that the commonly used gas interchangeability methods in the world, which are AGA Bulletin 36 method, Weaver indices method n US, Delbourg method in France, Dutton Diagram method in UK, ect. These methods are all developed for atmospheric combustion, with respective applicability and limitation. In China, the own gas was categorized and defined by composition according to France Delbourg interchangeability method in 1982. The paper also summarized the research and progress on gas interchangeability in recent years in China, and indicated that with the diversification of the fuel gas terminal equipments, the desirable and scientific gas interchangeability indices and gas distribution control parameters could be studied and chosen according to the specific gas combustion equipment, and based on the difference of mixed modes of gas and air when burning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence spectroscopy and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) were used to characterize oil components and to examine their fate and transformation processes during the unprecedented Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Water samples were collected during two cruises in May and June 2010 soon after the spill began. Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra of seawater samples strongly resemble those of crude oil from the Macondo well and weathered oil collected from Gulf surface waters. This indicates the influence of oil on marine dissolved organic matter (DOM) which yielded elevated dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, higher UV–vis absorbance, and higher optically inferred molecular weight DOM in the water column. Two major types of DOM were found in the water column: one with low abundance but high optical activity and the other with high mass concentration yet low optical activity. Higher specific UV absorbance but lower spectral slope values observed for deep-water samples indicates the presence of less degraded or fresher crude oil in deep waters. Results of PARAFAC modeling revealed three oil-related components corresponding to crude and weathered oil in the water column: the most prominent one (namely C1) centered on Ex/Em 226/340nm and the other two components (C2 and C6) centered on 236/360 and 252/311nm, respectively. In addition, there is another DOM component (C3), partially representing chemically dispersed oil. Interestingly, the oil component ratios, an intensive property, varied with time and the degradation status of oil. We hypothesize that C2 (236/360nm) is mostly a degraded product while C6 (252/311nm) is a crude oil component with lower molecular weight, but at the same time, could be derived from oil degradation. Changes in fluorescence component ratios can thus be used as a compelling index to track the fate and transport of oil in marine environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The trade in liquefied natural gas (LNG) is developing at a rapid rate and is expected to increase further as the global supply and demand balance shifts over the coming decades. Because the LNG industry is truly global in nature, legal practitioners developing LNG projects are faced with a range of complex legal issues and frequently are required to consider the laws of multiple jurisdictions in order to bring a project to a successful completion. This article considers some key legal issues associated with one important element in the LNG 'value chain', namely LNG receiving terminals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores how in the years after 1980 a spectrum of historical actors came to see petroleum platforms in the Gulf of Mexico as a necessary part of the Gulf ecosystem and how such views affected platform removal policies. Through a discourse analysis of the Rigs-to-Reefs program, in which old offshore petroleum facilities were converted into artificial reefs, this article examines how actors presented to the public their notions of the relationship of the Gulf ecosystem with technological offshore structures. Through this case we see how ideas of technology and nature were mutually constructed via discourses and what affect that had on policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on environmental management standards for the construction of the onshore terminal under the Corrib Natural Gas Project located in the Slyne Trough in Ireland. It cites that the Corrib gas field is being developed by Shell E&P Ireland Ltd. (SEPIL) and its partners Statoil Exploration Ireland Ltd. and Marathon International Petroleum Hibernia Ltd. as a long-range sub-sea tieback to the shore. Information on water management and emergency response at the gas field are provided.

Abstract: In the early stages of the selection process for the hardware to exploit an offshore petroleum reservoir, it is important to be able to identify rapidly which production facility type(s) are likely to deliver the greatest value. This paper explores key features and constraints of the ten common fixed, floating and subsea facility options. Both shallow and deepwater are considered, along with regional variations. It is shown that facility applications may be categorised in a very simple matrix form, with the water depth and well count being particularly important drivers of facility choice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The use of large floating units to operate in deep water appears as a solution adopted by the industry to produce and storage the oil and finally to transfer the oil to shuttle ships. In the particular case of Petrobras the conversion of VLCC to FPSO has been adopted to work in the exploitation of oil in deep water. This has motivated many studies about the dynamics of this kind of structures exposed to the environmental conditions: wind, currents and waves. The present paper deals with the dynamics of ships in the horizontal plane under the action of a current. A maneuvering model is used to express the hydrodynamic forces. Analytical expressions for the eigenvalues of the linear stability analysis are obtained. These expressions are used to analyze the influence of the main dimensions in the design of new structures and the use of some stabilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to characterize PM 2.5 -bound trace elements in Northern Zhejiang Province (NZP), one of the most economically prosperous regions in China, and assess the associated health risks for the general populations. A year-long sampling campaign was conducted at four sites representative of urban, suburban, and rural areas of NZP. The average of the sum of twenty trace elements in PM 2.5 was 2.8 ± 0.4 μg m−3, dominated by K, Al, Fe, Mg, Zn, and V (>100 ng m−3). The highest total elements' concentration occurred in winter, followed by autumn, spring, and summer. Enrichment factors and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the major sources of trace elements in NZP were fossil fuel combustion, biomass burning, crustal dust, traffic, and industrial emissions. Elevated concentrations of certain elements reflected featured sources in different areas, e.g., V and Ni from heavy oil combustion in the port city, and Cu, Fe and Ba from traffic emissions in urban areas. Arsenic (As) represented the major non-cancer risk driver as its hazard quotient was 8.7. The cumulative cancer risk from all the carcinogenic elements was 1.7 × 10−3 in NZP, exceeding the upper limit (10−4) of the acceptable risk range. As and Cr contributed 33% and 66%, respectively, and thus were regarded as cancer risk drivers. The high health risks from PM 2.5 -bound elements warrant future actions to control their emissions in this region. Priorities should target industrial operations and coal combustion emissions, as informed by the risk drivers. [Display omitted] • Trace element levels exhibited a seasonality of winter > autumn > spring > summer. • Elements were mostly anthropogenic except for Mg, Sr, and Fe. • Shipping emissions dominated the port city. • Arsenic was the non-cancer risk driver with a hazard quotient of 8.7. • The cumulative cancer risk was 1.7 × 10−3, with chromium and arsenic as drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a novel low-cost and independent method to estimate five key performance indicators: ships traffic; berth utilization and allocation; handling efficiency; throughput; and oil spill risk. The results obtained through this method can be used as reference for oil port operation optimization and risk control. Performance indicators are estimated in real time by using AIS data and maritime open data instead of relying on the manually collected and unverifiable official data. These performance indicators are found to be directly related to the number of handling events and the corresponding handled quantity in the ports. Therefore, this paper first identifies handling events and records the corresponding berthing time and berth. Second, the handling efficiency and time are estimated to calculate the handling quantity of each tanker. Third, the identified handling events and the corresponding handling quantity are aggregated into port level in chronological order so as to extract the key performance indicators. Finally, data of an oil terminal in the Guangzhou are taken as a case to verify the feasibility and reliability of the proposed method. Image 1 • A novel real-time, low-cost and independent method to estimate oil port performance indicators is presented. • Ship traffic, berth utilization and allocation, handling efficiency, throughput, and oil spill risk are estimated. • A case study of Guangzhou's oil port is applied to verify this novel method. • First work on real-time oil port performance measurement using AIS and maritime open data instead of statistical data. • To support oil port operation optimization, risk analysis and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]