Work

Continuous-Flow Ultrasonic-Assisted Plasma-Driven Solution Electrolysis Reactors for Crude Oil Degradation in Hypersaline Produced Water with Hydrogen Co-Production

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This work evaluates the performance of three configurations (V1, V2, and V3) of novel membraneless continuous-flow ultrasonic-assisted plasma-driven solution electrolysis (PDSE) reactors (CombiSonoPlasma®) operated at near-ambient temperature and pressure, for the single-pass treatment of model hypersaline produced water (HPW) originating from the oil extraction industry, with simultaneous hydrogen co-production. The performance of the reactors was assessed based on (i) the formation of gaseous oil decomposition products (CO, CO2, and CH4) as indicators of crude oil destruction and (ii) hydrogen generation as a valuable energy co-product. The results demonstrate that coupling ultrasonication with PDSE provides a bidirectional synergistic effect: ultrasonication reduces the PDSE electric power demand, while PDSE operation simultaneously decreases the power consumption of the ultrasonic generator. Among the investigated configurations, along with improved oil decomposition, Reactor V2 delivered the most pronounced energy benefits, achieving reductions in electrical power consumption of 33.5% for PDSE and 44.5% for the ultrasonic generator. These findings highlight the potential of continuous-flow ultrasound-assisted PDSE as an energy-efficient process intensification strategy for oilfield HPW treatment combined with hydrogen co-generation.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en19143440

Authors: Sergii Bespalko, Oleksii Halychyi, Justyna Markiewicz, Najah M. Al Mhanna, Marcin Siedlecki, Jerzy Mizeraczyk

Institutions: Centrum Badań i Innowacji Pro-Akademia, German University of Technology, Gdynia Maritime University

Language: English

Topic: Plasma Applications and Diagnostics

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137