Petroleum and Chemical Engineering
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Research Title

Investigator(s)

Budget

(OMR)

Funded by

Enhanced CO2 absorption in microchannels

 

Prof. Farouq S. Mjalli

 

3500

SQU

Polymer EOR in PDO-Phase III

 

Prof. Rashid S. Al-Maamari

 

133165

PDO

Predicting Thermophysical Properties of Ionic Liquid Mixtures Using Machine Learning

 

Prof. G. Reza Vakili-Nezhaad (PI) and Dr. Morteza Mohammadzaheri

 

3500

SQU

1

Project Title

Intensified Microtechnology-based Carbon Dioxide Capture Using Environmentally Friendly Solvents

Investigator(s)

Prof. Farouk S. Mjalli,
Dr. Jamil Murshid
Dr. Ghulam Murshid,

Funded By:

SQU

Budget (RO):

3500

Project Description:

This research proposal attempts to introduce a CO2 Capture method using novel DESs by developing a microchannel-based absorption strategy and optimizing the process operating parameters.  The development of efficient and eco-friendly technology to capture CO2 will offer a great contribution to the oil and gas industry in Oman

2

Project Title

Efficient and cost-effective treatment of oilfield produced water by integrating advanced oxidation processes and adsorption

 

Investigator(s)

Dr.Muhammad Usman (PI)

Dr. Mohammed Al Abri

 

Funded By:

SQU-UQ (IRCC)

Budget (RO):

28,300

Project Description:

 

3

Project Title

Fabrication and utilization of zero-dimensional nanostructure modified electrodes for capacitive deionization system for future desalination

 

 

Investigator(s)

Dr. Mohammed Al Abri (PI) Dr. Htet Htet Kyaw

Dr. Myo Tay Zar Myint

 

Funded By:

Omantel

Budget (RO):

10,000

Project Description:

The overall aim of this project is to implement a simple, cost effective and energy efficient brackish water desalination system by using nanotechnology based capacitive deionization. In this project, zero dimensional nanostructure zinc stannate will be utilized to modify activated carbon electrode (ACC). These modified electrodes will be used in CDI system for water desalination and treatment process.

4

Project Title

Solar-powered hybrid CDI-photocatalysis groundwater desalination system

 

Investigator(s)

Dr. Mohammed Al Abri (PI)

Dr. Myo Tay Zar Myint

Dr. Htet Htet Kyaw

 

Funded By:

TRC

Budget (RO):

20,000

Project Description:

The overall aim of this project is to implement a simple, cost effective and energy efficient brackish water desalination system by using a nanotechnology based hybrid system. The hybrid system consists of capacitive deionization desalination coupled with photocatalytic disinfection. The capacitive deionization desalination system will desalinate the brackish water followed by further disinfection using a nanocatalyst and solar light.

5

Project Title

Experimental Investigation of using Nanoparticles to Enhance Oil Recovery

 

Investigator(s)

Dr. Sanket J. Joshi (PI)

Dr. Mohammed Al Abri

 

Funded By:

Omantel

Budget (RO):

10,000

Project Description:

 

6

Project Title

Use of iron-based nanocomposites to develop an efficient immobilization technology for contaminated soils

 

Investigator(s)

Dr. Muhammad Usman (PI) Dr. Mohammed Al Abri

 

Funded By:

Omantel

Budget (RO):

10,000

Project Description:

 

7

Project Title

Oil Field development under uncertainty quantification of reservoir data

 

Investigator(s)

Dr. Alireza kazemi (PI)
Prof. Rashid Al Maamari

 

Funded By:

SQU

Budget (RO):

3,000

Project Description:

One of the important steps in field development plans is the study of EOR methods. Suitability of any EOR method is affected by the various uncertainties. Therefore, applicability and economic analysis of each EOR method should be studied under different sources of uncertainty (geological, economical, and surface facility). This can be done by quantifying uncertainty from different sources. In the following research, it is tried to review the most recent techniques used to quantify the uncertainties in the geologic models, surface facility and oil prices.

1

Project Title

Prevention of biofouling by low toxic ZnO nanocomposite coatings

Investigator(s)

Dr. Sergey Dobretsov (PI)

Dr. Mohammed Al-Abri

Funded By:

Omantel

Budget (RO):

30,000

Project Description:

This project investigates fouling of materials by ZnO coating

 

2

Project Title

Green Conversion of Municipal solid waste into industrial gas

 

Investigator(s)

Dr. Siva Kumar (PI)

Dr. Ala Al-Muhtaseb

Funded By:

Beah

Budget (RO):

46,000

Project Description:

This project investigates the compositional analysis of municipal solid waste and establishing technology for the conversion of waste to value added products

3

Project Title

Sustainable Produced Water Treatment Using Micellar-Enhanced Ultrafiltration

 

Investigator(s)

Dr. Belal Abu Tarboush (PI) Prof. Farouk S. Mjalli

Funded By:

SQU

Budget (RO):

5,700

Project Description:

This project investigates the use of ultrafiltration membrane to treat produced wastewater from oil and gas industry.

1

Project Title

Utilizing Methanol Fuel for Electricity Generation in Oman: Application to Rural Areas and Remote Locations

Investigator(s)

Dr. Amer Al-Hinai (PI)

Dr. Ala'a Al-Muhtaseb

Funded By:

Salalah Methanol

Budget (RO):

105,000

Project Description:

The main objective of this proposal is to evaluate the utilization of methanol fuel for electricity generation especially in rural areas and remote locations in the oil and gas industry. This proposal promotes the following advantages:

  1. Maximize the benefits and bring added value to the locally produced methanol.
  2. Contribute to fulfill the country’s commitment to reducing CO2 emission, promoting methanol fuel instead of conventional diesel particularly in remote areas.

Utilize methanol or its derivatives namely dimethyl ether or dimethyl carbonate as a diesel additive for electricity generation.

2

Project Title

Treatment of Spent Caustic Using Nanomaterials Functionalized with Ionic Liquids

 

Investigator(s)

Prof. Talib Ibrahim (PI)

Prof. Farouq Mjalli

Prof. Nabil Jabbar

Funded By:

AUS

Budget (RO):

130,000

Project Description:

In this project, we propose to modify the surface of nanomaterials such as multiwall carbon nanotubes and graphene with ionic liquids (Nanomaterials supported ionic liquid phase (NMSILP)).  The modified new materials will be utilized as adsorbents for phenols removal from spent caustic. These newly proposed modified nanomaterials represent simple, high potential and environmental friendly alternative to the conventional treatment technologies with good regeneration ability.

3

Project Title

Water Treatment Using Novel Green Solvents

 

Investigator(s)

Dr. Enas Nahsef (PI)

Prof. Maaike Kroon

Prof. Shadi Hasan

Prof. Vincent Chan

Prof. Farouq Mjalli

Funded By:

Khalifah University

Budget (RO):

40,410

Project Description:

The main objectives of this project are as follows: 1- Pre-treatment of saline water to be used for distillation using ILs and DESs to decrease the concentration of the main salts in the feed. 2- Treatment of industrial wastewater contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons using ILs and DESs using liquid-liquid extraction. 3- Extraction of selected heavy metals from water using ILs and DESs. 4- Optimization of the parameters of extraction using semi pilot-plant extraction column. 5- Simulation of the three processes using ASPEN PLUS and comparing the results to that of conventional processes used in industry.

4

Project Title

Carbon based nanomaterials from locally available waste hydrocarbon precursors

 

Investigator(s)

Prof. Farouk S. Mjalli (PI)

Dr. Mohammad Al-Saadi

Funded By:

Sultan Qaboos University

Budget (RO):

5,773

Project Description:

In this research proposal, the focus is to modify a custom-made CVD reactor to produce carbon nano-materials in a cost-effective approach. To address this serious issue, and contribute in improving an economically practical CNM production technology, this research proposes using activated carbon derived from local biomass as a basis for the production of CNMs. The produced CNMs will be characterized and validated against commercially available alternatives.

5

Project Title

Conversion of Heavy Naphtha to Environmentally Friendly Gasoline: Kinetics and Reactor Design

Investigator(s)

Dr. Muhammad R Usman (PI)

Dr. Ghulam Murshid

Funded By:

Sultan Qaboos University

Budget (RO):

3,000

Project Description:

Experimental data of n-heptane hydroisomerization over numerous catalysts is to kinetically modeled to find out the reaction mechanism and the appropriate rate equation suitable for designing an isomerization reactor. Mathematical equations of reactor modeling are to be developed and applied in the design of the isomerization reactor.

6

Project Title

Energy Storage Material for Water Temperature Control and Desalination

 

Investigator(s)

Dr. Hasan Abdellatif (PI)

Dr. Omar Hoache

Dr. Jamil Naser

Funded By:

Sultan Qaboos University

Budget (RO):

2,800

Project Description:

Water scarcity in several parts of the world is a matter of concern for human beings. Solar still have become popular in the recent past to serve this purpose. Solar stills are capable of producing fresh water during day hours and the production becomes zero after sunset. Storing energy during day time and releasing it after sunset by using energy storage material (ESM) will ensure fresh water production continuity after sunset. Moreover using ESM may control the temperature of the water by not allowing its temperature to go above the ESM melting point. In this study water desalination involving ESM will be theoretically and experimentally investigated. The effect of various parameters such as the type of ESM through its melting point, its quantity, feed-water flow rate, and solar irradiation on the productivity of the unit expressed as the amount of fresh water produced per day will be also tested experimentally and theoretically.

7

Project Title

SARA Fractionation of Heavy Dead Oils

 

Investigator(s)

Dr. Khashayar Nasrifar (PI)

Dr. Ghulam Murshid

Funded By:

Sultan Qaboos University

Budget (RO):

2,900

Project Description:

In this project, saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltene fractions of two Omani heavy oils are characterized using liquid chromatography.

8

Project Title

Optimization of Polymer Molecular Weight for Medium and Low-Permeability Reservoirs

 

Investigator(s)

Prof. Rashid S. Al-Maamari

Funded By:

Polymer Experts LLC

Budget (RO):

38,461

Project Description:

This is an R&D project between Polymer Experts and SQU focusing on selecting polymers with right characteristics for these conditions. Main parameter in comprehensive polymer R&D program to be selected for given field conditions is the molecular weight.

Sr. No.

Research Title

Principal
Investigator(s)

Budget

(RO)

Funded By

1

Polymer EOR in PDO- Phase II (PDO)

Prof. Rashid Al-Maamari

166,000

PDO

2

Modification of the Extended Spiegler – Kedem Model for Simulation of Multiple Solute System in Nano filtration- Based Water Desalination Process

Prof. Gholamreza Vakili-Nejad (PI)
Dr. Hasan Abdellatif Hasan

8,000

National Research Foundation

3

High Flux NF/UF Antifouling membranes for Application in Industrial Wastewater Purification

Dr. Mohammed Al-Abri

8,000

PDO

4

Energy Storage Material for Water Temperature Control and Desalination

Dr. Hasan Abdellatif Hasan (PI)
Dr. Jamil Naser

5,000

SQU

5

In search of high performance anode materials for Mg batteries: ab-initio study

Prof. Gholamreza Vakili-Nejad (PI)
Dr. Ashish Gujarathi

9,000

SQU

6

Catalytic and Hydrocracking of Waste Plastic to High Quality Liquid Fuels

Dr. Muhammad Rashid Usman (PI)
Dr. Rashid Al-Hajri

7,500

SQU

7

Synthesis of novel green solvents for CO2 capture.

Dr. Ghulam Murshid (PI)
Dr. Jamil Naser

3,000

SQU

8

Carbon based nano-materials from locally available waste hydrocarbon precursors

Prof. Farouq Mjalli (PI)
Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Hashmi

5,900

SQU

 

 

Sr. No.

Research Title

Principal
Investigator(s)

Budget

(RO)

Funded By

1

Elimination of Polutted Brine well-recharge using solar-powered zero-liquid discharge brackish water desalination in Oman

Dr. Mohammed Al-Abri

700

SQU

2

Carbon Dioxide Capture Using Environmentally Friendly Solvents

Dr. Jamil Nasir

5,500

SQU

3

Optimization of Process Design Problems Using Evolutionary Algorithms

Dr. Ghulam Murshid

7,125

SQU

4

Analysis of Solids from Nimlr Export Pumps

Dr. Mohammed Al-Abri

75,000

PDO

 

 

Sr. No.

Research Title

Principal
Investigator(s)

Budget

(RO)

Funded By

1

Eutectic Solvents for the Separation of Aromatic and Aliphatic Compounds

Dr. Farouq Mjalli

8,300

SQU

2

Experimental and Theoretical Studies on the Viscosity of Nanofluids

Dr. Majid Al-Wadhahi

6,450

SQU

3

Investigation of Carbon Dioxide Absorption Characteristics in Amino Acid activated Solutions of Potassium Carbonate

Dr. Ghulam Murshid

7,125

SQU

4

Deep Desulfurization of Liquid Fuel in Microchannels using Deep Eutectic Solvents

Dr. Farouq Mjalli

15,000

SQU/UAE University

5

Thermobaric Chemical Lab Test for Well Stimulation and Enhancement

Dr. Rashid Al-Hajri

16,000

PDO

6

Coreflooding Study on BJ and SDDN fields

Prof. Rashid Al-Maamari

102,098

PDO

 

 

Sr. No.

Research Title

Principal
Investigator(s)

Budget

(RO)

Funded By

1

Colloidal Dispersion Gel- A new conformance control method for Omani Fields

Prof. Rashid Al-Maamari

78,987

Petroleum Development Oman

2

Density Prediction Hydrocarbons Using Ultrasonic Measurements and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Dr. Gholamreza Vakili- Nezhaad

5,000

SQU

3

Solar Desalination and Hot Water Production Using A Falling Film Enhanced by Counter Current Air Flow

Dr. Hasan Abdellatif Hasan

7,000

SQU

4

Application of Fast Reservoir Simulation Methods to Optimize Oil Production

Dr. Peyman Pourafshary

7,000

SQU

5

MOVIS Technology: Heavy Oil Upgrading and Enhancing Oil Recovery

Dr. Rashid Al-Hajri

3,952

Gulf Investment Services LLC (GIS)

6

Mechanistic Study of Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer EOR

Dr. Yahya Al-Wahaibi

88,190

Petroleum Development Oman

 

 

Sr. No.

Research Title

Principal Investigator(s)

Budget (RO)

Funded By

1

Development and Evaluation of New Polymers for Chemical EOR for Oman Reservoir Conditions

Prof. Rashid Al- Maamari

104,220

SNF S.A.S

2

Study on Oily Waste Treatment in
Oman

Prof. Rashid Al-Maamari

186,960

Japan Cooperation Center, Petroleum (JCCP)

3

Technical Evaluation of different Production Chemicals

Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Hashmi

18,000

HAYA

4

Biofuels production from renewable resources in Oman based on abio-refinery concept

Dr. Ala'a Al-Muhtaseb

287, 000

TRC

5

Simulation and Optimization of process Design Decision in Chemical Industry using Evolutionary Algorithms

Dr. Ashish M. Gujrathi

8,640

SQU

6

Technical Support to improve SWRO/BWRO SQU

Dr. Mohammed Al-Abri

10,000

ORPIC

7

Catalytic Production of Bio-derived Chemicals

Dr. Rashid Al-Hajri

7,500

SQU

8

Daleel Stimulation Practices Evaluation and Possible Formation Damage

Dr. Yahya Al-Wahaibi

8,000

Daleel Petroleum

9

Low Salinity Water Flooding towards Improving Oil Recovery

Dr. Yahya Al-Wahaibi

32,000

Daleel Petroleum

Sr. No.

Research Title

Principal
Investigator(s)

Budget

(RO)

Funded By

1

Treatment and Utilization of Oman Oilfield Water, Phase II - Extension

Prof. Rashid Al-Maamari

185,414

Japan Cooperation Center, Petroleum (JCCP)

2

Investigation of Oily Waste Treatment
and Oil Recovery in Sultanate of Oman

Prof. Rashid Al-Maamari

65,196

Japan Cooperation Center, Petroleum (JCCP)

3

New Technology in Sludge Dewatering (Electrokinetic Dewatering

Dr. Ala'a Al-Muhtaseb

6,550

SQU

4

Supercritical Water Gasification of Biowastes (Sewage Sludges)

Dr. Farouk Mjalli

8,200

SQU

5

CO2-Oil Minimum Miscibility Pressure Estimation for the Omani Oils

Dr. Gholamreza Vakili-Nejad

201,400

TRC

6

Acid Stimulation Study on Safa Field - Oman

Dr. Hamoud Al-Hadrami

9,500

OXY - Safa

7

Investigating Thermally Assisted Gas-Oil-Gravity Drainage Process in Heavy-Oil Fractured Carbonate Reservoirs –Phase I

Dr. Majid Al Wadhahi

83,912

Petroleum Development Oman

8

Development of UF and NF membranes

Dr. Mohammed Al-Abri

9,100

SQU

9

Experimental Investigation of a New Adsorbent for Mercury Removal from an Omani Natural Gas Field

Dr. Omar Houache

409,914

Japan Cooperation Center, Petroleum (JCCP)

10

Multiphase Flow Improvement and Demulsification of Oilfield Emulsions

Dr. Yahya Al-Wahaibi

63,840

SNF

Sr. No.

Research Title

Principal
Investigator(s)

Budget

(RO)

Funded By

1

Design of Chemical IOR in Oman Fields (Phase II)

Prof. Rashid Al-Maamari

674,900

Petroleum Development Oman

2

Green Solvents for Desulfurization of diesel and Fuel Oils

Dr. Farouk Mjalli

180,500

SQU

3

Potential of using Chemicals and/or Biosurfactant to Enhance Oil Recovery in Oxy Heavy Oil Field

Dr. Hamoud AL-Hadrami

2,500

OXY - Mukhaizena

4

Stimulation Study using Well Flow Chemicals

Dr. Hamoud Al-Hadrami

10,260

WELL FLOW Company

5

Tibr -1 Water Flooding Formation Damage

Dr. Hamoud Al-Hadrami

10,260

Petroleum Development Oman

6

Potential of using chemical surfactant and/or biosurfactant to enhance oil recovery in Occidental heavy oil field

Dr. Hamoud Al-Hadrami

22,230

Occidental Oman

7

A Novel use of Drag Reducing Polymers as Flow pattern Modifiers in Oil/Water/Flow

Dr. Talal AL-Wahaibi

133,500

SQU

Sr. No.

Research Title

Principal Investigator(s)

Budget

(RO)

Funded By

1

Treatment and Utilization of Oman Oilfield Water, Phase II

 

Prof. Rashid Al-Maamari

624,757

Japan Cooperation Center, Petroleum (JCCP)

2

Study of Asphaltene Precipitation from Omani Crude Oils Using SARA Analysis and Modeling

Dr. Abdulaziz AL Hashmi

3,950

SQU

3

Comparison of Structural Packing performance with sieve type trays columns in Gas Industries

Dr. Farouq Mjalli

3,575

SQU

4

Wellbore Damage (skin) Measurements for Occidental Mukhaizna Plugs

Dr. Hamoud Al-Hadrami

17,339

Occidental Oil & Gas Mukaizna, Oman

 

5

Acid stimulation study on Safa oil field of Occidental Oman

Dr. Hamoud Al-Hadrami

9,485

Occidental Oman

– Safa

6

Formation Damage control & mitigation Services for MEDCO

Dr. Hamoud Al-Hadrami

50,388

MEDCO
LLC

7

KCL Formation Damage Study

Dr. Hamoud Al-Hadrami

6,838

Oman Oil Company, Exploration & Production L.L.C.

8

Formation Damage Services

Dr. Hamoud Al-Hadrami

68,480

Petroleum Development Oman

9

In-situ analytic upgrading of Omani Heavy crude oil during steam injection

Dr. Rashid Al-Hajri

152,000

TRC

10

Predictive Model to Predict Oil-Water Flow Characteristics with Polymers

Dr. Talal AL Wahaibi

3,800

SQU

11

A novel use of drag reducing polymers as flow pattern modifiers in Oil/Water Flow

Dr. Talal Al-Wahaibi

128,440

TRC

12

Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Pressure drop and Hold-up During Dual Continuous Oil-Water Flows

Dr. Yahya AL Wahaibi

3,950

SQU