Cryogenic Comminution of Subsea Cables and Flowlines: A Pathway for Circular Recycling of End-of-Life Offshore Infrastructure

Sustainability, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 15(21), С. 15651 - 15651

Опубликована: Ноя. 6, 2023

Hundreds of thousands kilometers communication and power (umbilical) cables flowlines lie undersea worldwide. Most these offshore have reached or will soon be nearing the end their service life, prompting need for a viable recycling approach to recover some valuable material, e.g., copper. However, separation into constituent materials has proven very challenging due highly robust design composite (and flowlines) withstand conditions tough external plastic sheaths that protect against seawater corrosion. This study aims at promoting sustainable practices in energy sector. Here, we summarize findings cryogenic comminution subsea an effective recovery component materials. Heat transfer analyses complex multilayer umbilicals were conducted evaluate time required structures reach respective critical brittle-transition temperatures. Subsequently, was used as guide crush flowline umbilical under conditions. The results show temperature after approximately 1000s (i.e., 17 min) submergence liquid nitrogen (LN). Comminution temperatures near relatively efficient compared room-temperature processing. present evaluation heat lab-scale crushing afford accurate process modelling pilot decommissioned flowlines, enabling can provide new stream waste-to-wealth economy.

Язык: Английский

---

A quantitative method for evaluating ecological risks associated with long-term degradation of deep-sea plastic-containing infrastructure

The APPEA Journal, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 62(1), С. 141 - 158

Опубликована: Май 12, 2022

Presented herein is a newly developed quantitative approach for assessing potential ecological risk resulting from long-term degradation of deep-sea plastic-containing infrastructure. The characterisation involves four iterations modelled ‘risk’ through forward or backward calculation deterministic hazard quotient, mathematically defined as the ratio estimated exposure to reference dose (or concentration) similar period. assessment focuses on direct effects microplastics exposure, wherein concentrations are based estimates microplastic mass formation structure deterioration over time. Predicted no effect (PNECs) protective slightly-to-moderately disturbed ecosystems and high conservation value were determined species sensitivity distribution (SSD), in accordance with current Australian New Zealand Guidelines Fresh Marine Water Quality. Each iteration performed irrespective burial, varying unit dimensions (i.e. geographically localised broader regions dispersal) degrees plastic degradation, designed conservatively bound characterisation. Additionally, two SSDs derived different ecotoxicological data sets prioritising either particle shape marine also provided analysis PNEC. Thus, bounding exercise encompasses all possible outcomes. reviewed case study larger flowline assets an oil production field offshore Australia. outcome same model iterations: subsea flowlines does not pose local community.

Язык: Английский

---

Cryogenic Comminution of Subsea Cables and Flowlines: A Pathway for Circular Recycling of End-of-Life Offshore Infrastructure

Опубликована: Сен. 22, 2023

Hundreds of thousands kilometers communication and power (umbilical) cables flowlines lie undersea worldwide. Most these offshore have reached or will soon be nearing the end their service life, necessitating need for a viable recycling approach to recover some valuable material, e.g., copper. However, separation into constituent materials has proven very challenging due highly robust design composite (and flowlines) withstand conditions tough external plastic sheaths that protect against seawater corrosion. Here, we summarize findings cryogenic comminution subsea an effective recovery component materials. Heat transfer analyses complex multilayer umbilicals were conducted evaluate time required structures reach respective critical brittle-transition temperatures. Subsequently, was used as guide crush flowline umbilical under conditions. The results show temperature after approximately 1000s (i.e., 17 min) submergence in liquid nitrogen (LN). Comminution at temperatures near relatively efficient compared room-temperature processing. present evaluation heat lab-scale crushing afford accurate process modelling pilot decommissioned LN-doped atmosphere.

Язык: Английский

---

Managing biological, economic and social trade-offs in the Australian Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery

Marine and Freshwater Research, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 74(16), С. 1355 - 1369

Опубликована: Ноя. 8, 2023

Context Maximum sustainable yield and maximum economic are often advocated as desirable biological objectives for fisheries management, the analysis of trade-offs associated is absent from scientific advice. Aims This work aims to demonstrate an operational approach comparing not only biological, objectives, but also social in this case maintaining affordable fish prices Australian public. Methods We use a simulation model multi-species, Southern Eastern Scalefish Shark Fishery, characterised by technical interactions among harvested stocks, apply eco-viability identify catch limits on two key species fishery (tiger flathead pink ling). Key results Several highlighted related distribution benefits vessel owners, fishing crews consumers. Maximising returns which current management objective fishery, correspondingly reduces providing employment raises consumer prices. Conclusions profits comes at cost crew members Implications Analysing with helps inform decisions regarding fully accounting different dimensions sustainability.

Язык: Английский

---

Phytomanagement of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and heavy metal contaminated sites in Assam, North Eastern India, for boosting the bioeconomy

Elsevier eBooks, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown, С. 705 - 729

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2024

Язык: Английский

---