ifpen activity report 2011_va_part1 5 priorities for the future

8/22/2019 IFPEN Activity Report 2011_VA_Part1 5 Priorities for the Future

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12011 activity report

5 PRIORITIESFOR THE FUTURE

To successully engineer a smooth energy transition taking

up the triple challenge posed by climate, energy and water:that is IFP Energies nouvelles’ ambition.

The objectives and performance contract signed w ith the State for theperiod 2011-2015 redefined the broad lines of its action and extended the scope

of its activities. Five new complementary and inextricably-linked strategicpriorities now guide its research.

Renewable energiesProducing fuels, chemical intermediates and energy from renewable sources

Eco-friendly productionProducing energy while mitigating the environmental footprint

Innovative transport Developing fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly transport

Eco-efficient processesProducing environmentally-friendly fuels and chemical intermediates

from fossil resources

Sustainable resourcesProviding environmentally-friendly technologies and pushing back

the current boundaries of oil and gas reserves

p.18 •RENEWABLE ENERGIES / p.24 •ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTION / p.30 • INNOVATIVE TRANSPORT /

p.36 •ECO-EFFICIENT PROCESSES / p.42 •SUSTAINABLE RESOURCES



18IFP Energies nouvelles

PRODUCING FUELS FROM BIOMASS

RenewableenergiesThe use o renewable energies addresses a dual objective: to tackle

climate change resulting rom CO2 emissions and to reduce energy

reliance on oil, particularly in the transport sector. However, many scientifcand technological obstacles need to be overcome to develop production technologies.

The research conducted by IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) concerns

the production o uels and chemical intermediates rom biomass, as well as

the use o marine energies.

P

lant biomass is a major energysource. A distinction is made

between lignocellulosic biomass(wood, straw, green waste, etc.),biomass with a high sugar and

starch content (beetroot, sugar cane, wheat,maize, etc.) and oleaginous biomass (rapeseed,

soya, sunflower, etc.). Different treatments areused to convert these various types of biomassinto biofuels.

The biofuels of today…

A 1st -generation of biofuels is currently avail-

able in gas stations, mixed with gasoline anddiesel in variable proportions. These comprisetwo main families: biodiesel, intended for dieselengines and produced using oil-containing plants(rapeseed, sunflower, soya, palm), and ethanol,alcohol produced by fermentation of the sugaror starch contained in plant biomass, used forgasoline engines.

Amandine Cabiac , Catalysis and Separation Division

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‘‘ In order to find a substitute for fossil raw

materials, IFPEN is also studying theconversion of biomass into biobased

chemical products.”




Fungi cult ivated in bio reactors to p roduce

enzymes that will transformcellulose into glucose.

7%the maximum level or theincorporation o biouels

into diesel currently set by European standards.

Biomass torrefaction p ilot uni tat IFPEN-Lyon.

IFPEN has been a pioneer in the development of these 1st -generation biofuels. For example, it developed the Esterfip-HTM process with Axens,which is marketing it. It is used to produce biodiesel.

IFPEN is also working on the hydrogenationof vegetable oils (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil orHVO). The fuels produced using this technology

offer excellent qualities for diesel engines: highcetane number, absence of sulfur and aromatichydrocarbons, adjustable cold properties. Thisprocess was brought to market by Axens in 2011under the VeganTM brand. It can also be used toproduce a base for kerosene that can be incor-porated at a proportion of up to 50%.

2 nd -generation biofuels produced

from lign ocell ulos ic bi omas s

2nd-generation biofuels are produced by process-ing the whole plant, particularly its lignocellulose,the main component of plant cell walls. Theresource is available in large quantities in a vari-

ety of forms: wood, straw, hay, forestry waste,etc. One of the main strengths is that it does not compete with food uses. 2 nd-generation pro-cesses aim to produce fuels that can be used withgasoline, diesel and kerosene. Two main processesare being studied: biochemical conversion andthermochemical conversion.

Biochemical conversion is used to convert biomass into ethanol. IFPEN is working on thedevelopment of new processes for each of thestages involved in the technology: pretreatment

to release the complex sugars, enzymatic hydro-lysis to convert the complex sugars into simple,readily fermentable sugars, fermentation usingmicroorganisms (yeasts) to convert the simplesugars into ethanol and, last of all, separation viaan initial distillation step and a final dehydrationstep, to achieve the purity specifications required

of ethanol for use as a fuel.IFPEN’s expertise is applied to the Futurol

demonstrator project. The objective of the Futurolproject, launched in 2008, is to develop a com-plete chain for the production of 2nd-generation

R E N E WA B L E E N E R G I E S




What are biocatalysts

used for?

Frédéric Monot: Catalysts are compounds

that accelerate a chemical reaction. Biological

reactions are catalyzed by enzymes. If we

want to produce a series of several different

biological reactions, whole cells can be used

and, in particular, microorganisms. So the

term biocatalyst covers both enzymes and

microorganisms.

The interest of bioconversion compared to

conventional organic synthesis lies in the use

of processes that are often more selective

and less polluting (gentle conditions, limited

use of organic solvents). For example,

in the production of 2nd-generation

ethanol fuel from lignocellulosic biomass,

biocatalysts are used in the form of enzymes

(cellulases) to convert cellulose into glucose,

and in the form of yeasts to convert this sugar

into ethanol.

What skills are required?

F. M.: One of the major challenges in

2nd-generation ethanol production

processes is the need to improve the

performance of biocatalysts, both in

terms of the cellulases themselves and

the microorganisms producing them.

To do this, in addition to our microbiology

expertise, we also draw on our expertisein the fields of molecular biology and

geneti cs to imp rove the per formance of

our biocatalysts in terms of activity and

stability. Fermentation methods also play a

role in the optimization of microorganism

“cultivation” in industrial conditions, along

with chemical engineering expertise for

scaling-up.

How is IFPE N pos iti oned in t his fie ld?

F. M.: Our earliest research aimed at developing

an enzymatic production process and selecting

microorganisms dates back to the 1980s,

when IFPEN began to focus its attention on

2nd-generation biofuels. So our expertise is not

recent. At the time, we had selected a

Trichoderma reesei strain, a filamentous fungus

that produces large quantities of cellulases.

Today, we have fully mastered genetic

improvement methods and are rapidly improvingour understanding of the physiology of this

fungus, thanks to a global systemic biology

approach. But over and above this knowledge,

the specific characteristic of our R &D resides in

an approach that incorporates process-related

criteria right from the very first selection/

improvement steps. Another aspect that sets

us apart is our multidisciplinary approach,

combining, in the present case, IFPEN’s expertise

in process engineering, applied mathematics and

modeling.

What are the main projects in which

these skills are being put to use? F. M.: As par t of the E uropean Ni le project ,

coordinated by IFPEN and completed in 2010, we

explored original processes to improve cellulases

and yeasts.

In the Futurol project, which aims to bring to

market an industrial process for the productionof cellulosic ethanol by 2016, we are working

on the stage for the conversion of cellulose into

glucose and, mo re specifi cally, on in creasing the

production of enzymes by microorganisms and

optimization of their use.

We are also developing biocatalysts for

the conversion of biomass into chemical

intermediates.

Frédéric Monot, Head of the Biotechnology Department at IFPEN

q u e s t i o n s t o

. . .

WHAT THE EXPERTS HAVE TO SAY

BiocatalystsBIOTECHNOLOGIES Biocatalysts are the ideal tools for performingchemical reactions in conditions compatible with the protectionof the environment. IFPEN’s expertise in biotechnologiesand microbial genetics make it a key player in this field.

BIOFUEL

LIGNOCELLULOSICBIOMASS

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY/GENETIC

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL

PRETREATMENT

ENZYME PRODUCTION

Fungi

ETHANOL

GLUCOSE

MICROBIOLOGY

LIGNINCELLULOSE

HEMICELLULOSE

DISTILLATION

FERMENTATION

Yeasts

ENZYMATIC

HYDRO LYSIS

Enzymes

Biocatalysed-production

of fuel ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass.

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bioethanol from whole plants by 2016. Theultimate goal is to bring to market a process,

technologies and products that have been opti-mized in terms of their energy efficiency, for theproduction of bioethanol in line with sustainabledevelopment principles. A major step forwardwas taken in 2011, with the commissioning of apilot plant. The various technological hurdles stillto be overcome mainly concern biomass pre-treatment, enzyme production and by-product recovery. IFPEN is a major contributor to Futurol,to which it brings its expertise in the fields of pro-cess development, biotechnologies and technical/economic and lifecycle analysis.

The second biomass conversion process beingstudied by IFPEN is the thermochemical one, orBtL . The process involves the packaging andgasification of biomass and the purification of the synthetic gas produced, followed by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to convert the gas into veryhigh quality diesel and bi okerosene. The BioTfueLdemonstration project, launched in 2010, incor-porates all these steps. Funded by Ademe (FrenchEnvironment and Energy Management Agency)

via the research demonstrator fund as well as thePicardy region, the BioTfueL project should makeit possible to test, validate and optimize the tech-nologies for the development of a biodiesel andbiokerosene production chain by 2017. It bringstogether a consortium of six partners who havedecided to launch the construction of two pilot

units before moving on to industrial-scale produc-tion in 2020.

The case of biokerosene is a very specificone. Its composition must comply with verystrict international standards and requirements,met by kerosene produced using BtL technologyand the HVO process. These specific guaranteesconcern the availability of biokerosene in largequantities, as well as its capacity to withstand

marked changes in temperature (from –60 oCat altitude to +50 oC on the tarmac) and pres-sure without any deterioration. The ASTM hasalready approved the possibility of using this bio-kerosene blended with fossil kerosene, hence theimportance of the concept of alternative drop-infuel that can be incorporated in any proportionsin a standard aircraft engine without disruptingthe properties of the fuel. The European Com-munity, along with industrial players, set the target of producing 2 Mt of biokerosene by 2020. For

the time being, a few flights have already beenmade using kerosene blends and alternative fuels.

Finally, in addition to biochemical and ther-

mochemical processes, other more exploratory2nd-generation biofuel production options arealso being studied. These include the synthesisof superior alcohols from biomass using a biologi-cal process. The process involves the same stepsas the production of cellulosic ethanol.

Towards a 3 rd -generation produced

from alga e

The term 3rd-generation is used for biofuels that can be produced using autotrophic (operating

via photosynthesis) algal biomass, as opposed toa heterotrophic process (operating via the sup-ply of an external carbon, such as sugar). Somemicroalgae can accumulate the CO 2 produced byphotosynthesis as lipids, present in concentrationsof up to 30% of the dry substance.

A number of obstac les limit th e economic and

environmental viability of biofuel production frommicroalgae (production cost, energy consumption, yield , h arves tin g proced ures, CO2 content, etc.).

Biomass to Liquids.

Axens, CEA (French Alternative Energiesand Atomic Energy Commission), IFPEN, Sofiprotéol, ThyssenKrupp Uhde and Total.

American Society for Testing and Materials.

50%the maximum biouel

proportion that canbe incorporated into

ossil kerosene.

Study on b iofuel agi ng for the aviati on indust ry.

Each day there a reover 80,000 flights in the wo rld.





INAUGU RATION OF

THE FUTUROL PROJECT PILOT UNIT

In October 2011, the first pilot unit for the produ cti on o f 2 nd -generationbioethanol was inaugurated inPomacle-Bazancourt, in the Marneregion of France. It is expected toachieve a production capacity of

180,000 l/year. The purpose of this unit is to validate the resultsobtained in the laboratory on a pre-industrial scale. IFPEN has drawn onits experience in the construction and use of pilot units to play a major rolein the design of this unit. The nextthree years should make it possible todetermine the technological choicesto be made and move on to the

industrial stage.

FIN ALI ZING OF T HE DES IGN

OF THE TWO PILOT UNITS FOR

THE BIOTFUEL PROJECT

In 2011, IFPEN finalized the basic engineering, design and constructionof the torrefaction and gasificationunits of the two pilots for theBioTfueL project.

The biomass pretreatment part,with a torrefaction pilot unit, will bebuilt in 2013 at the Sofiprotéol sitein Venette (Oise region of France).The downstream pilot (gasification,

puri fica tio n an d sy nthe sis ) wi ll b econstructed at the Flanders sitebelonging to the Total Group near Dunkerque (Northern France).

GREEN KEROSENE PRODUC TION

DEMO NSTR ATION

PROJECT

In 2011, within the context of an Adem e ca ll for i nteres t, I FPEN helped put together and submit a

proje ct to de mons trate a co mple techain of processes for the productionof biokerosene.

The objective of this project is todevelop a chain for the productionof green kerosene by hydrotreating multiple lipid resources, based onthe VeganTM process. It also schedulesthe demonstration of the completechain, from oil and fat resources tothe use of the biokerosene produced on regular flights.

2011 highlights

WH AT O U R PA RTN E RS H AV E TO S AY. . .

CLOSE COLLABORATION FOR THE BENEFIT

OF BIOFUEL PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES

“ThyssenKrupp Uhde is working very closely with IFPEN as part of theBioTfueL project. Our experts take part in most working group meetings.Working together has also proved effective in R &D, as can be seen in ourwork in the field of biomass torrefaction, a pre-processing phase which takesplace before the Prenflo PDQ gasification process may begin. Teams fromIFPEN’s torrefaction pilot facility in Lyon and our gasification laboratory inEnnigerloh joined forces to define the most appropriate parameters. Thissuccessful partnership could lead to more collaborative projects in thefuture.”

Norbert Ullrich, Deputy Head of Product Development Department / Gas Technologies Division / ThyssenKrupp Uhde GmbH

The analyses performed in the context of partnerships have demonstrated that the energyand environmental performances are major issues,since, in order to ensure the economic viability of the process, it will be necessary to significantly

reduce the amount of energy consumed through-out the chain. It is apparent that a number of advances will be required in order to develop alarge-scale production process and reduce costs(currently estimated to be over $300 per barrel).

However, the producti on of high added-va lueproducts (omega 3, carotenoids, etc.) wouldappear to be more economically appropriatefor this option. In this context, the coproductionof oils for fuel uses may be an option, but themaximum volume produced will be necessarilymarginal relative to the demand for biofuels.

Asses sing the pe rfo rman ce of

proces ses

To assess their environmental performance– upon which their viability depends – the vari-ous biofuel production processes need to beexamined globally; i.e. by incorporating all thesteps composing them (“from well to wheel”).This is the purpose of the lifecycle assessmentsthat IFPEN specializes in. These methods havebecome a reference and are used, in particular, inthe definition of European and American policiesrelative to the sustainability of renewable energysectors. Previously often limited to the assessment of greenhouse gas performances, these assess-ments are now being developed to expand theirscope to include other environmental impacts(related to water resources, emissions of otherpollutants, etc.).

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TOWARDS PLANT-BASED CHEMISTRY

IFPEN is also studying the conversionof biomass into biosourced chemicalproducts. This involves substitutingfossil raw materials with biomass. Two

main targets are emerging: the substitu-tion of petrochemical intermediates (ethylene,propylene, butenes, etc.) and the generation of new intermediates (lactic, succinic, levulinic acids,

etc.). Chemical, catalytic and biological processesare all being considered to achieve this. Thiswill require, in particular, the development of processes, catalysts and biocatalysts adapted tobiomass treatment. In 2011, the development of an ethylene production process via dehydra-tion of ethanol continued, the objective being tobring this process to market in 2012.

Scientists now know how toconvert cellulose into monomers for renewable pl astics.

DEVELOPING MARINE ENERGIES

Marine energies are anothersource of renewable energies.

The French Grenelle marineenvironment round table high-lighted the need to implement

a proactive industrial policy in this area, theaim being to meet the targets set for France:23% renewable energies in total energy con-sumption by 2020, with a target contribution

for marine energies, incorporating offshore windenergy, of 3%.

IFPEN is committed to this objective, focus-ing its research on floating wind turbines. It isrelying on its expertise in areas such as offshoredrilling and production, automation, mechani-cal engineering, structural mechanics, f luidmechanics, physical chemistry of materials andcommand control: all skills that contributed toresearch programs launched in 2011. A softwarefor the simulation of the dynamic behavior of floating wind turbines has been developedusing the Deeplines code resulting from thepartnership with Principia in the field of fluid/

structure interactions. This tool allows IFPEN todesign, select and optimize new technologicalconcepts for floating wind turbines. IFPEN’sresearch is conducted within the context of an excellence network including industrial andacademic partners. In particular, this network includes the partners of Ancre and the FranceEnergies marines IEED. 6,000 MW

o oshore wind power installed is the target that France has set or itsel by 2020.

In Europ e, exi sting offshore wi nd power is mai nly l ocated in the Un ited Ki ngdom,

Denmar k and the Net herla nds.


French National Alliance for Energy ResearchCoordination.




Sandrine Decarre, App lie d M echa nic s D ivi sio n

CO2 CAPTURE, TRANSPORT AND STORAGE: AN INDUSTRY FOR THE FUTURE

IFP Energies nouvel les ( IFPEN) i spresent throughout the CO2 capture,transport and geological storage chain.Two fields of interest guide IFPEN’swork in the field of capture: reduc-

tion of emissions at source and capture onconcentrated sources.

Limi ting emis sion s at s ource

40% of the world’s natural gas reserves containacid gases, which include CO2 (along with hydro-gen sulfide – H2S – and other sulfur-containingcompounds). Capturing CO2 at natural gas produc-tion sites is therefore a way of limiting emissionsinto the atmosphere at an upstream stage.

Eco-riendlyproductionGlobal energy demand is increasing continuously, driven by demographic growth

and a steady rise in living standards, particularly in emerging countries. This energy is

still predominantly produced using ossil resources – oil, natural gas and coal – which

generate CO2 emissions and contribute to global warming. Reconciling economic development

with protection o the environment through the control o these emissions has thus become a matter

o urgency. CO2 capture and storage represent a very promising approach to achieving massive

reductions. In addition, industry uses water in numerous ways, particularly

or energy production or CO2 capture and storage. The eco-efcient management o water resources

is essential in order to reduce the water ootprint o industry.

5 PRIORITIES

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‘‘ Led by IFPEN, the European Cocate

program is studying the recovery of flue gases from small emitters with a view to

pooling CO 2 capture.”




Demixing solvents redu ce the costof postcombustion capture processes.

E C O - F R I E N D LY P R O D U C T I O N

In this area, IFPEN is working on the opti-mization of processes and the development of technologies for acid gas treatment, it being ne-cessary to separate acid gases from the natural gasin order to export the latter. Amines can be usedfor this purpose, as is the case in the AdvAmineTM process, marketed by Prosernat. Thanks to theSprex®CO2 process developed by Total in collabo-

ration with IFPEN, CO2 can be separated from verysour gas as a liquid, thus facilitating its reinjection.

Storage in a saline aquifer is then possible: thisis the case for the Sleipner site in the North Sea.CO2 can also be exported for enhanced oil and

gas recovery activities by injection into maturereservoirs.

Capturing CO 2 at concentrated

indus tria l so urces

IFPEN is exploring two technologies:Postcombustion capture processes: CO2

is captured from flue gases generated by thecombustion of fossil feedstocks. IFPEN’s work is

focusing on chemical solvents, which “wash” theflue gases and are regenerated by distillation. A first generation of solvents led to the HiCapt+process, which uses an MEA (Monoethanolamine)solvent at high concentrations, helping to enhancethe performance and reduce t he water footprint of this type of process. This process is currently

being optimized and validated. A variety of addi-tives are being tested to this end.

One of the advantages of this technology isthat it can be applied i n existing units, such as ther-mal power plants, provided their initial efficiencywithout capture is high enough (around 45%).However, the economic and energy penalty of such processes is still high. IFPEN is working on asecond generation of “demixing” solvents, whichrequire less regeneration energy and are therefore

more environmentally-friendly. Tests conducted in2010 on a minipilot have confirmed their poten-tial: the energy penalty could be reduced to2.1 gigajoules per ton of CO 2 captured, in com-parison to 3 gigajoules for the standard process,representing a saving of almost 30%.

In addition, to increase the efficiency of postcombustion capture processes, IFPEN isdeveloping new packings to be used in theabsorption columns. In particular, it is assessingthe potential of new metal structures for theconstruction of gas/liquid contactors.

Large indus trial un its prod ucean important percentage

of CO 2 emissions.

Almost

30 %this is the expected

energy penalty reductionthat should be achievedby using 2nd-generation

solvents IFPEN isworking on in the feld o postcombustion capture.




What does the fluidized bed pri nci ple consi st i n?

Florent Guillo u: When you want to trigger

a reaction between a fluid and a solid by

placing them in contact with one another,

there are several ways of proceeding.

Either the fluid is circulated on the solid

(for example, a bead catalyst that remains

fixed): in this case, the term “fixed bed” is

used. Or the solid is converted into a fluid

by suspending it in a gas, hence the term

“fluidized bed”. This makes it possible

to constantly renew the inventory, and

perform rapid reactions in which the solid

changes while still controlling heat transfers.

IFPEN has been using fluidized beds for

over 20 years for catalytic cracking refining

processes (FCC).

How is thi s exp ert ise appl ied to

Chemical Looping Combustion?

F. G.: Chemical Looping Combustion is a

new CO2 capture process. It consists in

burning a fossil feedstock in the presence

of pure oxygen. The latter is supplied by

a metal oxide, which captures the oxygen

from the air and then releases it again when

put in contact with the feedstock. The

principle adopted by IFPEN is the “circulating

fluidized bed” one. In the combustionreactor, the feedstock is gasified by steam in

a bubbling bed. Combustion produces flue

gas es cont ain ing pri mar ily CO2 and water,

which is condensed to capture the CO2.

As for the met al ox ide , a fter havi ng react ed

with the feedstock, it circulates to another

fluidized bed reactor where it is reoxidized

on contact with air.

How is IFPE N pos iti oned inthis field?

F. G.: Other research centers are also

working on CO2 capture by CLC, but their

research mainly applies to adaptation

of conventional power plants systems

to CLC unit systems. The added value

offered by IFPEN is that we are seeking

to offer an innovative combustion

process specifically adapted to CLC and

transposable to the thermal power plants

of the future and other industrial units. We

hope to be able to improve the performance

in terms of energy efficiency in order to

reduce the cost. To achieve this, we are

using digital simulation tools, which we

compare with experimental results. We

proceed by stages, differentiating between

hydraulic circulation phenomena and

reactive phenomena. First of all, we study

the circulation of fluids and solids in

a cold mock-up. We then move on to

the pilot unit stage, in order to validate

reaction models and engineering design

rules. It is t his extrapolation capacity that

is our strength.

In w hich proj ect s is IFPE N putti ng t his expe rti se to use?

F. G.: We have been working withTotal for four years in order to

demonstrate the feasibility of

CLC at the industrial scale. Our

10 kWth* pilot unit, located at our

Lyon site, has been operating with

a coal feedstock since 2011. We

have also constructed a 1 MWth

cold mock-up. We are designing

a 3 MWth pilot unit to validate the

concept’s feasibility. The next step will

take place towards 2020 and involves the

construction of a demonstrator with a

capacity of more than 50 MWth linked to a

CO2 storage or conversion site.


Fluidized bedsCAPTURE Initially used for conversion of oil products, the fluidized bedprinciple has been applied by IFPEN for a number of years in order to developnew thermal power plants designed for enabling the implemention of CO 2 capture using Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC) technology. The realchallenge is to optimize the energy efficiency of the process.

q u e s t i o n s t o . . .

Florent Guillou, Process Engineer at IFPEN

* Thermal kilowatts.

Chemical Looping Combustion for

carbon-free energy production.

WATER

CARBONDIOXIDE

SUPERCRITICALTRANSPORT

METAL

METAL

OXIDE

STORAGESITE

(geological, EOR,etc.)

OR

CONVERSION

UNIT(agriculture,chemistry, etc. )

Carbon dioxide separatio n by

condensation of water in flue gas streams

Carbondioxide

compression =only energy

penalty

FUEL REACTOR

HEAT

EXCHANGERS

NITROGEN+ OXYGEN

AIR

FUEL + STEAM(coal, natural gas,

fluid fuel, etc.)

HIGH TEMPERATURE

HEAT RECOVERY

(electricity, heat, etc.)

AIR REACTOR

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Oxycombustion capture processes: the fossilfeedstock is burned in the presence of pure oxy-

gen instead of air, which leads to the productionof water and CO2 primarily. Condensation of thewater then leads to flue gases with a very highCO2 concentration being obtained.

Though applicable for retrofitting existinginstallations, this technology is mainly beingconsidered for new facilities. Instead of produc-

ing oxygen by separating it from air, which is an

expensive process, another solution is to avoid theoxygen separation phase. To achieve this, IFPEN isstudying the Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC)process, in which the oxygen is supplied using a

metal oxide. This technology is being tested in a10 kWth pilot unit, in collaboration with Total, at the IFPEN site in Lyon. After successfull validationin 2010 of that process operated with gas as afeedstock, research teams mastered the processwith a coal feedstock in 2011. Initial results arevery promising, particularly in terms of the com-bustible fuel conversion rate.

Transport

Transport networks already exist since CO2 isused for enhanced oil recovery by injectioninto reservoirs, particularly in the United States.

CO2 is usually transported in supercritical state,i.e. at high temperature and pressure to maximizeits density. But compression requires expensivefacilities. It is for this reason that IFPEN is devel-

oping an alternative patented solution for the

compression of CO2 , which conta ins rel ated gases(O2 , N2), using a multiphase pump to transport it

to storage sites.

Geological storage

IFPEN is working on two storage solutions toensure the long-term sequestration of CO 2:mature or depleted oil and gas fields on onehand and deep saline aquifers on the other hand.

Its research is focusing on the selection andcharacterization of storage sites, risk analysis,optimization of CO2 injection and long-termmonitoring. To this end, IFPEN is developingmodeling and simulation software, monitoringtechniques based on seismic acquisition andsignal processing methods. It is also examiningthe interactions between porous media andsour fluids.

Demonstration projects are also under way:in the South of France, in Lacq, as part of a Totalinitiative, or within Ademe funded France Nord

project.

Indu stri al ch alle nges

The work carried out at IFPEN is contributing to theemergence of an industrial sector dedicated to CO2 capture, transport and storage. Hence, Geogreen,

a joint subsidiary with the BRGM and Géostock,proposes its expertise in project development and engineering in the field of CO2 transport and

geological storage to industry. In the longer term, it

will propose services for the operation, control and

MATERIALS ADAPTE D TO CLC Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC)

consists in supplying oxygen via a metal oxide alternately oxidized in air and reduced

by the combustible fuel, which is converted into water and CO 2 , e asi ly r ecove rable inthe absence of nitrogen. IFPEN has been

conducting research for several years aimed at identifying and developing new metal

oxides suitable for the CLC process. It drawson the methodology developed in the ANR fund ed CLCMat proje ct, with in which over

80 different materials were tested. Theresearch focuses on the development of a

material with a comparable performance tonickel oxides, but which is non-toxic, much

less expensive and with abundant and well distributed resources.

The CLC pilot unit at the IFPEN site in Lyon.

French National Research Agency.

French Interministerial Fund.

French Environment and Energy Management Agenc y.

Improvement of Industrial and Anthropic CO 2 Capture.

maintenance of injection sites and the post-closuremonitoring of storage sites.

In the field of CO2 capture, the 1st -generationHiCapt+ process (postcombustion) developed byIFPEN is c urrently in the process of being validated,in collaboration with the electrici ty company Enel.The results obtained at the Brindisi pilot unit in2011 have led to the optimization of the process.

At the same time , the legal framewo rk es sen-tial for industrial development is being graduallyimplemented. European Directive 2009/31/ECof 23 April 2009 “on the geological storage of carbon dioxide” has been transposed into Frenchlaw. IFPEN was involved in t he process of drafting

the national application decrees, particularly withrespect to storage safety.

The sector’s growth is nonetheless limited bythe cost of the process (around €70 per ton of CO2 avoided, almost 75% of which is for capturealone) and the absence of genuine incentives.Finally, social acceptance is also a key factor inthe success of these technologies.

Working together

The extent of the technological and economicchallenges that CO2 capture is facing makes it necessary to mutualize the efforts. As such,research institutions and industrial players are

working together within the context of joint projects on all scales.

In France, IFPEN is involved in a number of projects funded by the ANR , the FUI and

Ademe . The se inc lud e the Acac ia proj ect





WH AT O U R PA RTN E RS H AV E TO S AY. . .A LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP

“Petrobras and IFPEN have already been working together in the field of exploration-production for many years. Since June 2011, our partnershiphas been extended to include fluid-rock interactions applied to thereinjection of CO2 in reservoirs. As part of a new joint project, our teamsare studying the methodology for coupling flows with geochemical effects,along with CO2 behavior in the underground environment. In particular,the mineralogical modifications induced by its injection are analyzed usingCooresTM , modeling software developed by IFPEN.”

Priscilla Moczydlower, Fluid-Rock Interaction Manager / Research

and Development Center / Petrobras

* Thermal kilowatts. / ** Gas-Oil-water Separation Platform.

(ANR/FUI), labeled by the Axelera competi-tiveness cluster, which is studying innovativeCO2 capture processes; the Gascogne project,dedicated to the development of contactors; theSushi project, on molecular simulation applied to

capture and the Dalmatien project on amine deg-radation, coordinated by IFPEN, those last threeprojects being funded by the ANR. It al so contrib-utes to the following projects: Puits CO 2 (studyof degradation mechanisms of sealing materials

CO 2 Enhanced Separation And Recovery, 2008-2011

Carbon Lean Energy Operations, 2008-2010

for wells); CO2 Vadose and Sentinelle relativeto monitoring; Costa Brava and Manaus on risk analysis; Tram on modeli ng by random operation;SHPCO2 , Petal h, VF SitCo m an d Ha mm on digi talaspects and calculation i nformation. And, finally, it participates in the France Nord project (Ademe),launched in 2010, aimed at selecting a site to set up a pilot CO2 storage infrastructure in a deepsaline aquifer.

At the European level , IFP EN is involved in thefollowing capture projects: Cesar and Cleo (toreduce the cost of postcombustion capture), andIcap (CO2 capture using a hydrate process). In 2011,IFPEN contributed to three new projects launchedas part of FP7: UltimateCO2 on the long-term fateof CO2 , Octav ius on CO2 capture, led by IFPEN,and the European CCS Demonstration Project Network secretariat within the context of the

CHEMICAL LOOPING TURNS TO COAL

The 10 kWth* Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC) pilot developed by IFPEN was originally designed toburn natural gas and then modified in 2011 to run with coal. The testcampaigns will be continued in 2012in order to validate the efficiency of conversion and the performance of the oxygen carri er.

ANTI CIPATING THE RISK OF LEAKS

In the context of the EuropeanCO 2ReMoVe project, studiesconducted by IFPEN teams,

parti cular ly at the S leipn er (North Sea) and In Salah(Algeria) industrial pilot sites,

yield ed s ome signi ficant result sin 2011. Research concerned

the development of methods tomonitor CO 2 geological storage sites base d on seis mic imagi ng aswell as numerical modeling coupling hydrodynamic and geomechanical effects. These approaches have led to a better understanding of CO 2 migration and the results obtained

pave t he way for ma jor d evelo pmentsin terms of site safety, a prerequisite

for t he so cial accepta nce of CO 2 geolo gical storage .

NEW EU ROPEAN P ROJECT

IFPEN is one of the 13 partners inthe European UltimateCO 2 research

projec t la unched in 20 11. The p rojectis aimed at achieving a better long-term understanding of the variousmechanisms linked to the injectionof CO 2 into the underground environment: physical and

geoch emica l tra pping metho ds,interactions between the storagehorizon, the cap rock, the injectionwells and the faults, assessment of leakage pathways. The studies will

focus on t wo de monst ration sites .IFPEN is in charge of integrating these different phenomena intoregional-scale models, from

storage compl ex to basi n lev el.

A FI RST CO NTRACT FO R

THE GOWSP PLATFORMThe water cycle includes production,

separat ion, t reatment and rei nject ion process es. Th e GOwS P ** platformdesigned for studying fluid separation

processe s, joi ntly de velope d by IF PEN and Total and located at the IFPEN Lyon site, is a key component inunderstanding the mechanisms at

play. Since 20 11, i t has been ma de

available to industry for testing separat ion eq uipment when op erating under representative conditions.

A firs t contrac t was signed with a servi ce compa ny in 20 11.

2011 highlights

5 PRIORITIES

FOR THE FUTURE01




REDUCING THE WATER FOOTPRINT OF INDUSTRY

Industry uses water in numerous ways.

Water is a crucial component whichis involved both in the productionof energy and in the reduction of emissions into the air of the resulting

products. The production of hydrocarbons, forexample, is heavily reliant on the injection of water in liquid or vapor state. An eco-efficient approach to this resource is essential in orderto limit the amount of water resources usedand to reduce the water footprint of industry.IFPEN entered this field of research in 2010

focusing on the management of produced

water when producing hydrocarbon reservoirsand conducted a strategic analysis resulting ina roadmap for the year to come. Partnershipswith oil operators and water service compa-nies are to be launched soon. Furthermore,IFPEN has a fluid separation testing platformat its Lyon site. Finally, the management of wastewater from refineries is also being takeninto account. This research is being conductedwithin the context of the Eco-efficient pro-cesses strategic priority ( se e p. 36 ).

Global CCS Institute. European Energy Programme for Recovery.

European Energy Research Alliance.

Large CCS Transport Infrastructure in Europe, 2010-2012.

Characterization of European CO 2 Storage, 2010-2012.

CO 2 Research, Monitoring, Verification, 2006-2011.

European Value Chain for CO 2 , 2008-2011 .

CO 2 Site Closure Assessment Research, 2011-2013.

King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center.

Almost 3the average number o barrels o water required to produce one barrel o oil.

This proportion increases asoil felds mature.

Capture and storage are proving to be a promising way

of reducing CO 2 emissions.

Tri4CCS Alliance in collaboration with the GCCSI .It is also a partner in the postcombustion capturedemonstration project led by the power companyEnel at the Porto Tolle coal-fired power plant, as part of the European EEPR program. In addition, at theend of 2010, IFPEN was chosen to coordinate theEERA European CO2 capture and storage researchprogram. This program brings together 32 membersfrom 12 different countries. In the transport field, it is leading the Cocate project (transport of CO2 tostorage sites). Finally, in the storage sector, IFPEN isleading the SiteChar project (characterization of

storage research sites in Europe), launched in early2011. It is also involved in CO2ReMoVe (verificationand monitoring of CO2 geological storage sites),Ecco (technical and economic assessment of theCO2 capture and storage industry) and CO2Care(management of the closure and abandonment of storage sites).

On an international level, IFPEN, Geogreen and

the BRGM are working for the Kapsarc researchcenter to study the feasibility of CO 2 capture andstorage solutions in Saudi Arabia.

DEEP AQUIFER

DEPLETEDOIL OR GAS FIELD

OILOR GAS

METH

CO2

CO2

CO2

CO2

CO2

CO2

CO2

CO2CO2

UNMICOA

P I P E L I

N E

BUFFER STORAGEFACILITY

CAPTURE

STORAGE STORAGE

TRANSPORT

TRANSPORT





INVENTING THE VEHICLES OF TOMORROW

Vehicle electrification appears tobe a highly promising option interms of reducing fuel consump-tion, mitigating the environmentalfootprint and diversifying energy

sources. But it is still hampered by a number of technical hurdles.

Elec trif icati on an d hybri dizat ion

Electric vehicles still have a long way to go beforethey reach maturity. At present, all-electric vehi-cles can only be used for short distances due totheir low range and the high cost of batteries.Hybrid vehicles, however, have a greater range,thanks to the combination of an IC engine and a

Delphine Bresch-Pietri, Technology, Computer S cience and Applied Mathematics Division

InnovativetransportThe transport sector consumes signifcant amounts o energy. It is predominantly

reliant on oil, a resource that is limited. Reducing uel consumption and diversiying

energy sources are major challenges. To address them, IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN)

is working on vehicle electrifcation and is assessing the potential o alternative uels in

this sector. Vehicles equipped with standard IC engines generate both CO2 emissions,

as a result o uel consumption, and local pollutants. Research conducted at IFPEN

aims to meet this dual challenge by improving overall engine perormance. The scope o its

research also extends to the air transport sector, or which it is also assessing the potential

o innovative engines and uels.

5 PRIORITIES

FOR THE FUTURE01

‘‘ In gasoline powertrains, the solutions

currently being examined, such as burned gas recirculation, require the development of

advanced combustion control strategies.”




FlexHybri d, IFPEN ’s plug- in hybrid laboratory vehi cle.

I N N O V AT I V E T R A N S P O R T

battery. This means that the optimum operatingmode (IC, electric or combined) can be chosenon the basis of the journey to be made. In urbanenvironments, the vehicle can run in all-electric

mode, for example, whereas for long distances, ICengines remain the most efficient solution.

Drawing on the experience gained in con-ventional powertrains, IFPEN is creating thetechnological building blocks that will enablemanufacturers to develop the hybrid vehicle – orrather vehicles – of the future. Various degreesof hybridization are possible (stop&start, brakingenergy recovery, optimization of onboard energymanagement, plug-in hybrid, etc.) depending onthe vehicle range, the conditions of use and the

level of performance sought. Among these vari-ous options, IFPEN has chosen to concentrateits efforts on rechargeable hybrid vehicles, whichoffer an excellent compromise between purchaseand running costs and fuel consumption.

Technical and economic challenges

IFPEN draws on solid skills in the fields of mod-

eling and simulation. Modeling plays a particularlyimportant role in the development and optimiza-tion of combustion systems. The physical modelsdeveloped are validated using experimental data-bases, and are regularly enhanced through theimplementation of new investigation methods.

It also leverages the potential offered by LargeEddy Simulation (or LES) to study flows, injec-tion and combustion in gasoline engines. This LESapproach offers unrivalled precision and also repro-duces transient behaviors more accurately.

In the field of vehicle electrification, the technicaldifficulties to be overcome are also complex, suchas energy storage, for example. The major research

avenues at IFPEN concern the architecture of hybridpowertrains and their vehicle integration, the simula-tion systems, the electronic control of said systemsand the onboard energy supervision.

Simulation also plays a crucial role in the reduc-tion of development cycles. IFPEN has set up anexperimental platform that makes it possible toreproduce and very quickly evaluate different complex architectures for hybrid vehicles. Thisapproach is known as HIL (Hardware in the Loop).In this environment, the high dynamic test bench

37.7 millionthe number o passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles in France in 2011.

The Large Eddy Simulation approachoffers unrivalled precision and better reproducti on of trans ient behavio rs.




Fabrice Le Berr, “Engine and vehicle system simulation” Project Manager at IFPEN

What is system simulation used for?

Fabric e Le Berr: The technologies used in

powertrains are increasingly complex. Let’s

take the example of a hybrid powertrain.

This combines an IC engine with its exhaust

gas after-treat ment syste m, one or m ore

electric motors, an energy storage system,

a transmission, etc. All these components

interact with one another and require a

glo bal mode lin g ap proach . Th is i s wh ere

system simulation comes into play,

something that we have been working on

for the last ten years or so.

What tools does it use? F. Le B. : We have drawn on some very

advanced models we had developed

previously, particularly in the field of 3D

combustion modeling. We have simplified

these models, but retained the physics

of the phenomena in order to be able to

exploit them for system simulation. These

models are used in complete powertrain

simulators, as well as on our HIL* benches.

The latter are used to assess the behavior

of an engine or a battery within an entirely

virtual complex powertrain. In turn, these

experimental tests enable us to validate

and set our models and to provide them

with real data.

How is IFP EN posi tioned in thi s fiel d? F. Le B. : We have developed model

libraries, which are integrated and

marketed in the LMS Imagine.Lab

AMES im s imul atio n pl atform . Ou r us e of

system simulation is also recognized on

the market. Having initially developed it

for the field of engine control, we now

apply it throughout the new powertrain

design process. Manufacturers are very

appreciative of this global expertise, as

reflected by t he studies we have b een

conducting with Renault for the last few

years on t heir dies el e ngi ne r ang e. M ore

recently, a new entity was created within

our D2T subsidiary, aimed at continuing to

develop this system simulation expertise

with industry.

In which projec ts is I FPEN

applying its system simulationexpertise?

F. Le B.: One example is the Citybrid

project, aimed at setting up an

experimental platform that makes

it possible to very quickly evaluate

different complex architectures for hybrid

vehicles. We are also involved in various

projects supported by Ademe, such as

Melodys for electric and hybrid heavy-duty

vehicles or VelRoue for dual-mode IC/

electric duty vehicles. Our systemsimulation expertise is cross-cutting and

can also be applied to air transport. We

have projects focusing on the development

of diesel engines adapted to aircraft

application and the assessment of aviation

system hybridization, for example.


System simulationPOWERTRAINS Numerical simulation plays a crucial role in thedevelopment of new powertrains by reducing design and development times and costs. IFPEN is particularly focusing on the development of system simulation tools, giving it an overall understanding of the phenomenainvolved and enabling it to propose innovative technological solutions to itspartners and industrial customers.

* Hardware in the Loop.


System simulation makes it possible toadopt a global and exhaustive approachto study complex powertrain architecture.

ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT

ELECTRIC MOTOR

TRANSMISSIONGENERATOR

BATTERY

POWERTRAIN

AND VEHICL E

0D MULTICYLINDER

ENGINE SIMULATOR

0D SINGLE CYLINDER

ENGINE SIMULATOR

3D COMBUSTION MODEL

(3D CFD) 0D COMBUSTION

S 1

INTERNAL COMBUSTION

ENGINE

5 PRIORITIES

FOR THE FUTURE01




Control and supervisionof a ten-cell lithium-ion

battery pack.

is simply equipped with an IC engine, with all the

other components (electric motor, transmis-sion, battery, etc.) being simulated to a very highdegree of accuracy. In this way, it is possible toquantify the performance of a hybrid powertrainprior to any experimentation on a vehicle. ThisHIL approach is also applied to our battery test benches: the physical element is composed of thepack battery (or a module or even a battery cell)and the rest of the vehicle is entirely simulated.

Engine control is another central researchtheme at IFPEN. This uses calculation algorithmsto optimize the operation of each component of apowertrain: IC engine, exhaust gas after-treatment system, electr ic motor, battery, etc. It al so ensuressupervision of all these components in order toguarantee the best level of performance in termsof energy management, operating safety andreliability. Hybrid powertrains, reducing the fuelconsumption and emissions of diesel and gasolineengines, and alternative fuels all create challengesfor researchers working in this field.

Moreover, the cost of hybrid vehicles – and,to an even greater extent, that of electric vehi-cles – remains an obstacle to their widespread useon the market. It is against this background that IFPEN is taking part in the ANR e-Meca project,launched in 2011 and coordinated by Valeo, aimedat developing innovative solutions for ultracom-pact electric powertrains with a high specific

power. This type of machine offers significant potential for mass production at affordable prices.

Mult iple part nersh ips

In order to address these challenges, IFPEN isworking closely with other research institutes,

particularly within th e context of the Carnot Insti-

tutes. The label of the IFPEN Transports EnergyCarnot Institute was renewed in 2011.IFPEN also participates in several competitive-

ness clusters, in particular LUTB in the heavy-dutytruck sector and Mov’eo in the automotive sec-tor. Via the latter and in partnership with Cetim,Ifsttar and UVSQ, it is involved in the creationof an innovation platform for the development of hybrid vehicles, dubbed Mov’eo-Dege. At theSatory site, this platform will offer the integratedexperimentation and computing facilities requiredto speed up the development and validation of

hybrid and electric systems for vehicles.IFPEN also enjoys very close ties with indus-

try. For example, it is participating in numerousprojects supported by Ademe, such as Melodys

(design of a full-electric heavy-duty vehicle, aproject led by Renault Trucks), Hybrelec (devel-opment of a French network to optimize electricpropulsion systems, a project coordinated byValeo) or Cappnor (identification of specificnon-regulated pollutants in partnership with IRCELyon). In addition, it forges strategic long-termpartnerships, such as those with PSA Peugeot Citroën and Renault within the GSM economicinterest group (upstream research on internalcombustion engines) or with LMS (engine soft-ware). It is also supported by its subsidiary D2T inits quest to identify industrial outlets for its R &D

work in the field of powertrain engineering andtesting equipment.

In addition, IFPEN works with transport sec-tor players on a European scale via several FP7projects. These projects include WIDE-MOB,coordinated by Centro Ricerche Fiat , w hich b rin gs

together seven partners and aims to develop

the technological building blocks that will leadto the development of multi-use urban elec-tric vehicles, or the SuperLIB project, led by

AVL, ai med at de mon str ati ng the com bi nedefficiency of two different types of Li-ion cellsintegrated within a single battery pack.

IMPROVING CONVENTIONAL POWERTRAINS

Until hybridization and electri-fication technologies reachmaturity, IC engines will remainessential. However, the regula-tions with respect to CO2 and

pollutant emissions are becoming increasinglystringent. The European Commission has pro-posed an average CO2 emission objective of 130 g/km for vehicles sold in 2012 and 95 g/ kmin 2020. The new Euro 6 pollution abate-ment standard will begin to apply in 2014. For

automobile manufacturers, improvement of the environmental performance of IC enginesand the use of low-carbon alternative fuelsare a necessity. IFPEN is therefore working onthe development of technologies capable of making conventional engines cleaner and moreeconomical.

For gasoline engines, the priori ty is to reducefuel consumption in order to limit CO2 emis-sions. The solutions being examined includeoptimization of combustion – through burned

gas recycling, for example – downsizing andturbocharging, variable distribution and direct fuel injection. IFPEN is also working on thecalibration process, for which it is developingnew experimental methodologies designed toreduce the number and duration of tests.

For diesel engines, research is mainlyfocused on pollution emissions – particularlyNOx and soot – but another goal is to signifi-cantly cut fuel consumption in order to reduceCO2 emissions. The technologies developed by





ELEC TRI C E NERGY

FOR TRUC KS

An ele ctr ic tru ck hit the road inLyon on October 2011. Sincethe start of 2012, it has beendelivering fresh food productsto eight stores throughout thearea of Lyon, covering a distanceof 75 km every day. This 16-tonRenault Midlum is the result of a

par tne rsh ip bet wee n I FPE N, PVI and Renault Trucks as part of the

Mel ody s p roje ct. The IFP EN HIL(Hardware in the Loop) testing

pla tfor m wa s u sed to s ele ct themost effective storage system, whilea simulation of the truck and itsenvironment guided the choice of itscomponents. IFPEN also developed a

soft ware tha t i nfor ms the dri ver about the vehicle range remaining and the CO 2 emissions saved in

comparison with a reference diesel

vehicle. It also provides speed advice for eco -dr ivi ng.

A SO OT SE NSOR FOR DIES EL VEH ICL ES

For a number of years, in anticipationof increasingly stringent standardsrelative to particulate emissions

for die sel engi nes , IF PEN has bee nworking on the design of a sensor to

measure the quantity of soot emitted downstream of a defective filter.This research is being carried outin partnership with the equipment

sup pli er Ele ctr icf il, whi ch i s l ead ing the Ciclamen 2 project. In 2011,it led to the development of analgorithm capable of diagnosing the health status of a particulate

fil ter on the bas is of m eas ureme nts sup pli ed by t he soot sen sor. Thistechnology is likely to be applied

by 2016-2017, when new maximumlimits are introduced for onboard diagnosis.

MAKI NG B ETTER US E

OF CYLINDER PRESSURE

SEN SOR S

While burned gas recycling reduces the NOx emissions of diesel engines, it also makes

combustion more sensitive todispersions. It can then proveto be unstable. Closed-loopcombustion control, using acylinder pressure sensor

sup plyi ng d irec t i nfor mati onon the quality of combustionin the engine, can correct this

prob lem . Work ing in par tne rshi pwith the equipment supplier Continental, IFPEN developed new control strategies in 2011

in order to make better useof the data supplied by these

sen sor s to cont rol comb ust ionand optimize NOx emissions.These developments, validated ondemonstrator vehicles, are partof an approach designed to meet

fut ure Euro 6 re quir emen ts for NOx emissions.

2011 highlights


A SOLID PARTNERSHIP FOR ANAMBITIOUS PROJECT

“The development of an accurate onboard particulate sensor is a majorproject for Electricfil, a recognized equipment supplier in the powertrainsector. Vehicles must control their exhaust after-treatment systems andthe particulate filter needs to have a reliable diagnostic tool, which is thepurpose of this new particulate sensor. This ambitious project has beenmade possible by our solid partnership with IFPEN, which, thanks to itsexpertise, has been able to provide us with solutions and efficient validation facilities.”

Laurence Achille, Innovation Division Engineer / Electricfil Automotive

IFPEN mainly concern the air loop architecture,improvement of combustion, optimization of engine control and after-treatment systems. Inparticular, an innovative double turbocharging airloop concept capable of meeting Euro 6 stand-ards and reducing the cost of the pollution

abatement system is being studied. In thearea of fuel consumption, the downspeedingapproach is a promising option. Finally, a newmulti-partner project was launched in 2011 onthe theme of cold start operation of dieselengine (Code-I study).

Furthermore, IFPEN is conducting R &D work to assess the potential of dual fuel approaches.This consists in making a spark ignition ICengine operate by compression with twodifferent fuels: gasoline/diesel or gas/diesel,for example. The research aims primarily tooptimize the operation of engines using thismode of combustion and to limit pollutionabatement requirements.

Finally, IFPEN is actively involved in thedevelopment of alternative fuels to fossil ener-gies. Their production falls within the scope of the Renewable energies strategic priority ( see

p. 18 ). As p art of the Innovative Transport strate-gic priority, research is being conducted on theformulation and validation of these fuels for usein transport and on their compatibility with thematerials of the various components.

5 PRIORITIES

FOR THE FUTURE01




TOWARDS A GREENER SKY

Air transport, which is increasingconstantly, currently accountsfor 2 to 3% of global CO2 emis-sions. With traffic predicted toalmost double between now

and 2020, Acare (Advisory Council for Aeronau-tics Research in Europe) has set some ambitioustargets for the same period: –50% CO2 emis-sions per passenger kilometer and –80% NOx

in comparison with 2000.IFPEN is helping to meet this challenge

through its work on alternative powertrains(piston engines, hybridization, etc.), combustionand low-carbon fuels.

In the field of alternative fuels ( see p . 18, Renew-able energies strategic priority ), research is focusing inthe short and medium terms on paraffin kerosenefuels produced by hydrotreatment of plant oils,as well as kerosenes obtained by Fischer-Tropschsynthesis.

IFPEN conducts its research in this field inpartnership with the main aviation sector players(Airbus, Dassault, EADS, Onera, Snecma, etc.) aspart of joint projects, such as:

Alfa -Bird , a Europea n project within whichIFPEN is evaluating the formulation of new fuelsand their impact on the operation of aircraft

engines,Swafea , a European proj ect that, in 2011, led

to the proposal of a roadmap for the medium-term deployment of alternative fuels.

For the time being, a number of flights havealready been made using alternative fuels. An A380 m ade a fl ight in Februa ry 2008 , for exam ple,using a mixture composed of 50% keroseneand 50% synthetic fuel derived from naturalgas (GtL technology). In 2009, a Continental Airl ines Boein g 737-800 tested a fuel conta inin g50% jatropha and algae oils. In 2011, Air Francemade the first “green” commercial flight betweenToulouse and Paris on an Airbus A321 using a

blend containing 50% biofuel derived fromused oil.

IFPEN is also active in the field of aeronauticalpropulsion system engineering and onboardaircraft energy management. Research carriedout in 2011 in partnership with Onera, as part of the Bioptic project supported by the Tuck Foundation, has led to the development of optical diagnostic methods to characterize thevaporization conditions specific to alternativefuels in the combustion chamber.

Within the European Timecop and Kiaiprojects, IFPEN has developed and validated anLES (Large Eddy Simulation) ignition model foraeronautical combustion chambers. This is used tosimulate in-flight ignition or re-ignition in diphasicmedium (presence of drops of fuel on the spark plug). It is coupled with a combustion modelenabling integration of complex kinetic effects.

In addition, in the context of the EuropeanCleansky program, IFPEN is working on the develop-ment of a diesel engine for helicopters.

Electrification is also a topical theme in theaviation field. In 2011, IFPEN contributed to aproject assessing the hybridization potential of an aeronautical propulsion system in partnershipwith a manufacturer from the sector. This researchdemonstrated the cross-functionality of tools andmethodologies from the automotive sector andtheir adaptability to the aviation context.

Air traffi c is forecastto double by 2020.

Alternative Fuels and Biof uels for Aircraft Development.

Sustainable Way for Alternative Fuels and Energy for Aviation.

2Mt

the production o biokerosene set by the

European Community withindustrial players rom the

aviation sector.





Émilie Kobel, Process Experiments Division

MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY FUELS

F

or conversion, IFPEN seeks toaddress three major challenges:

conversion of increasingly heavycrudes, compliance with ever morestringent standards and reduction

of CO2 emissions related to conversion processes.

Conversion: increasingly efficient

Demand for heavy fuels is falling whereas theirproportion in world oil supplies is increasing. It is therefore necessary to develop increasingly

efficient conversion technologies. Petroleumwith a high technological content (extra-heavy

crudes, deep offshore, tar sands, oil shale, etc.),which will play a growing role in extending oil andgas reserves ( see p. 4 2, Su stain able resou rces s trategic

prior ity ), will also require specific technologies.For the conversion of residues and heavy

crudes into fuels and combustibles, IFPEN is con-tinuing to develop hydroconversion processes andcatalysts. A strategic analysis was finalized in 2011to assess market opportunities associated with

Eco-efcientprocessesTo address the growing demand or oil products against a background o resource depletion, refneries

need to make maximum use o every barrel produced, while at the same time meeting ever more

stringent specifcations. To meet this dual challenge, IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) is developingincreasingly efcient processes. The other option being explored by IFPEN is the production o synuels

rom natural gas and coal, since these resources are available in greater quantities than oil. Finally,

the demand or hydrogen, which is used both in refning and or the production o synuels, is set to rise.

IFPEN is developing technologies capable o meeting this demand.

5 PRIORITIES

FOR THE FUTURE01

‘‘ IFPEN has drawn on its experience in the

construction and use of pilot units to play amajor role in the design of the Futurol plant for

the production of 2 nd -generation bioethanol.”




E C O - E F F I C I E N T P R O C E S S E S

the scheduled evolution in the sulfur content of marine fuels. Analysis of these market opportuni-ties led to the launch of a new project aimed at developing an innovative process for the com-bined production of distillates and low-sulfur fuels.

In addition, since the refining industry gener-ates significant amounts of CO2 (especially heavyconversion processes), IFPEN is examining thepossibility of integrating CO2 capture and stor-age processes in refineries.

The other significant market trend is thegrowth in diesel demand, while gasoline demandis dropping. This phenomenon – for the timebeing primarily in Europe – is now tending tospread internationally. As a result of this, thereis a need to further adapt refining facilities. To

HIGH-THROUGH PUT EXPE RIMEN TATION

AND MOLECULA R MOD ELIN G: A WIN NING DUO

To be able to evaluate new catalystsmore rapidly, IFPEN has parallel testing

equipment making it possible to accelerate sel ect ion throu gh t he simu ltan eou s

testing of a high number of molecules.Thanks to this new equipment, IFPEN can

quadruple its testing capacity and cutthe average development time from five to

three years. This represents a significant savi ng i n te rms of re duci ng t he time to

market. In addition, molecular modeling,used to study complex structures, is

employed to test for the most suitablereagents. The bringing into production

of these highly parallel tools on real feed stock s in 2010 and 2011 has madeit possible to assess innovative conceptsin the field of hydrotreatment catalysis,

opening up some very promising avenues for e xplo ration in the comi ng y ear s

and enabling accelerated validation of the latest generations of catalysts.

The nickel-molybdenum catalyst is intended for the dee p hydrogenati on of gas oils.

this end, IFPEN is working on the development of several technological solutions. The development of an FCC process oriented towards maxi distil-

lates was finalized in 2011. Innovative options forhydrocracking catalysts offering very significant savings in terms of middle distillate sensitivity havebeen validated.

In addition and once again with a view tomeeting this increasing demand for middle dis-tillates, IFPEN is also developing a process for the

oligomerization of FCC light cuts towards kero-sene and diesel pools.

Stric ter sp ecif icatio ns

The tightening-up of standards and regulationsrelated to fuels is continuing and being extended

Refineries aim at tu rning fos sil resources into more envi ronmentally-f riendl y fuels

and chemical intermediates.




Didier Espinat, “Product characterization analysis” Expe rt Director at IFPEN

What is the purpose of detailed product characteri zation?

Didier Espinat: To control and optimize

the processes on which it is working and

develop new catalysts, IFPEN needs to know

as much as possible about the products

it wants to convert. It therefore needs to

very precisely determine their chemical

composition – in both qualitative and

quantitative terms – in order to monitor

their conversion, particularly the catalytic

one. But the more complex the product, the

more difficult this analysis is. This is the case

for diesel, for example, which contains a very

large number of molecules. We therefore

turn to “separation sciences”. In concrete

terms, this involves dividing products into

simpler “cuts” and then applying analytical

methods to each of these cuts to separate

and quantify the molecules composing

them. Multidimensional chromatographic

separation methods coupled with

high-performance detectors and mass

spectrometry – especially high-resolution

mass spectrometry – are used.

In whi ch fiel ds is i t used ?

D. E. : Traditionally, detailed characterization

has been applied to oi l product refining

processes (desulfurization, conversion

of heavy fractions into lighter fractions,

etc.). It makes it easier to calcul ate their

use properties, especially their octane and

cetane numbers. Today it i s also necessary

for the design of new processes related to

biomass conversion (pyrolysis, enzymatic

conversion, etc.) and coal liquefaction.

How is IFP EN posi tioned

in thi s fiel d?

D. E.: We are one of the world leaders in

the field of separation sciences, be it for oil,

biomass or coal products. And this is despite

very fierce competition! This position has

been achieved thanks to our constant quest

for improvement. Not only by working on

the techniques themselves – for example,

the use of gas, liquid and supercritical

chromatography to obtain more precise

product fractions –, but by combining these

methods as well. We have thus moved

from one-dimensional chromatography

(in which products pass through a

separation column) to two-dimensional

chromatography (use of two columns

with different separation properties) and

multidimensional chromatography (several

separation dimensions and addition of selective detectors at the column exit:

oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, etc.). With respect

to mass spectrometry, t he improvements

mainly concern resolution: thanks to Fourier

transform and ion cyclotron resonance mass

spectrometers, it is possible to very accurately

differentiate between different molecules with

very similar masses.

What are the concrete applicationsof these techniques?

D. E.: They are mainly used within

IFPEN laboratories: the characterization tools

that we are developing using separation

sciences enable us to make daily progress in the

development of the processes and catalysts

necessary for the energy transition. These

methods have also led to the development of

2Dchrom software, marketed by Thermo Fisher

Scientific since 2009.


Productcharacterizationtools

ANALYSIS For both the refining of petroleum products andthe conversion of biomass, it is essential to characterizeorganic compounds as precisely as possible. In this field,IFPEN boasts world-class expertise.


Two-dimensional gaschromatography analysis of a direct

coal liquefaction middle distillate, highlighting the phenolic compounds.

PARAFFINS

PARAFFINS

NAPHTHENES

NAPHTHENES

AROMATICS

AROMATICS

PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS

PHENOLICCOMPOUNDS

5 PRIORITIES

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THE PRODUCTION OF PETROCHEMICALINTERMEDIATES

IFPEN’s work in this field is aimed at

improving energy efficiency, the yieldsof petrochemical processes and thepurity of the intermediates obtained.It focuses on two types of intermedi-

ates: olefins and aromatics. These raw materialsare very widely used in a large number of indus-tries (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronics,aeronautics, textiles, etc.).

Olefins, obtained by steam cracking or

catalytic cracking, are notably used in the man-ufacture of plastics. IFPEN is focusing mainlyon the selective hydrogenation of olefin cutsand pyrolysis gasolines. In the latter field, 2011saw the finalization of a range of nickel-basedcatalysts offering very significant increases inactivity, corresponding to a leap of several cata-lyst generations.

on a global level: widespread application of theEuropean specification limiting the sulfur content

of gasolines and diesel to 10 ppm, reduction of theolefin and benzene content of gasolines, reduc-

tion in the polyaromatic content of diesel, etc.Where gasoline production is concerned,

IFPEN is working on the development of cata-lysts, along with hydrotreatment processes (suchas Prime-G+TM for desulfurization), reformingprocesses and paraffin isomerization processes(to increase the octane number). In the field of reforming, the development of a new range of catalysts was finalized in 2011.

For the production of diesel and kerosenes,IFPEN is working on th e improvement of catalystsand hydrodesulfurization processes. The mainfocus is on increasing the activity and stabilityof catalysts in order to reduce the running costsof refineries. In 2011, significant improvements inactivity were achieved incorporating additives indiesel hydrotreatment catalysts.

x3the increase in theamount o extra-heavycrudes to be converted

between 2010 and 2030to meet the demand or

liquid uels.

0.5%the maximum sulur

content set by standardsrelated to marine uels by

2020-2025.

IFPEN is working on pilot units to assessthe industrial performanceof laboratory developed catalysts.


IFPEN has developed a new,more performing range of catalysts

for the Pr ime-G+ TM process.





15 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP FOR

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

“Eni and IFPEN have been cooperating since 1996 on the development of a proprietary technology based on the Fischer-Tropsch process forthe conversion of gas into middle distillates. The experiments have beencarried out through R &D tools of various sizes, including a pilot plant of 20 bbl/d capacity sited at Eni’s refinery in Sannazzaro de’ Burgondi(Italy). The cooperation has been very successful making possible theachievement of the objectives and creating a great opportunity forour colleagues to experience a ‘European way’ of working.”

Patrizia Ingallina, Vice-President / Intellectual Property Management,Research and Technological Innovation Department / Eni

A NEW HYDROTR EATMENT

CATALYST ADDITIVATION PROCE SS

Hydrotreatment consists in puri fyin g var ious types of re fini ng feed stock s ( gaso line s, d ies el,vacuum distillates, residues) to remove the impurities they contain (metals, sulfur, nitrogen,etc.) and produce fuels that

comply with regulations. In 2011,IFPEN validated an additivation

proce ss capa ble of i mprovi ng both the performance and life

spa n of catal ysts than ks t o th eincorporation of an organic additive. Having been validated on catalysts used to treat diesel

feed stock s, t he p roces s wi ll a lso beultimately applicable to catalysts

intended for the hydrotreatmentof other feedstocks.

ENH ANCE MENT OF

THE ELUXYL® PROCESS

In 2011, IFPEN validated anenhanced version of the Eluxyl ®

parax ylen e s eparat ion proces s.While the previous version of the process required 24 beds

distributed in two adsorbers,the new process uses just oneadsorber composed of 15 beds.Named Eluxyl ® 1.15, it will

subs tant ial ly re duce the cost of industrial installations and alsomake it possible to fully exploit the

perfo rman ce of the new gene ratio ns

of adsorbents IFPEN is currently working on, likely to be brought tomarket from 2012.

A NEW MERCU RY

ADS ORBE NT

Natural gas fields frequently contain traces of mercury, harmful to human health and corrosive

for indu str ial equi pment . Ga s

puri fica tio n is perfo rmed usin g analumina-based adsorbent enriched with copper sulfide, which trapsthe mercury in stable and inert

form . In 2011 , IF PEN deve lope d anew patented adsorbent material,with a life span that is twice aslong as previous generations’ one.This new process will be marketed by

Axens in 2 012.

2011 highlights

The second research avenue concerns theproduction of aromatics (benzene, toluene,xylene, etc.). These substances are also obtainedby steam cracking, but they have been subjectedto hydrotreatment and extraction processes. In

2011, IFPEN finalized the development of an

improved version of the Eluxyl® paraxylenepurification process, involving significantly lowerinvestment costs than the current version. Thistechnology will make it possible to fully exploit the performance of the new adsorbents cur-rently being developed.

IFPEN is working o n an Eni pil ot unit to carry out Fis cher-Tropsch tests.

5 PRIORITIES

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HYDROGEN, A FAST-GROWING MARKET

The conversion of heavy oils andcoal, along with the desulfurizationof fuels, are triggering an increasein the demand for hydrogen. It isestimated that this demand could

double by 2030. IFPEN is working on two typesof production: centralized and decentralized.

R &D in the field of centralized productionis based on the HyGenSysTM concept studiedby IFPEN, enabling the production of hydrogenand electricity from natural gas with lower CO2

emissions and a lower cost compared to existingtechnologies. A version of the process designedsolely for hydrogen production (without thecoproduction of electricity) is also being consid-ered. At the same time, work is being conductedon capture using adsorbents of the CO2 resultingfrom hydrogen production.

Finally, IFPEN completed the development of a decentralized production process designed to

produce hydrogen from ethanol in smaller units in2011. The hydrogen produced has the advantageof having a lower greenhouse gas content.

FUELS PRODUCED FROM COALAND NATURAL GAS

In parallel, IFPEN is studying alternativesolutions to petroleum-based fuels. In

particular, these concern natural gas andcoal, for which greater reserves exist.In addition, these reserves are more

evenly distributed in geopolitical terms thanoil reserves. The other option being exploredis biomass, as part of the Renewable energiesstrategic priority ( see p. 18 ).

Coal

Where coal is concerned, IFPEN has developeddirect and indirect conversion processes. In theformer case, the objective is to liquefy the coalat high temperatures and high pressures, then tohydrogenate the liquefiates to produce syntheticfuel bases meeting even the most stringent speci-fications. Hydroliquefaction is conducted usingthe H-CoalTM process marketed by Axens.

Indirect conversion is based on the Fischer-Tropsch process, which consists in convertinga synthetic gas into a liquid fuel. However, thistechnology, known as CtL (Coal to Liquids), stillrequires some fine-tuning in economic and envi-ronmental terms. IFPEN is therefore working onthe reduction of CO2 emissions by minimizing theenergy consumption of the process and study-ing the i ntegration of CO2 capture on conversionunits.

Natur al ga s

For natural gas, conversion is also conducted usingthe Fischer-Tropsch process. This is known as GtL(Gas to Liquids) technology. IFPEN is working tofind new catalysts and increase the productivityof the process, the aim being to bring down thecosts of the technology and reduce its impact onthe environment.

HOW TO IMP ROVE A CATALYST? IFPEN has developed a range of softwa re ca pab le of g ene ratin g

3D v iew s of the porous stru ctureof a catalyst. To go even further,

researchers are working on coupling this imaging to chemical analysis of the catalyst. The aim is to produce

3D m aps ind icat ing the dis trib utio nof the various chemical elements.

This information is essential in order to improve catalyst performance and optimize the production of fuels and

pet rochem ical inter med iates .

WHAT IS THE FISCHER-TROPSCH PROCES S?

Invented in 1922 by the German

chemists Hans Fischer and Franz Tropsch.Makes it possible to convert natural gas (GtL ), c oal (Ct L) a nd biom ass

(BtL) into synfuels that can be used in transport via gasification of the

raw materials.Initially used in countries with no

access to oil for political reasons:Germany during the 2nd World War and South Africa during Apartheid,

which used coal to produce road transport fuels.

Today used to produce alternative fue ls to oil fue ls. With Eni and Axen s,IFPEN is developing a Fischer-Tropsch

proces s t hat improv es the yie ld of produ cts of i ntere st, cuts the produ ctio n

costs of the process and reduces itsimpact on the environment.

104industrial reerencesworldwide or the HR626

and HR648 diesel hydrotreatment catalysts

developed by IFPEN.

IFPEN’s HyGenSysTM

process enables centralized hydrogen pro duction.





HAVING A DETAILED VISION OF THE UNDERGROUND ENVIRONMENT

T

he sedimentary basins underexploration by the oi l indus-

try are increasingly complex innature. A thorough understand-ing is essential in order to ensure

high exploration success rates. In addition, bet-ter reservoir characterization will lead to animprovement in the recovery ratio. IFPEN isdeveloping software designed to support indus-try in its quest to meet these challenges.

Mode ling serv ing e xplo rati on

The potential for the discovery of new oil

reserves remains significant because, as yet, therehas been little exploration in certain regions of the world: the Arctic, deep offshore zones,deeply buried onshore zones and ultra-deepzones. Moreover, in zones already in produc-tion, some reservoirs remain unexplored sincethey are difficult to detect. Finally, the under-ground environment contains what are termed

Jean-Luc Faure, Geology-Geochemistry-Geophysics Divis ion

SustainableresourcesWith the increasing power o emerging countries, global energy consumption will continue

to grow in the coming decades. It will be driven primarily by the transport and electricity sectors,

which are both particularly reliant on oil and gas. However, reserves are limited. In order to meetenergy requirements, it is thereore essential to improve the exploration and production

o ossil resources. IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) is working on the development o simulation

tools contributing to a better understanding o the underground environment and o technologies

enabling the discovery and production o new deposits.

5 PRIORITIES

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‘‘ To identify new reserves, IFPEN is developing

software for the characterizationof hydrocarbon deposits, and their

displacement towards traps.”




S U S TA I N A B L E R E S O U RC E S

unconventional gases, such as shale gas, whichare still li ttle understood or under-evaluated.

To identify these new reserves, IFPEN isdeveloping software for both qualitative andquantitative characterization of hydrocarbonand sedimentary deposits, as well as the dis-placement of these hydrocarbons from theirformation zones towards traps. The researchactivities focus on modeling in complexgeological contexts, such as foothill zones.

TemisFlow TM software, for example, a newversion of which was released in 2011, makes it possible to understand and model the evolutionof petroleum systems in time and space. UsingDionisos TM software, IFPEN is also capable of modeling sedimentary filling on a basin scale.Recently, R &D work has focused on deposits of fine sediments, such as clays and carbonaceousmuds. The software is the result of the work of a JIP (Joint Industry Project) bringing together

IFPEN and nine industrial partners.This modeling work at the basin scale will also

contribute to the understanding and modelingof deep saline aquifers used for CO2 geological

storage. The simulation of sedimentary deposits

provides an insight into the distributi on of mineralphases in rocks. This is an essential component to describe the influence of acidity due to CO 2 injection ( see p. 24, Eco- fri end ly prod ucti on strate gic

pri ori ty ).

Reservoi r cha racter izat ion a nd

simu lati on

The average oil recovery rate in reservoirs is35% with current technologies. To increase field

recovery, it is essential to improve reservoir char-acterization. A good knowledge of sedimentaryheterogeneities and their spatial distribution, aswell as reservoir properties, makes it possible tooptimize the layout of producing and injecting

Surface tension laboratory, study of rock wettabi lity.

50%the share that oil and

gas are expected to still account or in the worldenergy mix in 2035.

(source: IEA)

Pore scale modeling.




What is the purpose of reservoir modeling?

Mickaël e Le Ravalec-D upin: Underground

geological formations are highly

heterogeneous environments. A geological model

is used to represent them. This takes the form

of a 3D “grid” reproducing the heterogeneity of

the natural environment in which fluid flows are

simulated. This knowledge can be used to place

new wells on a field already being operated or to

optimize Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques,

such as chemical additives, CO2 or steam injection.

The challenge is to increase recovery rates,

given that only around 35% of the oil present

in reservoirs is actually currently extracted.

What techniques are required?

M. Le R.-D. : The real difficulty lies in

constructing a model that reflects the

reality as accurately as possible. To achieve

this, we draw on our knowledge of

sedimentary environments and all the data

collected on the ground: measurements taken

from cores extracted from wells, well logs seismic

data, pressure and flow rate measurements,

etc. We use an initial stochastic representation

of the geological formation implemented inthe CobraFlowTM software to model oil and

gas recovery and predict produc tion p rofiles.

This information is a valuable decision-making

aid for oil and gas companies. However,

knowledge of the underground environment

being imperfect, predictions are subject to

uncertainties. Specific methods make models

more predictive by forcing them to reproduce

production data measured in the field.

Uncertainties are also analyzed and quantified via

the application of statistical approaches. These

methods are implemented in the PumaFlowTM

reservoir simulator and the CougarFlowTM

software marketed by Beici p-Franlab.

How is I FPEN p ositi oned i n thi s fiel d?

M. Le R.-D. : As fa r as certa in co mplex

environments – such as fractured environments,

for example – are concerned, as well as in the

field of EOR, we have very advanced expertise.

Our real strength is that we are able to pool

skills from all the professions concerned:

geol ogy, ge ophys ics, reserv oir e ngin eeri ng.

We combine these with our knowledge of

mathematics and physics in order to adapt our

solutions to meet the needs of industry. Thanks

to grassroots feedback from Beicip-Franlab,

we are able to incorporate the issues facing oil

companies into the core of our research.

In whi ch proj ects is IF PEN pu tting this expertise to use?

M. Le R.-D. : We are working in partnership

with the oil industry as part of the Cougar IV,

MC3 and Fraca-HM JIPs. These projects

allow us to validate our methodologies, gain

a clearer understanding of the challenges

facing industrial players and gain access

to data on reservoirs. Furthermore, the

methodologies developed in the context

of oil products can be transposed to the

geol ogic al sto rage of CO2. And indeed, this

is what was done as part of the CO 2ReMoVe

project for the Sleipner saline aquifer in the

North Sea. This approach made it possible,

for the very first time, to obtain a model

respecting all the data collected in the field and

hence more reliable in terms of predicting the

migration of CO2 in the underground

environment.


Reservoir modeling GEOLOGY Sound knowledge of the properties of underground geological formations is es sential i n order to improve the productionof oil fields. IFPEN is developing modeling tools that address the needsof the oil industry and may also ultimately help it better control CO2 geological storage.

q

u e s t i o n s t o . . .

Mickaële Le Ravalec-Dupin, “Modeling and Reservoir Engineering” Expert at IFPEN

PRODUCTION FORECAST

1.4

1.2

1

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

13.2%

Predictions

Historymatching

00 1,0002, 0003, 0004, 0005, 000 6,000

Time (days)

P r o d u c e d oi l v ol . ( 1 0 6 m 3 )

Infill well 1

Infill well 2

Infill well 3

The main stagesof reservoir modeling.

IDENTIFICATION OFKEY PARAMETERS

HISTORYMATCHING

OPTIMIZATIONOF FIELD

DEVELOPMENT

C

B

A B:C

A:C

A:B

0 10 20 30 40

39.9%22.9%

CONTRIBUTIONSPositiveNegativeSignificant influence

13.6%

2.9%1.8%

1

-0.5X 2

P r o d

X 1

0.5

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

-1 -1

-0.5

0

0.5

0

1

5 PRIORITIES

FOR THE FUTURE01

.




ASP chemica l injec tion for Enhance d Oil Recovery (EOR).

wells and the selection of the chemical additivesto be used.

Research at IFPEN hinges around the devel-opment of software enabling better integrationof the information available, with a view to hav-ing an increasingly reliable representation of reservoirs. Work is notably being carried out oninteractive modules for geostatistic filling andupscaling of petrophysical properties, groupedtogether within CobraFlowTM software. IFPENhas also developed modules for the static anddynamic characterization of fractured reser-voirs, within FracaFlowTM software. This softwareproposes methods for the estimation of petro-physical parameters, along with methods forcharacterization of fracture networks.

Reservoir simulation is another key fac-tor in terms of improving recovery. A versionof the PumaFlowTM reservoir simulator dedi-cated to chemical enhanced recovery is underdevelopment. It will make it possible to con-duct quantitative chemical EOR studies, suchas ASP with advanced physics. In addition, aversion dedicated to CO2 EOR is also currentlybeing examined. The knowledge acquired isthen transferred to a software platform namedOpenFlow TM . In 2011, the OpenFlowSuiteTM

software suite was marketed by Beicip-Franlab.This incorporates TemisFlowTM , Pu maF low TM ,FracaFlowTM , Cobr aFlowTM , Cond orFl owTM andCougarFlowTM software.

PRODUCING MORE, PRODUCING BETTER

Develo ping enhan ced re covery

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) also plays a key

role in increasing production. It consists inincreasing the quantity of oil and gas extracted

from a field. The thermal method uses steamto heat the oil, fluidifying it and facilitating itsproduction. Chemical recovery uses viscosifi-ers and/or surfactants. Finally, CO2 injection isemerging as an option that could simultane-ously increase field recovery and enable carbondioxide storage as part of the drive to combat

climate change.IFPEN has joined forces with Rhodia and

its Beicip-Franlab subsidiary to launch a joint offer in the field of chemical Enhanced OilRecovery. This partnership led to the signatureof two contracts in 2010 relating to the study

of chemical EOR pilots, in South America and

Europe. R &D efforts are mainly focusing on thedevelopment of methodologies to select chemi-cal additives for a given oil field. In this context,IFPEN has begun a reflection process to define

an HTE methodology aimed at reducing thenumber of tests while at the same time con-ducting sensitivity analyses. This would also h elpimprove prediction of the behavior of complexmolecules.

Research conducted at IFPEN also aims toreduce the water footprint of the oil indus-

try, since enhanced recovery uses both waterresources and chemical additives. A good knowl-edge of the physicochemical mechanisms, the

products injected and their evolution in porousmedia is essential for water cycle management.

15to20%the improvement in the mean recovery rate o an

oil feld using chemical EOR technology.

Scale chang e onCobraFlow TM software.

High-throughput Experimentation.

Alkalines-Surfactants-Polymers.






DEVELOPING NEW SOLUTIONS TOGETHER

“Since the launch of our alliance in 2009 (The Chemical EOR AllianceTM),Rhodia, a member of the Solvay group, and IFPEN have got to knowone another and learned to work together. We are a perfect fit, bothcommercially, since we propose a joint service range, and in terms of R &D since we are developing new EOR solutions together. Our success withour customers is down to the complementary nature of our expertise aswell as our capacity to speak to them with a single voice and offertailor-made solutions.”

David Sorin, Vice-President EOR / Rhodia, member of the Solvay group

LAUNCH OF T HE COMPAS JIP

The Compas (CretaceousOutcrop analog from Argentina

for Mic robia l Pre -sa lt At lant ic Seri es) JIP w as l aunch ed b y IF PEN in September 2011 with nineindustrial partners. Objective:to characterize the carbonaceousreservoirs of Argentina which presenta high level of similarity with those

in Brazil, where there have recently been some major offshore oil and gasdiscoveries. Studying these depositswill lead to improved understanding and modeling of the sedimentary

proce sse s hav ing create d th e Bra zil ian pre-s alt rese rvoir s. Stati c res ervo ir modeling software developed by IFPEN, and especially CobraFlow TM ,will be used as part of this project.

FIR ST CON TRACTS FORTHE CHEMICAL EOR

ALL IANC E TM

The alliance created in 2009 by IFPEN, Beicip-Franlab and Rhodia to develop chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery solutions

enjoyed a new commercial successin 2011. Operators in Argentina,Germany and henceforth Russiaopted for the solution offered by the three partners to develop their chemical EOR projects. This technology increases the average recovery rate of an oil field by 15 to 20%.

A NEW VER SION OF

THE OPENFLOWSUITE TM

SOFT WARE SUIT E

The latest version of theOpenFlowSuite TM software suitewas brought to market in 2011. In

part icu lar, it incor porate s a new upgraded version of TemisFlow TM basin modeling software, along with an important PumaFlow TM reservoir simulation software

update. The other components of the software suite (FracaFlow TM

for fract ured rese rvoir s, C obraF low TM for rese rvoir upsc ali ng a nd stat ic mode ling , Co ugarF low TM for anal ysis of un certa inti esand CondorFlow TM for assisted produ cti on h isto ry ma tchin g) have also been updated.

2011 highlights

IFPEN is working on the modeling of heavyoil recovery by steam injection. For example, theHangingstone project, conducted in partner-ship with CGGVeritas and completed in 2010,

demonstrated the possibility of monitoring theevolution of the steam chamber in a heavy oilreservoir using seismic data.

Prod ucin g unco nventio nal r esou rces

Bringing unconventional resources (arctic zones,ultra-deep offshore, shale gas, very sour gases,etc.) into production is one potential solutionfor extending oil and gas reserves. However, thisrequires the development of innovative tech-nologies and specific equipment. A number of

technological obstacles still need to be overcometo do this.

For example, production in zones located faroffshore requires the development of subsea sepa-ration units for gas, oil and water. The GOwSPfluid separation platform located at the IFPENLyon site, jointly developed with Total, is a keycomponent in understanding the mechanismsat play. It also makes it possible to test separa-tion equipment for third parties in representativeconditions or to analyze the behavior of a gas, oiland water mixture inside a separator.

Subsea production in zones located far off-shore also requires the transportation of effluentsover several hundreds of kilometers. Irrespective

Gas-Oil-water Separation Platform.

5 PRIORITIES

FOR THE FUTURE01



of the quality of pipeline insulation, it is essen-

tial to control the formation and transport of hydrates under these conditions. In this area,IFPEN operates two JIPs: Hysiflo for the trans-portation of hydrates in oil dominant flows, and AHToL, for thei r t rans portatio n in ga s d omin ant flows. IFPEN is also conducting research intothe restarting of paraffin crude flows in oil pipe-lines as part of the ColdStart JIP. In addition, in

order to simultaneously transport all the liquid

and gaseous effluents, IFPEN has contributed tothe development of a multiphase pump system(Poseidon). Developments are currently beingconducted on the improvement of softwarecapabilities for predicting the performance of these pumps.

To bring deep offshore fields into production(in over 2,500 m of water), it is essential to reducethe weight of risers. Ongoing research makes it possible to consider a weight reduction of upto a factor of 2. In addition, a decrease in theimmobilization time of marine drilling installa-tions would also lead to a significant reductionin costs. To address this dual challenge, IFPEN

is studying a new version of the Clip-Riser® , abreech-block type connector system designedfor drilling risers.

IFPEN is also developing new technologiesto facilitate the treatment of very sour gases. Inaddition to CO2 recovery, IFPEN is developingadvanced processes for the treatment of sulfurcompounds (carbonyl sulfide and mercaptans).Finally, unconventional gases could also play an

The latter, produced from argillaceous rocks, are

already extracted in the USA. But, on a Europeanlevel, their potential has yet to be evaluated. Inthis area, IFPEN is taking part in the EuropeanGash consortium, led by GFZ . It is responsiblefor the basin modeling work package of theproject.

40 %o the world’s natural gas reserves consist o

sour gases.

Permeabili ty test of new materials for rise rs.

Cap rock gas permeability measurements.


ifpen activity report 2011_va_part1 5 priorities for the future

Documents