New Project from Prof. Dr. Murat Güler & Prof. Dr. Cihangir Tanyeli (METU Chemistry Department) & Asst. Prof.Dr.  Hande Işık Öztürk

Project Title: Production of Substitute Material for Asphalt Cement from Ship-Generated Petroleum-Derived Waste

Principle Investigator: Prof. Dr. Murat Güler

Funding Institution: TÜBİTAK ARDEB 1001 Programme

Project Duration: 30 months

Project Summary

In our world, where 60% of the total oil transportation is carried out by ships, pollution caused by ship wastes in the seas has increased in recent years and caused large-scale environmental problems. In order to prevent this pollution, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) first published in 1973 the "International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution Caused by Ships at Sea", and then expanded in 1978, known as MARPOL 73/78. Our country has agreed with its terms by law on 24 June 1990. According to MARPOL 73/78, ship-generated wastes are divided into 6 groups, of which Annex-1 petroleum-based wastes are the most prevalent and hazardous source.

In recent years, petroleum-based ship-generated wastes have been planned to be reduced by utilizing recycling management or disposed of by incineration not only because of environmental legislation but also because of their economic value. However, if there is no incinerator in the incineration facilities, it also causes different environmental and health problems due to the toxic fumes. In the recycling process, a significant amount of components (solvents, light industrial oils, etc.) with economic value can be obtained. After the distillation, the portion with economic value are separated, the remaining residue is generally disposed of by burning. According to the results of the preliminary studies carried out, it was determined that the residue also contains a significant amount of bitumen and its derivatives. It has been determined that this residue has the potential to be used as additive or substitute material in the road construction. Considering that nearly 90% of the binder used in our country is produced from imported petroleum, reducing binder consumption will provide economic benefits.

The aim of this project is to investigate the petroleum-derived ship-generated wastes as substitute material in binder to maximize the substitution ratio by preserving the rheological and physical properties, and thus to reduce the binder consumption. Thus, the residue with no economic value will be used in the pavement sector and contribute to the economy by transforming it into a valuable product. This project proposes a new approach regarding the production of binder replacement material from ship-generated wastes. In addition, the standard test method for binder separation will be revised to identify the chemical components of the residue. Moreover, an optimum distillation temperature at which the highest economic efficiency will be obtained from the residue will be defined. Eventually, with this study, the binder supply will be reduced by producing a substitution derived from ship-generated wastes, and it will contribute to the principle of sustainability in the consumption of petroleum resources. It is also essential in terms of the transportation infrastructure, which is one of the most important pillars of the sustainable transportation principle and ensuring its continuity.

Project team:

Prof.Dr. Murat Güler (METU Civil Engineering Department)

Prof. Dr. Cihangir Tanyeli (METU Chemistry Department)

Asst. Prof.Dr. Hande Işık Öztürk (METU Civil Engineering Department)