Chinese Scientists Discover Expired Medicines Can be Repurposed to Improve Crude Oil Flow
In a groundbreaking discovery, Chinese scientists at Shiyou University in Xi’an have found that expired medicines can be repurposed as a chemical additive to enhance the flow of crude oil. This innovative breakthrough offers new opportunities for the efficient recycling of pharmaceutical waste.
The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Management, revealed that progesterone injections or capsules, commonly used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, can help reduce the viscosity of crude oil and lower its “pouring point”. The researchers explained that the progesterone injections work by dispersing the compact, feather-like wax crystal structure in crude oil.
According to the research, the cost of using flow improvers derived from expired medications would range between $1,062 and $1,241 per metric ton, factoring in the expenses of collecting, transporting, processing the medication, and final packaging.
Professor Chen Gang, one of the main authors of the study, emphasized the economic feasibility of utilizing residual progesterone as a flow enhancer. He highlighted the chemical similarities between progesterone and crude oil as key to the effectiveness of the additive.
Furthermore, the study suggested that polypropylene in face masks, as well as components in foam plastics and acrylic glass, could also be transformed into substances that reduce the viscosity and coagulation of crude oil. This finding underscores the potential for recycling waste medicines and plastics to accelerate resource conservation and reduce the global carbon footprint.
Despite the promising results of the research, mass deployment of this technique poses a challenge in China due to the lack of a systematic classification system for expired medicines. Household pharmaceutical waste is categorized as hazardous waste and requires approval from authorities before repurposing.
As China aims to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, innovative solutions like this offer a sustainable approach to waste management and resource utilization. The researchers believe that systematic efforts will be essential to expand the application of this environmentally friendly innovation.
With the potential to save on waste disposal costs, enhance flow improvement, and contribute to national carbon reduction goals, repurposing expired medicines for crude oil flow enhancement represents a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable future.