Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to monoester-based lubricant compositions. The present invention is also directed to methods of making these and other similar lubricant compositions. In some embodiments, the methods for making such monoester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor and/or low value Fischer-Tropsch (FT) olefins and/or alcohols so as to produce high value monoester-based lubricants. In some embodiments, such monoester-based lubricants are derived from FT olefins and fatty acids. The fatty acids can be from a bio-based source (i.e., biomass, renewable source) or can be derived from FT alcohols via oxidation.

Abstract: A system and a method, implemented on a computer, for calculating property distribution uncertainty of spatially correlated petrophysical data. The method includes inputting, into the computer, a sample petrophysical data comprising correlated data; applying, using the computer, a variogram to the sample petrophysical data to select a plurality of subsets of data, the subsets of data being substantially less correlated than the sample petrophysical data; and applying, using the computer, a bootstrap process on each of the plurality of subsets of data to obtain a plurality of bootstrap data sets from each of the plurality of subsets of data. The method further includes calculating data distributions for each of the obtained plurality of bootstrap data sets; ranking the data distributions by using a selected statistical parameter to obtain ranked data distributions; and characterizing the uncertainty based on the ranked data distributions.

Abstract: Higher diamondoid derivatives capable of taking part in polymerization reactions are disclosed as well as intermediates to these derivatives, polymers formed from these derivatives and methods for preparing the polymers.

Abstract: Methods of regenerating a coked catalyst by treatment with a hydrogen-containing gas, where the coke is not removed from the catalyst via combustion with an oxygen-containing gas, are disclosed. The hydrogen-containing gas can be hydrogen itself, syngas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide), or, if the catalyst is a dehydrogenation catalyst or if a dehydrogenation catalyst is in-line with the coked catalyst, the reaction product of the catalytic dehydrogenation of a C2-5 alkane, preferably ethane. The method is an improvement over conventional catalyst regeneration methods which first oxidize the coke to form carbon monoxide and an oxidized form of the catalyst, and then reduce the oxidized form of the catalyst so it can be re-used. The present method removes the coke without requiring an oxidation step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting growth and reproduction of microorganisms in rapidly biodegradable hydrocarbonaceous products, containing minor amounts of aqueous liquids. The present invention also relates to rapidly biodegradable hydrocarbonaceous products containing an effective amount of a petroleum-derived hydrocarbonaceous product such that the rapidly biodegradable hydrocarbonaceous product resists visible growth of microorganisms.