Abstract: An apparatus for converting a gaseous and/or liquid feed fluid to gaseous and/or liquid products using a solid catalyst comprises a reactor, a liquid phase disposed within the reactor volume, a fixed catalyst at least partially disposed in the liquid phase, a cooling system having a cooling element in thermal contact with the liquid phase, a feed inlet positioned to feed the feed fluid into the reactor volume, and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the liquid phase. The catalyst is contained in a catalyst container and the container may be adjacent to said cooling element, extend through said cooling element, or may surround the catalyst container. The catalyst may be a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst.

Abstract: A method for making a catalyst is provided that features loading a catalytic metal to a support using at least two different precursor compounds of that said metal; and loading the promoter to the support in an amount effective so as to achieve similar promotion as for a comparable catalyst comprising a greater amount of the promoter using only one precursor compound, where the catalytic metal is selected from among Group 8 metals, 9 metal, Group 10 metals, and combinations thereof. The promoter is preferably boron, silver, a noble metal, or combination thereof. Also provided are catalysts made by the method and Fischer-Tropsch processes that include contacting synthesis gas with a catalyst made by the method.

Abstract: Conventional migration of short offset seismic data is performed. An interval velocity is obtained using, for example, check shots. An initial model of effective anellipticity parameter as a function of depth is obtained by flattening long offsets within a common image point. From these, interval anellipticity and horizontal velocity are obtained as a function of time. These initial models are used for anisotropic imaging. Any remaining residuals are used to update the interval anellipticity model and the process of migration is repeated until satisfactory results are obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of synthesis gas (i.e., a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen), typically labeled syngas. More particularly, the present invention relates to a regeneration method for a syngas catalyst. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to the regeneration of syngas catalysts using a re-dispersion technique. One embodiment of the re-dispersion technique involves the treatment of a deactivated syngas catalyst with a re-dispersing gas, preferably a carbon monoxide-containing gas such as syngas. If necessary, the catalyst is then exposed to hydrogen for reduction and further re-dispersion.

Abstract: The problem of detecting sedimentary formations having an abnormally high fluid pressure that are underneath a relatively impermeable formation having normal fluid pressures is addressed. At shallow depths, a formation with abnormally high fluid pressure has a shear velocity that is close to zero, and is thus significantly different from the shear velocity of overlying sediments. The high shear wave velocity contrast is detected by measuring a change in the amplitude of seismic waves reflected from the top of the abnormally pressured formation. This may be done by an amplitude versus offset (AVO) analysis of the reflected amplitudes of compressional or shear reflections. Measurements of the amplitude of reflected shear waves from a formation at some depth below the anomalous zone are may also be used to detect the presence of abnormally pressured intervals with low shear velocity and high shear wave attenuation.

Abstract: A pretreatment method for increasing the average pore size of a catalyst support is disclosed which increases the diffusivity and effectiveness factor &eegr;. The pretreatment method includes calcining the support in moisturized air at an elevated temperature sufficient to increase the average pore size. In some embodiments, the support may be treated with an acidic/basic solution prior to the calcination step. Alternatively, the calcination step may occur in a gas mixture including water/air/acidic (or basic) gases.

Abstract: A method for generating syngas having a H2:CO ratio of less than 2:1 including selecting a predetermined desired syngas H2:CO molar ratio, selecting a hydrocarbon with a natural H2:CO molar ratio less than the desired ratio, selecting a hydrocarbon with a natural H2:CO molar ratio greater than the desired ratio, mixing the two hydrocarbons such that the natural H2:CO molar ratio of the mixture is the desired ratio, and catalytically partially oxidizing the mixture to produce syngas with the desired ratio.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatus for arranging multiple reaction zones such that at least one hot spot in one of the reaction zones is moderated by a cooler spot in an adjacent reaction zone.

Abstract: A method and system which deal with the evaluation of the impact of political risk on forecast and value of a project. Key macro political risks are identified and quantified. Project specific political risk events that can result from changes in macro political uncertainties are identified and the probabilities quantified. The relationship of the macro political risks and project specific political risk events are defined. The key project economic parameters susceptible to political uncertainties are identified and the threshold or changes in economic parameters upon the occurrence of a risk event are quantified. The data is assembled into a computer system and a Monte Carlo analysis can be preformed to forecast the probable value of the project taking into account potential political risks.

Abstract: A catalyst system and process for use in ODH that allows high conversion of hydrocarbon feedstock at high gas velocities, while maintaining high selectivity of the process to the desired products. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a catalyst for use in ODH processes includes a dehydrogenative catalytically active component and an oxidative catalytically active component. The catalyst preferably has the general formula &agr;AOx-&bgr;BOy-&ggr;COz, wherein A is a precious metal and/or transition metal, B is a rare earth metal, C is an element chosen from Groups IIA, IIIA, and IVA, and O is oxygen. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, a method for converting gaseous hydrocarbons to olefins includes reacting an alkane feed stream with an oxidized bifunctional catalyst in a riser reactor to produce product vapors containing olefins and paraffins and a reduced catalyst.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for converting light alkanes (e.g. methane or natural gas) to synthesis gas employing a stabilized Ni-based catalyst that is active for catalyzing the net partial oxidation of the hydrocarbon, in the presence of O2 to CO and H2. Certain preferred catalysts comprise Ni alloyed with a Ni-stabilizing amount of gold or silver, and a lanthanide element, carried on a refractory support.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for determining a parameter of interest of a region of interest of the earth using tensor data. At least one component of potential fields data is measured at a plurality of locations over a region of interest including a subterranean formation of interest. The potential fields data are selected from magnetic data and gravity data. An initial geophysical model is determined for the region including the subterranean formation of interest. For the model, geophysical tensor data is updated using a forward model at a plurality of locations using an interior method for constrained optimization. A difference between the estimated model value and the measured value of the potential field measurements are determined at the plurality of locations. Based on the this difference the geophysical model is updated. The model is iteratively updated and compared to the measured data until the differences reach an acceptable level and the parameter of interest has been determined.

Abstract: A process and system for producing industrial-scale quantities of highly dispersed, thermally stable catalysts is disclosed. The process, which may be continuous production or batch production, includes mixing together the desired catalyst precursor materials, a combustible organic material and a solvent; evaporating the solvent, combusting the catalyst intermediate; and shaping final catalyst.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of rhodium from spent supported catalysts. In one embodiment, a method for recovering rhodium from a host material includes roasting the host material in air at a temperature sufficient to convert at least a portion of rhodium to Rh2O3, leaching the host material in a solution with a leaching constituent which is reactive with Rh2O3 to form a first intermediate species, reacting the first intermediate species in a solution with an acidifying constituent or complexing agent to form a second intermediate species, and purifying the second intermediate species. Preferably, the roasting temperature is approximately from 600° C. to 800° C. for 0.5 to 10 hours. In some embodiments, the host material is ground to particles in the range of 0.1 to 10 mm.

Abstract: A hydrogen permselective membrane, a method of forming a permselective membrane and an apparatus comprising a permselective membrane, a porous substrate and an optional intermediate layer are described. Using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at low reactant gas concentration, high permselectivities are achieved with minimal reduction in hydrogen permeance.

Abstract: A method and system for the combined underground storage and production of petroleum. A wellbore is drilled such that the surface is in fluid communication with an oil bearing and a salt bearing formation. Salt is leached from the salt bearing formation to form a cavern. The oil bearing formation is placed in condition for production. The pressure in the salt bearing formation is maintained below the pressure in the oil bearing formation and oil is collected in the cavern. Periodically, oil is displaced from the cavern to the surface. The system includes a wellbore connecting the surface, an oil bearing formation and a cavern in fluid communication, a check valve is placed within the wellbore to permit the one way flow of oil from the oil bearing formation to the cavern. A wellhead tree seals the wellbore through which passes a conduit to inject gas into the wellbore. Also passing through the welltree is a conduct which extends into the cavern through which oil may be displaced.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for converting a hydrocarbon and oxygen feed stream to a product stream such as syngas, including multiple serially aligned reaction zones and multiple hydrocarbon feeds. The first reaction zone catalyzes the net partial oxidation of the feed hydrocarbon. The subsequent zones catalyze reactions such as the stream or dry reforming of hydrocarbons or the water gas shift reaction, depending on the stream composition in the vicinity of the zone, and the desired product stream composition.

Abstract: A drag-reducing polymer suspension is described, along with a method for manufacturing the drag-reducing polymer suspension. The drag-reducing suspension is easily transportable, non-hazardous, and easily handled. The drag-reducing suspension is manufactured by grinding an ultrahigh molecular weight polymer with a wax crystal modifier and suspending it in a suspending fluid.

Abstract: Catalysts with silica-encapsulated magnetic supports are disclosed, along with their manner of making and process for separating them from a product stream in a reactor. A preferred catalyst comprises a catalytically active metal, preferably cobalt, and appropriate promoters, a magnetic support, preferably comprising magnetite, and an encapsulating material, preferably silica, encapsulating the magnetic support.

Abstract: Controlled pore structure catalysts are disclosed that are active for catalyzing the partial oxidation of methane to CO and H2 and, advantageously, are capable of initiating the reaction without the need for an additional ignition source. A preferred catalyst comprises rhodium and samarium supported on an alumina or modified alumina support having certain surface area, pore volume, pore size and metal dispersion characteristics that permit light-off of the reaction at temperatures below 500° C. and with little or no use of an ignition agent. A method of partially oxidizing a light hydrocarbon to form synthesis gas, and a method of enhancing low-temperature light-off of the process are also described.