Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of providing advisory controls for a desalter system. The method allows a user to continuously monitor performance of the desalter system, to continuously monitor position of the emulsion band (or rag layer), to control the emulsion band using demulsifiers, and to recommend to users how to maintain optimal pressure drop at the mixing device of the desalter system. This is achieved by using a first principles based model combined with a sensor to measure the position, quality and size of the emulsion band. The first principles based model takes into account the geometry of the desalter system, physical properties of the crude oil and water, as well as the operating conditions. Thus, the method provides users with sensing of an emulsion layer through direct measurements and also gives recommendations on appropriate corrective actions to be initiated during upsets.

Abstract: A MEMS sensor system for monitoring membrane elements in a membrane based water filtration plant having a remote telemetry unit (RTU), a SCADA, and a plurality of MEMS sensors for measuring pressure, flow rate. and conductivity. The water filtration plant has a train with a membrane vessel containing a plurality of membrane elements arranged in series creating interfaces between each membrane element. The MEMS sensors are located at the membrane element interfaces. A method of monitoring membrane elements in a membrane based water filtration plant using a plurality of MEMS sensors for measuring pressure, flow rate. and conductivity placed at the filtration plant membrane element interfaces.

Abstract: A selective membrane, for example an ultrafiltration, nanofiltration or reverse osmosis membrane, has a layer comprising flakes of graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, or functionalized variations. The flakes may form a layer themselves, be embedded in the surface of a layer of another compound, or be dispersed in a layer of another compound. In some cases, the flakes functions as a selective membrane. In other cases, the flakes modify the properties of a membrane, for example by making the membrane more hydrophilic. In yet other cases, the flakes function as a bonding agent between layers of a membrane.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of providing advisory controls for a desalter system. The method allows a user to continuously monitor performance of the desalter system, to continuously monitor position of the emulsion band (or rag layer), to control the emulsion band using demulsifiers, and to recommend to users how to maintain optimal pressure drop at the mix valve of the desalter system. This is achieved by using a first principles based model combined with an ultra-sound sensor. The ultra-sound sensor measures the position, quality and size of the emulsion band. The first principles based model takes into account the geometry of the desalter system, physical properties of the crude oil and water, as well as the operating conditions. Thus, the method provides users with sensing of an emulsion layer through ultrasound measurements and also gives recommendations on appropriate corrective actions to be initiated during upsets.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of providing advisory controls for a desalter system. The method allows a user to continuously monitor performance of the desalter system, to continuously monitor position of the emulsion band (or rag layer), to control the emulsion band using demulsifiers, and to recommend to users how to maintain optimal pressure drop at the mixing device of the desalter system. This is achieved by using a first principles based model combined with a sensor to measure the position, quality and size of the emulsion band. The first principles based model takes into account the geometry of the desalter system, physical properties of the crude oil and water, as well as the operating conditions. Thus, the method provides users with sensing of an emulsion layer through direct measurements and also gives recommendations on appropriate corrective actions to be initiated during upsets.

Abstract: A coating method, coated article and coating are provided. The coated article includes a low temperature component, and a graphene coating formed from a graphene derivative applied over the low temperature component. The coating method includes providing a graphene derivative, providing a low temperature component, applying the graphene derivative over the low temperature component, and forming a graphene coating. The graphene coating reduces corrosion and fouling of the low temperature component. The coating includes a graphene derivative, and modified functional groups on the graphene derivative. The modified functional groups increase adherence of the coating on application to a low temperature component.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of providing advisory controls for a desalter system. The method allows a user to continuously monitor performance of the desalter system, to continuously monitor position of the emulsion band (or rag layer), to control the emulsion band using demulsifiers, and to recommend to users how to maintain optimal pressure drop at the mix valve of the desalter system. This is achieved by using a first principles based model combined with an ultra-sound sensor. The ultra-sound sensor measures the position, quality and size of the emulsion band. The first principles based model takes into account the geometry of the desalter system, physical properties of the crude oil and water, as well as the operating conditions. Thus, the method provides users with sensing of an emulsion layer through ultrasound measurements and also gives recommendations on appropriate corrective actions to be initiated during upsets.

Abstract: A MEMS sensor system for monitoring membrane elements in a membrane based water filtration plant having a remote telemetry unit (RTU), a SCADA, and a plurality of MEMS sensors for measuring pressure, flow rate. and conductivity. The water filtration plant has a train with a membrane vessel containing a plurality of membrane elements arranged in series creating interfaces between each membrane element. The MEMS sensors are located at the membrane element interfaces. A method of monitoring membrane elements in a membrane based water filtration plant using a plurality of MEMS sensors for measuring pressure, flow rate. and conductivity placed at the filtration plant membrane element interfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus that uses multiple stages or unit processes to treat wastewater, such as distillery spent wash which may be molasses spent wash (MSW). The stages include one or more of anaerobic digestion, chemical treatment, electrocoagulation, aerobic treatment, physical separation, and RO or adsorbent based treatment. A chemical treatment for the effluent from an anaerobic digester treating MSW is described. In an electrocoagulation step, a stable cathode is used to also provide electroflotation and hardness precipitation. Aerobic biological treatment and physical separation may be provided by a membrane bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of providing advisory controls for a desalter system. The method allows a user to continuously monitor performance of the desalter system, to continuously monitor position of the emulsion band (or rag layer), to control the emulsion band using demulsifiers, and to recommend to users how to maintain optimal pressure drop at the mix valve of the desalter system. This is achieved by using a first principles based model combined with an ultra-sound sensor. The ultra-sound sensor measures the position, quality and size of the emulsion band. The first principles based model takes into account the geometry of the desalter system, physical properties of the crude oil and water, as well as the operating conditions. Thus, the method provides users with sensing of an emulsion layer through ultrasound measurements and also gives recommendations on appropriate corrective actions to be initiated during upsets.