Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for treating hydrogen sulfide rich sour gas through a series of fractionation columns. The processes disclosed herein and the variations thereof provide optimized processes for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from sour gas through the introduction of innovative azeotrope breakers, novel configurations of process equipment, and optimized operating conditions. Advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention include reduced equipment requirements, improved process efficiencies, reduced operating costs, and reduced capital costs. Other advantages include better process suitability to certain environmental conditions such as the arctic cold when compared to conventional amine treatment processes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for using the drilling apparatus to increase the linear direction of the drilling action are described. The drilling apparatus contains a drill rod that is fitted with a reinforcing sleeve that is located on the drill rod as close as possible to the drill bit. The outer diameter of the sleeve is configured to be substantially the same as the bit diameter and, if necessary, just slightly smaller than the bit diameter. The sleeve reinforces the drill rod next to the drill bit and reduces and substantially eliminates the gap between the drill rod and the borehole in the vicinity of the drill bit. The sleeve, therefore, reduces the wobble of the drill bit in the borehole and reduces the drill bit from wavering from a straight linear drilling direction. The reinforcing sleeve can contain helical channels for moving material displaced by the drilling process away from the drill bit.

Abstract: A drill rod includes a first end section, a mid-section, wherein the first end section and the mid-section are connected and wherein the first end section is manufactured using different steel than is used for the mid-section. Such a configuration can reduce the costs associated with forming a drill rod while maintaining the functionality of such a drill rod.

Abstract: A vibratory milling machine has a vibratory housing confined to substantially linear reciprocating motion relative to a base, causing a tool carried by the housing to impact a mineral formation or other work piece substantially in a primary milling direction. The vibratory motion may be generated by two or more eccentrically-weighted rotors rotated by a common drive mechanism. The rotors may be arranged in pairs with the rotors of each pair rotating in opposite directions about parallel axes so that lateral oscillations cancel and longitudinal vibrations in the milling direction reinforce one another. In one embodiment, a hydrostatic fluid bearing is provided between the outer surface of each rotor and the housing.

Abstract: Process for efficiently operating a natural gas liquefaction system with integrated heavies removal/natural gas liquids recovery to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG) and/or natural gas liquids (NGL) products.

Abstract: A vibratory milling machine has a vibratory housing confined to substantially linear reciprocating motion relative to a base, causing a tool carried by the housing to impact a mineral formation or other work piece substantially in a primary milling direction. The vibratory motion may be generated by two or more eccentrically-weighted rotors rotated by a common drive mechanism. The rotors may be arranged in pairs with the rotors of each pair rotating in opposite directions about parallel axes so that lateral oscillations cancel and longitudinal vibrations in the milling direction reinforce one another. In one embodiment, a hydrostatic fluid bearing is provided between the outer surface of each rotor and the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for using the drilling apparatus to increase the linear direction of the drilling action are described. The drilling apparatus contains a drill rod that is fitted with a reinforcing sleeve that is located on the drill rod as close as possible to the drill bit. The outer diameter of the sleeve is configured to be substantially the same as the bit diameter and, if necessary, just slightly smaller than the bit diameter. The sleeve reinforces the drill rod next to the drill bit and reduces and substantially eliminates the gap between the drill rod and the borehole in the vicinity of the drill bit. The sleeve, therefore, reduces the wobble of the drill bit in the borehole and reduces the drill bit from wavering from a straight linear drilling direction. The reinforcing sleeve can contain helical channels for moving material displaced by the drilling process away from the drill bit.

Abstract: A drill rod includes a first end section, a mid-section, wherein the first end section and the mid-section are connected and wherein the first end section is manufactured using different steel than is used for the mid-section. Such a configuration can reduce the costs associated with forming a drill rod while maintaining the functionality of such a drill rod.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the liquefaction of natural gas including an improved heavy hydrocarbon removal column with overhead condensing and refluxing. Particularly, a methane-rich stream exiting a propane refrigerant cycle is delivered to a heavies removal column, and the heavies depleted vapor from the column is at least partially condensed and the liquid portion provided as reflux to the heavies removal column.

Abstract: A continuous mining method includes operating a vibratory milling machine having a milling head, a base, and a milling tool to oscillate the milling head in a substantially linear reciprocating fashion relative to the base to move the milling tool along a milling axis; and advancing the vibratory milling machine in a work piece in a cutting direction and wherein milling axis is oriented at an attack angle relative to the cutting direction, the attack angle being between about 0 and about 40 degrees.

Abstract: A vibratory milling machine has a vibratory housing confined to substantially linear reciprocating motion relative to a base, causing a tool carried by the housing to impact a mineral formation or other work piece substantially in a primary milling direction. The vibratory motion may be generated by two or more eccentrically-weighted rotors rotated by a common drive mechanism. The rotors may be arranged in pairs with the rotors of each pair rotating in opposite directions about parallel axes so that lateral oscillations cancel and longitudinal vibrations in the milling direction reinforce one another. In one embodiment, a hydrostatic fluid bearing is provided between the outer surface of each rotor and the housing.

Abstract: A vibratory milling machine has a vibratory housing confined to substantially linear reciprocating motion relative to a base, causing a tool carried by the housing to impact a mineral formation or other workpiece substantially in a primary milling direction. The vibratory motion may be generated by two or more eccentrically-weighted rotors rotated by a common drive mechanism. The rotors may be arranged in pairs with the rotors of each pair rotating in opposite directions about parallel axes so that lateral oscillations cancel and longitudinal vibrations in the milling direction reinforce one another. In one embodiment, a hydrostatic fluid bearing is provided between the outer surface of each rotor and the housing.

Abstract: A single LNG facility, and operating method therefor, capable of efficiently producing LNG products that meet the varying specifications of different LNG markets.

Abstract: Natural gas liquefaction system employing an open methane cycle wherein the liquefied natural gas is flashed immediately upstream of the liquefied natural gas storage tank and boil off vapors from the tank are returned to the open methane cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for improving the efficiency of processes for the recovery of natural gas liquids from a gas feed, e.g., raw natural gas or a refinery or petrochemical plant gas stream. These methods may be employed with most, if not all, conventional separation methods using distillation towers, e.g., a demethanizer and/or deethanizer column. The methods of the present invention involve installing an internal refrigeration system consisting of an open cycle refrigerant withdrawn from a distillation column and a closed cycle refrigerant derived from the open cycle refrigeration system. A separator is installed downstream of the recycle compressor discharge cooler in the open cycle refrigeration scheme. At least a portion of liquid withdrawn from this separator is used as a closed cycle refrigerant by indirect heat exchange with the inlet gas or other process streams. Thus a closed refrigeration cycle enhances the performance of the open refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: Natural gas liquefaction system employing an enhanced nitrogen removal system capable of removing nitrogen from a relatively warm natural gas stream.

Abstract: A single LNG facility, and operating method therefor, capable of efficiently producing LNG products that meet the varying specifications of different LNG markets.

Abstract: Process for efficiently operating a natural gas liquefaction system with integrated heavies removal/natural gas liquids recovery to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG) and/or natural gas liquids (NGL) products with varying characteristics, such as, for example higher heating value (HHV) and/or propane content. Resulting LNG and/or NGL products are capable of meeting the significantly different specifications of two or more markets.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for improving the efficiency of processes for the recovery of natural gas liquids from a gas feed, e.g., raw natural gas or a refinery or petrochemical plant gas stream. These methods may be employed with most, if not all, conventional separation methods using distillation towers, e.g., a demethanizer and/or deethanizer column. The methods of the present invention involve installing an internal refrigeration system consisting of an open cycle refrigerant withdrawn from a distillation column and a closed cycle refrigerant derived from the open cycle refrigeration system. A separator is installed downstream of the recycle compressor discharge cooler in the open cycle refrigeration scheme. At least a portion of liquid withdrawn from this separator is used as a closed cycle refrigerant by indirect heat exchange with the inlet gas or other process streams. Thus a closed refrigeration cycle enhances the performance of the open refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: Natural gas liquefaction system employing an open methane cycle wherein the liquefied natural gas is flashed immediately upstream of the liquefied natural gas storage tank and boil off vapors from the tank are returned to the open methane cycle.