Abstract: Systems and methods relate to recovering hydrocarbons by injecting into a reservoir outputs from two different types of steam generators along with carbon dioxide, enabling lower fuel consumption for such a hybrid-based approach versus either type of steam generator alone. One steam generator vaporizes water by thermal transfer from combustion with exhaust from the combustion remaining separated from the steam. Since this type of steam generator outputs a limited carbon dioxide concentration with the steam, at least part of the carbon dioxide injected comes from recycling the carbon dioxide separated out of production fluids recovered from the reservoir. Another steam generator produces the steam by direct water contact with combustion products to produce a resulting fluid including the steam and additional carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Systems and methods relate to recovering hydrocarbons by injecting into a reservoir outputs from two different types of steam generators along with carbon dioxide. Synergistic results enable lower fuel consumption for such a hybrid based approach versus either type of steam generator alone. One steam generator vaporizes water by thermal transfer from combustion with exhaust from the combustion remaining separated from the steam. Since this type of steam generator outputs a limited carbon dioxide concentration with the steam, at least part of the carbon dioxide injected comes from recycling the carbon dioxide separated out of production fluids recovered from the reservoir. Another steam generator produces the steam by direct water contact with combustion products to produce a resulting fluid including the steam and additional carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method of introducing flue gas, from a flue stack in a steam-assisted production facility, into a heat exchanger. The flue gas comprises boiler combustion products selected from at least one of commercial pipeline gas and produced gas. The method begins by cooling a portion of the water vapor in the flue gas in the heat exchanger to produce flue gas water. This flue gas water is then collected and removed as make-up water.

Abstract: A method for introducing flue gas in a steam-assisted production facility into a vapor-liquid contactor. In this method the flue gas comprises boiler combustion products selected from at least one of commercial pipeline natural gas and produced gas. The flue gas is cooled with the vapor-liquid contactor to condense a portion of the water vapor in the flue gas to produce a water stream. The water stream is then recirculated and cooled in an air cooler to produce recirculating water exiting the bottom of the vapor-liquid contactor. A water slipstream is then taken off the recirculating water to be used as make-up water.

Abstract: A method for introducing flue gas in a steam-assisted production facility into a vapor-liquid contactor. In this method the flue gas comprises boiler combustion products selected from at least one of commercial pipeline natural gas and produced gas. The flue gas is cooled with the vapor-liquid contactor to condense a portion of the water vapor in the flue gas to produce a water stream. The water stream is then recirculated and cooled in an air cooler to produce recirculating water exiting the bottom of the vapor-liquid contactor. A water slipstream is then taken off the recirculating water to be used as make-up water.

Abstract: A method of introducing flue gas, from a flue stack in a steam-assisted production facility, into a heat exchanger. The flue gas comprises boiler combustion products selected from at least one of commercial pipeline gas and produced gas. The method begins by cooling a portion of the water vapor in the flue gas in the heat exchanger to produce flue gas water. This flue gas water is then collected and removed as make-up water.

Abstract: A process is provided wherein a carbonaceous material, such as oil shale, is coated with a hydrocarbon liquid, such as shale oil, prior to introduction of the carbonaceous material to a water containing, sealed system, through which the carbonaceous material is transferred to a high pressure vessel, i.e. a retort. The liquid hydrocarbon coating on the carbonaceous material effectively minimizes water absorption by the carbonaceous material in its passage through the water containing system.

Abstract: Supercritical extraction of diatomaceous earth results in a much more significant improvement in hydrocarbon recovery over Fischer retorting than achievable with tar sands. Process and apparatus for supercritical extraction of diatomaceous earth are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method utilize liquid pressurized lock hoppers to feed solids to a high pressure vessel. Solids are introduced to a first lock hopper, and gases are passed to the first lock hopper from a second lock hopper which has previously discharged solids. Liquid is supplied to the first lock hopper so as to attain a pressure equivalent to the pressure of the high pressure vessel. Solids are discharged from the first lock hopper to a high pressure vessel after pressurization.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide issuing from an oil shale retort is captured in an absorbent bed. When the bed is regenerated as with oxygen containing gas, the sulfur dioxide liberated is reintroduced into the retort for reaction with the spent shale.

Abstract: A process for upgrading carbonaceous materials having low carbon content comprising preheating the carbonaceous material to a temperature above about 200.degree. C. in the absence of a solvent, extracting the heated carbonaceous material under moderate temperature and pressure conditions, and hydrotreating the extract under supercritical solvent conditions.

Abstract: Supercritical extraction of diatomaceous earth results in a much more significant improvement in hydrocarbon recovery over Fischer retorting than achievable with tar sands. Process and apparatus for supercritical extraction of diatomaceous earth are disclosed.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon values are recovered from low organic carbon content materials via treatment with hydrogen and extraction with supercritical solvents.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of solid carbon comprising heating under suitable conditions a feed comprising finely divided particles formed by admixing finely divided particles of solid carbon with a slurry of zinc nitrate, removing enough of the liquid of said slurry to give a solid product, calcining said solid product at a temperature no greater than about 550.degree. C. to convert a substantial portion of the zinc material to zinc oxide, and then comminuting the calcined material to the desired particle size.