Abstract: A crude oil desalter unit includes a settler, an inlet manifold fluidly coupled to the settler, and one or more inlet distributors extending from the inlet manifold to discharge a water-in-oil emulsion into the settler. Each inlet distributor includes a riser having a first end, a second end, and an inner flowpath extending between the first and second ends, wherein the riser is coupled to the inlet manifold at the first end, one or more outlet nozzles provided at the second end and in fluid communication with the inner flowpath, and a static mixer positioned within the inner flowpath and defining one or more helical pathways operable to induce rotational flow to a fluid flowing within the inner flowpath.

Abstract: Molten carbonate fuel cell configurations are provided that include one or more baffle structures within the cathode gas collection volume. The baffle structures can reduce the unblocked flow cross-section of the cathode gas collection volume by 10% to 80%. It has been discovered that when operating a molten carbonate fuel cell under conditions for elevated CO2 utilization, the presence of baffles can provide an unexpected benefit in the form of providing increased transference and/or increased operating voltage.

Abstract: Cathode collector structures and/or corresponding cathode structures are provided that can allow for improved operation for a molten carbonate fuel cell when operated under conditions for elevated CO2 utilization. A cathode collector structure that provides an increased open area at the cathode surface can reduce or minimize the amount of alternative ion transport that occurs within the fuel cell. Additionally or alternately, grooves in the cathode surface can be used to increase the open area.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for arranging processing units in a common volume to allow for processing of a fluid flow as part of a mass and/or heat transfer process. Fuel cells are examples of processing units that include separate flow paths for processing two input fluid flows with mass and/or heat transfer between the separate flow paths. The arrangements described herein can allow a gas phase fluid flow to be delivered to a first process flow path of processing units in a common volume. The gas phase fluid flow can be delivered in a relatively uniform manner without the use of an intervening manifold to distribute gas from the common volume into the processing units.

Abstract: A crude oil desalter unit includes a settler, an inlet manifold fluidly coupled to the settler, and one or more inlet distributors extending from the inlet manifold to discharge a water-in-oil emulsion into the settler. Each inlet distributor includes a riser having a first end, a second end, and an inner flowpath extending between the first and second ends, wherein the riser is coupled to the inlet manifold at the first end, one or more outlet nozzles provided at the second end and in fluid communication with the inner flowpath, and a static mixer positioned within the inner flowpath and defining one or more helical pathways operable to induce rotational flow to a fluid flowing within the inner flowpath.

Abstract: A nozzle and methods of gas stripping utilizing the nozzle are provided. A nozzle is provided comprising a ceramic nozzle assembly comprising an inlet at one end of a cylindrical portion, an outlet at one end of a conical portion; the cylindrical portion transitioning to the conical portion at an end of the cylindrical portion distal from the inlet; the conical portion transitioning to the cylindrical portion at an end of the conical portion distal from the outlet; and a ceramic vane assembly within the cylindrical portion; the vane assembly comprising a central vane support located substantially concentrically within the cylindrical portion, and a plurality of angled vanes extending from the central vane support to an inner wall of the cylindrical portion; wherein the ceramic nozzle assembly and the ceramic vane assembly are manufactured such that the two assemblies comprise a single piece of ceramic.

Abstract: A nozzle and methods of gas stripping utilizing the nozzle are provided. A nozzle is provided comprising a ceramic nozzle assembly comprising an inlet at one end of a cylindrical portion, an outlet at one end of a conical portion; the cylindrical portion transitioning to the conical portion at an end of the cylindrical portion distal from the inlet; the conical portion transitioning to the cylindrical portion at an end of the conical portion distal from the outlet; and a ceramic vane assembly within the cylindrical portion; the vane assembly comprising a central vane support located substantially concentrically within the cylindrical portion, and a plurality of angled vanes extending from the central vane support to an inner wall of the cylindrical portion; wherein the ceramic nozzle assembly and the ceramic vane assembly are manufactured such that the two assemblies comprise a single piece of ceramic.

Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for operating a molten carbonate fuel cell at increased fuel utilization and/or increased CO2 utilization. This can be accomplished in part by performing an effective amount of an endothermic reaction within the fuel cell stack in an integrated manner. This can allow for a desired temperature differential to be maintained within the fuel cell.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for arranging processing units in a common volume to allow for processing of a fluid flow as part of a mass and/or heat transfer process. Fuel cells are examples of processing units that include separate flow paths for processing two input fluid flows with mass and/or heat transfer between the separate flow paths. The arrangements described herein can allow a gas phase fluid flow to be delivered to a first process flow path of processing units in a common volume. The gas phase fluid flow can be delivered in a relatively uniform manner without the use of an intervening manifold to distribute gas from the common volume into the processing units.