Abstract: A process to produce a light hydrocarbon fraction from a heavy residue feed, the process comprising the steps of operating the first supercritical reactor such that the heavy residue feed and the supercritical water stream undergo conversion reactions to produce a reactor effluent, introducing the reactor effluent to a top inlet in a top portion of a second supercritical reactor, introducing a supercritical water stream to a bottom inlet in a bottom portion of the second supercritical reactor, operating the second supercritical reactor such that the bottom of the barrel fraction is configured to settle in the bottom portion of the second supercritical reactor, withdrawing an upgraded product stream from a top outlet in the top portion of the second supercritical reactor, and withdrawing a heavy product stream from a bottom outlet in the bottom portion of the second supercritical reactor.

Abstract: Low vapor pressure hydrocarbon blends are provided, comprising miscible and separable hydrocarbon fractions. A high-octane low-boiling point diluent fraction may be combined with a high-boiling point bitumen fraction. In select embodiments, and the blend may have a viscosity of less than about 350 cSt and a density of less than about 940 kg/m3 over a temperature range of from 7.5° C. to 18.5° C. After transportation, for example by pipeline, the high-octane low-boiling point diluent fraction may be recovered from the blend, and may for example be used as a high-octane gasoline blendstock.

Abstract: A process to produce a light hydrocarbon fraction from a heavy residue feed, the process comprising the steps of operating the first supercritical reactor such that the heavy residue feed and the supercritical water stream undergo conversion reactions to produce a reactor effluent, introducing the reactor effluent to a top inlet in a top portion of a second supercritical reactor, introducing a supercritical water stream to a bottom inlet in a bottom portion of the second supercritical reactor, operating the second supercritical reactor such that the bottom of the barrel fraction is configured to settle in the bottom portion of the second supercritical reactor, withdrawing an upgraded product stream from a top outlet in the top portion of the second supercritical reactor, and withdrawing a heavy product stream from a bottom outlet in the bottom portion of the second supercritical reactor.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting corrosion and fouling in petroleum refining units which comprises adding choline hydroxide either alone or in combination with a hydrogen-bond donor such as a carboxylic acid, an amine, an amide, or an alcohol.

Abstract: Described are a method and a system for injecting a sample into a flow of a liquid chromatography system. The method includes combining a flow of a sample and a flow of a mobile phase to create a diluted sample in the system flow. The volumetric flow rate of the sample is controlled to be at a value that yields a desired dilution ratio for the diluted sample. The particular value at which the volumetric flow rate is maintained can be determined from the desired value of the dilution ratio and the volumetric flow rate of the mobile phase. System embodiments include a syringe that can be used to provide a sample solution at a controllable volumetric flow rate for combination with a high pressure mobile phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to injecting steam into crude oil for several benefits, primarily of which is to remove salt by transferring the salt into the condensed water from the steam. Steam transfers salt via a different transfer mechanism and therefore doesn't require the high shear mixing of conventional water injection systems. As such, steam injection through a variety of procedures, is more efficient at gathering salt into water that itself is easier to remove from the crude oil.

Abstract: Improved separation of oil and water as well as suspended solids from the emulsion layer formed in a petroleum desalter is achieved by injection of demulsifier into the desalter vessel to achieve a higher localized concentration of demulsifier in the emulsion layer so as to promote improved oil/water separation from the emulsion layer. The demulsifier may be injected into the water layer or the oil layer in the region of the emulsion layer or directly into the stabilized emulsion layer.

Abstract: A method of producing desalinated water and recovering minerals from the feedwater uses membrane separation and electrodialysis brine concentration. This process can recover all of the minerals as high purity industrial minerals, including capturing the calcium and sulfate as agricultural grade gypsum and boron as high purity boric acid. In addition the process allows the use of low cost lime or dolime to produce valuable magnesium hydroxide.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning sulfur and other pollutants from bunker oil to be used for fuel in large cargo ships is described. Preferably, the system includes two or more stages having a mixer to create an emulsion of oil and water. One or more treatment chemicals are added to the water before it is mixed with the oil in order to assist in separating the sulfur from the oil and freeing it up so that it can combine with various other molecules present in the water or be dissolved in the water. The emulsion may pass through a microcavitation chamber as well as an electrolysis reactor chamber in order to further clean the fuel oil by removing additional sulfur content. The clean fuel is sent to a fuel service tank for use in a diesel engine combustion cycle.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for controlling operations of a residue process unit. The process may include analyzing an overhead stream from an extraction column in a solvent deasphalting zone to determine a density of the overhead stream, and adjusting conditions of the extraction column in response to the density determined for the overhead stream depending on the operating constraints of one or more downstream hydroprocessing zones.

Abstract: Fouling rate inhibition for a hydrogenation reactor. A hydrocarbon hydrogenation method comprises passing a liquid feedstream through a magnetic field to separate magnetically susceptible particles, and introducing the magnetically lean stream into a fixed catalyst bed under hydrogenation conditions to saturate carbon-carbon double bonds in the hydrocarbon. Also, a hydrogenation reactor system comprises a magnetic conditioning zone, an inlet flow path to introduce a magnetically lean stream from the magnetic conditioning zone into a fixed catalyst bed and an outlet flow path from an outlet end of the catalyst bed to withdraw reactor effluent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for determining separation efficiency of a cyclone separator. The method comprises: collecting solid particles separated by a cyclone separator; performing a particle size analysis for the collected solid particles; calculating feature parameters of the collected solid particles according to a result of the particle size analysis, wherein the feature parameters are values representing particle size and particle size uniformity of the solid particles; and determining a separation efficiency corresponding to the feature parameters of the collected solid particles as a separation efficiency of the cyclone separator, according to a predetermined correspondence between feature parameter and separation efficiency. The present invention avoids the difficulty in directly measuring the material concentrations at the inlet and the outlet of the cyclone separator and has a small interference with the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for vortex tube desulfurization of jet fuels. Also disclosed are processes for separation of closely boiling species in a mixture of miscible fluids.

Abstract: A method for desulfurization of heavy fuel oil using ferrate compounds by mixing fuel oil containing sulfur compounds with a solvent and forming a fuel oil solvent mixture, dissolving the sulfur compounds present in the fuel oil solvent mixture. Adding a liquid ferrate solution to the fuel oil solvent mixture produces oxidized sulfur compounds, in solution. An absorbing agent is added to remove the oxidized sulfur compounds from said solution.

Abstract: A process for upgrading an oil stream by mixing the oil stream with a water stream and subjecting it to conditions that are at or above the supercritical temperature and pressure of water. The process further includes cooling and a subsequent alkaline extraction step. The resulting thiols and hydrogen sulfide gas can be isolated from the product stream, resulting in an upgraded oil stream that is a higher value oil having low sulfur, low nitrogen, and low metallic impurities as compared to the oil stream.

Abstract: Provided are multiple correlations for relationships between MI value for a brightstock extract and the distillation cut point temperature used for separation of the vacuum resid that is used to form the brightstock extract. Based on these correlations, a BSE having a desired MI value can be formed based on an adjustment of the distillation cut point temperature. A first correlation establishes a relationship between a fractional weight boiling temperature for a vacuum resid fraction and a distillation cut point temperature for separating the vacuum resid fraction from at least one distillate fraction in a feedstock. A second correlation establishes a relationship between a fractional weight boiling temperature for a brightstock extract derived from the vacuum resid fraction, and the fractional weight boiling temperature for the vacuum resid fraction. A third correlation has been established between the fractional weight boiling temperature for the brightstock extract and a mutagenicity index value.

Abstract: A method for removing catalyst, catalyst fines, and coke particulates from a slurry oil stream includes the steps of routing a first slurry oil stream from a first slurry oil source to at least one hydrocyclone, increasing at least one of a temperature and a pressure of the first slurry oil stream prior to it entering the at least one hydrocyclone; passing the first slurry oil stream through the at least one hydrocyclone; and routing a second slurry oil stream exiting an overflow end of the at least one hydrocyclone to a second slurry oil source. The first and second slurry oil sources may be one or more of the following: a main column of a fluid catalytic cracking fractionator, a steam generator, a heat exchanger, a decant slurry oil storage, and a slurry oil storage tank.

Abstract: A device for processing a hydrocarbon resource may include a hydrocarbon processing container configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therein and having a pair of opposing ends with an enlarged width medial portion therebetween. The device may also include a radio frequency (RF) source, and a spirally wound electrical conductor surrounding the hydrocarbon processing container and coupled to the RF source. The spirally wound electrical conductor may be configured to generate magnetic fields within the hydrocarbon processing container that are parallel with an axis thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for removing polar molecule contaminants from a refinery stream in connection with the processing of hydrocarbon fluids, chemicals, whole crude oils, blends and fractions in refineries and chemical plants that include adding high surface energy and/or high surface area nanoparticle compounds to a refinery stream to remove the polar molecule contaminants.

Abstract: A method of removing sulfur from sour oil by subjecting sour oil having a first sulfur content to high shear in the presence of at least one desulfurizing agent to produce a high shear treated stream, wherein the at least one desulfurizing agent is selected from the group consisting of bases and inorganic salts, and separating both a sulfur-rich product and a sweetened oil product from the high shear-treated stream, wherein the sulfur-rich product comprises elemental sulfur and wherein the sweetened oil product has a second sulfur content that is less than the first sulfur content. A system for reducing the sulfur content of sour oil via at least one high shear device comprising at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator, and at least one separation device configured to separate a sulfur-rich product and sweetened oil from the high shear-treated stream.

Abstract: A device for processing a hydrocarbon resource may include a hydrocarbon processing container configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therein and having a pair of opposing ends with an enlarged width medial portion therebetween. The device may also include a radio frequency (RF) source, and a first spirally wound electrical conductor surrounding the hydrocarbon processing container and coupled to the RF source. The device may further include a second spirally wound electrical conductor carried within the hydrocarbon processing container. The first spirally wound electrical conductor may be configured to generate magnetic fields with the hydrocarbon processing container that are parallel with an axis thereof.

Abstract: A compound useful for reducing fouling in a hydrocarbon refining process is provided. A method for preparing the compound includes hydrohalogenating a polymer having a vinyl chain end to obtain a halogen-containing terminal group, and reacting the terminal group with a polyamine. Methods of using the compound and compositions thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a method for clay removal using sonication treatment process for hydrocarbon recovery from a variety of mine pits or tailing ponds, to convert contaminated hydrocarbons substances into de-asphalted oil, heavy oil fuel or asphalt output. This method may generally require a solvent for removal of material in suspension, which may dissolve contaminated hydrocarbons by using a plurality of alkane containing non polar solvents, which may be filtered through simple separation. The sonication treatment process may reduce the production time of de-asphalted oil and heavy oil fuel, from a range from about six hours up to more than ten hours to about 5 seconds to 2 minutes depending on the solvent-feedstock mixture being processed.

Abstract: A method of upgrading an oil feedstock by removing heteroatoms and/or one or more heavy metals from the oil feedstock composition. This method reacts the oil feedstock with an alkali metal and an upgradant hydrocarbon. The alkali metal reacts with a portion of the heteroatoms and/or one or more heavy metals to form an inorganic phase separable from the organic oil feedstock material. The upgradant hydrocarbon bonds to the oil feedstock material and increases the number of carbon atoms in the product. This increase in the number of carbon atoms of the product increases the energy value of the resulting oil feedstock.

Abstract: A process for removing sulfur, nitrogen or metals from an oil feedstock (such as heavy oil, bitumen, shale oil, etc.) The method involves reacting the oil feedstock with an alkali metal and a radical capping substance. The alkali metal reacts with the metal, sulfur or nitrogen content to form one or more inorganic products and the radical capping substance reacts with the carbon and hydrogen content to form a hydrocarbon phase. The inorganic products may then be separated out from the hydrocarbon phase.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and systems for improving oil quality of a contaminated oil mixture by removing contaminants from a contaminated oil comprising the steps of: pretreating a membrane contactor system having a first and a second surface with an hydrophobic liquid, wherein the hydrophobic liquid is contacted to at least one of the first and second surfaces; obtaining a contaminated oil that comprises oil and lipophobic contaminants; contacting the contaminated oil onto a first surface of one or more membrane contactors to coalesce the oil on the first surface; and collecting the coalesced oil from the contaminated oil on the second surface of the membrane contactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to quenching, during hydroprocessing of a hydrocarbon feed stream. More particularly, the present invention provides for quenching in hydroprocessing of a hydrocarbon feed stream through a hydroprocessing vessel. Liquid quenches (from high pressure hot separator) were installed to assist in cooling the reactor inter-bed, and to maintain good liquid irrigation of the catalyst. The soluble hydrogen in the stream, kinetically active and available for immediate reaction, is the final piece of the puzzle for why this unit runs so well.

Abstract: A method of recovering unsupported fine catalyst from heavy oil comprises combining a slurry comprising unsupported fine catalyst in heavy oil with solvent to form a combined slurry-solvent stream. The combined slurry-solvent stream is filtered in a deoiling zone. A stream comprising unsupported fine catalyst and solvent is recovered from the deoiling zone. Unsupported fine catalyst is separated from the stream comprising unsupported fine catalyst and solvent. Filtering in the deoiling zone can comprise filtering the slurry and solvent through a cross-flow microfiltration unit, recovering a retentate stream of the cross-flow microfiltration unit, combining the retentate stream of the cross-flow microfiltration unit with solvent to form a combined retentate-solvent stream, and filtering the combined retentate-solvent stream through a cross-flow microfiltration unit.

Abstract: A saturated elastomeric mixture is disclosed having a cured or vulcanized elastomer crumb rubber and atmospheric distillations bottoms residue is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for hydrotreating a first aromatics- and sulfur-containing hydrocarbon feed using a fresh supported CoMo catalyst, includes treating the fresh catalyst under first hydrotreating conditions with a second hydrocarbon feed having a lower aromatics content than the first feed.

Abstract: Petroleum resid, bitumen and/or heavy oil is upgraded by the separation of asphaltenes and/or resins from such resids, bitumen and/or heavy oils by contacting them with an ionic liquid with which the asphaltenes and/or resins interact.

Abstract: A method of recovering unsupported fine catalyst from heavy oil comprises combining a slurry comprising unsupported fine catalyst in heavy oil with solvent to form a combined slurry-solvent stream. The combined slurry-solvent stream is filtered in a deoiling zone. A stream comprising unsupported fine catalyst and solvent is recovered from the deoiling zone. Unsupported fine catalyst is separated from the stream comprising unsupported fine catalyst and solvent. The deoiling zone can comprise a membrane that is rapidly displaced in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A process for removing a nitrogen compound from a fuel feed, such as vacuum gas oil or diesel fuel, wherein the process includes contacting the fuel feed comprising the nitrogen compound with a fuel-immiscible caprolactamium ionic liquid to produce a fuel and fuel-immiscible caprolactamium ionic liquid mixture, and separating the mixture to produce a vacuum gas oil or a diesel effluent having a reduced nitrogen content relative to the vacuum gas oil or diesel feed. The invention provides an alternate use for caprolactamium ionic liquid that is produced in large quantities for the manufacture of caprolactam.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for desulfurizing hydrocarbon feedstreams with alkali metal compounds and regenerating the alkali metal compounds via the use of a transition metal oxide. The present invention employs the use of a transition metal oxide, preferably copper oxide, in order to convert spent alkali metal hydrosulfides in the regeneration of the alkali hydroxide compounds for reutilization in the desulfurization process for the hydrocarbon feedstreams. Additionally, in preferred embodiments of the processes disclosed herein, carbonates which may be detrimental to the overall desulfurization process and related equipment are removed from the regenerated alkali metal stream.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for hydrocracking hydrocarbon feed in a hydrocracking unit and hydrotreating a diesel product from the hydrocracking unit in a hydrotreating unit. The hydrocracking unit and the hydrotreating unit shares the same recycle gas compressor. A warm separator separates recycle gas and hydrocarbons from diesel in the hydrotreating effluent, so fraction of the diesel is relatively simple. The warm separator also keeps the diesel product separate from the more sulfurous diesel in the hydrocracking effluent, and still retains heat needed for fractionation of lighter components from the low sulfur diesel product.

Abstract: Two-stage hydroprocessing uses a common dividing wall fractionator. Hydroprocessed effluents from both stages of hydroprocessing are fed to opposite sides of the dividing wall.

Abstract: A method for the production of stabilized crude oil, the method comprising the steps of: providing a stream of crude oil; injecting steam into said stream and so stripping C3? from said stream; providing a gas stream; extracting C4+ from the gas stream, and so; producing a stream from the extracted C4+; co-mingling the stripped stream with the C4+ stream, and so; producing a stream of stabilized crude oil.

Abstract: A process for refining crude oil can be controlled to mitigate fouling by deploying a refractive index probe at a location suitable for making a crude oil stability determination, wherein the crude oil stability determination is relevant to controlling the refining process; making a measurement of crude oil stability; and then controlling the process for refining crude oil by maintaining the process or implementing a change to the process, based upon the determination of crude oil stability. This concept can also be applied to transporting, blending, and storing crude oil.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing a carbon emissions intensity of a fuel includes injecting a carbon dioxide fluid into a first wellbore; producing a hydrocarbon fluid from a second wellbore to a terranean surface; and producing a fuel from the produced hydrocarbon fluid, the fuel including a low-carbon fuel and assigned an emissions credit based on a source of the carbon dioxide fluid.

Abstract: A process is provided to produce an ultra low sulfur diesel using a two stage hydrotreating reaction zone. The first stage hydrotreater may operate with a continuous liquid phase.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for removing one or more disulfide compounds from a caustic stream. The process can include passing the caustic stream, previously contacted with a hydrocarbon stream for removing one or more mercaptans, through a column to remove the one or more disulfide compounds downstream of a mercaptan oxidation zone.

Abstract: A process of hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon in a down flow reactor comprising one or more hydroprocessing-catalyst beds. The hydrocarbon feed is mixed with hydrogen and optionally diluent to form a liquid feed mixture wherein hydrogen is dissolved in the mixture, and the liquid feed mixture is introduced into the down flow reactor under hydroprocessing conditions. The hydroprocessing-catalyst bed(s) are liquid-full and the feed reacts by contact with the catalyst. Hydrogen gas is injected into at least one of the hydroprocessing-catalyst beds such that at least part of the hydrogen consumed in that bed is replenished and the liquid-full condition is maintained. In a multi-bed reactor, hydrogen gas may be injected into more than one or all of the hydroprocessing-catalyst beds.

Abstract: A one-step process for desulfurizing an oxidized sulfone-containing fuel stream, such as a diesel stream, is disclosed where mass transfer and conversion of sulfone occurs simultaneously such that the sulfur atom in sulfone molecule is removed as sulfite to provide a low-sulfur diesel stream. The diesel stream for treatment is obtained as a result of the oxidation of a thiophene-rich diesel stream with an oxidant to provide a sulfone-containing diesel stream. The one-step process uses a single vessel having a shroud of vertical hanging fibers to affect the mass transfer of sulfones in diesel into contacting with an aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide where it is converted to sulfite and biphenyls. The sulfite-rich aqueous solution and low sulfur diesel are then separately removed from the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a method of producing synthetic fuels and organic chemicals from atmospheric carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide gas is extracted from the atmosphere, hydrogen gas is obtained by splitting water, a mixture of the carbon dioxide gas and the hydrogen gas (synthesis gas) is generated, and the synthesis gas is converted into synthetic fuels and/or organic products. The present invention is also directed to utilizing a nuclear power reactor to provide power for the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A petroleum feedstock upgrading method is provided. The method includes supplying a mixed stream that includes hydrocarbon feedstock and water to a hydrothermal reactor where the mixed stream is maintained at a temperature and pressure greater than the critical temperatures and pressure of water in the absence of catalyst for a residence time sufficient to convert the mixed stream into a modified stream having an increased concentration of lighter hydrocarbons and/or concentration of sulfur containing compounds. The modified stream is then supplied to an adsorptive reaction stage charged with a solid adsorbent operable to remove at least a portion of the sulfur present to produce a trimmed stream. The trimmed stream is then separated into a gas and a liquid streams, and the liquid stream is separated into a water stream and an upgraded hydrocarbon product stream.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a method of removing mercury bearing species from a hydrocarbon containing fluid. The method comprises the steps of: i) adding dithiocarbamate polymer to the fluid in an amount such that the number of mercury bonding sites on the polymer exceeds the amount of mercury atoms by at least 10% and ii) removing the mercury bearing dithiocarbamate polymer with a water/oil separation device. The invention relies upon an unexpected reversal in the solubility of dithiocarbamate polymer at very high concentrations. Because of the high solubility the polymer remains within the water phase of the hydrocarbon fluid and can be removed without the need for cumbersome precipitation methods and complicated solid liquid separation devices. As a result, the invention allows mercury contaminated crude oil to be easily rid of its mercury with easy to use equipment already present in a typical oil refinery.

Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization of gasoline is disclosed, the process including: feeding (1) a cracked naphtha containing mercaptans and other organic sulfur compounds and (2) hydrogen to a first hydrodesulfurization reactor containing one or more beds of a hydrodesulfurization catalyst; contacting sulfur compounds comprising the other organic sulfur compounds in the cracked naphtha with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrodesulfurization catalyst to convert a portion of the other organic sulfur compounds to hydrogen sulfide; withdrawing from the hydrodesulfurization reactor an effluent comprising hydrocarbons and hydrogen sulfide. The effluent from the hydrodesulfurization reactor is fed to a membrane separation system containing a membrane for partitioning the hydrocarbons from the hydrogen sulfide. For example, the membrane may be selective to hydrogen sulfide, to separate a permeate fraction comprising hydrogen sulfide from a residue fraction comprising the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for removing catalyst, catalyst fines, and coke particulates from a slurry oil stream includes the steps of routing a first slurry oil stream from a first slurry oil source to at least one hydrocyclone, increasing at least one of a temperature and a pressure of the first slurry oil stream prior to it entering the at least one hydrocyclone; passing the first slurry oil stream through the at least one hydrocyclone; and routing a second slurry oil stream exiting an overflow end of the at least one hydrocyclone to a second slurry oil source. The first and second slurry oil sources may be one or more of the following: a main column of a fluid catalytic cracking fractionator, a steam generator, a heat exchanger, a decant slurry oil storage, and a slurry oil storage tank.

Abstract: A method for purification of uncatalyzed natural fuels in liquid state from metal ions by removing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of natural occurring contaminating porphyrins, metalloporphyrins, chlorins and naturally occurring degradations products of these compounds, such as petroporphyrins, containing said metal ions from the fuels. At least one hemeprotein in apo-form selected from the group consisting of globins, peroxidases, pyrrolases and cytochromes having high affinity for porphyrins is added to the fuels. The hemeprotein is mixed with the fuels in such a way that the porphyrins is bounded to the hemeprotein. The hemeprotein with bound contaminating porphyrins is removed so as to obtain purified fuels. The invention relates also to the use of at least one hemeprotein selected from the group consisting of globins, peroxidases, pyrrolases and cytochromes having high affinity for porphyrins for the purification of uncatalyzed natural fuels in liquid state from metal ions.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing a carbon emissions intensity of a fuel includes injecting a carbon dioxide fluid into a first wellbore; producing a hydrocarbon fluid from a second wellbore to a terranean surface; and producing a fuel from the produced hydrocarbon fluid, the fuel including a low-carbon fuel and assigned an emissions credit based on a source of the carbon dioxide fluid.