Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon stream such as natural gas comprising at least the steps of: (a) providing a hydrocarbon feed stream (10); (b) passing the feed stream (10) through a first separation vessel (12) to provide a first gaseous stream (20) and a first liquid stream (30); (c) passing the first gaseous stream (20) from step (b) through a high pressure separation vessel (14) to provide a second gaseous stream (40) and a second liquid stream (80); (d) maintaining the pressure of the first gaseous stream (20) between step (b) and step (c) within +10 bar; (e) passing the first liquid stream (30) of step (b) through a stabilizer column (16) to provide a third gaseous stream (60) and a stabilized condensate (70); and (f) feeding the second liquid stream (80) from step (c) into the stabilizer column (16).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for using high-power microwave radiation to process (e.g., refine) recovered oil. In certain embodiments, relatively low-power microwave radiation is propagated into a recovered oil emulsion to process the emulsion into a more useful product. For example, the radiation may be used to refine the oil emulsion into a light crude oil.

Abstract: A process using supercritical water-oil emulsion to upgrade a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock into an upgraded hydrocarbon product or syncrude with highly desirable properties (low sulfur content, low metals content, lower density (higher API), lower viscosity, lower residuum content, etc.) is disclosed. The process does not require external supply of hydrogen nor does it use externally supplied catalysts.

Abstract: A process to upgrade heavy oil and convert the heavy oil into lower boiling hydrocarbon products is provided. The process employs a catalyst slurry comprising catalyst particles with an average particle size ranging from 1 to 20 microns. In the upgrade process, spent slurry catalyst in heavy oil is generated as an effluent stream, which is subsequently recovered/separated from the heavy oil via a filtration assembly. The filtration assembly has a least a filtration unit employing at least a membrane for separating heavy oil from the catalyst particles. Valuable metals can be recovered from catalyst particles for subsequent re-use in a catalyst synthesis unit, generating a fresh slurry catalyst.

Abstract: An impurity removing unit removes an impurity gas from a target gas while the target gas is in a gaseous state. A compressing unit compresses the impurity gas to produce compressed impurity gas. A drying unit removes water from the compressed impurity gas to produce a dried compressed impurity gas. A disposing unit disposes the dried compressed impurity gas into an underground aquifer.

Abstract: A system for producing, dispensing, using and monitoring a hydrogen enriched fuel includes a producing system configured to produce the hydrogen enriched fuel, a vehicle having an engine configured to use the hydrogen enriched fuel, and a dispensing system configured to store and dispense the hydrogen enriched fuel into the vehicle. The system also includes a fuel delivery system on the vehicle configured to deliver the hydrogen enriched fuel to the engine, and a control system configured to control the producing system and to monitor the use of the hydrogen enriched fuel by the vehicle. A method includes the steps of producing hydrogen gas and a hydrocarbon fuel, blending the hydrogen gas and the hydrocarbon fuel into the hydrogen enriched fuel, using the hydrogen enriched fuel in the engine, and tracking emissions during the producing step and during the using step.

Abstract: The proven success of this oil shale technology, including demonstration of the quality of its product, points to the feasibility of the commercial plants' technical functions. This retort system/refinery delivers a higher yield of crude oil and petroleum products both in terms of quantity and quality, utilizing a price conscious and environmentally compatible methodology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the removal of oxygenates from a gaseous stream also comprising carbon dioxide, said process comprising: a) providing a first gaseous stream comprising one or more mono-olefin(s), at least 100 ppm (by weight) of one or more oxygenates and at least 0.1 wt % carbon dioxide, and b) treating the first gaseous stream to produce a second gaseous stream comprising one or more mono-olefin(s) and at least 01 wt % carbon dioxide with reduced oxygenate content, wherein said treating comprises contacting the first gaseous stream with a first aqueous stream and with a first liquid hydrocarbon stream, and c) subsequently treating the second gaseous stream to remove the carbon dioxide therein.

Abstract: A process for treating a hydrocarbon liquid composition to improve its storage and/or transportation stability, comprises contacting the hydrocarbon liquid composition with a polar trap, wherein the conductivity of the hydrocarbon liquid composition is not reduced by said contacting with a polar trap. The polar trap may be a clay treater containing attapulgus clay. The process may include sequentially passing the hydrocarbon liquid composition through a dehydrator and a clay treater at a flow rate of between about 100 and about 1000 m3 per hour. Advantageously, the hydrocarbon liquid composition is refined and in particular, may be a Merox™-treated jet fuel.

Abstract: A method for reducing the viscosity and surface wetting tendency of an oil containing hydrophilic aspaltenes comprises adding to said oil an amount of hydrophobic asphaltenes in the range of 1 to 80 wt % based on weight of the hydrophilic asphaltense of said oil.

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 and apparatus for treating a fraction consisting predominantly of hydrocarbons having at least six carbon atoms (C6+ fraction) as produced in a plant for catalytic splitting of hydrocarbon-containing feedstock, is disclosed. The C6+ fraction undergoes steam dealkylation, where two useable product materials benzene and hydrogen are produced.

Abstract: A method for producing an adsorbing agent, an absorbing agent obtained by the method, and its use as bleaching earth, in particular for refining oils and fats, is described. In the method according to the invention, a raw clay with a specific surface area of more than 200 m2/g, an ion exchange capacity of more than 40 meq/100 g and a pore volume of more than 0.5 ml/g is used. At least 40% of the pore volume are provided by pores which have a pore diameter of at least 14 nm, and at most 25% of the pore volume are provided by pores which have a diameter of less than 7.5 nm. Surface activation with an acid gives an adsorbing agent which has a bleaching activity which partly exceeds that of high performance bleaching earths obtained by intensive dealuminization and washing with strong acid.

Abstract: Improving the beneficial use of waste material from a vegetation source, a biomass is fermented to produce a bio-fuel and carbon. The bio-fuel can be at least ethanol and bio-diesel and the resulting carbon can used to produce ink for printers. When the biomass is tree matter, a biocatalyst can extracted from the tree matter prior to fermentation. A component of the biocatalyst is used to cleanse internal combustion engine exhaust emissions by spraying the biocatalyst onto a exhaust emission gas. The sprayed exhaust emission gas can be filtered and the filtration by-product can be collected.

Abstract: A process using supercritical water to upgrade a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock into an upgraded hydrocarbon product or syncrude with highly desirable properties (low sulfur content, low metals content, lower density (higher API) lower viscosity, lower residuum content, etc.) is described. The process does not require external supply of hydrogen nor does it use externally supplied catalysts.

Abstract: A reactor for conducting a process using supercritical water to upgrade a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock into an upgraded hydrocarbon product or syncrude with highly desirable properties (low sulfur content, low metals content, lower density (higher API), lower viscosity, lower residuum content, etc.) is described. The reactor is operable under continuous) semi-continuous or batch mode and is equipped with means to enable momentum, heat and mass transfer in and out of and within the reactor.

Abstract: A process using supercritical water to upgrade a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock into an upgraded hydrocarbon product or syncrude with highly desirable properties (low sulfur content, low metals content, lower density (higher API), lower viscosity lower, residuum content, etc.) is disclosed. The process does not require external supply of hydrogen nor does it use externally supplied catalysts. Improved methods of mixing the reactants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process using supercritical water to upgrade a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock into an upgraded hydrocarbon product or syncrude with highly desirable properties (low sulfur content, low metals content, lower density (higher API), lower viscosity, lower residuum content, etc.) is disclosed. The process does not require external supply of hydrogen nor does it use externally supplied catalysts.

Abstract: A high solvent power (HSP) crude oil is added to a blend of incompatible oils to proactively address the potential for fouling heat exchange equipment. The HSP component dissolves asphaltene precipitates before coking affects heat exchange surfaces. An HSP oil is also flushed through heat exchange equipment to remove any deposits and/or precipitates on a regular maintenance schedule before coking can affect heat exchange surfaces.

Abstract: A transmix refining method comprises passing a transmix feed through a membrane to produce a permeate stream and a retentate stream without further processing the permeate stream and the retentate stream in a distillation device.

Abstract: A system and method for upgrading heavy crude oil. The system comprises: a system for blending a catalyst with the heavy crude to produce a crude/catalyst slurry, a source of supercritical water, a system for blending the supercritical water with the crude/catalyst slurry, infecting the feed slurry into the bottom of an tip-flow reactor, carrying out a reaction between the water and the crude to produce treated hydrocarbons, and separating the treated hydrocarbons into a heavy stream and a light stream. The first separator is in fluid communication with the tipper half of the reactor. A second separator receives the light stream and separates it into gases, liquid hydrocarbons, and water. A system and method of generating hydrogen for the process through in situ shift reaction, generating carbon monoxide either in situ through the injection of air inside the reactor or externally by gasification of unreacted resid or produced gases.

Abstract: A method and a system for transporting a flow of fluid hydrocarbons containing wax and/or asphaltenes or any other precipitating solids through a treatment and transportation system including a pipeline are disclosed. The flow of fluid hydrocarbons is introduced into a reactor (4), where it is mixed with another fluid flow having a temperature below a crystallization temperature for the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids and containing particles or crystals acting as nucleating and/or growth cores for the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids, the mixing temperature providing precipitation of the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids from the flow of fluid hydrocarbons, and the effluent flow of hydrocarbons and particles is conveyed from the reactor (4) to a pipeline (6) for transportation.

Abstract: The essence of the method is that diesel fuel is heated in the process of periodical circulation in a closed circuit including a heat exchanger and a rotor-disc apparatus of open type in centrifugal force field of which processes of mechanical destruction and dispersion run in environment of sucked air with oxygen saturation, simultaneously with processes of separation and homogenization fine filtration is carried out at a filtering porous partition of hydrophobic material with purification fineness 3÷8 micron as well as filtration at a multilayer filter-reactor at temperature 25÷45° C. which comprises granules of multifunctional catalyst alkylating aromatic compounds and a layer of fill of powder of transitional metals or their oxides. Then the treated fuel is stabilized by adding additives on the basis of surface-active substances.

Abstract: A process for heating thermally unstable or difficult to heat liquid feeds, e.g., used lubricating oil (ULO) to dehydrate and/or recover distillable components therefrom, is disclosed. The liquid feed is heated by direct contact heat exchange with molten salt, preferably maintained as a bath, operating at a temperature above the boiling point of water and below 600 C. The liquid feed is heated and typically at least partially vaporized in, or above, or by contact with the molten salt to produce a heated liquid. When ULO contaminated with water is the feed, the vapor product of the process will comprise water vapor and/or distillable hydrocarbons. ULO additive decomposition products, such as carbon, may be removed as a solid, semi-solid or liquid residual phase from contact with the molten salt.

Abstract: The thermal decomposition of Athabasca asphaltene at relatively low (<350° C.) temperatures is believed to proceed by elimination of groups situated on peripheral sites of the asphaltene. More severe degradation of the asphaltene structure does not occur until elevated (>350° C.) temperatures are attained.

Abstract: A continuous process to separate colour bodies and/or asphalthenic contaminants from a hydrocarbon mixture by passing part of the hydrocarbon mixture through a membrane over which membrane a pressure difference is maintained thereby obtaining a hydrocarbon permeate having a reduced content of colour bodies and/or contaminants, wherein at regular time intervals the pressure difference over the membrane is substantially lowered.

Abstract: A process for producing a diesel fuel stock from bitumen uses steam and a hydroisomerized diesel fraction produced by a gas conversion process, to respectively stimulate the bitumen production and increase the cetane number of a hydrotreated diesel fuel fraction produced by upgrading the bitumen, to form a diesel stock. The diesel stock is used for blending and forming diesel fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates to the processing of waste, contaminated, or raw materials. Crude oil can be processed to purify oil and separate water.

Abstract: A method and a system for transporting a flow of fluid hydrocarbons containing wax and/or asphaltenes or any other precipitating solids through a treatment and transportation system including a pipeline are disclosed. The flow of fluid hydrocarbons is introduced into a reactor (4), where it is mixed with another fluid flow having a temperature below a crystallization temperature for the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids and containing particles or crystals acting as nucleating and/or growth cores for the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids, the mixing temperature providing precipitation of the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids from the flow of fluid hydrocarbons, and the effluent flow of hydrocarbons and particles is conveyed from the reactor (4) to a pipeline (6) for transportation.

Abstract: Methods for producing a substantially paraffinic Fischer-Tropsch product or a blended Fischer Tropsch product comprising a selected oxygenate concentration, and if required, a selected oxygenate concentration of specific individual oxygenates, are disclosed. The methods of the present invention measure oxygenate concentration using GC-AED. The oxygenate measurements obtained using the GC-AED may be used to adjust and control various processes used to produce, upgrade, or finish Fischer Tropsch products to provide Fischer Tropsch products with a selected oxygenate concentration, and if required, a selected oxygenate concentration of specific individual oxygenates.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to disaggregate asphaltenes in petroleum oils and oil mixtures by mild heating. The presence of asphaltenes is determined by small angle neutron scattering.

Abstract: The oil refining method according to the present invention comprises the fractional distillation process 1 for distilling and separating the feed oil into the distillate M1 and the residue M2; the hydrorefining process 2 wherein at least a part of the distillate M1 is refined by hydrogenation and desulfurized thereby to obtain the hydrorefined oil M3; the solvent deasphalting process 3 wherein the residue M2 is deasphalted with a solvent thereby to obtain the deasphalted oil M4 as an extract and asphaltene (pitch) M5 as the residue; the hydrodemetalizating/desulfurizing process 4 wherein at least a part of the deasphalted oil M4 is demetalized and desulfurized by hydrogenation thereby to obtain the HDMS refined oil M6; and the first mixing process 5 wherein a part of the HDMS refined oil M6 and at least a part of the hydrorefined oil M3 are mixed thereby to produce oil products.

Abstract: A channel geometry for monolith and honeycomb catalysts used in two- and three-phase catalytic reactions or gas-liquid mass transfer processes features a desirable channel shape that enhances liquid/structure contacting efficiency and gas/liquid catalytic reaction activity. Gas/liquid catalytic hydrogenation or hydrotreating processes carried with these catalysts use efficient liquid/channel surface contacting and mass transfer of reactants from bulk liquid onto the channel surface to achieve high conversion efficiencies.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to disaggregate asphaltenes in petroleum oils and oil mixtures by mild heating. The presence of asphaltenes is determined by small angle neutron scattering.

Abstract: A method of deresinating a crude oil comprises contacting the crude oil with a carbon dioxide containing fluid, the crude oil having an initial API gravity and comprising an oil phase, resins, and asphaltenes, and wherein the carbon dioxide containing fluid enters the oil phase of the crude oil In a manner such that the resins and asphaltenes precipitate out of the crude oil such that the final API gravity of the crude oil is higher than the initial API gravity of the crude oil.

Abstract: A system and/or process for decreasing the level of at least one organic fluoride present in a hydrocarbon mixture by first passing the hydrocarbon mixture to an eductor and educting into the hydrocarbon mixture a catalyst comprising a volatility reducing additive and hydrofluoric acid to produce a hydrocarbon-catalyst mixture, permitting the hydrocarbon-catalyst mixture to undergo a phase separation to produce a hydrocarbon phase having a lower concentration of at least one organic fluoride than the hydrocarbon mixture and to produce a catalyst phase, and withdrawing at least a portion of the hydrocarbon phase to thereby form a hydrocarbon product stream, are disclosed. In an alternative embodiment, a system and/or process for controlling the concentration of at least one organic fluoride and/or the RON of the hydrocarbon mixture by adjusting the amount of volatility reducing additive present in the catalyst are disclosed.

Abstract: Bromine reactive hydrocarbon contaminants are removed from aromatic streams by first providing an aromatic feedstream having a negligible diene level. The feedstream is contacted with an acid active catalyst composition under conditions sufficient to remove mono-olefins. An aromatic stream may be pretreated to remove dienes by contacting the stream with clay, hydrogenation or hydrotreating catalyst under conditions sufficient to substantially remove dienes but not mono-olefins.

Abstract: A removable filter for separating and filtering slurry liquid from solid particles includes one or more filter sections connected by a filtrate conduit. Each section comprises a plurality of vertical, hollow, sintered metal filter elements horizontally arranged across a manifold connected to a hollow filtrate conduit. The sections are vertically stacked and connected by the conduit(s) to form the filter which is removably secured in the slurry by means which permit it to be removed vertically up and out of the top of the reactor. This filter has a high surface area to volume ratio and is useful for removing the liquid hydrocarbon products from a slurry hydrocarbon synthesis reactor and can easily be replaced without having to drain out the slurry.

Abstract: A method of removing hydrocarbons from soils contaminated with various hydrocarbons such as gasoline, diesel fuel, solvents, motor oil and crude oil. The process first screens the soil to remove oversized rocks and debris and to reduce the contaminated soil to uniformly sized particles. The soil particles are moved along a conveyor and first sprayed with an oxidizer diluted with ionized water and then sprayed with only ionized water. The washed particles are then vigorously mixed with their entrained oxidizer and ionized water in an auger mixer for several minutes to oxidize almost all of the remaining hydrocarbons. The washed and hydrocarbon-free soil is then moved by conveyor to a stockpile for storage, testing and drying.

Abstract: A sand/liquid separator provides for the conditioning of oil sands. Clean sand is separated from the ore and discharged for use as backfill. The sand/liquid separator machine includes horizontal shafts with paddles that act on a fluidized bed. The overall height of the machine is increased over prior art devices so the water volume is expanded. For a given residence time, more sand can be separated out than is otherwise possible. The water-to-sand ratio is an independent variable, water is recycled independent of the sand. The rate of water recycle depends only on the heat input needed and the clay content of the feed. The rate of water input is limited by the rise velocity needed to separate sand larger than forty-four micron from the water/liquid phase. This, in turn, determines the maximum oil sand feed rate based on the total clay in the feed at up to six percent, by weight, of clay in the middlings in the machine.

Abstract: Improving the flowability of mineral oils and mineral oil distillates using alkylphenol-aldehyde resinsThe invention relates to a process for improving the flowability of paraffin-containing mineral oils and mineral oil distillates by adding flow improvers based on ethylene/vinyl ester co- and terpolymers, alkylphenol-aldehyde resins and, if appropriate, other paraffin dispersants, mixtures of these different flow improvers and mineral oils and mineral oil distillates which comprise these flow improvers.

Abstract: The viscosity of hydrocarbon feeds in reduced from crudes or crude by thermal treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for accelerating the settling of finely divided, oil-and-water-insoluble solids in hydrocarbon fluids using an effective amount of an alkylphenol-formaldehyde resin alkoxylate having a molecular weight of about 500 to about 5,000. Preferably, the hydrocarbon is a fluid catalytic cracker slurry containing spent catalyst fines.

Abstract: A continuous water washing process for removing salts from refinery process streams is disclosed. The salt and salt precursor content of a process stream is determined, and iterative calculations made to ensure an aqueous phase forms downstream of the water injection point with a salt and ion concentration within acceptable limits. Preferably chemical speciation calculations are used to check for corrosive, transient aqueous phases intermediate the point of water injection and the process outlet.

Abstract: A process for determining if intermittent water injection is the best way to remove deposits such as salts from refinery process streams. A water vapor pressure, P1, at stream conditions and a water vapor pressure, Ps, at saturation conditions in the stream, are used to calculate a ratio P1/Ps. If the ratio is less than 0.1 intermittent water washing is preferred. An optimized intermittent injection procedure, frequency, duration, and constraints, is disclosed. Chemical speciation calculations ensure that all accumulated salts are removed, and that an aqueous phase forms downstream of the water injection point having a salt concentration within acceptable limits.

Abstract: The invention is a composition for use in deactivating iron species in hydrocarbon fluids, comprising the products resulting from the reaction of (I), with (II) and (III) is disclosed; wherein (I) is a substituted catechol of the structure ##STR1## where R is chosen from alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, or arylalkyl from about 1 to 20 carbon atoms; wherein (II) is a mixture of polyamines having the repeat structure ##STR2## wherein m ranges from 1 to 10 and where X is an alkyl, branched alkyl, cyclic or branched cyclic alkyl of from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and where Y is a substituted alkylphenol of structure ##STR3## where R" is chosen from alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, arylalkyl of from about 1 to 22 carbon atoms; wherein (III) is an aldehyde of structure ##STR4## where R' is chosen from hydrogen, and an alkyl of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Also disclosed is the function of the said same composition, resulting from the reaction of (I) with (II) and (III), as an antioxidant in hydrocarbon fluids.

Abstract: A combination of aluminum chlorohydrate and a polyamine, such as polydiallyldimethyl ammonium chloride in an aqueous solution is described which is an effective emulsion breaker for reverse (oil-in-water) emulsions. The combination is effective at elevated temperatures and in a matrix comprising mostly oil as encountered in a crude oil desalter unit.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the settling of finely divided solids in hydrocarbon fluids comprising adding to the hydrocarbon a sufficient settling amount of a hetero-atom punctuated fatty polymer. Preferably, the hydrocarbon is a fluid catalytic cracker slurry containing spent catalyst fines.

Abstract: A device adapted to be placed between a fuel storage tank and a fuel container into which the fuel is to be pumped, for example on a fuel pump nozzle, for detecting the presence of water in the fuel being pumped. The device has a tubular member with an inlet for receiving a portion of the fuel being pumped, an outlet for discharging the portion of fuel conducted through the tubular member, and a transparent portion disposed between the inlet and outlet. A chemical paste composition containing a water responsive indicator dye is disposed in the transparent portion of the tubular member to contact the portion of fuel conducted through the tubular member and produces a visually noticeable color change indicating the presence of water in the fuel being pumped.

Abstract: A used lubricant oil recycling process is disclosed in which a used lubricating oil is injected to a delayed coker downstream of the coker furnace whereby the used oil is thermally cracked into hydrocarbon fuel products which are low in metal contaminants, sulfur and nitrogen. The used lubricant can be preheated in an independent heater to avoid a quenching effect of the process stream when added in an amount greater than about 3% by volume based on the entire volume of the feed.