Water Removal (dehydration) Patents (Class 208/187)
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Publication number: 20110036751Abstract: A contactor/separator is formed from a vessel; an inlet for receiving a vapor/liquid mixture; an inlet for receiving a superheated vapor; a hub located within the vessel, the hub including a plurality of vanes for imparting a centrifugal motion to the vapor/liquid mixture or the superheated vapor; an outlet in a bottom of the vessel for removing liquid; and an outlet for removing vapor from the vessel. A method is also provided for heating and separating liquid and vapor from a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising introducing a hydrocarbon feedstock into a contactor/separator: introducing a superheated vapor into the contactor/separator such that it contacts and vaporizes a portion of the feedstock within the contactor/separator; separating unvaporized feedstock from vaporized feedstock in the contactor/separator; removing the vaporized feedstock and the superheated vapor through a first outlet; and removing the unvaporized feedstock through a second outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventors: Louis Edward STEIN, Danny Yuk Kwan Ngan, Arthur James Baumgartner, Karl Gregory Anderson, Raul Jasso Garcia, SR., Richard Rodriguez
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Patent number: 7862706Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from water-containing hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined or separately collected water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via an outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
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Publication number: 20100314296Abstract: A means for transporting a dispersion of heavy crude oil and water by conventional pipelines. The dispersion is an emulsion prepared by combining production water with crude oil as well as an adequate surfactant system such that the dispersion stabilizes. The dispersion presents a viscosity of less than about 500 cP allowing it to be pumpable and transportable via conventional pipelines. The dispersion, once it arrives at its final destination, is broken or separated by means of one or more suitable diluents such that the remaining oil meets predetermined specifications for further processing, i.e. refining into lighter fractions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: Luis Pacheco, Maria Briceño, Gustavo Núñez
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Patent number: 7842121Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing aqueous stream purification services. The system includes at least one separation unit. Each separation unit may include a mechanical vapor recompression separator, a steam stripper, and a secondary recovery heat exchanger. The system for wastewater purification may receive water from a waste water storage, purify the water, and return the purified water to a purified water storage. The system may include a controller. The controller may include an operating conditions module configured to interpret at least one operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: General Electric Capital CorporationInventors: Larry D. Sanderson, James W. Schleiffarth, Leslie D. Merrill, Bradford M. Rohwer
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Patent number: 7837768Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for purifying a waste fluid stream. The system includes a recirculation pump having an inlet for a recirculation stream and an outlet to expel a pressurized stream. The system includes a compressor having an inlet for an evaporation stream and an outlet for a pressurized evaporation stream. A primary heat exchanger has inlets for the pressurized stream and the pressurized evaporation stream, an internal surface area for heat transfer from the evaporation stream to the pressurized stream, and outlets for a cooled product stream and a heated pressurized stream. The heated pressurized stream is formed by heating the pressurized stream and the cooled product stream is formed by cooling the evaporation stream. The system includes an evaporation unit having an inlet for the heated pressurized stream and outlets for an evaporation stream and the recycled liquid bottoms stream.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: General Electric Capital Corporation as Administrative AgentInventors: Larry D. Sanderson, James W. Schleiffarth, Leslie D. Merrill, Bradford M. Rohwer
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Publication number: 20100288494Abstract: Heavy crude oils having high sulfur content and viscosities are upgraded by a hydrodesulfurization (HDS) process that includes microwave irradiation of a mixture of the sour heavy crude oil with at least one catalyst and optionally, one or more sensitizers, and irradiation in the presence of hydrogen. The process is also adapted to microwave treatment of hard to break emulsions, either above ground or below ground where water-in-oil emulsions are initially formed, followed by the catalytic hydrodesulfurization promoted by application of further microwave energy to the demulsified crude oil stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Rashid M. Khan, Emad Naji Al-Shafei
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Patent number: 7807047Abstract: A process treats a fluid stream of used fracturing fluid containing contaminants and forms a reconditioned fluid stream. Contaminants are removed by the combination of distillation, electrostatic agglomeration, decanting, and filtration. Optionally, the filtered fluid stream is treated in a clay tower to remove residual contaminants.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Gibson Energy ULCInventors: Chad Randal, Larry Medhurst, Doug Hildebrandt
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Patent number: 7799213Abstract: Reactive phosphorus species can be removed or transferred from a hydrocarbon phase to a water phase in an emulsion breaking process by using a composition that contains water-soluble hydroxyacids. Suitable water-soluble hydroxyacids include, but are not necessarily limited to glycolic acid, gluconic acid, C2-C4 alpha-hydroxy acids, poly-hydroxy carboxylic acids, thioglycolic acid, chloroacetic acid, polymeric forms of the above hydroxyacids, poly-glycolic esters, glycolate ethers, and ammonium salt and alkali metal salts of these hydroxyacids, and mixtures thereof. The composition may optionally include a mineral acid to reduce the pH of the desalter wash water. A solvent may be optionally included in the composition. The invention permits transfer of reactive phosphorus species into the aqueous phase with little or no hydrocarbon phase undercarry into the aqueous phase. The composition is particularly useful in treating crude oil emulsions, and in removing calcium and other metals therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Lawrence N. Kremer, Tran M. Nguyen, Jerry J. Weers
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Publication number: 20100140140Abstract: A method of separating a hydrocarbon multiphase fluid mixture. The method comprises an application step in which the hydrocarbon fluid mixture (E) is applied to a separator that separates by gravity the hydrocarbon fluid mixture (E) into a liquid layer and a gas layer. The method further comprises an extraction step, a liquid-level measurement step, a level-based adjustment step, a parameter measurement step, and a parameter-based adjustment step.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventor: Francis Allouche
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Publication number: 20100084314Abstract: A method and a device for separation of a fluid in the liquid state comprising two liquids that are not mutually miscible, with different densities, wherein a first liquid is to be cleansed from a second liquid, whereby the fluid in the liquid state is conducted through a rotor where centrifugal separation of the second liquid from the first liquid takes place, and is then conducted into a tank, with the proportion of the second liquid being reduced to less than 5%, and by conducting the fluid, after centrifugal separation, through a restriction, whereby the pressure of the fluid in the liquid state is reduced, which causes portions of the fluid in the liquid state to evaporate so that further portions of the second liquid escape in the form of a gas which is conducted away, thereby further reducing the proportion of the second liquid in the outgoing fluid in the liquid state.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2007Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE ABInventors: Claes-Goran Carlsson, Leonard Borgstrom, Carl Haggmark, Hans Moberg, Jan Skoog
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Patent number: 7691258Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Emirates National Oil Company Limited (ENOC) LLCInventor: Maharajapuram Subramanian Venkateshan
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Patent number: 7662275Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method of providing water management and utilization during the process of dewatering and retorting of oil shale. More specifically, the process described relates to co-producing potable and non-potable water, for various uses, during the extraction of petroleum from shale oil deposits. Generally, the process allows the production of multiple streams of waters or varying salinity and pressures at least one of which is of high enough pressure for reinsertion into geological formations or reservoirs, and another which may supply a potable water source. In one embodiment, the high pressure required for reinserting the non-potable water into geological formation or reservoirs may be utilized for producing the potable water supply. In another embodiment, the non-potable water supply may also be used for entraining and sequestering undesired emissions, such as CO2.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Colorado School of MinesInventor: John R. Dorgan
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Publication number: 20090294330Abstract: Systems and methods for processing hydrocarbons are provided. A first mixture including one or more hydrocarbons and water can be separated to provide a first waste water and a second mixture. The second mixture can be apportioned into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can be separated to provide a second waste water and a third mixture. At least a portion of the third mixture and hydrocarbon containing solids can be combusted to provide a combustion gas. A portion of the hydrocarbon containing solids can be gasified to provide regenerated solids and gasified hydrocarbons. A portion of the second portion can be vaporized and cracked in the presence of the combustion gas and gasified hydrocarbons to provide vaporized hydrocarbons and cracked hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons can be deposited onto the regenerated solids to provide the hydrocarbon containing solids.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: KELLOGG BROWN & ROOT LLCInventor: Rashid Iqbal
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Patent number: 7612117Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of a class of acetylenic surfactants to resolve or break water and oil emulsions. The surfactants are of particular advantage in resolving crude oil emulsions of the type encountered in desalter and similar apparatus designed to extract brines from the crude as they partition to the aqueous phase in the desalter.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Cato R. McDaniel, Alan E. Goliaszewski, David Birenbaum Engel
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Publication number: 20090230025Abstract: A continuous process for regasifying a feed stream comprising (i) a slurry phase comprising gas hydrate particles suspended in a produced liquid hydrocarbon and optionally free produced water and (ii) optionally a gaseous phase comprising free produced gaseous hydrocarbon thereby generating a regasified multiphase fluid and for separating the regasified multiphase fluid into its component fluids, comprising the steps of: (a) heating the feed stream to above the dissociation temperature of the gas hydrate thereby regasifying the feed stream by converting the gas hydrate particles into gaseous hydrocarbon and water; (b) separating a gaseous hydrocarbon phase from the regasified multiphase fluid thereby forming a gaseous hydrocarbon product stream and a liquid stream comprising a mixture of liquid hydrocarbon and water; (c) separating the liquid stream comprising a mixture of the liquid hydrocarbon and water into a liquid hydrocarbon phase and an aqueous phase; and (d) removing the liquid hydrocarbon phase as aType: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2006Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: BP EXPLORATION OPERATING COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Carl Boles Argo, Roger Neil Harper, David Charles King, Michael Bernard Power, Peter Willcox
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Publication number: 20090194460Abstract: 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).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2007Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Robert Klein Nagul Voort, Wouter Jan Meiring
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Publication number: 20090065395Abstract: A method for obtaining a petroleum distillate product is provided, the method includes subjecting an untreated light Fischer-Tropsch liquid to a two-step hydrogenation process, each step to be carried in the presence of a catalyst comprising an amorphous substrate having a metallic composition embedded therein. After the first step of hydrogenation, an intermediate hydrotreated light Fischer-Tropsch liquid is obtained, followed by the second step of hydrogenation thereof, obtaining the petroleum distillate product as a result. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: UOP, LLCInventor: Peter Kokayeff
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Patent number: 7497943Abstract: It has been discovered that metals and/or amines can be removed or transferred from a hydrocarbon phase to a water phase in an emulsion breaking process by using a composition that contains water-soluble hydroxyacids. Suitable water-soluble hydroxyacids include, but are not necessarily limited to glycolic acid, gluconic acid, C2-C4 alpha-hydroxy acids, poly-hydroxy carboxylic acids, thioglycolic acid, chloroacetic acid, polymeric forms of the above hydroxyacids, poly-glycolic esters, glycolate ethers, and ammonium salt and alkali metal salts of these hydroxyacids, and mixtures thereof. The composition may also include at least one mineral acid to reduce the pH of the desalter wash water. A solvent may be optionally included in the composition. The invention permits transfer of metals and/or amines into the aqueous phase with little or no hydrocarbon phase undercarry into the aqueous phase.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Tran M. Nguyen, Lawrence N. Kremer, Jerry J. Weers
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Patent number: 7442290Abstract: Mesoporous aluminum oxides with high surface areas have been synthesized using inexpensive, small organic templating agents instead of surfactants. Optionally, some of the aluminum can be framework-substituted by one or more other elements. The material has high thermal stability and possesses a three-dimensionally randomly connected mesopore network with continuously tunable pore sizes. This material can be used as catalysts for dehydration, hydrotreating, hydrogenation, catalytic reforming, steam reforming, amination, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and Diels-Alder synthesis, etc.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.Inventors: Zhiping Shan, Jacobus Cornelius Jansen, Chuen Y. Yeh, Philip J. Angevine, Thomas Maschmeyer
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Publication number: 20080251421Abstract: A compact desalting system for use in a process of desalting crude oil comprises a plurality of separation stages. Each separation stage includes a compact electrostatic coalescer (42, 62) for coalescing water droplets carried with the crude oil and settling means (91, 92; 95, 96) for settling separated oil and coalesced water droplets. The system includes a vessel (46) comprising a plurality of compartments containing the settling means and the compact electrostatic coalescers are each mounted in a housing on top of the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: Kvaerner Process Systems A.S.Inventors: Jon Liverud, Arne Myrvang Gulbraar
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Publication number: 20080190813Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from water-containing hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined or separately collected water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via an outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
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Patent number: 7326819Abstract: A catalyst and process is disclosed to selectively upgrade a paraffinic feedstock to obtain an isoparaffin-rich product for blending into gasoline. The catalyst comprises a support of a sulfated oxide or hydroxide of a Group IVB (IUPAC 4) metal, a first component of at least one lanthanide element or yttrium component, which is preferably ytterbium, and at least one platinum-group metal component which is preferably platinum.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Ralph D. Gillespie, Michelle J. Cohn
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Patent number: 7323342Abstract: A method for determination for a given oil the relative stability of a water-in-oil emulsion that will be formed by that oil with water comprises measuring for the given oil the weight fraction of the oil that is most strongly adsorbed on a silica gel column successively eluted with n-hexane, toluene and methylene chloride-methanol mixture solvents and determining whether said weight fraction is greater than about 0.05; with a value above 0.05 being determinative of an emulsion more stable than one with a value less than 0.05.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventor: Ramesh Varadaraj
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Patent number: 7270741Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of separating non-acid chemicals from a water rich stream produced during a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) reaction.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Sasol Technology (Pty) LtdInventors: Andries Johannes Roelofse, Richard Alan Russell
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Patent number: 7208079Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste oil comprises the steps of (a) supplying a stream of the waste oil to a dehydrator to dehydrate the waste oil and obtain a stream of dehydrated waste oil; (b) supplying the stream of dehydrated waste oil to a fractionated distillation column having a lower tray, an upper tray and a middle tray therebetween, wherein the lower tray is operated at a temperature of 370 to 390° C. under a sub-atmospheric pressure of 50 to 100 mmHg, the middle tray is operated at a temperature of 265 to 280° C. under a sub-atmospheric pressure of 35 to 45 mmHg and the upper tray is operated at a temperature of 100 to 110° C. under a sub-atmospheric pressure of 30 to 40 mmHg; (c) withdrawing from the distillation column a bottom product comprising a bituminous material; (d) withdrawing a first side stream from the distillation column between the first and second trays, the first side stream comprising a heavy oil having a viscosity of 130 to 180 cSt at 40° C.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventor: Nouredine Fakhri
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Patent number: 7198715Abstract: A device for separating fluid mixtures, in particular for separating water from oil, includes a vacuum container (10) with several sub-chambers (26, 44, 40). At least one liquid constituent of the fluid mixture can be transported from the vacuum container after separation, by a transport device (12). The other constituents can be extracted from the vacuum container (10) in the form of gas and/or steam, using a vacuum pump (20). One of the sub-chambers (26) of the vacuum container (10) houses a heating device (28, 30), which heats the fluid mixture. The fluid mixture is guided into an additional sub-chamber (40), and is separated into its constituents by traversing a packed bed. Even cold and consequently viscous fluid mixtures can be supplied, due to the heating device, for separation inside the aforementioned vacuum container.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbHInventors: Knut Herges, Andreas Busch
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Patent number: 7150822Abstract: 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 metal, 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 metal 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 metal.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: DTX Technologies LLCInventor: Donald P. Malone
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Patent number: 7108780Abstract: A method for determination for a given oil the relative stability of a water-in-oil emulsion that will be formed by that oil with water comprises measuring for the given oil the weight percent asphaltenes (A), total acid number (TAN), and ratio of the amount of naphthenic acids in the 450+ molecular weight to 450 molecular weight range (R); calculating an emulsion stability parameter, S=A+TAN*R; and determining whether the emulsion stability parameter, S, is greater than about 3; with a value above 3 being determinative of an emulsion more stable than one with a value less than 3.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: ExxonMobile Research and Engineering CompanyInventor: Ramesh Varadaraj
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Patent number: 7097761Abstract: A method for contaminant and water removal from crude oil. The method involves recirculating at least a portion of the dewatered crude into a dehydrator. The dehydrator contains a heated dehydrated crude oil and the surface or adjacent thereto is maintained at a temperature sufficient to vaporize any water contacting the surface from crude oil to be treated in the dehydrator. It has been found important to maintain a substantially uniform temperature at or below the vaporizing surface in order to effectively treat crude oil for dewatering purposes. Significant temperature fluctuations are typically realized by dehydrators since heat enthalpy is removed in order to vaporize the water in the crude oil. Such fluctuations lead to process complications and upset and are therefore undesirable. The instant invention recognizes this limitation and substantially reduces foaming and provides for a smoothly running and efficient dehydration process.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Colt Engineering CorporationInventor: Steven Kresnyak
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Patent number: 7077950Abstract: Process for the continuous drying of a hydrocarbon stream at a temperature being effective in drying the stream with an ionic liquid drying agent comprising a salt of sulphuric acid being in liquid or melted form at the drying temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/SInventor: Sven Ivar Hommeltoft
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Patent number: 7060865Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing DME from a stream containing C4 olefins. The process includes providing a first stream comprising C4 olefins, C5+ hydrocarbons, DME, and methanol. The first stream is separated into a second stream comprising the C4 olefins and the DME and a third stream comprising the C5+ hydrocarbons and the methanol. The second stream is directed to a DME absorption unit, wherein the second stream contacts water under conditions effective to separate the C4 olefins from the DME. Also disclosed is a process including contacting the first stream with water in a methanol removal unit under conditions effective to separate remove the methanol therefrom; distilling the methanol-depleted stream to remove C5+ hydrocarbon components, and contacting the stream with water in a DME removal unit under conditions effective to form an overhead stream comprising the C4 olefins and a bottoms stream comprising the DME.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.Inventors: Zhong Yi Ding, James Richardson Lattner
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Patent number: 7045038Abstract: There is disclosed a burnable used oil fuel product by the process comprising: (a) obtaining a used oil sample having at least 1% (by weight) aqueous substances; (b) heating the used oil sample to a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 60° C.; and (c) extracting a volume of water from the heated used oil by adding super critical CO2.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Industrial Microwave Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Frederick Anthony Schaefer
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Patent number: 7008536Abstract: The invention includes a method for dewatering and/or desalting a water-in-oil emulsion comprising introducing a plurality of streams of the emulsion into the electrostatic field under opposed flow whereby the water coalescence is enhanced. The invention also includes an improved electrostatic apparatus for dewatering and/or desalting a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a plurality of horizontally directed nozzles positioned to introduce a plurality of streams of the emulsion into the electrostatic field under opposed flow conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co.Inventors: Ramesh Varadaraj, Rutton D. Patel, Ramesh R. Hemrajani, Salvatore J. Rossetti, David W. Savage
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Patent number: 6881873Abstract: A catalyst and process is disclosed to selectively upgrade a paraffinic feedstock to obtain an isoparaffin-rich product for blending into gasoline. The catalyst comprises a support of a sulfated oxide or hydroxide of a Group IVB (IUPAC 4) metal, a first component of at least one lanthanide element or yttrium component, which is preferably ytterbium, and at least one platinum-group metal component which is preferably platinum.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Ralph D. Gillespie, Michelle J. Cohn
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Patent number: 6849175Abstract: A method for contaminant and water removal from crude oil. The method involves recirculating at least a portion of the dewatered crude into a dehydrator. The dehydrator contains a heated dehydrated crude oil and the surface or adjacent thereto is maintained at a temperature sufficient to vaporize any water contacting the surface from crude oil to be treated in the dehydrator. It has been found important to maintain a substantially uniform temperature at or below the vaporizing surface in order to effectively treat crude oil for dewatering purposes. Significant temperature fluctuations are typically realized by dehydrators since heat enthalpy is removed in order to vaporize the water in the crude oil. Such fluctuations lead to process complications and upset and are therefore undesirable. The instant invention recognizes this limitation and substantially reduces foaming and provides for a smoothly running and efficient dehydration process.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Colt Engineering CorporationInventor: Steve Kresnyak
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Publication number: 20040262199Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of separating non-acid chemicals from a water rich stream produced during a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: Sasol Technology (Pty) LtdInventors: Andries Johannes Roelofse, Richard Alan Russell
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Publication number: 20040173505Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste oil comprises the steps of (a) supplying a stream of the waste oil to a dehydrator to dehydrate the waste oil and obtain a stream of dehydrated waste oil; (b) supplying the stream of dehydrated waste oil to a fractionated distillation column having a lower tray, an upper tray and a middle tray therebetween, wherein the lower tray is operated at a temperature of 370 to 390° C. under a sub-atmospheric pressure of 50 to 100 mmHg, the middle tray is operated at a temperature of 265 to 280° C. under a sub-atmospheric pressure of 35 to 45 mmHg and the upper tray is operated at a temperature of 100 to 110° C. under a sub-atmospheric pressure of 30 to 40 mmHg; (c) withdrawing from the distillation column a bottom product comprising a bituminous material; (d) withdrawing a first side stream from the distillation column between the first and second trays, the first side stream comprising a heavy oil having a viscosity of 130 to 180 cSt at 40° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2003Publication date: September 9, 2004Inventor: Nouredine Fakhri
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Patent number: 6787027Abstract: Process for separating an emulsion of a bituminous oil and water into a liquid water phase and a liquid bituminous oil phase, wherein the following steps are performed: (a) raising the temperature of the bituminous oil/water emulsion having a temperature of below 100 ° C. to a temperature of above 140 ° C., and (b) performing a phase separation wherein a water phase and oil phase is obtained, wherein the heating of the emulsion in step (a) is effected by first mixing part of oil phase obtained in step (b) having a temperature of above 140 ° C. with the bituminous oil/water emulsion and subsequently raising the temperature of the resulting mixture to a temperature of above 140 ° C. by making use of indirect heat exchange means.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Franciscus Gondulfus Antonius Van Den Berg, Arie Jansen, Paulus Antoon Stamps
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Patent number: 6774276Abstract: A method of transporting a flow of fluid hydrocarbons containing water through a treatment and transportation system including a pipeline, wherein the flow of fluid hydrocarbons is introduced into a reactor where it is mixed with particles of gas hydrates which are also introduced into the reactor. The effluent flow of hydrocarbons from the reactor is cooled in a heat exchanger to ensure that all water present therein is in the form of gas hydrates. The flow is then treated in a separator to be separated into a first flow and a second flow. The first flow has a content of gas hydrate and is recycled to the reactor to provide the particles of gas hydrates mentioned above. The second flow is conveyed to a pipeline to be transported to its destination.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Sinvent ASInventors: Are Lund, David Lysne, Roar Larsen, Kai W. Hjarbo
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Patent number: 6746599Abstract: Diluent-diluted bitumen froth containing bitumen and naphtha diluent, hydrocarbons, water, sand and fines (collectively “dilfroth”) is fed into a vapor-tight gravity settler (‘splitter’) and temporarily retained to produce a bottom layer of tails comprising sand and middlings, a rag layer of discrete three-dimensional structures, each comprising hydrocarbons contained in a skin of fines, and a top layer of hydrocarbons containing small droplets of water and fines (‘raw dilbit’). The flux in the splitter is less than 6 m3/h of dilfroth fed per m2 of horizontal cross-sectional rag area. The in-coming dilfroth is fed directly into the splitter middlings. Demulsifier is added to the overflow stream of raw dilbit and the mixture is subjected to prolonged settling in a vapor-tight polisher tank, to produce polished dilbit containing less than 1.0 wt. % water and 0.3 wt. % solids. The splitter underflow tails, containing less than 15 wt.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignees: AEC Oil Sands Limited Partnership, Athabasca Oil Sands Investments Inc., Nexen Inc., Canadian Oil Sands Investments Inc., Gulf Canada Resources Limited, Imperial Oil Resources, Mocal Energy Limited, Murphy Oil Company Ltd., Petro-CanadaInventors: George Cymerman, Pat Dougan, Tom Tran, Jim Lorenz, Corey Mayr
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Patent number: 6740229Abstract: This invention relates to a method for drying the charge of a unit that treats petroleum cuts with a low water charge that consists in injecting a hydrolysable chemical compound into said charge. The quantity of the chemical compound injected is at least equal to the quantity necessary for all the water contained in the charge to react by hydrolysis with said chemical compound. The invention finds its application in units that treat petroleum cuts and whose operation is sensitive to the presence of water in their charges, in particular the paraffin base hydrocarbon isomerisation units. One drawing.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Total Raffinage Distribution S.A.Inventors: Pedro Nascimento, Jacques Couillard, Jean-Louis Mauleon, Alain Milan
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Publication number: 20040007500Abstract: A method for contaminant and water removal from crude oil. The method involves recirculating at least a portion of the dewatered crude into a dehydrator. The dehydrator contains a heated dehydrated crude oil and the surface or adjacent thereto is maintained at a temperature sufficient to vaporize any water contacting the surface from crude oil to be treated in the dehydrator. It has been found important to maintain a substantially uniform temperature at or below the vaporizing surface in order to effectively treat crude oil for dewatering purposes. Significant temperature fluctuations are typically realized by dehydrators since heat enthalpy is removed in order to vaporize the water in the crude oil. Such fluctuations lead to process complications and upset and are therefore undesirable. The instant invention recognizes this limitation and substantially reduces foaming and provides for a smoothly running and efficient dehydration process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventor: Steven Kresnyak
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Patent number: 6673239Abstract: A system and process for removing water and heteroatom-containing compounds from hydrocarbons and for regenerating the adsorbent used in the system and process is disclosed and includes contacting the hydrocarbon stream with a water adsorbent and a heteroatom-containing compound adsorbent. The regeneration includes passing an isoparaffin over the water-adsorbent, then passing the isoparaffin over the heteroatom-containing compound adsorbent; and, optionally; cooling the effluent; separating such into a hydrocarbon phase and a water phase in a settler; removing a portion of the hydrocarbon phase for mixing with water; returning the hydrocarbon/water mixture to the settler; removing some of the hydrocarbon phase from the settler to form a recycle isoparaffin stream for use as a portion of the stripping stream; and removal of a portion of the water phase from the settler to form a waste water stream containing water and heteroatom-containing compound.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Marvin M. Johnson, Bruce B. Randolph
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Publication number: 20030199723Abstract: Process for the continuous drying of a hydrocarbon stream at a temperature being effective in drying the stream with an ionic liquid drying agent comprising a salt of sulphuric acid being in liquid or melted form at the drying temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventor: Sven Ivar Hommeltoft
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Patent number: 6589417Abstract: Used oil is treated in a reactor to remove contaminants. The reactor comprises a rotating vessel housed within a heating chamber. The inside of the vessel is indirectly heated by conduction through the vessel walls. The vessel contains a permanently resident charge of non-ablating, coarse granular solids. Within the vessel, the oil is vaporized and pyrolyzed, producing a hydrocarbon vapor. Coke is formed as a byproduct. Contaminants, such as metals and halides become associated with the coke. The coarse granular solids scour and comminute the coke to form fine solids. The fine solids are separated from the coarse solids and are removed from the vessel. The hydrocarbon vapors are separated from any fine solids and are routed to a vapor condensation system for producing a substantially contaminant-free product oil. The contaminant-rich solids are collected for disposal.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Alberta Oil Sands Tech and Research AuthorityInventors: William Taciuk, Steve Odut, Gordon Taciuk, Charlie Wheeler
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Publication number: 20030042174Abstract: A method of liberating various existing hydrocarbon fractions from emulsified hydrocarbon mixtures without the need of additives, catalysts or heating using ultrasonic cavitation. Ultrasonic energy is provided at a rate sufficient to induce cavitation in the emulsified hydrocarbon mixture without causing cracking. The high temperatures and high pressures resulting from cavitation disrupt the emulsion thereby liberating existing lighter hydrocarbons in the diesel range or lighter for recovery via more traditional separation technologies. The resulting upgraded petroleum product exhibits lower distillation curves and decreased pollution causing components. Further, a wide variety of feedstocks can be treated according to the method of this invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Applicant: Petronetiics LLC.Inventor: Douglas P. Austin
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Publication number: 20030029775Abstract: Diluent-diluted bitumen froth containing bitumen and diluent hydrocarbons, water, sand and fines (collectively “dilfroth”) is fed into a gravity settler (‘splitter’) and temporarily retained to produce a bottom layer of tails comprising sand and middlings, a rag layer of discrete three-dimensional structures, each comprising hydrocarbons contained in a skin of fines, and a top layer of hydrocarbons containing small droplets of water and fines (‘raw dilbit’). The flux in the splitter is less than 6 m3/h of dilfroth fed per m2 of horizontal cross-sectional rag area. The in-coming dilfroth is fed directly into the splitter middlings. Demulsifier is added to the overflow stream of raw dilbit and the mixture is subjected to prolonged settling in a polisher tank, to produce polished dilbit containing less than 1.0% water and 0.3% solids.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: George Cymerman, Pat Dougan, Tom Tran, Jim Lorenz, Corey Mayr
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Publication number: 20030006169Abstract: This invention relates to a method for drying the charge of a unit that treats petroleum cuts with a low water charge that consists in injecting a hydrolysable chemical compound into said charge.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Applicant: TOTAL RAFFINAGE DISTRIBUTION S.A.Inventors: Pedro Nascimento, Jacques Couillard, Jean-Louis Mauleon, Alain Milan
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Publication number: 20020166794Abstract: The present invention is an energy efficient method for separating petroleum-based waste including sludge, bottoms or used lubricants. By using solid particles and water, and converting them into useable end products, for example gas and gas/oil fractions. The process produces no wasteful by-products like polluted sewage, heavy asphaltenics and tar by-products. Instead, the process eliminates water through selective adsorption by dewatering additives and the process is followed by drying at high temperatures. The dewatering additives are recycled from other processes and are reusable themselves. After skimming the dewatered matter, the remainder is processed by thermocatalytic cracking. Some of the active materials in the cracking reaction are again waste products of other reactions. The gas and gas oil fractions obtained from this process conform to standard specifications. The process uses equipment that is cost-effective and that are routinely produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2001Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventors: Alexander P. Bronshtein, Moshe Gewertz, Vladimir M. Rozhansky
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Patent number: 6447672Abstract: A continuous, hot vapor injection process and apparatus is provided for recovering lube oil base stocks from used lubricating oil containing distillable liquid hydrocarbons and water. Also disclosed is an asphalt blend composition containing an asphalt component and the bottoms from the above process.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Marathon Ashland Pertoleum LLCInventors: Howard F. Moore, Donald P. Malone