Abstract: A combined system comprising an integrated gasifier combined cycle power generation system, an air separation unit (5) which provides oxygen to partial oxidation gasification unit gasifier (33) and an inventory section (21) which stores liquid oxygen or liquid air until it is needed.

Abstract: A system is provided for improved flow measurement in a multiphase fluid stream in an oilfield environment. A sampling probe is provided which draws fluid samples at different radial locations across a diameter or a chord of a cross sectional plane of a multiphase fluid flow line. Properties of these samples are measured by a multiphase flow metering system separately, and are then used to determine in a more accurate manner the fluid flow characteristics radially across the multiphase fluid flow line.

Abstract: A process of using a non-radioactive tracer in the monitoring of the flow of a traced fluid is disclosed. The process includes injecting a tracer containing fluid at a first point and analyzing at least one sample from a second point in the flow of the fluid for the tracer compound. In one embodiment heavy oil is traced with a long chain hydrocarbon having a primary chain of more than 25 carbon atoms, the compound preferably being a saturated hydrocarbon. Exemplary tracer compounds include pentacosane (C25H52); hexacosane (C26H54), heptacosane (C27H56), octacosane(C28H58), nonacosane(C29H60), triacontane(C30H62), hentriacontane(C3lH64), dotriacontane(C32H66), tritriacontane (C33H68), tetratriacontane (C34H70) and the like.

Abstract: A method of producing an oil reservoir having a gas cap and an oil column. A first injection fluid, such as water, is introduced into the reservoir at the gas-oil contact and gas and oil are simultaneously produced from the gas cap and oil column, respectively. A second injection fluid, such as water, may be introduced at a point in or below the oil column.

Abstract: An enhanced oil recovery process uses an injectant containing water and an additive. The additive is an organic compound having a total of 1 to 10 carbons and at least one functional group containing a heteroatom. The additive is present at a concentration of between about 0.01% and about 20% by weight of the composition. The injectant is injected at a temperature of between about 100° F. to about 500° F. Hot water flooding with the additive provides enhanced oil recovery in medium to heavy oil reservoirs.

Abstract: The invention is a process to recover a high pressure hydrogen-rich gas stream from a purge gas stream taken from a hydrotreater. This purge gas stream is admixed with synthesis gas that was the original source of the hydrogen to form a gaseous mixture. This mixed gas comprising purge gas and synthesis gas is advantageously treated to remove acid gases and possibly other impurities. The mixed gas is then treated to extract a hydrogen-rich gas and a hydrogen-depleted gas using, for example, a membrane. At least a portion of the hydrogen-rich gas is then heated and compressed as necessary and is recycled to the hydrotreater.

Abstract: A ported sub treatment system in which well treatment materials are pumped into an uncased portion of a well through a jointed tubing string having a number of holes at specific locations along its length such that these materials are able to be distributed as desired by the operator, through these holes, along the length of the well. The treatment system is also able to provide sufficient pressure such that treatment materials are able to penetrate or fracture the rock surrounding the well, if necessary.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved ammonium synthesis process. A synthesis gas is separated with a membrane into a hydrogen-rich gas and a hydrogen-depleted gas. The hydrogen rich gas is shifted with steam to convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Carbon dioxide is removed from the shifted gas, and remaining carbon oxides are methanized. This gas is admixed with nitrogen and with recycled ammonia synthesis feedstock gas. This ammonia synthesis feedstock gas is then cycled in an ammonia synthesis reactor. A purge gas stream is withdrawn from the ammonia synthesis feedstock gas and is admixed with the hydrogen-depleted gas. The hydrogen-depleted gas and the purge gas are combusted, usually in a combustion turbine, to generate heat or power. Lower purity hydrogen can therefore be used in the synthesis of the ammonia.

Abstract: The fuel injector nozzle for a gasifier includes a protective refractory sheath that is flush mounted at a downstream end proximate the nozzle outlet portion. The refractory insert is of annular form to surround the nozzle outlet. The annular refractory member can be a one-piece structure or a multi-segment structure of preferably not more than four pieces. Whether the annular refractory member is a one-piece structure or a multi-segment structure, it is recessed in a downstream end surface of the fuel injector nozzle and retained in the recess by locking pins or by thread-like engagement between a projection and a groove that are provided on complementary inter-engaging surfaces of the recess and the refractory member. The retaining structure provided on the annular refractory member and at the recess in which the refractory member is disposed securely maintain the annular refractory protective member in position.

Abstract: The invention is a process of removing solids, particularly catalyst fines, from an asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon liquid. The process comprises contacting an asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon liquid with a solvent to create a mixture. The solvent is typically an alkane such as, propane to pentanes. Then, solids are removed from the mixture by any known process. Finally, additional solvent may be added, and the mixture heated until asphaltenes precipitate into a separate phase. The asphaltenes are removed from the mixture. The mixture is then further heated to recover the solvent from the deasphalted hydrocarbon liquid. The asphaltenes are advantageously gasified.

Abstract: An integrated control system (ICS) for a gasification plant controls the operation of a gasifier and other critical components of the gasification plant. The ICS improves the performance of a gasification plant by controlling the operation of a gasifier and other critical components by an integrated controller, rather than by several independent controllers. The ICS is a sub-system of a larger distributed control system that controls the operation of the gasification plant. The ICS controls the following: (i) oxygen to carbon (O/C) ratio in a gasifier; (ii) syngas demand or the desired output of a gasifier; (iii) load constraints; (iv) moderator flow into a gasifier; (v) air separation unit (ASU); (vi) oxygen header vent valves; and (vii) syngas header pressure.

Abstract: Novel aviation fuel compositions contain a substantially positive or synergistic combination of an alkyl tertiary butyl ether, an aromatic amine and, optionally, a manganese component. The basefuel containing the additive combination may be a wide boiling range alkylate basefuel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for use in the area of equalizing and measuring the quality of steam exiting multiple branches in a two-phase distribution system. The system utilizes fluid level elevational differences to provide a self-correcting mechanism so that the system may be utilized regardless of incoming fluid quality or pressure. The system does not require an inlet seperator. A system having a T-junction with upper and lower manifolds is described. Also described is a system having a differential liquid bypass and vapor branch with flow restrictions. The flow restrictions may be an orifice plate, a venturi, or a control valve.

Abstract: A diaphragm failure monitoring system for detecting leakage in a diaphragm of a diaphragm pump. The system includes a pump having an operating chamber containing a working fluid and a pumping chamber for pumping material into and out of the pump and a diaphragm separating the operating and pumping chambers. A first optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for transmitting an optic signal across the working fluid. A second optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for receiving the optic signal from the first optic fiber. An electric signal establishing device establishes a first electrical signal when the optic signal from the first optic fiber to the second optic fiber passes through uncontaminated working fluid.

Abstract: The invention is the integration of a process of gasifying asphaltenes in a gasification zone by partial oxidation and the process of asphaltene extraction with a solvent. The integration allows low level heat from the gasification reaction to be utilized in the recovery of solvent that was used to extract asphaltenes from an asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon material. Asphaltenes are extracted from an asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon material by mixing a solvent in quantities sufficient to precipitate at least a fraction of the asphaltenes. The precipitated asphaltenes are then gasified in a gasification zone to synthesis gas. The gasification process is very exothermic. The low level heat in the synthesis gas, either directly, or via an intermediate step of low pressure steam, is used to remove and recover the solvent from the deasphalted hydrocarbon material and from the asphaltenes prior to gasification.

Abstract: A floating offshore structure for use in oil or gas drilling or production operations, having apertures in its sides in order to reduce the movement of the structure as a result of undersea currents is disclosed herein. The structure contains a production platform extending above the ocean's surface, a series of buoyancy tanks providing the structure with the ability to float, apertures, surrounded by coamings, located around the structure such that ocean currents are allowed to flow laterally through the center of the structure and such that oil and gas can dissipate from the center of the structure if a rupture occurs, a fluid retention tank and ballast in order to lower the center of gravity of the structure and make it more stable, and a centerwell running through the longitudinal center of the structure which allows one or more risers to run from the ocean floor to the operating platform. The structure can then be moored to the sea floor through the use of a catenary or other mooring system.

Abstract: The protective refractory shield for a gasifier includes a refractory attachment that is mechanically secured to a protectable surface of the gasifier. The refractory attachment includes a plurality of attachment members of predetermined angular sector. The refractory attachment is provided to cover a downwardly facing horizontal surface of the gasifier or to be positioned upon a vertical surface thereof. Latching means for the attachment include a projecting formation that projects from the protectable surface that engages a complementary shaped recess in the attachment to mechanically secure the attachment to the protectable surface. The latching means do not form recesses in the protectable surface nor does the refractory attachments form recesses in the protectable surface. Thus the integrity of the protectable surface is maintained while it is protected.

Abstract: A method of making surfactants from lignin is disclosed by reducing lignin in the presence of a metal oxide or iron based catalyst in an organic hydrogen donor solvent to produce lignin phenol and subjecting the lignin phenol to one or a combination of several reactions such as alkoxylation, alkylation, sulfonation, sulfation, alkoxysulfation, and sulfomethylation. The lignin surfactants so produced can be employed in a surfactant system to recover oil from underground formations.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation, in which subterranean formation being in fluid communication with the surface includes creating a fracture in said subterranean formation, said fracture having more than one fracture faces; and injecting into said fracture an encapsulated formation etching agent, wherein said encapsulated formation etching agent includes a formation etching agent and an encapsulating agent and wherein said formation etching agent etches the fracture faces of the fracture so as to form a flow channel in said formation. The formation etching agent may be selected from mineral acids and mixtures thereof, organic acids and mixtures thereof, mineral acids and mixtures of mineral acids mixed with gelling agent, organic acids and mixtures of organic acids mixed with gelling agent, water soluble hydroxides and mixtures of water soluble hydroxides, and water soluble hydroxides and mixtures of water soluble hydroxides mixed with gelling agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Performance Grade asphalt and a method for producing the same. The process includes adding a performance grade modifier and aggregates to an asphalt cement. The performance grade modifier reduces the high temperature limit and the low temperature limit of the performance grade asphalt in a ratio of about 1:1. A vacuum distilled component of recycled used lubricating oil is used as the performance grade modifier. The recycled used lubricating oil is added to the base oil and aggregate in sufficient quantities to achieve the selected operating temperature range.