Patents Assigned to Chevron Research and Technology Company
  • Patent number: 5363915
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the recovery of petroleum from an oil bearing formation during injection of a non-condensible gas comprises the at least periodic injection of a foam forming composition or a preformed foam into the reservoir. The foam which is produced comprises a mixture of a non-condensible gas, water and a non-ionic surfactant. The non-ionic surfactants which can be employed in the present invention are those non-ionic surfactants which have a HLB value of about 14 to less than 20, preferably 15-18, and which provide a stable foam when the surfactant is mixed with brine and/or water and a non-condensible gas. The method is preferably employed within a light oil bearing carbonate formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: David M. Marquis, Donald L. Kuehne
  • Patent number: 5361632
    Abstract: A method and apparatus determines three phase holdup fractions and flow rates for the individual phases of a fluid flowing in a well. A logging tool comprising a temperature compensated gradiomanometer having a differential pressure detector comprised of two pressure sensors and a nuclear densitometer having a beam source is lowered into a wellbore. The differential pressure between the pressure sensors is measured and an average fluid density is determined. The attenuation of a beam propagating from the beam source through the fluid and to the beam detector is measured, and holdup fractions of the fluid are calculated. Flow rates for the individual phases are determined by adding a flowmeter, and multiplying each holdup fraction by the total flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventor: Charles F. Magnani
  • Patent number: 5358631
    Abstract: A process is provided for catalytic reforming or dehydrocyclization of hydrocarbons using a catalyst comprising a noble metal, and an intermediate pore size crystalline silicate having a high silica to alumina ratio and a relatively low alkali content. Preferably, the crystalline silicate is in the form of small crystallite size, such as less than 5 microns. The reforming or dehydrocyclization process is sulfur tolerant so that the reforming can be carried out in the presence of sulfur or with periodic exposure to sulfur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: Stephen J. Miller, Bernard F. Mulasky
  • Patent number: 5358045
    Abstract: An enhanced oil recovery technique for recovering hydrocarbons from a reservoir during gas injection comprises the at least periodic injection of gas and a foam-forming composition into the reservoir. The foam-forming composition comprises water, an effective foam-forming amount of a C.sub.10-16 .alpha.-olefin sulfonate surfactant including C.sub.10 AOS and/or C.sub.12 AOS, and an effective amount of at least one solubilizing component to increase the brine tolerance of the composition. This solubilizing component is a mixture comprising ##STR1## where M is H, an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or ammonium, where R.sub.1 is a linear C.sub.6 -C.sub.16 alkyl group. The method further comprises contacting the hydrocarbons in the reservoir with the foam so as to assist in the recovery of hydrocarbons from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company, a Division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Willard J. Sevigny, Donald L. Kuehne, Jeremy Cantor
  • Patent number: 5356552
    Abstract: Alkenyl or alkyl succinimide additives which are the reaction product of a high molecular weight alkenyl- or alkyl-substituted succinic anhydride and a polyalkylene polyamine having an average of greater than 4 nitrogen atoms per mole, wherein the reaction product is post-treated with a cyclic carbonate, are compatible with fluoroelastomer engine seals and, for concentration levels at which fluoroelastomer seal compatibility is achieved, possess improved dispersancy and/or detergency properties when employed in chlorine-free lubricating oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company, A Division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Harrison, William R. Ruhe, Jr., Jack E. Morris, Jacques Cazin
  • Patent number: 5351757
    Abstract: A method for emplacing a silicate gel to improve the sweep efficiency of a water, gas, or steam flood operation by reducing the permeability of high-permeability thief zones is disclosed. Controlled quantities of a silicate solution and either a gas or a gas and an organic acid are injected into a well to infiltrate and generate a controlled amount of a silicate gel of a controlled SiO.sub.2 concentration in the high-permeability thief zones, to reduce the permeability thereof. Base agents and weak acids may be added to control gel generation rate. Methods for selective emplacement of silicate gels into thief zones through a well without selective injection facilities are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: Shang Chou, Jae Bae
  • Patent number: 5345819
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the nondestructive testing of rock samples as a function of time are disclosed. A rock sample is placed in a sample vessel which simulates in-situ wellbore conditions of pressure, temperature and fluid effects. Ultrasonic signals are transmitted through the sample and the transit time is measured. The measurements are repetitively performed and the time history of the development of strength is recorded in order to determine when the rock sample begins to weaken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventor: Harry L. Dearing, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5347069
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating oily wastes, which have a predominantly liquid phase, by mixing the oily waste with a granulating medium under turbulent flow conditions. The process comprises mixing the oily waste with a granulating medium under such conditions, wherein granules are formed having an attrition index of less than about 10 percent and a filtration index of greater than 0.20 gallons per minute per square foot. The contaminating hydrocarbons may then be removed by contacting the granules with a solvent capable of removing at least a portion of the contaminating hydrocarbons. The granules are then recovered by means known in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventor: Parameshwaran S. Sundar
  • Patent number: 5345022
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing normal alpha olefins having low saturates content. The process involves the use of a Group VIII metal-containing transalkylation catalyst to minimize the amount of saturates formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: Loren W. Hedrich, Alfred N. Kresge, Roger C. Williamson
  • Patent number: 5344313
    Abstract: A system is provided for controlling volatile organic compound emissions from rotating and reciprocating mechanical equipment. The system comprises a vapor flow, a combustor, and a device for preventing combustion of the volatile organic compound within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventor: Cortland W. Johnsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5340563
    Abstract: An improved method of synthesizing large pore zeolites is disclosed and claimed. The method comprises preparing a reaction mixture containing a source zeolite on alkali metal, nitrogen containing organic cation, a source of silica, and water, and having the following composition in terms of the mole ratios:______________________________________ M.sup.+ /SiO.sub.2 = 0.01-1.00 OH.sup.- /SiO.sub.2 = 0.15-0.80 H.sub.2 O/SiO.sub.2 = 20-120 Q/SiO.sub.2 = 0.10-1.00 SiO.sub.2 /Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 = Greater Than 8 ______________________________________wherein M.sup.+ is an alkali metal not supplied by the source zeolite, Q is an organic template, and Y is a mixture of aluminum from the source zeolite, wherein said source zeolite contains soda lite substructures having tetrahedra atom densities of less than about 15 TO.sub.2 per 1000 .ANG..sup.3 ; maintaining the reaction mixture at crystallization temperature until crystals are formed; and recovering the crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: Stacey I. Zones, Yumi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 5334321
    Abstract: Alkenyl or alkyl succinimide additives which are the reaction product of a high molecular weight alkenyl- or alkyl-substituted succinic anhydride and a polyalkylene polyamine having an average of greater than 4 nitrogen atoms per mole, wherein the reaction product is post-treated with a cyclic carbonate, are compatible with fluorocarbon engine seals and, for concentration levels at which fluorocarbon seal compatibility is achieved, possess improved dispersancy and/or detergency properties when employed in lubricating oils and fuels,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company, a Division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Harrison, William R. Ruhe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5331028
    Abstract: A polymer-modified asphalt composition containing (a) about 80 to 99.7 weight percent of a polymer-asphalt reaction product prepared by reacting (i) about 100 parts by weight of an asphalt having an initial viscosity at 60.degree. C. of from 100 to 20,000 poise, with (ii) about 0.5 to 11 parts by weight a glycidyl-containing ethylene copolymer containing about 0.1 to about 20 weight percent glycidyl moieties and having a weight-average molecular weight of from about 10,000 to about 1,000,000; and (b) about 0.3 to 20 weight percent of a styrene/conjugated-diene block copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight of from about 100,000 to about 1,000,000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company, a division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph L. Goodrich
  • Patent number: 5330569
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing an industrial asphalt from a bituminous material. One preferred embodiment comprises mixing together without air-blowing:a. a feed material comprising a bituminous material having a viscosity of at least 50 centistokes at 350.degree. F. and wherein said feed material forms a single phase when mixed with 5 percent of 85 percent phosphoric acid; andb. from about 0.1 to 20.0 percent by weight of phosphoric acid, said mixing being done at a temperature in the range of 351.degree. to 600.degree. F., whereby the softening point of the feed is substantially increased and the penetration is significantly decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: Edgar L. McGinnis, Judson E. Goodrich
  • Patent number: 5330664
    Abstract: This invention is directed to neutral and low overbased alkylphenoxy sulfonates derived from alkylphenols prepared by alkylating phenol with an acidic alkylation catalyst having a Hammett (H.sub.o) acidity function of about -2.3 or less (more negative).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Wollenberg, Richard J. Nelson, John McDonald, Susanne G. Ruelas, Curtis B. Campbell, Kathryn E. Matera
  • Patent number: 5330663
    Abstract: This invention is directed to neutral and low overbased alkylphenoxy sulfonates having a dialkyl content sufficient to provide an essentially neutral alkylphenoxy sulfonate having a viscosity no greater than about 1000 cSt at a temperature of 100.degree. C. in the presence of 40 weight percent diluent oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Wollenberg, Richard J. Nelson, John McDonald, Susanne G. Ruelas, Curtis B. Campbell, Kathryn E. Matera
  • Patent number: 5328595
    Abstract: Catalytic reforming of a naphtha feed with large-pore zeolites containing Group VIII metals and Group IA or Group IIA metal cations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventor: Andrew Rainis
  • Patent number: 5322615
    Abstract: Provided is a method for removing residual sulfur from a hydrotreated naphtha feedstock. The process comprises contacting the naphtha feedstock with a first solid sulfur sorbent comprising a metal on a support to thereby form a first effluent. The effluent is then contacted with a sulfur conversion catalyst comprising a Group VIII metal in the presence of hydrogen, with the resulting effluent being contacted with a second solid sulfur sorbent containing a Group IA or IIA metal, to thereby lower the sulfur content of the feedstock to less than 10 ppb, and to as low as 1 ppb or less. The feedstock can then be safely used with highly sulfur sensitive zeolitic reforming catalysts without adversely affecting the useful life of the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: Dennis L. Holtermann, Warren E. Brown
  • Patent number: 5322529
    Abstract: Disclosed are liquid alkylphenyl poly(oxypropylene) aminocarbamates which do not form a wax when cooled to -40.degree. C. in a 50 weight percent solution with toluene, said aminocarbamates having at least one basic nitrogen and an average molecular weight of about 600 to 6,000 and wherein the alkyl group is substantially straight-chain of from 25 to 50 carbon atoms. Also disclosed are fuel compositions and concentrates as well as lubricating oil compositions and concentrates containing said alkylphenyl poly(oxypropylene) aminocarbamates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventor: Thomas F. Buckley, III
  • Patent number: 5320763
    Abstract: Disclosed are Group II metal overbased sulfurized alkylphenate compositions and in particular to Group II metal overbased sulfurized alkylphenate compositions derived from alkylphenols enriched in alkyl substituents attached to the phenol ring in an "end" position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventor: Curtis B. Campbell