Patents Assigned to Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap
  • Patent number: 6497811
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a composition for reducing the sulphur content in a hydrocarbon composition, wherein the composition comprises a hydrotalcite material, which has been impregnated with a Lewis acid, and optionally a FCC-catalyst. The hydrotalcite material impregnated with the Lewis acid has been added as a separate component, or incorporated in the matrix of the FCC-catalyst. The Lewis acid is selected from the group comprising elements and compounds of the transition metals, and preferably Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe and Mn, most preferably Zn. Further, the Lewis acid may also be selected from the group comprising elements and compounds of the lanthanides and actinides. The present invention also comprises a method for reducing the sulphur content in a hydrocarbon composition. A method for reducing the sulphur content in a hydrocarbon composition, which is to be cracked, is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Den Norske Stat Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Trond Myrstad, Bente Boe, Erling Rytter, Hege Engan, Avelino Corma, Fernando Rey
  • Patent number: 6480000
    Abstract: The invention is a device for measuring and surveillance of resistivity in a petroleum reservoir in a geological formation with an injection-, observation- or production well comprising an electrically conductive metallic well tubing, with the new and inventive being characterized by the following features: a) an electrical energy source; b) at least one inductive transmitter antenna for electromagnetic waves, fixedly arranged in the well, outside of the well tubing's outer metallic surface; c) at least one series of sensors comprising n inductive resistivity sensors (5a, 5b, . . . , 5n) arranged for receiving the electromagnetic waves and generation of measurement signals, fixedly arranged in the well, by the petroleum reservoir and outside the well tubing's outer metallic surface; and d) a signal conductor for the measurement signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignees: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S., Norges Geotekniske Institutt
    Inventors: Fan-Nian Kong, Harald Westerdahl, Terje Eidesmo, Svein Ellingsrud
  • Patent number: 6434948
    Abstract: This invention concerns a unitary system for export of liquid natural gas (LNG) from a floating production vessel (FPSO vessel) (1), with the new and inventive consists of the combination of the following points: an LNG buffer tank in the FPSO vessel, with buffer storage capacity for temporary storage of the continuous produced LNG during an LNG tank vessel's absence, a mooring device arranged for short separation moorage between the FPSO vessel's stem and an LNG tank vessel's bow, a cryogenic transfer device arranged between the FPSO vessel's stem and an LNG tank vessel's bow, comprising a flexible LNG pipe and arranged for consecutive transfer of produced LNG; at least one or several LNG storage tanks in an LNG tank vessel, arranged for continuous filling via the cryogenic transfer device until the desired degree of filling of the LNG tank vessel is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S. and Navion AS
    Inventors: Jorgen Eide, Svein Are Løtvedt, Jan-Kristian Haukeland, Jonas Schanche Sandves
  • Patent number: 6431102
    Abstract: An apparatus for guiding and stopping an anchor chain on a floating structure, wherein the chain (13) comprises links (17, 19) forming a catenary plane between the structure and an anchor. Standing chain links (17) and lying chain links (19) are guided by through a mouthpiece (10) with an inner guide passage (14) of generally cruciform cross-section. The standing chain links and the lying chain links are received in pairs of opposite grooves (16, 18) in first and second arms of the cruciform. Each arm has a constant width transversely to the catenary plane but diverges in direction towards the anchor. Link supporting surfaces in the opposite grooves (18) of the second arm cooperate in pairs and have planar surface portions (22) to support individual lying links when the chain (13) is stopped by stopper (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S
    Inventors: Sigmund Askestad, Laszlo Jurics
  • Patent number: 6412823
    Abstract: A rotating connector for the transfer of at least one pressurized process fluid, and comprising a central stem (2) on which there is placed a number of ring elements (3, 4) comprising at least one annulus element (3) for fluid transfer between an associated course (8) in the stem (2) and an outlet (9) from the connector, and a bearing ring element (4) arranged on each side of the annulus element (3) and sealed there-against by dynamic seals (14) operated by means of a barrier liquid having a higher pressure than the process fluid pressure, and a looking nut (21) to keep the ring elements (3, 4) preloaded against a shoulder (20) on the stem (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Den norske stats Oljeselskap a.s.
    Inventor: Jens Ødegaard
  • Patent number: 6390478
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a swivel (1) comprising inner and outer mutually rotatable swivel members (2, 3), wherein the swivel members have respective inner fluid paths communicating with each other through one or more associated annular spaces (7) at the interface between the swivel members. A first one (3) of the swivel members on each side of the annular space (7) is provided with a peripheral groove (16) receiving a radially displaceable ring element (17) provided with sealing means (18, 19) which are arranged for static sealing against the other swivel member (2) and for dynamic sealing between the ring element (17) and the side walls of the peripheral groove (16), so that the first swivel member (3) apart from the ring elements (17) is rotatable in relation to the other swivel member (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventor: Martin Sigmundstad
  • Patent number: 6332500
    Abstract: An anchoring system for the production of hydrocarbons at sea by employing a moored production vessel or ship in which the ship is equipped with a mooring apparatus, preferably at the bow portion, and with at least one connection unit for a production riser from the seabed. Included is an anchor located at the seabed, as well as at least one anchor line adapted to connect the anchor to the mooring apparatus on the ship. There being provided a permanent anchor, preferably in the form of a suction anchor, gravitation anchor, or pile anchor. The anchor being provided with a swivel mechanism for the anchoring line, preferably with a buoyant body attached at a middle portion of the anchoring line, and whereby the riser is in the form of at least one flexible hose, the lower end of which is connected to said swivel mechanism. The flexible hose contains at least two passages for hydrocarbons and possibly other fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A. S.
    Inventors: Olav Vaage Ellefsen, Kåre Syvertsen
  • Patent number: 6313063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new catalyst support material comprising a mixed oxide consisting essentially of a divalent metal and a trivalent metal in a substantially homogeneous phase, the mixed oxide being a calcination product of a hydrotalcite-like phase calcinated at a temperature of about 700-1200° C., wherein the divalent metal/trivalent metal molar ratio is greater than or equal to 2. The invention also relates to a process of preparing the support. The invention further provides a catalyst for dehydrogenation which includes a transition metal selected from the first row of transition metals of the periodic table and/or a Group VIII metal impregnated on the new catalyst support material. The invention also provides a process for dehydrogenation of light alkanes using the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Den norske stats oljeselskap a.s.
    Inventors: Erling Rytter, Duncan Akporiaye, Unni Olsbye
  • Patent number: 6284024
    Abstract: The use of a turbulent contactor to absorb a selected gas component from a gas stream. The invention particularly applies to a method of removing selected gas components from a gas stream which includes: bringing the gas stream into contact with a liquid including a solvent or a reagent for the selected gas component in a turbulent contactor, the contactor including a gas inlet, a liquid inlet, an outlet leading to a venturi passage and a tube extending from the outlet back upstream, the tube being perforated and/or being spaced from the periphery of the outlet; subjecting the gas stream and liquid to turbulent conditions in the contactor thereby causing the gas component to be absorbed by the solvent or reagent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Den norske stats oljeselskap a.s.
    Inventors: Bernt H. Torkildsen, Martin Sigmundstad, Finn P. Nilsen, Harald Linga
  • Patent number: 6284023
    Abstract: A method for removing acid gas components from combustion gas and natural gas. The method includes bringing the gas mixture into contact with sea water and subjecting the gas mixture and sea water to turbulent mixing conditions. This causes the acid gas to be absorbed by the sea water. The sea water can be disposed of offshore without any detrimental effect on the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Bernt H. Torkildsen, Martin Sigmundstad, Harald Linga, Finn P. Nilsen, Per H. Hanssen
  • Patent number: 6280505
    Abstract: A method for removing acid gas components from combustion gas and natural gas. The method includes bringing the gas mixture into contact with sea water and subjecting the gas mixture and sea water to turbulent mixing conditions. This causes the acid gas to be absorbed by the sea water. The sea water can be disposed of offshore without any detrimental effect on the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Bernt H. Torkildsen, Martin Sigmundstad, Harald Linga, Finn P. Nilsen, Per H. Hanssen
  • Patent number: 6267537
    Abstract: A riser bundle comprising a number of risers (2) extending in a wave configuration from the bottom of a body of water up to a floating vessel or the like, the riser bundle (1) along its length being provided with means giving different portions (5, 6 7) along the wave configuration different submerged weight and net buoyancy. The risers (2) are arranged around a centrally extending tube (3) and are surrounded by a tubular outer casing (4), the central tube (3) and the interspaces (8) between the risers (2), along different portions of the wave configuration in operation being filled with materials of different density. Thereby there is achieved at least one light portion (5) of the configuration having a desired positive net buoyancy, and a heavy portion (6 resp. 7) on each side of the light portion (5) having a desired positive submerged weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Kare Breivik, Sigurd Falch, Gunnar Semb
  • Patent number: 6253574
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for liquefying a stream rich in hydrocarbons, especially a stream of natural gas, by the indirect exchange of heat with the refrigerants in a closed-circuit cascade of mixed refrigerants. According to the invention, said closed-circuit cascade of mixed refrigerants consists of at least 3 circuits of mixed refrigerants, with each circuit comprising different refrigerants. The first of the three mixed refrigerant circuits is used for pre-cooling (E1), the second for liquefying E2), and the third for super-cooling (E3) the hydrocarbon-rich stream (1) to be liquefied. The method provided for in the invention reduces specific energy consumption and investment costs since the three circuits of mixed refrigerants are or can be optimally adjusted to the enthalpy temperature curves of the hydrocarbon-rich stream to be liquefied and the refrigerant mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignees: Linde Aktiengesellschaft, Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Rudolf Stockmann, Wolfgang Forg, Manfred Bolt, Manfred Steinbauer, Christian Pfeiffer, Pentti Paurola, Arne Olav Fredheim, Oystein Sorensen
  • Patent number: 6240160
    Abstract: A system for inspecting pipelines, especially in the coupling between pipe parts, comprises a radiation source and a detector device or a photographic film. The pipeline includes indicators which are laid into the pipeline material and have a differing absorption of radiation than the material comprising the layers of the pipeline in which the indicators are formed. By placing the radiation source and the detector device (or photographic film) on opposite sides of the pipeline, or on opposite sides of a wall of the pipeline, the position of the indicators may be detected, and any displacement can be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Alf Daaland, Svein Åge Holen
  • Patent number: 6227138
    Abstract: System for mooring ships, in particular for operations in connection with oil and gas activity, whereby a ship is equipped with a mooring device at its bow portion. There is included an anchor device located at the seabed, as well as at least one anchoring line adapted to connect the anchor device to the mooring device on the ship. The anchor device is an essentially permanent anchor device, preferably in the form of a suction anchor, gravitation anchor or pile anchor. The anchor device is provided with a swivel device for the anchoring line. A buoyant body is attached to a middle portion of the anchoring line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Kåre Breivik, Arne Smedal, Kåre Syvertsen
  • Patent number: 6223825
    Abstract: A swivel assembly for installation at a well for subsea production of oil or gas and adapted to be connected to a production vessel at the sea surface. The swivel assembly comprises a main fluid swivel having at least two paths and an electric/hydraulic auxiliary swivel for signal communication and power transfer. The fluid swivel is provided with a rotatable swivel housing at the top of a stationary christmas tree, preferably comprising a small number of valves, such as a production master valve and an annulus master valve. The paths are through-running vertically in the central core member of the fluid swivel so as to make possible well intervention from the upper side of the fluid swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S
    Inventors: Atle Ingebrigtsen, Jørgen Eide
  • Patent number: 6213215
    Abstract: A system for offshore production of oil or gas, comprising a surface vessel having a means for maintaining a desired position and orientation, a bottom installation at the seabed for at least two production wells, and risers for connecting the bottom installation to the vessel. The vessel is provided with drilling equipment for wells at the seabed and with process equipment for produced oil or gas. The bottom installation comprises a template having its foundation at the seabed and being provided with a manifold unit and is designed with at least two well head sections adapted for installing associated Christmas trees. A drill string is adapted to extend from the drilling equipment on the vessel to an operation module at the bottom installation, and a product riser is adapted to connect the operation module to the process equipment on the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A. S
    Inventors: Kåre Breivik, Atle Ingebrigtsen
  • Patent number: 6209650
    Abstract: Subsea well arrangement for offshore production of oil or gas, comprising a wellhead, a christmas tree mounted on the wellhead and at least one riser for connection with a production vessel at the sea surface. At the top of the christmas tree there is provided a swivel device communicating with the christmas tree, and the swivel device is provided with preferably laterally directed connecting members for risers or hoses and for an umbilical or control cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap AS
    Inventors: Atle Ingebrigtsen, Jørgen Eide
  • Patent number: 6211255
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reaction system for a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis which has high mass transfer characteristics at the catalyst. The reactor comprises a monolithic catalyst comprising a solid body defining discrete and continuous channels extending from one end of the body to the other. The walls of the channels contain a conventional Fischer-Tropsch catalyst; conventional promoters may also be included. The body preferably may also comprises channels for conducting coolants which are arranged traversely to the reaction channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventors: Dag Schanke, Edvard Bergene, Anders Holmen
  • Patent number: 6205289
    Abstract: A system for generation of steam for injection into a plurality of well bores in an oil field to improve the oil recovery from the oil field, wherein the system comprises a plurality of electric powered steam-generating units, each unit delivering steam for injection into a one well bore or a number of geographically close well bores, is described. Also described is steam-generating unit for the system and a use of a plurality of electric powered steam-generating units for generation of steam for injection into a plurality of well bores in an oil field to improve the oil recovery from the oil field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Den norske stats Oljeselskap a.s.
    Inventor: Henrik Kobro