Abstract: The invention relates to a method including a system of additives which increase fluidity and/or flow capacity and minimize pressure drops from the steps of lifting in production wells, collection lines, dehydration systems and ducts for transporting heavy and extra-heavy hydrocarbons. In addition, the injected system of chemical additives increases the dilution capacity of the solvents that need to be applied to improve the quality of the crude oil (reduce viscosity and density, and increase API gravity), thereby facilitating the dehydration and transport.

Abstract: Method to enhance the recovery factor by injecting simultaneously or alternately air and water through a well, which is located in the top part of a heavy-oil reservoir showing dip and by producing fluids through a vertical or horizontal well, which is located in the formation lower part, resulting in a gravity stable burning front (GSAI or Gravity Stable Air Injection) at high temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for generating electrical energy from wind energy, said system being characterized in that the design makes use of small air currents and does not require a large amount of air in order to generate electrical energy or power. This system incorporates two generating technologies designed based on the vertical rotation axis concept, achieving movement that is independent of wind direction. The invention combines two technologies, namely: one based on drag forces, ideal for low speed conditions; and another based on lift force, which is best for high speed work.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tool for detecting perforations in hydrocarbon pipelines based on the sensing system thereof. The function of said tool is to pass longitudinally through a pipeline of specific diameter, monitoring the thickness thereof and detecting any hole over the path followed and, in accordance with the data obtained, establishing the distance at which the holes are located, calculated from the starting point, the time at the instant of detection and also the circumferential position and size thereof, all the aforesaid as part of an online process implemented as the tool progresses through the target pipeline. At the end of the run, the information may be downloaded to a computer where it is available for use and for the corresponding decisions concerning integrity.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemical compositions that can be used for hydrocarbon catalytic cracking processes with vanadium as a contaminant, including an active phase formed by different pyrophosphates M2P2O7 (M=Ba or Ca) supported on a mixture of magnesium and aluminum oxide, preferably magnesium aluminate in the spinel phase. The composition captures the metals originating from the charge, particularly vanadium, and thus protects the catalyst. Said composition is preferably used in the form of a separated particle in order to the control the addition thereof to the unit according to the metal content of the charge. The invention also relates to the method for preparing said composition, including synthesis of pyrophosphates, formation of a suspension of boehmite alumina, magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide, together with oxides M2P2O7, spray drying and calcination of the microspheres without generating any loss in the crystalline structure of oxides M2P2O7.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a chemical composition obtained by co-impregnating water-soluble salts Ba/Mg and phosphoric acid H3PO4 on boehmite alumina which has been calcined in the presence of water vapor. Said chemical composition is used as an additive in the catalytic cracking process in order to capture metals originating from the charge, particularly vanadium, in the presence of SO2 and thus to protect the activity and selectivity of the catalytic cracking catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for generating electrical energy from wind energy, said system being characterized in that the design makes use of small air currents and does not require a large amount of air in order to generate electrical energy or power. This system incorporates two generating technologies designed based on the vertical rotation axis concept, achieving movement that is independent of wind direction. The invention combines two technologies, namely: one based on drag forces, ideal for low speed conditions; and another based on lift force, which is best for high speed work.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the dehydration of, and in-line removal of asphaltenes from, heavy and extra-heavy crudes. The method is performed at the well head at pressures of between 414 and 689 KPa and temperatures of between 60 and 100° C. and includes two phases, namely a dehydration phase and a deasphalting phase. The first phase includes the addition of solvent, removal of free water, heating, addition of emulsion breakers and settling for removal of emulsified water. The asphaltenes are extracted in the second phase. Said phase comprises the use of low-force in-line static mixers and contactors having a specific design and a sedimentation device with specific internal arrangements for separation. The recovered solvent is recirculated into the method, the improved crude is separated and the asphaltenes are used as fuel for cogeneration which supplies the energy requirements for production and the improvement method.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for obtaining solid paraffins from vegetable oils and/or animal fats, which is characterized in that the organic oil is preheated to a temperature of between 50 and 100° C. in order to render the oil fluid and for it to be possible to transfer the oil to steps downstream in the method. The oil and the hydrogen are mixed in the pipeline and passed via a furnace in order to be heated to the desired reaction temperature. Inside the reactor, the hydrogen reacts with the oil at the active sites of the catalyst at pressures of between 2 and 11 MPa and temperatures of between 150° C. and 330° C., with an hourly space velocity of between 0.2 and 6 h?1. The catalyst used is of fixed-bed type, composed of molybdenum and nickel oxides supported on alumina that have previously been sulphurized in order to be activated. The hydrotreated product exits via the lower part of the reactor and passes to a level separator.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tool for detecting perforations in hydrocarbon pipelines based on the sensing system thereof. The function of said tool is to pass longitudinally through a pipeline of specific diameter, monitoring the thickness thereof and detecting any hole over the path followed and, in accordance with the data obtained, establishing the distance at which the holes are located, calculated from the starting point, the time at the instant of detection and also the circumferential position and size thereof, all the aforesaid as part of an online process implemented as the tool progresses through the target pipeline. At the end of the run, the information may be downloaded to a computer where it is available for use and for the corresponding decisions concerning integrity.

Abstract: A device and a process reduce losses of fluid in transport conduits, caused by the installation of branches connected directly to conduits. The process includes injecting in the current of the fluid geometric elements of diverse materials and forms, in particular spheres, with densities similar to that of the fluid, by a special doser. The elements are circulated through the fluid, and because of hydraulic effects, the obstruction of the branches prevents or hinders extraction of the product. Recovery of the geometric elements at the end of the conduit uses a filter as a trap.

Abstract: This invention relates to a manual tool for safely removing undesired taps, connected illegally and controlled by means of locking valves in fluid transport pipes (especially oil and derivatives thereof) and with pressures present of up to 690 kPa (100 psi). The tool according to the present invention is formed by a handle, a handle shaft, a packing gland, a main body, a draining valve, and a gauge adapter or wood plug, which is inserted by friction in the perforation to be blocked, forming a temporary seal therein while a definitive metal patch is fitted and soldered to the pipe. The invention also includes the method for safe removal of valves fitted to fluid pipes with said tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a chemical composition obtained by co-impregnating water-soluble salts Ba/Mg and phosphoric acid H3PO4 on boehmite alumina which has been calcined in the presence of water vapour. Said chemical composition is used as an additive in the catalytic cracking process in order to capture metals originating from the charge, particularly vanadium, in the presence of SO2 and thus to protect the activity and selectivity of the catalytic cracking catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the dehydration of, and in-line removal of asphaltenes from, heavy and extra-heavy crudes. The method is performed at the well head at pressures of between 414 and 689 KPa and temperatures of between 60 and 100° C. and includes two phases, namely a dehydration phase and a deasphalting phase. The first phase includes the addition of solvent, removal of free water, heating, addition of emulsion breakers and settling for removal of emulsified water. The asphaltenes are extracted in the second phase. Said phase comprises the use of low-force in-line static mixers and contactors having a specific design and a sedimentation device with specific internal arrangements for separation. The recovered solvent is recirculated into the method, the improved crude is separated and the asphaltenes are used as fuel for cogeneration which supplies the energy requirements for production and the improvement method.