Abstract: The present invention relates to obtaining a fertilizer with sustained release of phosphorus, enriched with other macro and micronutrients, which can be produced by pyrolysis of pyrobituminous shale, in combination with calcareous shale and with natural phosphatidic rocks. The invention presents a process for obtaining a solid fertilizer with sustained release of phosphorus, enriched with Ca, Mg, S, Si and micronutrients, by a combination of pyrolysis of a pyrobituminous shale at a temperature of 450-500° C., with the addition of calcareous shale and of a phosphatidic rock, which represents a promising innovation compared to the prior art, and will certainly serve to fill a gap in the availability of fertilizers permitted for use in agroecological systems.

Abstract: A retractable igniter having a safety mechanism to retract the source of ignition during an inactive period, avoiding unnecessary contact with said source of ignition is described, such igniter comprises: an ignition chamber, an electrode, an electrical high voltage assembly, an external pipe, an internal pipe and an activation lever.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distributor nozzle (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50) for a two-phase charge, to be used in fixed-bed reactors in order to increase the area over which the mixture is dispersed and to make its flow rate the same over the whole area of the bed in the reactor. The device consists of the following basic parts: a number of fixing bars and a deflector cone frustum. In the preferred embodiment, the deflector cones or cone frusta (14, 24, 34, 44 and 54) may have more than one angle in order to improve the distribution, and they have a number of apertures (12, 22 and 46) or slits (36) and a number of vertical directing elements (16 and 26) or a directing cage or frame (55) to direct the stream of the two-phase charge in order to increase the area over which the mixture is dispersed and to make its flow rate the same over the entire area of the bed in the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the separation of suspensions of spent catalysts and hydrocarbons formed in an FCC unit with multiple ascending flow reaction tubes, comprising interconnections between each of the ascending flow reaction tubes and the separator vessel, each interconnection also comprises two sections The outside sections of the separator vessel are inclined and are connected to a single vertical section, which penetrates into the interior of the separator vessel, and which has at its lower end an open device for draining the spent catalyst from the suspensions separated in this sector. In the same vertical section, at the end of its internal part at the separator vessel, a series of two sets of cyclones are installed, the first set containing cyclones without sealing legs, and the second set containing conventional cyclones of the first stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermo catalytic process to produce diesel oil from vegetable oils, in refineries which have two or more Catalytic Cracking (FCC) reactors. At least one reactor processes heavy petroleum or residue in conventional operation conditions while at least one reactor processes vegetable oils in proper operation conditions to produce diesel oil. This process employs the same catalyst employed in the FCC process, which processes conventional feedstocks simultaneously. This process transforms high heat content raw materials into fuel hydrocarbons. It may improve efficiency for the obtainment of highly pure products and may not yield glycerin, one by-product of the transesterification process. The diesel oil produced by said process may have superior qualities and/or a cetane number higher than 40. Once cracking conditions occur at lower temperatures, it may form a less oxidized product, which is consequently purer than those obtained by existent technology.

Abstract: A process is described for treating effluents from oil production units for discharge or reutilization, to remove oil and other soluble toxic contaminants such as sulphides, benzenes, toluenes, xylenes and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, before discharging or reusing this effluent, especially in an offshore environment. This process for effluent treatment includes a step of changing the thermodynamic equilibrium conditions of an oil-in-water emulsion, followed by a step of separating the oil and the water, to be carried out in an offshore oil production unit.

Abstract: Process for the production of hybrid catalysts formed by mixing two catalysts; one active in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, the other being bifunctional. Such hybrid catalyst thus formed is active both in hydrocracking and in hydroisomerisation reactions. The present invention in addition provides obtainment of a hybrid catalyst and application thereof conjointly with FT catalysts in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactions. The hybrid catalyst of the present invention is capable of producing in conditions typically such as those utilised in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis branched hydrocarbons in diverse bands relating to the products thereof (for example naphtha and diesel), reducing or even eliminating necessity for a subsequent hydrotreatment stage in such synthesis reactions.

Abstract: A device and a method for operating it for application in a vertical tube reactor with downward flow (downer), has the aim of ensuring the intimate mixing of the solid particulate catalyst with a reagent fluid. Homogeneous distribution of catalyst is due to the use of a plate having perforations. Said perforated plate normally allows the passage of a portion of the stream of catalyst. The other portion overflows the edge of the plate, flowing in the form of an annular curtain, near the inner surface of the surrounding tube of the device. After passing beyond the perforated plate, the curtain-flow undergoes a deflection produced by an annular screen, to be mixed with the stream originating from the orifices in the perforated plate. A hydrocarbon charge is injected below the perforated plate, forming a certain angle with respect to the direction of the downward flow of catalyst, by means of inlets distributed uniformly about cross sections of the surrounding tube.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the field of fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes. The invention provides a process increasing production of LPG and propene in FCC units operating under conditions of maximisation of middle distillates of low aromaticity, such that they may be incorporated into the diesel oil pool. The invention also relates to the preparation and employment of additives based on zeolites having small pores, such as ferrierite (FER), in catalytic systems for FCC units, wherein conditions of low severity are adopted with a view to increasing yields of LPG and light olefins whilst improving stability of petrol. The invention also provides an original catalytic system, being more efficient than catalytic systems known in the state of the art, to increase the yield of LPG and propene without prejudicing the yield and quality of LCO. Furthermore it provides a method of preparation of an additive for said process employing the zeolite ferrierite.

Abstract: A method is presented for production of a cetane-index improvement additive for diesel oil produced from biodiesel from castor bean oil. Said method employs nitration at the site of the hydroxyl functionality already forming part of the natural molecular chemical structure of the fatty acid ester generated in the production of biodiesel obtained from castor bean oil. The present method is advantageous through having a lower number of processing stages, lower rate of undesired nitration of unsaturations, lower consumption of nitrating mixture, reduction in the level of attachment of NO2 to the molecules of the additive and consequent reduction in undesirable environmental impacts caused by NOx, and utilising a raw material from a renewable source. The present cetane improvement additive may be employed as an additive to diesel oil of mineral origin, biodiesel, or synergetic mixtures thereof in any proportion.

Abstract: A subsea petroleum production system for artificial lift, including a pumping module coupled to a flow base, the system being installed downstream of a Wet Christmas Tree (WCT) on the seabed. The pumping module includes at least one submersible centrifugal pump (SCP) inclined with respect to the vertical direction at an inclination of up to 85 degrees from the vertical direction, wherein a flow in said at least one pump is ascending.

Abstract: A process is described for fluid catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons with high levels of basic nitrogen, where hydrocarbon feedstocks A and B with different levels of basic nitrogen are injected in a segregated fashion, into different risers of a multiple riser FCCU that possesses at least two risers. The injection of the feedstocks is made in such a way that feedstock A, to be injected in the riser with greater volume—main riser 7—possessing a level of basic nitrogen at least 200 ppm lower than the level of feedstock B to be injected into the riser with lower volume—secondary riser (8).

Abstract: A process for reducing the naphthenic acidity of petroleum oils or their fractions is described, said process comprising providing a hydrocarbon feed 103/203/303 having between 0.1 and 99 wt % of emulsified/dispersed water in oil, said feed containing salts and a content of naphthenic acids measured as TAN between 0.1 and 10 mg KOH/g oil; directing the said petroleum oil feed and emulsified/dispersed water towards an energy emitter device in the microwave range and submitting said feed 103/203/303 in liquid phase, under pressure between 0.7 and 4.5 MPa at temperatures between 50° C. and 350° C.

Abstract: Fiber optic position transducer that includes a magnetic or electromagnetic element, one or more segments of magnetostrictive material, Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors, a rod of material that is impenetrable to magnetic fields, optical fiber. One or more of the sensors is fixed upon a segment of magnetostrictive material, which is fixed to a rod, and may only be displaced longitudinally. The Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors have different wave lengths and are made of the same optical fiber. The magnetic or electromagnetic element included may be made of NdFeB (Neodymium Iron Boron) or metal alloys of TbDyFe (Terbium, Dysprosium and Iron), such as TX, Terphenol-D and others. It is applied to a control flow valve in an oil well, and it also refers to the calibration process of the position of the transducer.

Abstract: A Torpedo Pile (100) is described for the anchoring of floating structures used for drilling and production wells for oil and gas, the pile (100) comprising a tapering body (1) provided with fins (20) and a point (30) for embedding in the seabed, its upper end being provided with at least two plates (2) provided with flaps (3), said flaps being capable of inducing a rotation of the articulation elements (4) when a dragging force is exerted on the system. With the continuation of the dragging force, the plates (2) continue to rotate as far as a final configuration, when the points of contact (6) of stops (5) are reached. The pile (100) comprises one embodiment for permanent anchorage and another for temporary anchorage. The method of installation/withdrawal of the two embodiments is also described.

Abstract: A deep water high capacity anchoring system in which the fixing of an anchor structure under compact layers of ocean soil is reached by jetting fluid in rising directions and, simultaneously in a radial and/or perpendicular direction to the external surfaces of said anchor structure injected from its lower extremity, thus guaranteeing anchoring of large size floating structures, related to the petroleum industry, such as stationary production units and oil drilling platforms.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a thermocatalytic cracking process for the production of diesel oil from a charge of vegetable origin made from seeds of oleaginous plants in refineries possessing at least two FCC reactors. At least -one of such reactors processes heavy gas oil or residue under conventional conditions whilst at least one of such reactors processes the charge of vegetable origin made from seeds of oleaginous plants under conditions suitable, for production of diesel oil. Said process employs the same catalyst utilised in the fluid catalytic cracking process which, simultaneously, processes a conventional charge. The diesel, or biodiesel, oil produced by means of said process is of superior quality having a cetane number exceeding 40 given that the cracking reactions occur at low temperatures and the products obtained are less oxidised and consequently purer than products obtained by means of existing technology.

Abstract: A system for installation of a subsea module of great length by means of a vessel, using a cable for its installation and/or retrieval, and methods applied therein. The system allows transporting the subsea module on the vessel to a location in the sea and descending the subsea module into the sea at a vertical position for installation on the seabed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of methods used for the transesterification of oils and fats in order to produce diesel oil. The invention provides a novel method for the production of diesel oil by transesterifying fatty acid esters present in vegetable oils and fats, using a novel catalyst consisting of the oxide of a group V metal and having the formula X2O5, such as niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5). Unlike in the methods used traditionally according to the prior art, the oils are converted here into high-purity products, including glycerol, in yields of the order of 100%, while using significantly less catalyst for a quantity of oil processed, when e.g. soya-bean oil, cotton-seed oil and canola oil are processed by the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A method to exploit the glycerin obtained as a by-product of the industrial process to produce biodiesel inside or out of the industrial production unit, providing a reduction in the environmental liability that may be caused by an excess in the production of glycerin that cannot be exploited for industrial use. The referenced method uses recycling of the glycerin obtained through industrial process to produce biodiesel, using a process basically consisting of four stages: a) extracting glycerin produced as a by-product of the industrial process for producing biodiesel; b) hydrogenation of said n-propanol glycerin, c) recycling of the n-propanol thus obtained to be added to a mixture of alcohols; and d) transesterfication of the n-propanol mixture added to the alcohol mixture, together with raw material triglycerides from renewable sources in order to obtain biodiesel.