Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems operable to produce liquid transportation fuels by converting a hydrocarbon feed stream that comprises both isopentane and n-pentane, and optionally, some C6+ hydrocarbons. The system separates the hydrocarbon feed stream to form a first fraction comprising isopentane and smaller hydrocarbons, and a second fraction comprising n-pentane and larger components of the hydrocarbon feeds stream. Each fraction is then catalytically-activated in a separate activation reactor containing a separate activation catalyst, where the conditions maintained in each reactor are selected to maximize the conversion of each fraction to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. In certain embodiments, the first activation reactor is maintained at a lower temperature than the second activation reactor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for producing liquid transportation fuels by converting a feed stream that comprises both isopentane and n-pentane, and optionally, some C6+ hydrocarbons. Isopentane and smaller hydrocarbons are separated to form a first fraction while n-pentane and larger components of the feed stock form a second fraction. Each fraction is then catalytically-activated in a separate reaction zone with a separate catalyst, where the conditions maintained in each zone maximize the conversion of each fraction to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. In certain embodiments, the first fraction is activated at a lower temperature than the second fraction. The process provides increased yields of upgraded hydrocarbon products that possess the characteristics of a liquid transportation fuel or a blend component thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for producing liquid transportation fuels by converting a feed stream that comprises both isopentane and n-pentane, and optionally, some C6+ hydrocarbons. Isopentane and smaller hydrocarbons are separated to form a first fraction while n-pentane and larger components of the feed stock form a second fraction. Each fraction is then catalytically-activated in a separate reaction zone with a separate catalyst, where the conditions maintained in each zone maximize the conversion of each fraction to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. In certain embodiments, the first fraction is activated at a lower temperature than the second fraction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for producing liquid transportation fuels by converting a feed stream that comprises both isopentane and n-pentane, and optionally, some C6+ hydrocarbons. Isopentane and smaller hydrocarbons are separated to form a first fraction while n-pentane and larger components of the feed stock form a second fraction. Each fraction is then catalytically-activated in a separate reaction zone with a separate catalyst, where the conditions maintained in each zone maximize the conversion of each fraction to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. In certain embodiments, the first fraction is activated at a lower temperature than the second fraction.

Abstract: Systems for reforming a hydrocarbon feedstock, where the system is operable to selectively reform different sub-components of the hydrocarbon feedstock using at least two structurally-distinct reforming catalysts. Advantages may include a decreased rate of reforming catalyst deactivation and an increased yield of a liquid hydrocarbon reformate product that is characterized by at least one of an increased octane rating and a decreased vapor pressure compared to the liquid hydrocarbon reformate product of conventional one-step reforming systems.

Abstract: The present embodiment describes a method of forming different layers in a solid oxide fuel cell. The method begins by preparing slurries which are then delivered to a spray nozzle. The slurries are then atomized and sprayed subsequently onto a support to produce a layer which is then dried. In this embodiment different layers can comprise an anode, an electrolyte and a cathode. Also the support can be a metal or a metal oxide which is later removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a conjugated polymer blend. The process for producing the conjugated polymer blend comprises the mixture of: a polymer A (X-Y), where X is and Y is and h is a substituent, a polymer B (X-Y?) where X is Y? is and j is a substituent, and an acceptor. In this process h and j are different substituents and independently selected from each other.

Abstract: A process of reacting (SnOx)yZnO(1-y) and a fullerene dopant to produce an electron transport layer. (SnOx)yZnO(1-y) is produced from reacting an organic Zn precursor in the amounts of (1-y); an organic Sn precursor in the amounts of y; and a base in the amount of (1-y) to 1.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally processes and systems for converting a mixture of light hydrocarbons to liquid transportation fuels by first cracking the light hydrocarbons to an intermediate comprising olefins, which is converted by contacting with a catalyst comprising at least one zeolite in two separate conversion stages with an intervening recovery of liquid product. The first stage conversion favors oligomerization of larger olefins to form diesel range products that are collected prior to directing unconverted smaller olefins to be oligomerized in a second stage conversion conducted at a higher temperature and lower pressure.

Abstract: A system for desalting crude oil includes delivering a stream of salty crude oil and wash water into a mixing valve, mixing the stream of salty crude oil and wash water through the mixing valve to create a mixed stream of desalted crude oil and salty wash water, delivering the mixed stream of desalted crude oil and salty wash water to a static mixer, and mixing the mixed stream of crude oil and wash water in the static mixer. Within the static mixer, the mixed stream is mixed in a coalescing regime to coalesce smaller droplets of water into larger droplets of water. The mixed stream is subjected to an electric field to cause additional coalescence before being directed to a desalter where the salty wash water is separated from the desalted crude oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to injecting steam into crude oil for several benefits, primarily of which is to remove salt by transferring the salt into the condensed water from the steam. Steam transfers salt via a different transfer mechanism and therefore doesn't require the high shear mixing of conventional water injection systems. As such, steam injection through a variety of procedures, is more efficient at gathering salt into water that itself is easier to remove from the crude oil.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes and systems that convert biomass to stable intermediate hydrocarbon products that having a greatly decreased oxygen content. This stabilized intermediate hydrocarbon product may be easily be stored for an extended period of time, further refined into liquid transportation fuels (either alone or mixed with petroleum-derived hydrocarbons), or blended with petroleum-derived blendstocks to produce a finished liquid transportation fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates to injecting steam into crude oil for several benefits, primarily of which is to remove salt by transferring the salt into the condensed water from the steam. Steam transfers salt via a different transfer mechanism and therefore doesn't require the high shear mixing of conventional water injection systems. As such, steam injection through a variety of procedures, is more efficient at gathering salt into water that itself is easier to remove from the crude oil.

Abstract: A method of coupling and 5,5-Y-3,3?-difluoro-2,2?-bithiophene to produce wherein X can be any known compound capable of coupling with the Y-difluorothiophene and Y is selected from the group consisting of Br, a stannyl group, a boronic ester and a H.

Abstract: A polymer comprising: In this polymer R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and Rio are independently selected from H, F, Cl, S, CN, or substituted, unsubstituted, straight-chain, branched, or cyclic alkyls ranging from 1 to 100 carbon atoms. The length of the polymer can range with n from about 1 to about 100,000 repeat units.

Abstract: An organic photovoltaic device comprising an electron transport layer disposed between an anode and a polymer layer. In this organic photovoltaic device the polymer layer can also be disposed between the electron transport layer and a cathode. The electron transport layer comprises (AOx)yBO(1-y) with an optional fullerene dopant. The polymer comprises a molecular complex comprising wherein X1 and X2 are independently selected from the group consisting of: H, Cl, F, CN, alkyl, alkoxy, ester, ketone, amide and aryl groups; R1, R2, R1? and R2? are side chains independently selected from the group consisting of: H, Cl, F, CN, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, ester, ketone and aryl groups; R3 are selected from the group consisting of alkyl group, alkoxy group, aryl groups and combinations thereof; G is an aryl group; and wherein the thiophene groups are unsymmetrical.

Abstract: A molecular complex comprising wherein X1 and X2 are independently selected from the group consisting of: H, Cl, F, CN, alkyl, alkoxy, ester, ketone, amide and aryl groups; R1, R2, R1? and R2? are side chains independently selected from the group consisting of: H, Cl, F, CN, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, ester, ketone and aryl groups; G is an aryl group; and wherein the thiophene groups are unsymmetrical.

Abstract: A process for converting ethylene to liquid fuel products having substantially improved catalyst life. The catalyst has small zeolite crystallites and high pore volume to produce ethylene oligomerization and reduce coke production at productive temperature, pressure and flow rates.

Abstract: Processes and systems for maintaining a live culture of activated sludge in the activated sludge unit of a petroleum refinery during an extended refinery shut-down. In the absence of a source of refinery wastewater, a living culture of activated sludge comprising aerobic prokaryotes and/or eukaryotes that nitrify ammonia is maintained by redirecting at least a portion of clarified wastewater leaving the clarifier portion of an activated sludge unit. The redirected clarified wastewater is mixed with an organic food source that may be ammonia and/or ethyl acetate, a source of phosphate ion, and the pH is adjusted to produce a growth media that is returned to the aeration chamber of the activated sludge unit. After a time exceeding one week, the input of refinery wastewater to the aeration chamber is resumed while discontinuing the redirecting of the clarified wastewater.

Abstract: System and method relates to measuring separation rate of water from water-in-crude oil emulsions at elevated temperature. The system includes an electrolytic interface (conductivity) cell comprising a plurality of capacitance/conductance probes disposed at different heights in a fluid stream disposed within the interface cell and an analyzer. Logic of the analyzer determines the separation rate based on signals received from the plurality of capacitance/conductance probes in the interface cell that are coupled to monitor the fluid stream. Methods for making and using the system are also disclosed.