Abstract: A process is provided for recovering hydrocarbons, such as heavy oils, from a subterranean reservoir. The process includes providing a subcritical or a supercritical aqueous fluid at a high temperature and high pressure to the underground hydrocarbon reservoir, injecting the aqueous fluid into the reservoir to heat the hydrocarbons in the reservoir, and recovering the heated hydrocarbons from the reservoir. In some cases, the supercritical fluid is also used to upgrade the hydrocarbons and/or facilitate the transportation of the hydrocarbons from the production field to another location, such as a refinery. Advantageously, isentropic expansion may be employed anywhere in the system for a more efficient and effective processes and systems.

Abstract: A process is provided for recovering hydrocarbons, such as heavy oils, from a subterranean reservoir. The process includes providing a subcritical or a supercritical aqueous fluid at a high temperature and high pressure to the underground hydrocarbon reservoir, injecting the aqueous fluid into the reservoir to heat the hydrocarbons in the reservoir, and recovering the heated hydrocarbons from the reservoir. In some cases, the supercritical fluid is also used to upgrade the hydrocarbons and/or facilitate the transportation of the hydrocarbons from the production field to another location, such as a refinery. Advantageously, isentropic expansion may be employed anywhere in the system for a more efficient and effective processes and systems.

Abstract: A process is provided for recovering hydrocarbons, such as heavy oils, from a subterranean reservoir. The process includes providing a supercritical aqueous fluid at a high temperature and high pressure to the underground hydrocarbon reservoir, injecting the aqueous fluid into the reservoir to heat the hydrocarbons in the reservoir, and recovering the heated hydrocarbons from the reservoir. In some cases, the supercritical fluid is also used to upgrade the hydrocarbons and/or facilitate the transportation of the hydrocarbons from the production field to another location, such as a refinery.

Abstract: A high efficiency multi-stage duct fired heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) is provided to generate steam for use in thermal enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications. The HRSG is equipped with a plurality of duct burners in series and a plurality of evaporators for transferring heat from the duct burners to the water to generate steam, with at least one evaporator corresponding to each of the duct burners. Each evaporator is arranged downstream from the corresponding duct burner. At least one perforated plate is configured to disperse and distribute available oxygen within a subsequent duct burner. Hot exhaust gas from a gas turbine (over 1000° F.) is directed to the duct burners in series, allowing further combustion and maximizing thermal efficiency for the HRSG to have a thermal efficiency of at least 92%, and for the exhaust gas exiting the HRSG to contain oxygen in a range of 2% to 8%.

Abstract: A high efficiency multi-stage duct fired heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) is provided to generate steam for use in thermal enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications. The HRSG is equipped with a plurality of duct burners in series and a plurality of evaporators for transferring heat from the duct burners to the water to generate steam, with at least one evaporator corresponding to each of the duct burners. Each evaporator is arranged downstream from the corresponding duct burner. At least one perforated plate is configured to disperse and distribute available oxygen within a subsequent duct burner. Hot exhaust gas from a gas turbine (over 1000° F.) is directed to the duct burners in series, allowing further combustion and maximizing thermal efficiency for the HRSG to have a thermal efficiency of at least 92%, and for the exhaust gas exiting the HRSG to contain oxygen in a range of 2% to 8%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid crude hydrocarbon composition containing (a) a liquid crude hydrocarbon having an API gravity of less than or equal to about 20; and (b) a minor amount of a blend comprising (i) one or more hydrocarbon-containing solvents having an aromatic content of at least about 10 wt. %; and (ii) one or more asphaltene modifiers selected from the group consisting of an aromatic sulfonic acid or salt thereof, an aliphatic sulfonic acid or salt thereof and an alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic carboxylic acid or salt thereof. Also disclosed is a method for transporting a liquid crude hydrocarbon having an API gravity of less than or equal to about 20.

Abstract: A high efficiency multi-stage duct fired heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) is provided to generate steam for use in thermal enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications. The HRSG is equipped with a plurality of duct burners in series and a plurality of evaporators for transferring heat from the duct burners to the water to generate steam, with at least one evaporator corresponding to each of the duct burners. Each evaporator is arranged downstream from the corresponding duct burner. Hot exhaust gas from a gas turbine (over 1000° F.) is directed to the duct burners in series, allowing further combustion and maximizing thermal efficiency for the HRSG to have a thermal efficiency of at least 92%, and for the exhaust gas exiting the HRSG to a reduced oxygen level of less than 5%.

Abstract: A method and system for handling viscous liquid crude hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method involves (a) solvent deasphalting at least a portion of an asphaltene-containing liquid crude hydrocarbon feedstock to form an asphaltene fraction and a deasphalted oil (DAO) fraction essentially free of asphaltenes; (b) adjusting the density of the asphaltene fraction to substantially the same density of a carrier for the asphaltene fraction; (c) forming coated asphaltene particles from the asphaltene fraction of step (b); (d) slurrying the coated asphaltene particles with the carrier; and (e) transporting the slurry to a treatment facility or a transportation carrier.

Abstract: A process is provided for recovering hydrocarbons, such as heavy oils, from a subterranean reservoir. The process includes providing a supercritical aqueous fluid at a high temperature and high pressure to the underground hydrocarbon reservoir, injecting the aqueous fluid into the reservoir to heat the hydrocarbons in the reservoir, and recovering the heated hydrocarbons from the reservoir. In some cases, the supercritical fluid is also used to upgrade the hydrocarbons and/or facilitate the transportation of the hydrocarbons from the production field to another location, such as a refinery.

Abstract: A method of transporting carbon dioxide and crude oil in a pipeline is disclosed. The method includes providing supercritical carbon dioxide and heavy or extra heavy crude oil produced from a subterranean reservoir. The crude oil is mixed with the supercritical carbon dioxide to form a mixture having a viscosity less than the viscosity of the crude oil prior to mixing. The mixture is transported in a pipeline from a first location to a second location. The pipeline is maintained at sufficient pressures and temperatures such that any unsaturated carbon dioxide remains in a supercritical state while the mixture is transported through the pipeline.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid crude hydrocarbon composition containing (a) a liquid crude hydrocarbon having an API gravity of less than or equal to about 20; and (b) a minor amount of a blend comprising (i) one or more hydrocarbon-containing solvents having an aromatic content of at least about 10 wt. %; and (ii) one or more asphaltene modifiers selected from the group consisting of an aromatic sulfonic acid or salt thereof, an aliphatic sulfonic acid or salt thereof and an alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic carboxylic acid or salt thereof. Also disclosed is a method for transporting a liquid crude hydrocarbon having an API gravity of less than or equal to about 20.

Abstract: A method and system for handling viscous liquid crude hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method involves (a) solvent deasphalting at least a portion of an asphaltene-containing liquid crude hydrocarbon feedstock to form an asphaltene fraction and a deasphalted oil (DAO) fraction essentially free of asphaltenes; (b) adjusting the density of the asphaltene fraction to substantially the same density of a carrier for the asphaltene fraction; (c) forming coated asphaltene particles from the asphaltene fraction of step (b); (d) slurrying the coated asphaltene particles with the carrier; and (e) transporting the slurry to a treatment facility or a transportation carrier.

Abstract: A method of transporting carbon dioxide and crude oil in a pipeline is disclosed. The method includes providing supercritical carbon dioxide and heavy or extra heavy crude oil produced from a subterranean reservoir. The crude oil is mixed with the supercritical carbon dioxide to form a mixture having a viscosity less than the viscosity of the crude oil prior to mixing. The mixture is transported in a pipeline from a first location to a second location. The pipeline is maintained at sufficient pressures and temperatures such that any unsaturated carbon dioxide remains in a supercritical state while the mixture is transported through the pipeline.

Abstract: A strategic business method for financial institutions includes the steps of establishing a strategic metric, setting measurable goals using the established strategic metric, communicating the goals effectively, and measuring and reporting progress in reaching the goals. A strategic business tool for financial institutions includes structure for establishing a strategic metric, structure for setting measurable goals using the established strategic metric, structure for communicating the goals effectively, and structure for measuring and reporting progress in reaching the goals.