Abstract: Systems and methods of enhancing oil recovery with an electrochemical apparatus include introducing the electrochemical apparatus into an injection well bore. The electrochemical apparatus includes an anode, a cathode and an interior wall, the interior wall defining an interior that contains both the anode and the cathode. The electrochemical apparatus is operated such that injection water of the injection well bore is introduced into the interior of the electrochemical apparatus. Electrical power is introduced to the electrochemical apparatus such that a portion of the injection water is converted into a product gas, the product gas including hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The electrochemical apparatus is operated such that the product gas forms product gas bubbles and the product gas bubbles travel into a formation, where the product gas bubbles react with a reservoir hydrocarbon of the formation to form a production fluid that is produced through a production well bore.

Abstract: Copolymers having General Formula (I): in which R1 is chosen from divalent C4-C7 aliphatic groups and divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups, optionally substituted with one or more C1-C6 aliphatic groups, heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, or combinations thereof, where: the divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups include one or two heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, and the maximum number of heteroatoms in R1 is two; x is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.05 to 0.95; and y is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.05 to 0.95, where the summation of x and y equals 1. Methods for inhibiting formation of clathrate hydrates in a fluid capable of forming the clathrate hydrates. The methods include contacting the fluid with at least one copolymer of General Formula (I) under conditions suitable for forming the clathrate hydrates.

Abstract: Copolymers having General Formula (I): in which R1 and R3 are chosen from divalent C4-C7 aliphatic groups and divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups, optionally substituted with one or more C1-C6 aliphatic groups, heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, or combinations thereof, where the divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups of R1 and R3 include one or two heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, and the maximum number of heteroatoms in R1 or R3 is two, R2 is chosen from Q1 and Q2, x is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.1 to 0.9, y is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.1 to 0.9, and z is a molar fraction range chosen from 0 to 0.8, where the summation of x, y, and z equals 1. Methods for inhibiting formation of clathrate hydrates include contacting a fluid with at least one copolymer of General Formula (I).

Abstract: Systems and methods of enhancing oil recovery with an electrochemical apparatus include introducing the electrochemical apparatus into an injection well bore. The electrochemical apparatus includes an anode, a cathode and an interior wall, the interior wall defining an interior that contains both the anode and the cathode. The electrochemical apparatus is operated such that injection water of the injection well bore is introduced into the interior of the electrochemical apparatus. Electrical power is introduced to the electrochemical apparatus such that a portion of the injection water is converted into a product gas, the product gas including hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The electrochemical apparatus is operated such that the product gas forms product gas bubbles and the product gas bubbles travel into a formation, where the product gas bubbles react with a reservoir hydrocarbon of the formation to form a production fluid that is produced through a production well bore.

Abstract: Systems and methods of enhancing oil recovery with an electrochemical apparatus include introducing the electrochemical apparatus into an injection well bore. The electrochemical apparatus includes an anode, a cathode and an interior wall, the interior wall defining an interior that contains both the anode and the cathode. The electrochemical apparatus is operated such that injection water of the injection well bore is introduced into the interior of the electrochemical apparatus. Electrical power is introduced to the electrochemical apparatus such that a portion of the injection water is converted into a product gas, the product gas including hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The electrochemical apparatus is operated such that the product gas forms product gas bubbles and the product gas bubbles travel into a formation, where the product gas bubbles react with a reservoir hydrocarbon of the formation to form a production fluid that is produced through a production well bore.

Abstract: A process for removing asphaltenes from an oil feed comprising the steps of introducing the oil feed to a reactor, where the oil feed comprises a carbonaceous material and asphaltenes, introducing a heteropolyacid feed to the reactor, where the heteropolyacid feed comprises a heteropolyacid, operating the reactor at a reaction temperature and a reaction pressure for a reaction time such that the heteropolyacid is operable to catalyze an acid catalyzed polymerization reaction of the asphaltenes to produce polymerized asphaltenes, where a mixed product comprises the polymerized asphaltenes and a de-asphalted oil, introducing the mixed product to a separator at the end of the reaction time, and separating the mixed product in the separator to produce a de-asphalted oil and a waste stream, where the de-asphalted oil has a lower concentration of sulfur, a lower concentration of nitrogen, and a lower concentration of metals as compared to the oil feed.

Abstract: A process for removing asphaltenes from an oil feed comprising the steps of introducing the oil feed to a reactor, where the oil feed comprises a carbonaceous material and asphaltenes, introducing a heteropolyacid feed to the reactor, where the heteropolyacid feed comprises a heteropolyacid, operating the reactor at a reaction temperature and a reaction pressure for a reaction time such that the heteropolyacid is operable to catalyze an acid catalyzed polymerization reaction of the asphaltenes to produce polymerized asphaltenes, where a mixed product comprises the polymerized asphaltenes and a de-asphalted oil, introducing the mixed product to a separator at the end of the reaction time, and separating the mixed product in the separator to produce a de-asphalted oil and a waste stream, where the de-asphalted oil has a lower concentration of sulfur, a lower concentration of nitrogen, and a lower concentration of metals as compared to the oil feed.

Abstract: Copolymers having General Formula (I): in which R1 is chosen from divalent C4-C7 aliphatic groups and divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups, optionally substituted with one or more C1-C6 aliphatic groups, heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, or combinations thereof, where: the divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups include one or two heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, and the maximum number of heteroatoms in R1 is two; x is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.05 to 0.95; and y is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.05 to 0.95, where the summation of x and y equals 1. Methods for inhibiting formation of clathrate hydrates in a fluid capable of forming the clathrate hydrates. The methods include contacting the fluid with at least one copolymer of General Formula (I) under conditions suitable for forming the clathrate hydrates.

Abstract: Copolymers having General Formula (I): in which R1 and R3 are chosen from divalent C4-C7 aliphatic groups and divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups, optionally substituted with one or more C1-C6 aliphatic groups, heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, or combination thereof, where the divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups of R1 and R3 include one or two heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, and the maximum number of heteroatoms in R1 or R3 is two, R2 is chosen from Q1 and Q2, x is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.1 to 0.9, y is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.1 to 0.9, and z is a molar fraction range chosen from 0 to 0.8, where the summation of x, y, and z equals 1. Methods for inhibiting formation of clathrate hydrates include contacting a fluid with at least one copolymer of General Formula (I).

Abstract: Copolymers having General Formula (I): in which R1 and R3 are chosen from divalent C4-C7 aliphatic groups and divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups, optionally substituted with one or more C1-C6 aliphatic groups, heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, or combination thereof, where the divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups of R1 and R3 include one or two heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, and the maximum number of heteroatoms in R1 or R3 is two, R2 is chosen from Q1 and Q2, x is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.1 to 0.9, y is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.1 to 0.9, and z is a molar fraction range chosen from 0 to 0.8, where the summation of x, y, and z equals 1. Methods for inhibiting formation of clathrate hydrates include contacting a fluid with at least one copolymer of General Formula (I).

Abstract: A method for producing mesophase pitch includes the steps of flushing a vessel with an at least substantially inert gas to remove air and oxygen from the vessel; charging the vessel with a hydrocarbon feed; pressurizing the vessel to an initial increased pressure; heating the vessel to a pre-determined temperature; and maintaining the vessel at the pre-determined temperature for an amount of time operable to upgrade the hydrocarbon feed to a product comprising mesophase pitch.

Abstract: A process for removing asphaltenes from an oil feed comprising the steps of introducing the oil feed to a reactor, where the oil feed comprises a carbonaceous material and asphaltenes, introducing a heteropolyacid feed to the reactor, where the heteropolyacid feed comprises a heteropolyacid, operating the reactor at a reaction temperature and a reaction pressure for a reaction time such that the heteropolyacid is operable to catalyze an acid catalyzed polymerization reaction of the asphaltenes to produce polymerized asphaltenes, where a mixed product comprises the polymerized asphaltenes and a de-asphalted oil, introducing the mixed product to a separator at the end of the reaction time, and separating the mixed product in the separator to produce a de-asphalted oil and a waste stream, where the de-asphalted oil has a lower concentration of sulfur, a lower concentration of nitrogen, and a lower concentration of metals as compared to the oil feed.

Abstract: A process for removing asphaltenes from an oil feed comprising the steps of introducing the oil feed to a reactor, where the oil feed comprises a carbonaceous material and asphaltenes, introducing a heteropolyacid feed to the reactor, where the heteropolyacid feed comprises a heteropolyacid, operating the reactor at a reaction temperature and a reaction pressure for a reaction time such that the heteropolyacid is operable to catalyze an acid catalyzed polymerization reaction of the asphaltenes to produce polymerized asphaltenes, where a mixed product comprises the polymerized asphaltenes and a de-asphalted oil, introducing the mixed product to a separator at the end of the reaction time, and separating the mixed product in the separator to produce a de-asphalted oil and a waste stream, where the de-asphalted oil has a lower concentration of sulfur, a lower concentration of nitrogen, and a lower concentration of metals as compared to the oil feed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of enhancing oil recovery with an electrochemical apparatus include introducing the electrochemical apparatus into an injection well bore. The electrochemical apparatus includes an anode, a cathode and an interior wall, the interior wall defining an interior that contains both the anode and the cathode. The electrochemical apparatus is operated such that injection water of the injection well bore is introduced into the interior of the electrochemical apparatus. Electrical power is introduced to the electrochemical apparatus such that a portion of the injection water is converted into a product gas, the product gas including hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The electrochemical apparatus is operated such that the product gas forms product gas bubbles and the product gas bubbles travel into a formation, where the product gas bubbles react with a reservoir hydrocarbon of the formation to form a production fluid that is produced through a production well bore.

Abstract: A process for removing asphaltenes from an oil feed comprising the steps of introducing the oil feed to a reactor, where the oil feed comprises a carbonaceous material and asphaltenes, introducing a heteropolyacid feed to the reactor, where the heteropolyacid feed comprises a heteropolyacid, operating the reactor at a reaction temperature and a reaction pressure for a reaction time such that the heteropolyacid is operable to catalyze an acid catalyzed polymerization reaction of the asphaltenes to produce polymerized asphaltenes, where a mixed product comprises the polymerized asphaltenes and a de-asphalted oil, introducing the mixed product to a separator at the end of the reaction time, and separating the mixed product in the separator to produce a de-asphalted oil and a waste stream, where the de-asphalted oil has a lower concentration of sulfur, a lower concentration of nitrogen, and a lower concentration of metals as compared to the oil feed.

Abstract: A process for removing asphaltenes from an oil feed comprising the steps of introducing the oil feed to a reactor, where the oil feed comprises a carbonaceous material and asphaltenes, introducing a heteropolyacid feed to the reactor, where the heteropolyacid feed comprises a heteropolyacid, operating the reactor at a reaction temperature and a reaction pressure for a reaction time such that the heteropolyacid is operable to catalyze an acid catalyzed polymerization reaction of the asphaltenes to produce polymerized asphaltenes, where a mixed product comprises the polymerized asphaltenes and a de-asphalted oil, introducing the mixed product to a separator at the end of the reaction time, and separating the mixed product in the separator to produce a de-asphalted oil and a waste stream, where the de-asphalted oil has a lower concentration of sulfur, a lower concentration of nitrogen, and a lower concentration of metals as compared to the oil feed.

Abstract: Copolymers having General Formula (I): in which R1, R2, and R3 are chosen from C1 to C30 aliphatic groups, R4 is chosen from divalent C4 to C7 linear aliphatic groups and divalent C4 to C7 linear heteroaliphatic groups, optionally substituted with one or more C1-C6 linear aliphatic groups, C1-C6 branched aliphatic groups, or combination thereof, R5, R6, and R7 are each independently chosen from methyl or hydrogen, x is chosen from 0 to 0.8, y is chosen from 0 to 0.8, when y is 0, x is greater than 0, and when x is 0, y is greater than 0, and z is chosen from 0.1 to 0.9. The summation of x, y, and z equals 1. Methods for inhibiting formation of clathrate hydrates in a fluid capable of forming the clathrate hydrates, including contacting the fluid with at least one copolymer of General Formula (I).

Abstract: A method for producing mesophase pitch includes the steps of flushing a vessel with an at least substantially inert gas to remove air and oxygen from the vessel; charging the vessel with a hydrocarbon feed; pressurizing the vessel to an initial increased pressure; heating the vessel to a pre-determined temperature; and maintaining the vessel at the pre-determined temperature for an amount of time operable to upgrade the hydrocarbon feed to a product comprising mesophase pitch.

Abstract: Copolymers having General Formula (I): in which R1 is chosen from divalent C4-C7 aliphatic groups and divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups, optionally substituted with one or more C1-C6 aliphatic groups, heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, or combinations thereof, where: the divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups include one or two heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, and the maximum number of heteroatoms in R1 is two; x is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.05 to 0.95; and y is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.05 to 0.95, where the summation of x and y equals 1. Methods for inhibiting formation of clathrate hydrates in a fluid capable of forming the clathrate hydrates. The methods include contacting the fluid with at least one copolymer of General Formula (I) under conditions suitable for forming the clathrate hydrates.

Abstract: Copolymers having General Formula (I): in which R1 and R3 are chosen from divalent C4-C7 aliphatic groups and divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups, optionally substituted with one or more C1-C6 aliphatic groups, heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, or combination thereof, where the divalent C4-C7 heteroaliphatic groups of R1 and R3 include one or two heteroatoms independently chosen from O, N, and S, and the maximum number of heteroatoms in R1 or R3 is two, R2 is chosen from Q1 and Q2, x is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.1 to 0.9, y is a molar fraction range chosen from 0.1 to 0.9, and z is a molar fraction range chosen from 0 to 0.8, where the summation of x, y, and z equals 1. Methods for inhibiting formation of clathrate hydrates include contacting a fluid with at least one copolymer of General Formula (I).