Abstract: A method for leak detection of a packaged sealed product according to the steps: feeding liquid nitrogen to a vaporizer thereby forming gaseous nitrogen; mixing the gaseous nitrogen with multifunctional particles; feeding the mixture of gaseous nitrogen and multifunctional particles to a chamber wherein a packaged sealed product is present in the chamber; and transmitting a signal when the multifunctional particles contact a component leaking from the packaged sealed product. Typically, the packaged sealed product is a pharmaceutical or other medicinal product.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting corrosion in pipelines for transporting oil and gas is described. A nano-machine is fed along with an inert gas to the pipeline to deliver a corrosion inhibitor which is chemically bonded to the nano-machine. The nano-machine is made by attaching a corrosion inhibitor to a nanoparticle by way of a covalent bond. When the nano-machine encounters a source of corrosion in the pipeline, the corrosion inhibitor is released to treat the corrosion.

Abstract: A method for separating two or more different gases that are being transported in a pipeline is described. A slug of inert gas, particularly nitrogen is introduced between the two or more different gases to replace the isolators that have been traditionally used. This slug of inert gas will assist in more efficiently transporting the gas while reducing the problems associated with isolators. There is further disclosed a method for separating and transporting at least two liquid products such as two different crudes or diesel and gasoline in a pipeline.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for cleaning a pipeline. A first gas or gas pig is fed into the pipeline as a cleaning gas. A second gas is then fed into the pipeline and acts as a motive gas to drive the first gas or gas pig through the pipeline. The first gas may contain additives such as micro carriers that are a core material surrounded by an outer shell that may contain corrosion inhibitors to treat localized corrosion in the pipeline.

Abstract: A method for detecting leaks in pipelines, particularly those transporting natural gas is disclosed. Leak sensitive particles are added either as soluble particles or in a nitrogen atmosphere which will transmit signals to an appropriate sensor when a leak condition is detected. The sensors can be located along the length of the pipeline or in a pig that will be transported through the pipeline along with the leak sensitive particles.

Abstract: A deformable pig and method of pigging are disclosed. The deformable pig is an outer shell having a hollow, spherical shape and a deformable core material contained within the outer shell. The deformable core material may be a shape memory polymer foam which will contour to bends in a pipeline being treated. This enables effective cleaning of the pipeline while inhibiting the pig from getting stuck in the pipeline. Alternatively, the deformable pig may be made from the shape memory polymer foam and be rectangular shaped without an outer shell material.

Abstract: A crystallizer for use in treating produced water is disclosed. The crystallizer is a combination of a source of nitrogen in fluid communication with at least one connecting tube which is in fluid communication with a chamber which is in fluid communication with a discharge tube. The produced water from an oil and gas operation is fed into the crystallizer which will separate out contaminants from the water producing fresh water.

Abstract: A method and crystallizer for treating produced water through the steps of feeding produced water to a porous pipe in a chamber wherein the chamber is cylindrically shaped having an interior wall with a top and a bottom; feeding gaseous nitrogen to a nozzle present in the chamber, which is in fluid communication with an interior pipe; feeding the produced water to the interior pipe wherein slush is formed in the pipe and this slush is forced through the interior pipe to the top of the chamber; operating at least one scraper which is mounted circumferentially about the porous pipe and having arms that extend outwardly from the scraper center in contact with the interior wall of the chamber wherein the scraper will remove salt crystals from the interior walls of the chamber; recovering salt crystals from the bottom of the chamber; and recovering fresh water from the chamber.

Abstract: A method for treating produced water from a fraccing source is disclosed. The method first mixes nitrogen and produced water and feeds the mixture to a forward osmosis unit containing a semi-permeable membrane; carbon dioxide gas is then fed to the forward osmosis unit, therein creating a pressurized nitrogen side and a pressurized carbon dioxide side of the forward osmosis unit; concentrated produced water is recovered from the pressurized nitrogen side of the forward osmosis unit and fresh water is recovered from the pressurized carbon dioxide side of the forward osmosis unit.

Abstract: A method for treating produced water from a fracking operation is disclosed. The produced water is first fed to a compact separator for the removal of suspended materials. This produced water is then treated for dissolved gases and suspended oils before being fed to a crystallizer where salts are separated from the produced water thereby producing fresh water for reuse or other means. Alternatively, the produced water may be fed to a disinfection system and a concentrator depending upon the composition of the produced water.

Abstract: Use of supercritical Y-grade natural gas liquids for a variety of processes and across numerous industrial applications is described herein. The low viscosity, high density, and tunable solvent properties of supercritical Y-grade natural gas liquids are useful for example in enhanced reservoir recovery and treatment, control of chemical reactions and processes, and/or single or two-phase separations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming vinyl acetate. The process comprises the step of providing a reaction mixture having an initial heat capacity. The reaction mixture comprises acetic acid, oxygen, ethylene, and optionally water. The process further comprises the step of adding to the reaction mixture at least one heat capacity modifier to form an increased heat capacity reaction mixture. The process further comprises the step of contacting the acetic acid, oxygen, and ethylene over a catalyst under conditions effective to form a crude vinyl acetate product. The crude vinyl acetate product comprises vinyl acetate and water.

Abstract: A process for producing vinyl acetate in which a secondary reactant stream is obtained from a predehydrating column and reacted in a sidecar reactor to further increase conversion of ethylene, acetic acid, and molecular oxygen and increase production of vinyl acetate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming vinyl acetate. The process comprises the step of providing a reaction mixture having an initial heat capacity. The reaction mixture comprises acetic acid, oxygen, ethylene, and optionally water. The process further comprises the step of adding to the reaction mixture at least one heat capacity modifier to form an increased heat capacity reaction mixture. The process further comprises the step of contacting the acetic acid, oxygen, and ethylene over a catalyst under conditions effective to form a crude vinyl acetate product. The crude vinyl acetate product comprises vinyl acetate and water.

Abstract: A process for producing vinyl acetate in which a secondary reactant stream is obtained from a predehydrating column and reacted in a sidecar reactor to further increase conversion of ethylene, acetic acid, and molecular oxygen and increase production of vinyl acetate.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is to a process for inhibiting impurity formation a vinyl acetate formation reaction. The process comprises the step of providing a reactor comprising an inlet section, an outlet section, a filler (or fillers), and a catalyst block section. The filler is disposed in the outlet section. The catalyst block section may be in communication with and configured between the inlet and outlet sections. The process further comprises the steps of introducing the reactants to the inlet section and contacting the reactants in the catalyst block section under conditions effective to form a crude vinyl acetate composition. The process may further comprise the step of directing the crude vinyl acetate composition into the outlet section, which comprises the filler.