Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time monitoring of electrical discharge events across a tribological contact are provided. The systems comprise a signal generator, a test device comprising a tribological contact, a reference device and a signal comparator. The systems recognize changes between states where electrical discharge across a tribological contact does or does not occur and produce distinct output signals for each state and, further, may maintain a count of how often such events occur.

Abstract: A method for improving wear control, while maintaining or improving fuel efficiency, in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil. The formulated oil has a composition including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and (i) at least one transition metal salt of a carboxylic acid (e.g., zinc stearate) or (ii) a mixture of at least one transition metal salt of a carboxylic acid (e.g., zinc stearate) and at least one detergent (i.e., an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of an organic acid, or an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of an inorganic acid, or an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of a phenol, or mixtures thereof (e.g., calcium salicylate and/or magnesium sulfonate)), as a minor component. The lubricating oils are useful in internal combustion engines.

Abstract: Provided are lubricant compositions and hydrocarbon fluids including one or more lubricant base stocks and an effective amount of one more zero SAP antiwear additives and/or corrosion inhibitor additives, wherein the one more antiwear and/or corrosion inhibitor additives include one or more functionalized polyolefins having one or more pyridazine moieties. Such compositions exhibit improved anti-wear, friction reduction and anti-corrosion properties.

Abstract: A method for improving wear control, while maintaining or improving fuel efficiency, in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil. The formulated oil has a composition including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and (i) at least one transition metal salt of a carboxylic acid (e.g., zinc stearate) or (ii) a mixture of at least one transition metal salt of a carboxylic acid (e.g., zinc stearate) and at least one detergent (i.e., an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of an organic acid, or an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of an inorganic acid, or an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of a phenol, or mixtures thereof (e.g., calcium salicylate and/or magnesium sulfonate)), as a minor component. The lubricating oils are useful in internal combustion engines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for removing polar molecule contaminants from a refinery stream in connection with the processing of hydrocarbon fluids, chemicals, whole crude oils, blends and fractions in refineries and chemical plants that include adding high surface energy and/or high surface area nanoparticle compounds to a refinery stream to remove the polar molecule contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for removing polar molecule contaminants from a refinery stream in connection with the processing of hydrocarbon fluids, chemicals, whole crude oils, blends and fractions in refineries and chemical plants that include adding high surface energy and/or high surface area nanoparticle compounds to a refinery stream to remove the polar molecule contaminants.

Abstract: Provided are lubricant compositions and hydrocarbon fluids including one or more lubricant base stocks and an effective amount of one more zero SAP antiwear additives and/or corrosion inhibitor additives, wherein the one more antiwear and/or corrosion inhibitor additives include one or more functionalized polyolefins having one or more pyridazine moieties. Such compositions exhibit improved anti-wear, friction reduction and anti-corrosion properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for removing polar molecule contaminants from a refinery stream in connection with the processing of hydrocarbon fluids, chemicals, whole crude oils, blends and fractions in refineries and chemical plants that include adding high surface energy and/or high surface area nanoparticle compounds to a refinery stream to remove the polar molecule contaminants.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling fouling in a hydrocarbon refining process that includes measuring a level of a particulate in a process stream of the hydrocarbon refining process in communication with a hydrocarbon refinery component, identifying an effective amount of additive capable of reducing particulate-induced fouling based at least in part on the measured level of the particulate in the process stream, and introducing the effective amount of additive to the hydrocarbon refining process.

Abstract: Supported metallic catalysts comprised of a Group VIII metal, a Group VIB metal, and an organic additive, and methods for synthesizing supported metallic catalysts are provided. The catalysts are prepared by a method wherein precursors of both metals are mixed and interacted with at least one organic additive, dried, calcined, and sulfided. The catalysts are used for hydroprocessing, particularly hydrodesulfurization and hydrodenitrogenation, of hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: Supported metallic catalysts comprised of a Group VIII metal, a Group VIB metal, and an organic additive, and methods for synthesizing supported metallic catalysts are provided. The catalysts are prepared by a method wherein precursors of both metals are mixed and interacted with at least one organic additive, dried, calcined, and sulfided. The catalysts are used for hydroprocessing, particularly hydrodesulfurization and hydrodenitrogenation, of hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: A two stage process for selectively hydrodesulfurizing olefinic and sulfur and nitrogen-containing naphtha feedstreams wherein the first stage is a nitrogen removal stage to produce a naphtha feedstream having reduced levels of nitrogen compounds and a second stage wherein the naphtha feedstream having reduced levels of nitrogen compounds is hydrodesulfuried with a catalyst and under conditions selective to remove sulfur with minimum olefin saturation.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method for producing low-sulfur, low-nitrogen diesel boiling range products involving contacting a diesel boiling range feedstream with an acidic solution to selectively remove heterocyclic nitrogen-containing compounds before hydrotreating.