Abstract: A method to reduce slugging in a pipeline, including flowing a fluid flow through a pipeline having a fluid flow path extending therethrough and determining a presence of a slug within the fluid flow path of the pipeline. Launching a chokeable pig into the fluid flow path, anchoring the chokeable pig at a predetermined location within the fluid flow path, and adjusting the pressure drop through the pipeline.

Abstract: Small footprint, portable skid mounted wellhead desander systems are disclosed. In one version, two systems are mounted on the skid, one system being a single well system for testing various properties of well fluids, and the other being a combined bulk system for desanding comingled flow from a plurality of wells. In another version, the skid mounted system has three independent desanders together with all essential equipment, including e.g., plug catcher, hydrocyclone desander, solids accumulator, choke manifold, and all necessary sensors, valving and control equipment.

Abstract: Small footprint, portable skid mounted wellhead desander systems are disclosed. In one version, two systems are mounted on the skid, one system being a single well system for testing various properties of well fluids, and the other being a combined bulk system for desanding comingled flow from a plurality of wells. In another version, the skid mounted system has three independent desanders together with all essential equipment, including e.g., plug catcher, hydrocyclone desander, solids accumulator, choke manifold, and all necessary sensors, valving and control equipment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to removal of mercury from crude oil. Such removal relies on transferring mercury from a liquid hydrocarbon stream to a natural gas stream upon contacting the liquid hydrocarbon stream with the natural gas stream. Processing of the natural gas stream after used to strip the mercury from the liquid hydrocarbon stream removes the mercury from the natural gas stream.

Abstract: A process for decreasing the level of elemental mercury contained in a crude oil at the well site by separating the crude oil stream into a gaseous hydrocarbon stream containing hydrocarbons, mercury and water, and a liquid hydrocarbon stream containing hydrocarbons and elemental mercury; removing mercury from the gaseous hydrocarbon stream in a mercury removal unit, thereby forming a treated gas stream; contacting a recycle gas stream comprising a portion of the treated gas stream with at least a portion of the liquid hydrocarbon stream for transfer of at least a portion of the elemental mercury contained in the liquid hydrocarbon stream to the recycle gas stream; thereby forming a mercury rich gas stream, and a treated liquid hydrocarbon stream; and passing the mercury rich gas stream, along with the gaseous hydrocarbon stream, to the mercury removal unit, is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to removal of mercury from crude oil. Such removal relies on transferring mercury from a liquid hydrocarbon stream to a natural gas stream upon contacting the liquid hydrocarbon stream with the natural gas stream. Processing of the natural gas stream after used to strip the mercury from the liquid hydrocarbon stream removes the mercury from the natural gas stream.

Abstract: A method of removing substantially all solvent from a solution containing a polyphenylene ether polymer resin with little by-product formation (less than 250 ppm) is provided. The method employs a wiped thin film evaporator with a cylindrical heating chamber operating under conditions that satisfy the relationships defined by Equations I and II. 5.3*1024RL? exp(?24123/T)/m<C??I 100?(4960AP/Tm)<C??II; Yields are maximized wherein values for feed rate (m) and percent solids (C) are selected to provide a maximum value for the output, Q, determined from the equation m*C=Q and the melt viscosity of the polyphenylene ether product is less than 50,000 centipoise at the operating temperature of the cylindrical heating chamber.

Abstract: A method of removing substantially all solvent from a solution containing a polyphenylene ether polymer resin with little by-product formation (less than 250 ppm) is provided. The method employs a wiped thin film evaporator with a cylindrical heating chamber operating under conditions that satisfy the relationships defined by Equations I and II.

Abstract: A process for producing a poly(arylene ether) resins includes oxidatively coupling a monohydric phenol in the presence of a solvent and a catalyst to form a soluble poly(arylene ether) and an insoluble poly(arylene ether), separating the soluble poly(arylene ether) and the insoluble poly(arylene ether), and recycling the soluble poly(arylene ether). The process is particularly useful for synthesizing poly(arylene ether) copolymers in which the monomer compositions of soluble and insoluble copolymers may vary.

Abstract: A method of preparing a poly(arylene ether) includes oxidatively polymerizing a monohydric phenol in solution, concentrating the solution by removing a portion of the solvent to form a concentrated solution having a cloud point, Tcloud, adjusting the temperature of the concentrated solution to at least about (Tcloud−10° C.), and combining the concentrated solution with an anti-solvent to precipitate the poly (arylene ether). The method reduces the formation of undesirably fine particles in the product poly(arylene ether).

Abstract: A method of preparing a poly(arylene ether) includes oxidatively coupling a monohydric phenol in a reaction solution at a reaction temperature that exceeds the cloud point temperature of the reaction solution. The oxidative coupling occurs in the presence of a metal complex catalyst, and when the catalyst includes an amine ligand, the method facilitates incorporation of the amine ligand into the poly(arylene ether) resin. The amine-incorporated poly(arylene ether) resins prepared by the method are useful in the preparation of higher molecular weight poly(arylene ether) resins and compatibilized blends of poly(arylene ether) resins with other thermoplastics.

Abstract: A method of preparing a poly(arylene ether) includes oxidatively polymerizing a monohydric phenol in solution, concentrating the solution by removing a portion of the solvent to form a concentrated solution having a cloud point, Tcloud, and combining the concentrated solution with an anti-solvent to precipitate the poly (arylene ether), wherein the concentrated solution has a temperature of at least about (Tcloud−10° C.) immediately before it is combined with the anti-solvent. The method reduces the formation of undesirably fine particles in the product poly(arylene ether).