Abstract: A low-emission and environmentally-friendly apparatus and method is used to generate a high-pressure stream of thermal vapor. The thermal vapor stream may be injected into a subsurface petroleum-bearing formation for recovery of highly viscous petroleum or used to turn a steam turbine for driving an electrical generator. In one implementation, the high-pressure stream of thermal vapor is generated by burning a high-temperature fuel, including any short or long chain hydrocarbon products from methane to coal, in an enclosed vessel to produce combustion gases. Various cooling techniques, including regenerative cooling, may be employed to maintain the internal temperature of the vessel below a predefined safe level. The high-pressure thermal vapor stream may then be used to enhance recovery of highly viscous petroleum.

Abstract: A low emission and environmentally friendly apparatus and method is used to generate a high pressure stream of thermal vapor. The thermal vapor stream may be injected into a subterranean formation for recovery of highly viscous petroleum or used to turn a steam turbine for driving an electrical generator. In one implementation, the high pressure stream of thermal vapor is generated by burning a high temperature fuel, including any short or long chain hydrocarbon products from methane to coal, in an enclosed vessel to produce combustion gases. Various techniques may be used to improve heat distribution and lower the temperature of the combustion gases. Water may be used to quench the combustion gases and produce the superheated steam or vapor. The water may be introduced onto the combustion gases by spraying, weeping, dripping, and the like.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the interior of storage tanks of the type used for storing large volumes of crude oil wherein hydrocarbon sludge accumulates with the passage of time. The method includes circulating the crude oil from the tank to a pump and then through the nozzle of a circulator having a gear member mounted to the periphery of a hollow rotor supporting the nozzle. A shaft driven worm gear in operative engagement with the gear member is positioned within a tube extending from the circulator, through an opening in a side of the tank that is closeable with a valve, to a position outside the storage tank. The worm gear, the gear member, the hollow rotor and the nozzle are rotated simultaneously with circulation of the crude oil through the nozzle of the circulator until the worm gear falls. The worm gear is then pulled through the tube to a position just past the valve, and the valve closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the interior of storage tanks of the type used for storing large volumes of crude oil wherein hydrocarbon sludge accumulates with the passage of time. The apparatus comprises a crude oil circulator having rotatable nozzles positioned within the tank, a gear member externally disposed on an outer surface of a hollow rotor, and a worm gear operatively connected to the gear member. A drive shaft is connected, through a valve opening in the tank wall, to a motor unit. Upon failure of the worm gear, the worm gear is removed from the tank through the valve opening, replaced or repaired, and reintroduced into the tank through the valve opening.

Abstract: A quick cleaning method for hydrocarbon processing is described which avoids using the time honored steamout as a cleaning step by isolating the equipment to be cleaned from the rest of the hydrocarbon processing units, establishing a circulation loop and by pumping through the equipment an aqueous solution at an elevated temperature, of an extractant, such as a terpene, and a surfactant mixture which extracts and traps contaminants in an emulsion which is normally subjected to a high shearing step before recirculation to the equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a street legal mobile mounted tube bundle pulling apparatus which is moveable from a lifting position to a travelling position. A longitudinal track is attached to the bed of the vehicle. A sled which is contiguous with said track supports a turntable. A vertical telescoping column is mounted on the turntable. A bundle pulling apparatus is attached to the vertical telescoping column. Hydraulic cylinders are used for actuating both the turntable and the sled. By actuating the sled the telescoping column and bundle pulling apparatus which is a majority of the mass can be dragged to and between a rearward lifting position and a forward travelling position.

Abstract: Contamination can be removed from equipment of a chemical processing flow path by pumping through the plant an aqueous solution at an elevated temperature of an extractant, such as terpene, and a surfactant mixture which traps contaminants for disposal in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Abstract: An improved process for the decontamination of process equipment and vessels is described wherein an extractant material for the contaminant and a surfactant are vaporized, heated with steam, to condense on the internal surfaces of the vessel to trap contaminants, such as benzene, for removal from the vessel to allow safe entry for humans for inspection and maintenance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the interior of storage tanks of the type used for storing large volumes of liquids, such as crude oil, wherein hydrocarbon sludge accumulates with the passage of time, such apparatus comprising a hollow housing, liquid agitation means including a plurality of nozzled outlet jets laterally rotatably mounted on the housing in fluid communication with the hollow interior thereof, connecting means comprising an independently rotatable tubular casing rotatably mounted on the housing in fluid communication with the interior thereof, the tubular casing having a kelley mounted therein and being operatively connected with the nozzled outlet jets, and multi-joint support pipe means rotatably jointed to the connecting means in fluid communication with the interior of the tubular casing.

Abstract: An aerial tube bundle puller for extracting a tube bundle from a heat exchanger is provided, comprising a cradle supporting a carriage frame and a power source, a sled, attachable to a tube bundle, with a hydraulic powered screw drive to propel the sled on the carriage frame, a hydraulic elevator slidable on the carriage frame for adjusting and supporting the tube bundle and an extension for adjusting the length of the carriage frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the interior of storage tanks of the type used for storing large volumes of liquids, such as crude oil, wherein hydrocarbon sludge accumulates with the passage of time, such apparatus comprising a hollow housing, liquid agitation means including a plurality of nozzled outlet jets laterally rotatably mounted on the housing in fluid communication with the hollow interior thereof, connecting means comprising an independently rotatable tubular casing rotatably mounted on the housing in fluid communication with the interior thereof, the tubular casing having a kelly mounted therein and being operatively connected with the nozzled outlet jets, and multi-joint support pipe means rotatably joined to the connecting means in fluid communication with the interior of the tubular casing.

Abstract: An aerial tube bundle puller for extracting a tube bundle from a heat exchanger is provided, comprising a cradle supporting a carriage frame and a power source, a sled, attachable to a tube bundle, with a hydraulic powered screw drive to propel the sled on the carriage frame, a hydraulic elevator slidable on the carriage frame for adjusting and supporting the tube bundle and an extension for adjusting the length of the carriage frame.

Abstract: An essentially self-contained mobile tube cleaning machine which is remotely operable so that there is no need for operating personnel to be in close proximity to cleaning nozzles or other high pressure lines during tube cleaning operations. As a consequence, significantly higher water pressures and significantly higher water flow rates can be utilized thereby not only accelerating the rate of cleaning but also the efficiency and the effectiveness of the cleaning operation. Through the provision of a nozzle head at the end of an articulatable boom, it is possible to adjust the location of the nozzle through movement of the boom in order to clean the face of a tube bundle, the shell side of a tube bundle and the interior of the tubes themselves.

Abstract: A water washing robot having features uniquely useful in cleaning the interior of oil storage tanks and which comprises components that can be independently moved inside a storage tank and conveniently assembled therein. The assembled robot comprises a frame, a positive displacement pump carried by the frame, an articulatable water washing nozzle detachably mounted on the frame for spraying water on the interior surfaces of a storage tank. The robot is hydraulically powered.

Abstract: An essentially self-contained mobile tube cleaning machine which is remotely operable so that there is no need for operating personnel to be in close proximity to cleaning nozzles or other high pressure lines during tube cleaning operations. As a consequence, significantly higher water pressures and significantly higher water flow rates can be utilized thereby not only accelerating the rate of cleaning but also the efficiency and the effectiveness of the cleaning operation. Through the provision of a nozzle head at the end of an articulatable boom, it is possible to adjust the location of the nozzle through movement of the boom in order to clean the face of a tube bundle, the shell side of a tube bundle and the interior of the tubes themselves.

Abstract: The apparatus for removing and reinserting tube bundles into heat exchanger shells features an over the road vehicle having a bed. A vertical telescoping column is rotatably mounted to the rear of the bed. A bundle support member having a longitudinal axis is mounted to the top of the telescoping column and is adapted for slidable movement horizontally relative to the telescoping column and is further adapted for placement at elevations below the truck bed. A carriage is mounted on the bundle support member and is adapted to receive the flanged end of a tube bundle and be driven horizontally along the bundle support member. An offloading mechanism connected to the vertical telescoping column can be used for selectively unloading and reloading a tube bundle from the bundle support member to an awaiting bundle dolly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a high pressure thermal vapor stream of water vapor and combustion gases for recovering heavy viscous petroleum from a subterranean formation, wherein the method includes directing high pressure combustion gases into a partially water-filled vapor generator vessel for producing therein a high pressure stream of water vapor and combustion gases, and thereafter injecting high quality steam into the high pressure stream of water vapor and combustion gases within the vapor generator vessel to increase the steam-to-combustion gas ratio of the discharge stream produced within the vapor generator vessel, and thereafter flowing the discharge stream into a subterranean formation for enhanced recovery of viscous petroleum therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing highly viscous minerals from a subterranean formation by injection of an acidic, thermal vapor stream without substantial scale buildup in downstream piping, pumps and well bore. The process comprises heating the formation by injection of heat, preferably in the form of a thermal vapor stream composed of combustion gases and steam and injecting an acidic compound simultaneously with the thermal vapor stream into the formation at a temperature above the dew point of the thermal vapor stream. The acidic, thermal vapor stream increases the solubility of metal ions in connate water and thus reduces scaling in the downstream equipment during the production of viscous hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An improvement in the method for producing high pressure thermal vapor streams from combustion gases for injection into subterranean oil producing formations to stimulate the production of viscous minerals is described. The improvement involves controlling corrosion in such thermal vapor gases by injecting water near the flame in the combustion zone and injecting ammonia into a vapor producing vessel to contact the combustion gases exiting the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a thermal vapor stream for injecting into a subterranean formation for the recovery of liquefiable minerals therefrom, including a pressure vessel containing a high pressure combustion chamber for producing a heating gas for introduction into a heating gas injector. The heating gas injector is partly immersed in a steam generating section of the pressure vessel such that the heating gas is passed through the steam generating section to produce steam and combustion products which are directed between the pressure vessel and the combustion chamber for simultaneously cooling of the combustion chamber by further heating of the steam and combustion gases.