Abstract: Methods and devices for generating gas from nitrous oxide are provided as well as downstream uses for the product gas. Reactor devices of the invention are compact and incorporate a novel heat-exchange/regenerative cooling system to optimize N2O decomposition and reactor durability.

Abstract: An intelligent controls system for a field-deployable system for producing dry natural gas (NG) and natural gas liquids (NGLs) from a raw gas stream is disclosed. The control system is used to ensure correct specifications of both dry NG (above a desired minimum methane number) and NGLs (below a desired maximum vapor pressure) from any supplied raw natural gas source by controlling three system parameters: inlet gas flow rate, system operating pressure, and separator-reboiler temperature set point. The input parameters include: heat content of the input gas stream, volume of the input gas stream, desired methane number of the NG, and desired vapor pressure of the NGLs. The controls system allows any piece of remote field equipment for performing complex chemical processing to be monitored, controlled, and operated remotely. A large array of distributed field equipment situated around the world can all be controlled primarily through a single interface provided in a central control center.

Abstract: The present invention is a field-deployable system for producing compressed natural gas (CNG) and natural gas liquids (NGLs) from a raw gas stream comprising a compressor; a dehydrator; a refrigerator having one or more stages; and a separation subsystem adapted to separate the raw gas stream into three useable product streams: a methane stream that is at least 70% methane, an ethane-rich stream, and a NGLs stream having a vapor pressure of no more than 17 bar (250 psi) at 38° C. (100° F.). The methane stream is sufficiently lean to be useable in existing natural gas engines without modification, and is compressed to produce CNG. The system can be utilized to capture and provide value to stranded or flared gas from liquids-rich gas production sites, by producing natural gas liquids for transport, and CNG which can be transported and is suitable for use in existing gas generators, vehicles, and/or trucks.

Abstract: Methods and devices for generating gas from nitrous oxide are provided as well as downstream uses for the product gas. Reactor devices of the invention are compact and incorporate a novel heat-exchange/regenerative cooling system to optimize N2O decomposition and reactor durability.

Abstract: One embodiment is a method for extracting oil from a near-depleted oil well. A portable natural gas, methane, or petroleum reformer is brought to a site of the oil well. A quantity of natural gas, methane, or a portion of the locally produced petroleum and a quantity of water is fed into the reformer. The natural gas, methane, or petroleum is reacted with the water in the reformer to generate a driver gas containing a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide gas. The driver gas is compressed to a pressure appropriate for the oil well, the driver gas is injected into the oil well, and the oil is recovered from the near-depleted oil well. In one embodiment, sulfur is first removed from the natural gas or crude petroleum. Another embodiment is a method for generating electricity without greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract: The present invention is a field-deployable system for separating methane and natural gas liquids (NGLs) from a raw gas stream comprising a compressor; a dehydrator; a refrigerator having one or more stages; and a separation subsystem adapted to separate the raw gas stream into three product streams including a methane stream that is at least 80% methane, an ethane-rich stream, and a NGLs stream having a vapor pressure of no more than 250 psia at 38° C. The methane stream is sufficiently lean to be useable in existing natural gas engines without modification. The NGLs stream has a sufficiently low vapor pressure to be transportable in standard propane containers. The ethane-rich stream may be utilized within the system itself to power its own operations. The system can be utilized to reduce flaring from liquids-rich gas production sites to an absolute minimum, produce natural gas liquids for transport, and provide dry methane gas suitable for use in portable field generators.

Abstract: The present invention is an in-situ apparatus for generating carbon dioxide gas at an oil site for use in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The apparatus includes a steam generator adapted to boil and superheat water to generate a source of superheated steam, as well as a source of essentially pure oxygen. The apparatus also includes a steam reformer adapted to react a carbonaceous material with the superheated steam and the pure oxygen, in an absence of air, to generate a driver gas comprising primarily carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen gas. A separator is adapted to separate at least a portion of the carbon dioxide gas from the rest of the driver gas to generate a carbon dioxide-rich driver gas and a hydrogen-rich fuel gas. A compressor is used for compressing the carbon dioxide-rich driver gas for use in enhanced oil recovery, and the compressed carbon dioxide-rich driver gas, with substantially no oxygen, is injected to a predetermined depth in order to enhance oil recovery at the oil site.

Abstract: Systems, catalysts, and methods are provided for transforming carbon based material into synthetic mixed alcohol fuel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for converting methanol or synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbons with comparable energy content to gasoline within a mixed bed single reactor or double reactor systems. Varying catalyst composition and temperature profiles allow for significant tailoring of reaction conditions to the specific feedstocks or the desired products.

Abstract: Methods and devices for generating gas from nitrous oxide are provided as well as downstream uses for the product gas. Reactor devices of the invention are compact and incorporate a novel heat-exchange/regenerative cooling system to optimize N2O decomposition and reactor durability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing oil or natural gas from the ground. In one example, the method may include reforming a fuel source by reaction with water to generate driver gas, and injecting the driver gas into the oil well. The reforming operation may include causing the combustion of a combustible material with ambient oxygen for the release of energy; and heating a reforming reaction fuel and water sources, with the energy released from the combustion of the combustible material, to a temperature above that required for the reforming reaction wherein the fuel and water sources are reformed into driver gas. In one example, the amount of the combustible material combusted is sufficient to result in the release of enough energy to heat an amount of the reforming reaction fuel and water sources to the temperature above that required for the reforming reaction to proceed. The driver gas may be used to help extract oil from the ground and especially oil from depleted oil wells.

Abstract: Methods and devices for generating gas from nitrous oxide are provided as well as downstream uses for the product gas. Reactor devices of the invention are compact and incorporate a novel heat-exchange/regenerative cooling system to optimize N2O decomposition and reactor durability.

Abstract: The present invention is an in-situ apparatus for generating carbon dioxide gas at an oil site for use in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The apparatus includes a steam generator adapted to boil and superheat water to generate a source of superheated steam, as well as a source of essentially pure oxygen. The apparatus also includes a steam reformer adapted to react a carbonaceous material with the superheated steam and the pure oxygen, in an absence of air, to generate a driver gas comprising primarily carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen gas. A separator is adapted to separate at least a portion of the carbon dioxide gas from the rest of the driver gas to generate a carbon dioxide-rich driver gas and a hydrogen-rich fuel gas. A compressor is used for compressing the carbon dioxide-rich driver gas for use in enhanced oil recovery, and the compressed carbon dioxide-rich driver gas, with substantially no oxygen, is injected to a predetermined depth in order to enhance oil recovery at the oil site.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus for removing oil or natural gas from the ground. In one example, the method includes reforming a fuel source by reaction with water to generate driver gas, and injecting the driver gas into the oil well. The reforming operation can include causing the combustion of a combustible material with ambient oxygen for the release of energy; and heating a reforming reaction fuel and water sources, with the energy released from the combustion of the combustible material, to a temperature above that required for the reforming reaction wherein the fuel and water sources are reformed into driver gas. In one example, the amount of the combustible material combusted is sufficient to result in the release of enough energy to heat an amount of the reforming reaction fuel and water sources to the temperature above that required for the reforming reaction to proceed. The driver gas is used to help extract oil from the ground and especially oil from depleted oil wells.

Abstract: Systems, catalysts, and methods are provided for transforming carbon based material into synthetic mixed alcohol fuel.

Abstract: Systems, catalysts, and methods are provided for transforming carbon based material into synthetic mixed alcohol fuel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for generating “clean” electricity from carbonaceous material, and producing high-pressure CO2 which can be easily sequestered or utilized for a beneficial purpose, such as fuel production. This method utilizes a reformation process that reforms carbonaceous fuel with superheated steam into a high-pressure gaseous mixture that is rich in carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas. This high-pressure gas exchanges excess heat with the incoming steam from a boiler. Once cooled, the high-pressure gas goes through a CO2 separator, after which the CO2-rich gas is sequestered underground or beneficially re-used. The remaining hydrogen-rich gas is used to generate power in a power generation subsystem, such as a gas turbine or a fuel cell. Therefore, carbon-free power is produced from coal, biomass, natural gas, or another carbon-based feedstock.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for generating “clean” electricity from carbonaceous material, and producing high-pressure CO2 which can be easily sequestered or utilized for a beneficial purpose, such as fuel production. This method utilizes a reformation process that reforms carbonaceous fuel with superheated steam into a high-pressure gaseous mixture that is rich in carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas. This high-pressure gas exchanges excess heat with the incoming steam from a boiler. Once cooled, the high-pressure gas goes through a CO2 separator, after which the CO2-rich gas is sequestered underground or beneficially re-used. The remaining hydrogen-rich gas is used to generate power in a power generation subsystem, such as a gas turbine or a fuel cell. Therefore, carbon-free power is produced from coal, biomass, natural gas, or another carbon-based feedstock.

Abstract: An explosive device and methods for forming same, the device comprising a portion of nitrous oxide and a portion of fuel. In one example, the explosive device may include a first storage area containing said portion of nitrous oxide, and a second storage area containing said portion of fuel, wherein the first storage area selectively maintains the portion of nitrous oxide separated from the fuel in the second storage area prior to detonation of the explosive device. In another example, in the event the explosive fails to detonate, the explosive device may include a vent valve for discharging the nitrous oxide from the explosive device to reduce or eliminate its explosive characteristics. The explosive device can be used for various applications, including but not limited to military weapons, pyrotechnic devices, or civil blasting explosives, for example.

Abstract: An explosive device and methods for forming same, the device comprising a portion of nitrous oxide and a portion of fuel. In one example, the explosive device may include a first storage area containing said portion of nitrous oxide, and a second storage area containing said portion of fuel, wherein the first storage area selectively maintains the portion of nitrous oxide separated from the fuel in the second storage area prior to detonation of the explosive device. In another example, in the event the explosive fails to detonate, the explosive device may include a vent valve for discharging the nitrous oxide from the explosive device to reduce or eliminate its explosive characteristics. The explosive device can be used for various applications, including but not limited to military weapons, pyrotechnic devices, or civil blasting explosives, for example.