Abstract: A rapid compression machine (RCM) employs an electrical drive to move a piston disposed within a chamber housing. The electrical drive converts electrical power into linear motion of the piston, for example, to compress contents in a reaction chamber defined by the chamber housing and the piston. The temperature and pressure changes induced by the compression can cause reaction of contents within the chamber, for example, autoignition of the contents. The RCM can thus be used to study chemical kinetics. In some embodiments, the electrical drive can also rapidly move the piston in reverse to expand a volume of the reaction chamber, for example, to quench the compression-induced reaction therein. In such embodiments, the RCM may be considered a rapid compression-expansion machine (RCEM) and can be used for speciation studies.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cracking liquid hydrocarbon materials into light hydrocarbon fractions using a carrier gas including methane and hydrogen.

Abstract: The plasma-generating apparatus includes a treatment vessel 509 containing to-be-treated water 510, a first electrode 504 and a second electrode 502 within the treatment vessel, a bubble-generating part which generate a bubble 506 such that a surface where conductor of the first electrode 504 is exposed to the to-be-treated water is positioned within the bubble 506, a gas-supplying apparatus 505 which supplies gas to the bubble-generating part, a pulsed power supply 501 connected to the first and the second electrodes 502 and 504, a control apparatus 520 which controls one or both of the gas-supplying apparatus and the power supply such that the voltage is applied between the first and the second electrodes 502 and 504 when at least surface where the conductor of the first electrode 504 is exposed is positioned within the bubble.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon feedstocks are desulfurized by conversion of organosulfur compounds in a mixture of hydrocarbons into sulfoxides and/or sulfones. The oxidant used to promote oxidation of organosulfur-compounds is electrosynthesized in-situ.

Abstract: Provided herewith is a novel method of controllably processing a dielectric fluid by creating discharges within the dielectric fluid from mobile charge carriers contained within the dielectric fluid. Generally, the dielectric fluid and the mobile charge carriers are between two electrodes which apply a voltage to the charge carriers. In one embodiment, the dielectric fluid is a hydrocarbon fluid such as a heavy crude oil or a fuel. In one embodiment the charge carrier comprises water droplets. In another embodiment, the mobile charge carriers are metallic balls. In both instances the discharges initiate from the mobile charge carriers.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon resource processing device may include a radio frequency (RF) source and an RF applicator coupled to the RF source. The RF applicator may include a base member being electrically conductive, and first and second elongate members being electrically conductive and having proximal ends coupled to the base member and extending outwardly therefrom in a generally parallel spaced apart relation. The first and second elongate members may have distal ends configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therebetween. In another embodiment, the RF applicator may include an enclosure being electrically conductive and having a passageway therethrough to accommodate a flow of the hydrocarbon resource and a divider being electrically conductive and positioned within the enclosure.

Abstract: A method is described to excite molecules at their natural resonance frequencies with sufficient energy to break or form chemical bonds using electromagnetic radiation in the radio frequency (RF) and microwave frequency range. Liquid, solid, or gaseous materials are prepared and injected into a resonant structure where they are bombarded with electromagnetic energy in the RF or microwave range at resonant frequencies of the molecules of the materials. Alternatively, electromagnetic energy tuned to dielectric particles prepared from the materials may also be supplied to further enhance the reaction.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: A device for processing a hydrocarbon resource may include a hydrocarbon processing container configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therein and having a pair of opposing ends with an enlarged width medial portion therebetween. The device may also a spirally wound electrical conductor surrounding the hydrocarbon processing container, and a radio frequency (RF) circuit coupled to the spirally wound electrical conductor and configured to supply RF power to the hydrocarbon resource while tracking a load resonance of the RF circuit. The RF circuit may be configured to generate magnetic fields within the hydrocarbon processing container parallel with an axis thereof.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon feed includes a cell having two compartments and a membrane separating the compartments, wherein one compartment is communicated with a hydrogen source and the other compartment is communicated with the hydrocarbon feed to be treated, wherein the membrane comprises a palladium membrane which is modified to have an additional amount of a mix of palladium and other metals (Ni, Ag, Co and Au) between about 4.62*10?3 and 1.62*10?2 g/cm2; and a power source connected across the hydrogen source compartment to generate a current across same, whereby atomic hydrogen is formed from the hydrogen source at a surface of the membrane and diffuses across the membrane to react with the hydrocarbon feed. A process using this apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma reaction apparatus and a plasma reaction method using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a plasma reaction apparatus which is applied to the reforming of fuel by generating rotating arc plasma and using the rotating arc being generated, the chemical treatment of a persistent gas, and the apparatus for decreasing NOx by an occlusion catalyst, and a plasma reaction method using the same. For this purpose, a raw material for a reaction is allowed to flow through an inflow hole in a swirl structure so that the raw material forms a rotating flow to progress. Accordingly, the raw material is sufficiently reacted in a plasma reaction space of a restrictive volume, and a high temperature plasma reaction is more promptly performed.

Abstract: A plasma reaction apparatus and method applied to reformation of fuel by generating and using rotating arc plasma in a furnace, the chemical treatment of a persistent gas, and the apparatus for decreasing NOx by an occlusion catalyst. A raw material for a reaction is allowed to flow into the furnace through a hole, causing it to flow within the furnace in a continuous swirl. Furthermore, an expanded plasma reaction zone is provided by a wide area chamber which is formed on an upper part of the furnace and has a greater width than that of a lower part of the furnace, and thus a plasma being generated can be expanded by the expanded plasma zone and delayed from flowing out of the furnace by corners of the wide area chamber that is spaced from a plasma inducing electrode therein.

Abstract: Provided herewith is a novel method of controllably processing a dielectric fluid by creating discharges within the dielectric fluid from mobile charge carriers contained within the dielectric fluid. Generally, the dielectric fluid and the mobile charge carriers are between two electrodes which apply a voltage to the charge carriers. In one embodiment, the dielectric fluid is a hydrocarbon fluid such as a heavy crude oil or a fuel. In one embodiment the charge carrier comprises water droplets. In another embodiment, the mobile charge carriers are metallic balls. In both instances the discharges initiate from the mobile charge carriers.

Abstract: A method for upgrading a petroleum oil by a hydroprocessing reaction in which the oil is hydrogenated, includes the steps of: a. forming a liquid reaction mixture of the oil with water and an amphiphilic liquid in predetermined proportions to thereby render the oil and water miscible; b. introducing the liquid reaction mixture into an electrolytic reactor having one or more cathodic elements formed from a porous high surface area, conductive material; c. operating the reactor to form reactive hydrogen atoms whereby the oil is hydrogenated by the hydrogen atoms; d. removing the liquid mixture from the reactor; and e. separating the hydrogenated upgraded oil from the amphiphilic liquid and any remaining water, e.g., by distillation, recovering and recycling the amphiphilic liquid for use.

Abstract: A process for treating hydrocarbon feeds includes the steps of providing a hydrocarbon feed containing sulfur and/or metalloporphyrins; providing a cell having two compartments and a membrane separating the compartments; flowing a hydrogen source through one compartment; flowing the hydrocarbon feed through the other compartment; applying a current across the hydrogen source compartment whereby hydrogen diffuses through the membrane from the hydrogen source to the hydrocarbon feed, whereby the hydrogen reacts with sulfur and/or metalloporphyrins to form H2S and convert such metalloporphyrins into dissolved metals and a free metal porphyrin, and produce a treated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A method for cracking a heavy hydrocarbon is described including exposing a heterogeneous medium of the heavy hydrocarbon with a hydrogen-containing gas in a chamber to both an electronic beam and an electric discharge field at the same time so as to create a thermal non-equilibrium as well as a spatially non-uniform state for this medium. Such dual exposure allows the cracking method to proceed without high temperature and high pressure typically required therefore and thus reduces the energy consumption and impurities generated along with desirable output product. Refining of hydrocarbons is achieved by removing sulfur therefrom during cracking in the form of hydrogen sulphide. A reverse use of this method is also described, namely a unification method for light fractions to be transformed into a heavy hydrocarbon.

Abstract: The system and method for conversion of molecular weights of fluids includes an elongate metallic pipe. A fluid is caused to flow through the pipe. A center electrode is mounted within the pipe coaxially with the pipe axis and the flow direction, the electrode being insulated from the pipe wall. The center electrode and the pipe wall are connected to the terminals of a voltage source to create an electric field extending radially between the center electrode and the pipe wall. A source of gamma radiation positioned either within the center electrode or external to the pipe directs gamma rays transverse to the direction of fluid flow. The combined radiation and electric field disrupts chemical bonds, creating ionization zones and resulting in the formation of lower-molecular-weight compounds. Optionally, a magnetic field may be superimposed in the direction of fluid flow.

Abstract: The system and method for conversion of molecular weights of fluids includes an elongate metallic pipe. A liquid, e.g., a hydrocarbon liquid, is caused to flow through the pipe. A center electrode is mounted within the pipe coaxially with the pipe axis and the flow direction, the electrode being insulated from the pipe wall. The center electrode and the pipe wall are connected to the terminals of a voltage source to create an electric field extending radially between the center electrode and the pipe wall. A source of gamma radiation positioned either within the center electrode or external to the pipe directs gamma rays transverse to the direction of fluid flow. The combined radiation and electric field disrupts carbon-sulfur, carbon-hydrogen, and carbon-carbon bonds, creating ionization zones and resulting in the formation of lower molecular weight compounds. Optionally, a magnetic field may be superimposed in the direction of fluid flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating fumes generated during the production, conversion and/or handling of oil-based products and a device for carrying out said method. The invention further relates to the use of the method or device in which the trapping device comprises at least one fluidized bed of granular material in the preparation of a granular material for use in production of road materials.

Abstract: A method for cracking a heavy hydrocarbon is described including exposing a heterogeneous medium of the heavy hydrocarbon with a hydrogen-containing gas in a chamber to both an electronic beam and an electric discharge field at the same time so as to create a thermal non-equilibrium as well as a spatially non-uniform state for this medium. Such dual exposure allows the cracking method to proceed without high temperature and high pressure typically required therefore and thus reduces the energy consumption and impurities generated along with desirable output product. Refining of hydrocarbons is achieved by removing sulfur therefrom during cracking in the form of hydrogen sulphide. A reverse use of this method is also described, namely a unification method for light fractions to be transformed into a heavy hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A non-thermal plasma assisted combustion fuel injector that uses an inner and outer electrode to create an electric field from a high voltage power supply. A dielectric material is operatively disposed between the two electrodes to prevent arcing and to promote the formation of a non-thermal plasma. A fuel injector, which converts a liquid fuel into a dispersed mist, vapor, or aerosolized fuel, injects into the non-thermal plasma generating energetic electrons and other highly reactive chemical species.

Abstract: This invention relates to the partial hydrogenation of sulfur containing petroleum feedstreams by electrochemical means. The partially hydrogenated feedstream is then conducted to processes for either conversion and removal of at least some of the sulfur-containing species from the electrochemical desulfurization process or adsorption and removal of at least some of the sulfur-containing species from the electrochemical desulfurization process.

Abstract: A reactor for reactive co-conversion of heavy hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon gases and includes a dielectric barrier discharge plasma cell having a pair of electrodes separated by a dielectric material and passageway therebetween. An inlet is provided for feeding heavy hydrocarbons and other reactive materials to the passageway of the discharge plasma cell, and an outlet is provided for discharging reaction products from the reactor. A packed bed catalyst may optionally be used in the reactor to increase efficiency of conversion. The reactor can be modified to allow use of a variety of light sources for providing ultraviolet light within the discharge plasma cell. Methods for upgrading heavy hydrocarbons are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention may be used at installations with both an atmospheric column, and those with simultaneous application of an atmospheric column and a vacuum one and intended for fractional distillation of oil. The main distinctive feature of the method lies in the fact the hydrocarbon material is affected through primary and principal excitation by means of electromagnetic vibrations. The primary influence upon the hydrocarbon material is carried out prior to its feeding for thermal cracking, while the, principal influence is fulfilled in the rectifying column. For the method to be implemented, the primary excitation source in the installation is realized in a form of an electromagnetic oscillator, and the rectifying column is realized with possibility of resonance excitation provided, being the main exciter of the hydrocarbon material. The invention makes it possible to increase the percentage of output of lighter fractions, as well as to raise the quality of processing of raw materials.

Abstract: A method of cracking a hydrocarbon composition having a normal boiling range beginning at a temperature of at least about 200° C., includes the steps of providing the hydrocarbon composition in a reactor including a first electrode mechanism, a second electrode mechanism and at least one layer of a normally solid dielectric material positioned between the first and the second electrode mechanisms. The hydrocarbon composition within the reactor is exposed to a dielectric barrier discharge, and the dielectric barrier discharge is controlled to convert the hydrocarbon composition into products having normal boiling points of below about 200° C.

Abstract: A method, and its associated equipment, for producing synthetic gas by means of an electric arc-activated, non-catalytic burner which utilizes up to three streams of product inputs. A primary spray is heated by an electric arc formed between two electrodes. A second spray is then injected and mixed with the heated primary fluid. The resulting high-temperature, high pressure mixture is combined with a tertiary spray, an oxidant. The end product thereby produced is a synthetic gas, which becomes immediately available for combustion in furnaces, reactors, and other processes in the chemical, petroleum, and metals fabrication industries. The invention overcomes the deficiencies of existing processes.

Abstract: A system for producing a clean burning combustible gas comprising an electrically conductive first electrode and an electrically conductive second electrode. A motor coupled to the first electrode is adapted to move the first electrode with respect to the second electrode to continuously move the arc away from the plasma created by the arc. A water tight container for the electrodes is provided with a quantity of water within the tank sufficient to submerge the electrodes.

Abstract: The gas reactor 10 has a first gas inlet 32, a second gas inlet 34, a gas outlet 36, a rotatable plate 22 and stationary plate 20 opposed to this rotatable plate, wherein a gap 24 is formed between these plates. Catalysts 26, 28 are carried by these rotatable and stationary plates. The rotatable and stationary plates are connected to a power supply so that plasma 30 can be generated in the gap 24. In the gap 24, a chemical reaction is promoted by the catalyst and plasma, and further a turbulent gas flow is made by the action of the rotatable plate, so that the chemical reaction can be facilitated. In this way, the first gas passes through the first gas inlet 32 and flows into the gap 24, and the first gas is activated in the gap. The second gas is fed from the second inlet 34 onto the downstream side of the gap 24 and mixed and reacted with the activated first gas. In the gas reactor, it is possible to use a fan instead of the rotatable plate, that is, it is possible to adopt a fan type gas reactor.

Abstract: A method for cracking a liquid hydrocarbon composition (e.g. crude oil) to produce a cracked hydrocarbon product. A liquid hydrocarbon composition is initially provided. An electrical arc is generated directly within the hydrocarbon composition so that the arc is entirely submerged in the composition. Arc generation is preferably accomplished using a primary and secondary electrode each having a first end submerged in the composition. The first ends of the electrodes are separated from each other to form a gap therebetween. An electrical potential is then applied to the electrodes to generate the arc within the gap. A reactive gas is thereafter delivered to the arc which forms a bubble around the arc. Gas delivery may be accomplished by providing a passageway through each electrode and delivering the gas through the passageways. The arc and gas cooperate to produce a plasma which efficiently cracks the hydrocarbon composition.

Abstract: Low value hydrocarbons can be upgraded by contact with the products formed during irradiation of a hydrogen donor using microwave energy in the presence of at least one plasma initiator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for cracking a hydrocarbon material. The method includes introducing a stream including a hydrocarbon fluid and a carrier fluid into a reaction zone. A microwave discharge plasma is continuously maintained within the reaction zone, and in the presence of the hydrocarbon fluid and the carrier fluid. Reaction products of the microwave discharge are collected downstream of the reaction zone.

Abstract: An electrical device is provided for the conversion of low-molecular-weight molecules, such as methane, into higher weight molecules, such as heptane and octane. The reaction chamber contains an array of parallel dielectric tubes, with a semiconducting layer beneath their inner surfaces which carries a current. During operation, electrons strike the inner surfaces of the tubes, ionizing molecules absorbed on the surfaces, which are then accelerated by the electric field and are carries to a new surface location, where they combine with absorbed molecules there to form a variety of new larger molecules. Excess hydrogen in the ionized condition is removed, being accelerated by the electric field to the opposite ends of the tubes. Under some conditions of operation, large molecules can be segmented into smaller ones.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for cracking a hydrocarbon material. The method includes introducing a stream including a hydrocarbon fluid into a reaction zone. A microwave discharge plasma is continuously maintained within the reaction zone, and in the presence of the hydrocarbon fluid. Reaction products of the microwave discharge are collected downstream of the reaction zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for efficient processing of liquids and the precipitation of dissolved elements and chemical compounds. Improvements over prior systems include system layout, components and modes of operation of the system. Applications of the system include destruction of toxic wastes and sewage treatment, precipitation of chemical compounds and elements including metals from solution (brine, sea water, industrial waste), sterilization and water purification, catalytic formation of chemical compounds, and processing of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: In a method for the production of synthesis or reduction gases from carbonaceous fuels and oxygen-containing gases endothermally reacting with the fuels, the starting products are reacted in a plasma reaction zone. In order to provide a method by which the production of reduction gases is feasible up to the highest flow rates in an operationally safe manner and by an optimum utilization of the energy supplied, the components to be reacted are commonly conducted through an elongate reaction chamber as a feed fluid. A central plasma jet is formed over the total longitudinal extension of the reaction chamber. The arrangement, i.e., the elongate reaction chamber, includes a plasma electrode (cathode) on one end and a counter electrode (anode) on the other end; supply ducts for the feed fluid and discharge ducts for the synthesis or reduction gases in the region of the plasma electrode end are provided.

Abstract: Electric arc conversion process in which C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkane is brought into contact with an electric arc and higher molecular weight carbonaceous material is brought into contact with the hot gas derived from the C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrocarbon in the vicinity of the arc.

Abstract: An automobile engine is fueled with a mixture of air and a vapor derived by passing electric current through an electrolytically conductive emulsion of gasoline and water. Specific compositions of the conductive emulsions are disclosed as are unique designs for vaporizers for the fuel.

Abstract: A method for electrically cracking crude oil comprised of the steps of injecting a mixture of petroleum crude and an energy transfer medium into a cracking chamber in a continuous flow, supplying a high frequency electrical discharge into the energy transfer medium which, in turn, consecutively transmits the energy to the petroleum crude for cracking, and extracting and storing the component hydrocarbon fractions while separating out the energy transfer medium.

Abstract: Production of acetylene by pyrolytic cracking of hydrocarbons following lr volumertric heating by: doping the feed stock with an absorbing gas such as ethylene to absorb laser radiation in a controlled manner: applying laser radiation in the form of a sheet with a thickness from about 5 to about 20 mm perpendicular to the flow direction of the feed stock; maintaining a reaction temperature around 1800.degree. to 200.degree. K by adjusting the energy output of the laser; and maintaining the temperature of the reaction chamber walls below 1000.degree. K.

Abstract: An automobile engine is fueled with a mixture of air and a vapor derived by passing electric current through an electrolytically conductive emulsion of gasoline and water. Specific compositions of the conductive emulsions are disclosed as are unique designs for vaporizers for the fuel.

Abstract: A process for converting naturally occurring hydrocarbon fuels into gaseous products characterized by the steps of introducing a hydrocarbon gas into the arc chamber of an arc heater having an operating temperature therein sufficiently high to produce free hydrocarbon radical ions from the hydrocarbon gas, and feeding into the arc chamber naturally occurring coal or oil to produce a stream of gaseous hydrocarbon fuel.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a gas mixture containing acetylene, ethylene, methane and hydrogen by cracking a liquid hydrocarbon by means of a plurality of arcs burning under the surface of the liquid hydrocarbon and limited, in their electrical effect, by current-limiting elements, wherein the total energy acting on the system is distributed by an arrangement of the electrical components, which is responsible for the stability of the arcs, over a plurality of localized burning points, the current-limiting components being matched to the voltage so that the output of each individual arc on average does not exceed 1.2 kW.