Abstract: A system and method for making syngas using carbonaceous feedstock, including organic material and/or polymeric material such as ground tire, wood, coal, and the like.

Abstract: There are provided methods, systems and processes for the utilization of microbial and related genetic information for use in the exploration, determination, production and recovery of natural resources, including energy sources, and the monitoring, control and analysis of processes and activities.

Abstract: The integration of hydrogen and methanol production within a coal liquefaction, petroleum refinery or biomass conversion facility resulting in the unanticipated benefits of lower carbon dioxide (CO2) production, net emissions, and higher carbon and thermal efficiencies is the subject of this invention.

Abstract: A method for processing a froth treatment tailings separated from a bitumen froth produced in a process for recovering bitumen from oil sand ore, includes subjecting the froth treatment tailings to a first solvent extraction process to produce a first extract including bitumen, and a first raffinate, subjecting the first raffinate to a separation process to produce a fine mineral material fraction including fine solid mineral material having a particle size less than 44 microns and a coarse mineral material fraction including a coarse mineral material having a particle size equal to or greater than 44 microns, subjecting the coarse mineral material fraction to a froth flotation process to produce a heavy mineral concentrate and a coarse mineral material tailings, and subjecting the heavy mineral concentrate to a second solvent extraction process to produce a second extract including bitumen and a second raffinate including a debitumenized heavy mineral concentrate.

Abstract: A combined Direct Coal Liquefaction (DCL)/Fischer Tropsch (F-T) process and system for producing high Cetane diesel fuel by converting at least 70% of the feed coal by DCL operating at 50 to 70% conversion and gasifying the bottoms and between 0 and 30% of the feed coal to produce H2 for supply to the DCL and to upgrading and syngas for being converted to diesel by F-T. Diesel blendstocks produced by the DCL and the F-T in a ratio of 3 to 1 to 14 to 1 are blended to produce diesel fuel having a Cetane Number of at least 51 and a specific gravity of 0.845 or less.

Abstract: A process for hydrotreating a coal tar stream is described. A coal tar stream is provided, and the coal tar stream is fractionated into at least a light naphtha range hydrocarbon stream having a boiling point in the range of about 85° C. (185° F.) to about 137.8° C. (280° F.). The light naphtha range hydrocarbon stream is hydrotreated by contacting the light naphtha range hydrocarbon stream with a naphtha hydrotreating catalyst.

Abstract: A process for hydrotreating a coal tar stream is described. A coal tar stream is provided, and the coal tar stream is expanded with an inert gas stream to provide an expanded liquid coal tar stream. The expanded liquid coal tar stream is hydrotreated. The coal tar stream can be reacted with a hydrocarbon solvent before it is expanded.

Abstract: A process for gasifying and pyrolyzing coal is described. A first coal feed is pyrolyzed into a coal tar stream and a coke stream in a pyrolysis zone. A second coal feed is gasified in a gasification zone to produce an effluent stream. Contaminants are removed from the effluent stream to provide a purified effluent stream. The purified effluent stream is introduced to the pyrolysis zone.

Abstract: A process for treating a pitch fraction from coal tar is described. The pitch fraction is contacted with a solvent, an extraction agent, or an adsorbent to remove at least one contaminant, such as oxygenate compounds, nitrogen containing compounds, and sulfur containing compounds. The solvent can be an ionic liquid, the extraction agent can be at least one of amphiphilic block copolymers, cyclodextrins, functionalized cyclodextrins, and cyclodextrin-functionalized polymers, and the adsorbent can be exfoliated graphite oxide, thermally exfoliated graphite oxide or intercalated graphite compounds.

Abstract: A coal processing method includes adding coal powder, water and catalyst into a series of tandem reactors and processing therein, wherein the coal powder, water and catalyst are added into the first reactor of the series of tandem reactors; and the temperature and pressure of the series reactors is alternatively arranged in sub-critical state and supercritical state of water from the first reactor, the total product from the previous reactor is used as the feed of the next reactor without any further separation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of converting coal to a petroleum product. The method includes the steps of mixing the coal and water to form a mixture, and heating the mixture to approximately 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The method further includes separating the mixture in a first separator into a liquid stream of a water bearing minerals and a solid stream of coal, and transferring the coal from the first separator to a coking reactor wherein the temperature is raised to approximately 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit to drive off lighter fractions of the coal as a gas. The method also includes transferring the gas to a fourth separator to separate water and liquid petroleum product from the gas.

Abstract: The invention provides a combustion process using comminuted fuel solids from a steam-driven shear field, with controlled water content and optionally coated with a combustion catalyst. The method allows fuel solids to burn for energy production at low temperatures. The lower temperatures avoid emissions of nitrogen oxides, and the process also yields a clean, friable ash that has economic value.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising fluid hydrocarbon products, and to methods for making fluid hydrocarbon products via catalytic pyrolysis. Some embodiments relate to methods for the production of specific aromatic products (e.g., benzene, toluene, naphthalene, xylene, etc.) via catalytic pyrolysis. Some such methods involve the use of a composition comprising a mixture of a solid hydrocarbonaceous material and a heterogeneous pyrolytic catalyst component. The methods described herein may also involve the use of specialized catalysts. For example, in some cases, zeolite catalysts may be used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing liquids from coal including diesel and jet fuel blends and BTX in which the coal feed is converted to liquids in a DCL reactor, the produced liquids are upgraded and separated into, naphtha and DCL jet or diesel blend stock streams, the C3/180-350° F. stream is converted in a Fischer Tropsch reactor to produce a highly paraffinic diesel or jet fuel blend stock and the DCL and Fischer Tropsch blend stocks are blended in controlled ratios to produce premium diesel or jet fuels meeting applicable specifications.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for coal liquefaction comprising: supersaturating a hydrocarbonaceous liquid stream in a high shear device with a gas stream comprising hydrogen and optionally one or more C1-C6 hydrocarbons to form a supersaturated dispersion; and contacting the supersaturated dispersion with coal in the high shear device or in a coal liquefaction reactor to generate a product stream. In some embodiments, the method further comprises utilizing a conversion catalyst, wherein the catalyst is provided as a slurry, a fluidized bed, or a fixed bed. In some embodiments, the method further comprises feeding a conversion catalyst into the high shear device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises recycling at least a portion of an off gas from the reactor, recycling at least a portion of the product stream from the reactor, or both. Herein also disclosed is a system for coal liquefaction.

Abstract: A method for the pyrolytic extraction of hydrocarbons such as shale oil from kerogen. Oil shale containing kerogen which has been ground into particulate form, is cascaded downwardly between a plurality of rotating trays within a heated processing chamber. As the hydrocarbons are volatized within the chamber, the volatiles are collected and condensed within a condenser or other suitable recovery apparatus.

Abstract: A process for recovering an oil from a tar sand, including the steps of drying the tar sand to produce a dried tar sand, mixing the dried tar sand with a microwave absorbent to produce a mixed sand, and cracking the mixed sand with microwaves to produce an oil vapor product containing the oil.

Abstract: A method of upgrading coal which comprises: pulverizing low-grade coal; mixing the pulverized low-grade coal with an oil to form a slurry; heating the slurry to or above the boiling point of water to vaporize the water contained in the low-grade coal and dehydrate the coal; compressing a vapor mixture of the steam resulting from the slurry heating and that part of the oil which has vaporized simultaneously and thereby elevating the temperature and pressure of the vapor mixture; and supplying the vapor mixture increased in temperature and pressure by the compression and utilizing this vapor mixture as a high-temperature heat source to heat the slurry. In the method, the vapor mixture before being compressed is brought into contact with an oil in a liquid state.

Abstract: The invention relates to continuous process for converting carbonaceous material contained in one or more feedstocks into a liquid hydrocarbon product, said feedstocks including the carbonaceous material being in a feed mixture including one or more fluids, said fluids including water and further liquid organic compounds at least partly produced by the process in a concentration of at least 1% by weight, where the process comprises converting at least part of the carbonaceous material by pressurising the feed mixture to a pressure in the range 50-400 bar; heating the feed mixture to a temperature in the range 250-500° C., maintaining said pressurized and heated feed mixture in the desired pressure and temperature ranges in a reaction zone for a predefined time; cooling the feed mixture to a temperature in the range 25-200° C.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for extracting and upgrading heavy hydrocarbons from substrates such as oil sands, oil shales, and tar sands in a unitary operation. The substrate bearing the hydrocarbon is brought into contact with a supercritical or near-supercritical fluid, a source of hydrogen such as hydrogen gas, and a catalyst. The materials are mixed and heated under elevated pressure. As a consequence of the elevated temperature and pressure, upgraded hydrocarbon-containing material is provided in a single or unitary operation. In some embodiments, sonication can be used to improve the upgrading process. Fluids suitable for use in the process include carbon dioxide, hexane, and water. It has been observed that upgrading can occur within periods of time of a few hours.

Abstract: A method of extracting hydrocarbon-containing organic matter from a hydrocarbon-containing material includes the steps of providing a first liquid comprising a turpentine liquid; contacting the hydrocarbon-containing material with the turpentine liquid to form an extraction mixture; extracting the hydrocarbon material into the turpentine liquid; and separating the extracted hydrocarbon material from a residual material not extracted.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a novel process for reducing the carbon dioxide emissions from a coal and/or biomass liquefaction facility by utilizing a steam methane reformer unit in the complex designed to produce additional hydrogen which can be thereafter utilized in the process, as required for the plant fired heaters (including the SMR furnace), and for the production of plant steam. The plant light ends (C1, C2, etc.), which are normally utilized as fuel gas streams are the primary feeds to the SMR Unit along with the tail gas purge from a gasification complex within the facility.

Abstract: A method for controlling a transformation process in which the conversion of charge materials to a product takes place along a transformation interface from the crystal and/or grain and/or phase and/or pore surface into the charge material, wherein one or more chemical elements in the charge materials is released and/or incorporated and/or rearranged and wherein the conversion of the charge materials takes place along advancing transformation interfaces. The charge materials are identified on the basis of at least one optical, in particular microscopic, analysis with respect to their phases and/or phase components and/or their phase morphology, structure, texture and/or their chemical composition. On the basis of these variables, reference functions for the charge materials, which describe the conversion of the charge materials in the process, are assigned and used for establishing the process parameters of the transformation process.

Abstract: An underground reactor for creating hydrocarbons and chemicals from organic material can include a heat recovery device. Some embodiments of the present disclosure include at least one tube that injects biomass underground and at least one second tube that collects reacted biomass on the surface. Further tubes are also disclosed for the ability to control temperature and pressure and collect minerals and carbon dioxide. In another embodiment, a super-critical fluid is injected into the underground reactor. Methods for utilizing the reactor are additionally provided. Further embodiments include methods of using the reactor such as, for example, methods of creating fuel from algae and methods of using the minerals and carbon dioxide as food for an algae farm that will be used as biomass for the reactor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for low emission (in-situ) heavy oil production, using a compound heat medium, comprising products of combustion of a fuel mixture with an oxidant and a moderator, mixed with steam generated from direct contact of hot combustion products with water, under pressure. The compound heat medium, comprising mainly CO2 and steam, is injected at pressure into a hydrocarbon reservoir, where steam condenses out of the compound heat medium releasing heat to the reservoir. The condensate is produced with the hydrocarbon as a hydrocarbon/water mixture or emulsion. Non-condensable gases, primarily CO2, from the compound heat medium may remains in the reservoir through void replacement, leakage to adjacent geological strata. Beneficially, any CO2 produced is recovered at pressure, for use in other processes, or for disposal by sequestration. Produced water is recovered and recycled as a moderator and steam generating medium.

Abstract: The process described in this embodiment relates to the field of synthetic fuel and synthetic chemical production through co-processing methods such as pyrolysis, combustion, gasification, distillation, catalytic synthesis, methanol synthesis, hydro-treatment, and hydrogenation, cavitation, bioreaction, and water treatment. The inventions described herein relates to synthetic hydrocarbons derived from various carbonaceous materials such as biomass, solid municipal waste and coal which can be converted into typical industrial products and various unique synthetic fuels. The byproducts of each process are directed to other processes for additional product yield and to reduce waste and emissions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a coal liquefaction system for utilizing a hydrogenated vegetable oil to liquefy coal. The system includes a reactor for exposing a coal to a hydrogenated vegetable oil in the presence of a coal-derived solvent to form a slurry, a heater that elevates the temperature of the slurry in the reactor to facilitate liquefying the coal and liberating a volatile matter, and a centrifuge that separates the insoluble components from the slurry to obtain a de-ashed coal extract, wherein the coal extract is suitable for downstream processing. The system may also include a distillation column that distills the de-ashed coal extract to obtain a pitch. The system may also include a coker that cokes at least one of the de-ashed coal extract and the pitch to obtain a coke.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for coal liquefaction using a pipeline crude oil. A method of obtaining a de-ashed coal extract includes exposing a coal to a pipeline crude oil to form a slurry, elevating the temperature of the slurry to facilitate liquefying the coal and liberating a volatile matter, and separating the insoluble components from the slurry to obtain a de-ashed coal extract, wherein the coal extract is suitable for downstream processing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for coal liquefaction and obtaining a cement by-product. A method of obtaining a cement by-product of coal liquefaction may include exposing a coal to a hydrogenated vegetable oil in the presence of a coal-derived solvent to form a slurry, elevating the temperature of the slurry to facilitate liquefying the coal and liberating a volatile matter, separating the insoluble components from the slurry, heating the insoluble components to liberate a volatile matter and an entrained solvent, blending the insoluble components with a calcareous material and roasting the blend in a kiln at a temperature greater than 1000 degrees Celsius to obtain a clinker, and grinding the clinker to obtain a cement.

Abstract: A method for separating bitumen from crude oil sands comprises subjecting crude oil sands to vibration selected to cause bitumen to separate from crude oil sands and filtering the separated bitumen from the crude oil sands.

Abstract: A method of maintaining the structural integrity of heating conduit used to heat a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material enclosed within a constructed permeability control infrastructure. The method includes obtaining a heating conduit with corrugated walls and configured for transporting a heat transfer fluid, burying the heating conduit at a depth within the permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material and with an inlet end extending from the boundary of the constructed permeability control infrastructure, operably coupling the inlet end of the heating conduit to a heat source of the heat transfer fluid, and passing the heat transfer fluid through the heating conduit to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid to the permeable body, with the corrugations in the corrugated walls mitigating longitudinal axis thermal expansion of the heating conduit and allowing the heating conduit to conformably bend in response to subsidence of the permeable body.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of carbon-based material to fuel bases by a hybrid route combining direct ebullent bed liquefaction and indirect liquefaction by gasification followed by a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, including a stage of production of hydrogen resulting from non-fossil resources and a reverse water gas reaction stage. This process makes it possible to limit emissions of greenhouse gases.

Abstract: A process is disclosed process for converting a solid or highly viscous carbon-based energy carrier material to liquid and gaseous reaction products, said process comprising the steps of: a) contacting the carbon-based energy carrier material with a particulate catalyst material b) converting the carbon-based energy carrier material at a reaction temperature between 200° C. and 450° C., preferably between 250° C. and 350° C., thereby forming reaction products in the vapor phase. In a preferred embodiment the process comprises the additional step of: c) separating the vapor phase reaction products from the particulate catalyst material within 10 seconds after said reaction products are formed. In a further preferred embodiment step c) is followed by: d) quenching the reaction products to a temperature below 200° C.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for coal liquefaction using a sewage material. A method of obtaining a de-ashed coal extract includes exposing a coal to a sewage material in the presence of a coal-derived solvent to form a slurry, elevating the temperature of the slurry to facilitate liquefying the coal and liberating a volatile matter, and separating the insoluble components from the slurry to obtain a de-ashed coal extract, wherein the coal extract is suitable for downstream processing.

Abstract: A method for the pyrolytic extraction of hydrocarbons such as shale oil from kerogen. Oil shale containing kerogen which has been ground into particulate form, is cascaded downwardly between a plurality of rotating trays within a heated processing chamber. As the hydrocarbons are volatized within the chamber, the volatiles are collected and condensed within a condenser or other suitable recovery apparatus.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods, systems, and compositions for preparing a solid biomass for fast pyrolysis. The method includes contacting the solid biomass with an inorganic material present in an effective amount for increasing fast pyrolysis yield of an organic liquid product (e.g., bio-oil). In various embodiments, the inorganic material is selected from the group consisting of aluminum sulfate, aluminum nitrate, aluminum chloride, aluminum hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of extracting hydrocarbon-containing organic matter from a hydrocarbon-containing material includes the steps of providing a first liquid comprising a turpentine liquid; contacting the hydrocarbon-containing material with the turpentine liquid to form an extraction mixture; extracting the hydrocarbon material into the turpentine liquid; and separating the extracted hydrocarbon material from a residual material not extracted.

Abstract: A method of extracting hydrocarbon-containing organic matter from a hydrocarbon-containing material includes the steps of providing a first liquid comprising a turpentine liquid; contacting the hydrocarbon-containing material with the turpentine liquid to form an extraction mixture; extracting the hydrocarbon material into the turpentine liquid; and separating the extracted hydrocarbon material from a residual material not extracted.

Abstract: A method of extracting the contents from the inside of a reactor kept at high temperature and high pressure includes the steps of introducing the contents of the reactor into a pipe having an internal space which communicates with the reactor, closing the pipe to enclose the contents in the internal space, removing unnecessary gas from the internal space, and supplying an inert gas to the internal space, thereby replacing the contents enclosed in the internal space with the inert gas. The contents are discharged from the internal space by replacing the contents enclosed in the internal space with the inert gas.

Abstract: This invention relates to open-pit mining wherein crushed bitumen is fed into an enclosed pyrolyzer and heated under pressure in a reduced atmosphere where the cracking of asphalt results in a tar-free bitumen in the form of volatile matter containing a hydrogen rich, non-condensable syngas with vaporized light liquids and incandescent char. The syngas and vaporized light liquids are desulfurized and upgraded in a first hot gas cleanup, while part of the hot char is gasified with air into a fuel gas and into oil-free, tar-free, dry, solid tailings; the other part used as fuel for heating the pyrolyzer. The fuel gas passes through a second hot gas cleanup, producing clean, desulfurized lean gas ideal to generate clean, efficient electric power. Emitted CO2 is collected and converted to slow-release fertilizer. The tailings (clean sand and clay) reclaim the mine, while fertilizer enriched soil, topping the tailings, accelerates forest growth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling and processing materials are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering oil from oil-containing sorbents, such as drill cuttings obtained from drilling with an oil-based mud. The method includes peptizing the substrate with an acid reagent and direct thermal desorption with combustion effluent gases at high temperature under turbulent mixing conditions. Another method disclosed includes upgrading the oil in the substrate to improve one or more of the properties of the recovered oil relative to the oil in the substrate, such as, lower aromatics content, lower sulfur content, lower functional group content, higher saturates, higher viscosity, higher viscosity index, and any combination thereof. The apparatus provides for efficient recovery of oil from the substrate with a short residence time, high throughput, low residual oil content in the treated solids and/or high percentage of oil recovery. The apparatus may be transported to a remote location for on-site treatment of drill cuttings or other oil-containing solids.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating and removal of hydrocarbons and subsequent thereto a positive pressure can be maintained within the encapsulated volume by means of a non-oxidizing gas to expedite flushing of hydrocarbonaceous material, inhibit unwanted entry of oxygen into the encapsulated volume and remove recoverable hydrocarbons following the heating process.

Abstract: A process for the energy efficient, environmentally friendly recovery of liquid and gaseous products from solid or semi-solid hydrocarbon resources, in particular, oil shale or tar sands. The process involves non-oxidative pyrolysis to recover fluid energy values, oxidative combustion to recover energy values as recoverable heat, and environmental sequestration of gases produced.

Abstract: A method of sequestering carbon dioxide emissions during recovery of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating, the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Additionally, during heating, any carbon dioxide that is produced can be sequestered. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for achieving improved throughput capacity of indirectly heated rotary kilns used to produce pyrolysis products such as shale oils or coal oils that are susceptible to decomposition by high kiln wall temperatures is disclosed. High throughput is achieved by firing the kiln such that optimum wall temperatures are maintained beginning at the point where the materials enter the heating section of the kiln and extending to the point where the materials leave the heated section. Multiple high velocity burners are arranged such that combustion products directly impact on the area of the kiln wall covered internally by the solid material being heated. Firing rates for the burners are controlled to maintain optimum wall temperatures.

Abstract: A reactor system for the transformation of solid, liquid, gaseous, and related hydrocarbon feedstocks into high-purity, high-pressure gas streams capable of withstanding high temperatures and high pressures. The system comprises a plurality of reactor housings and a plurality of molten-metal bath vessels within the housings, the bath vessels in fluid communication with each other via conduits, with communication facilitated by gravity and temperature/pressure differentials.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for fluid hydrocarbon product, and more specifically, to compositions and methods for fluid hydrocarbon product via catalytic pyrolysis. Some embodiments relate to methods for the production of specific aromatic products (e.g., benzene, toluene, naphthalene, xylene, etc.) via catalytic pyrolysis. Some such methods may involve the use of a composition comprising a mixture of a solid hydrocarbonaceous material and a heterogeneous pyrolytic catalyst component. In some embodiments, the mixture may be pyrolyzed at high temperatures (e.g., between 500° C. and 1000° C.). The pyrolysis may be conducted for an amount of time at least partially sufficient for production of discrete, identifiable biofuel compounds. Some embodiments involve heating the mixture of catalyst and hydrocarbonaceous material at high rates (e.g., from about 50° C. per second to about 1000° C. per second). The methods described herein may also involve the use of specialized catalysts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting recoverable materials (e.g., petroleum and/or other hydrocarbons) from source materials (e.g., tar sands) are provided. According to one embodiment a method is provided for extracting bitumen from tar sand. Tar sands are introduced into a batch or continuous processing plasma furnace. The bitumen contained within the tar sand is then vaporized by exposing the tar sands to a plasma energy field that penetrates the tar sands. The vaporized bitumen is captured for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A constructed permeability control infrastructure can include a permeability control impoundment, which defines a substantially encapsulated volume. The infrastructure can also include a comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material within the encapsulated volume. The comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The infrastructure can further include at least one convection driving conduit oriented in a lower portion of the permeable body to generate bulk convective flow patterns throughout the permeable body. An associated method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure, which defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material.