BP Corporation North America Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160115143 | METHODS FOR PRODUCING FUELS, GASOLINE ADDITIVES, AND LUBRICANTS - The present disclosure generally relates to the production of fuels, gasoline additives, and/or lubricants, and precursors thereof. The compounds used to produce the fuels, gasoline additives, and/or lubricants, and precursors thereof may be derived from biomass. The fuels, gasoline additives, and/or lubricants, and precursors thereof may be produced by a combination of intermolecular and/or intramolecular aldol condensation reactions, Guerbet reactions, hydrogenation reactions, and/or oligomerization reactions. | 04-28-2016 |
20160084021 | Centralizers For Centralizing Well Casings - A centralizer for centralizing a pipe downhole in a well is provided. The centralizer includes a plurality of arcuate cuffs having first and second ends. The cuffs are affixed adjacent to the pipe's exterior wall, and positioned circumferentially adjacent around the pipe. The cuffs are flexible so as to be positioned in a first condition wherein the cuffs are retracted radially inward so as to be substantially flat against the pipe's exterior wall. The centralizer includes a lock for maintaining the cuffs substantially flat against the pipe's exterior wall until the centralizer has been transported downhole. Further, the centralizer includes an actuator for unlocking the lock so as to allow the cuffs to expand radially outward to form a loop wherein the loop has a central axis parallel to pipe's longitudinal axis. Preferably, the centralizer includes a collar causing the cuffs to all expand or retract together. | 03-24-2016 |
20160039726 | Boroaluminosilicate Molecular Sieves and Methods for Using Same for Xylene Isomerization - Boroaluminosilicate molecular sieve catalysts are provided and are useful for hydrocarbon conversion reactions including isomerization of xylenes in C8 aromatics feedstocks to produce p-xylene. Advantageously, it has been found that the boroaluminosilicate molecular sieve catalysts of the invention are more selective than conventional commercial xylene isomerization catalysts, resulting in reduced formation of transmethylation byproducts (C7 and C9 aromatics) while simultaneously providing a high degree of xylene isomerization. | 02-11-2016 |
20160033371 | Sample Preparation Apparatus For Direct Numerical Simulation Of Rock Properties - A sample preparation apparatus and method of preparing a rock sample using such an apparatus, as useful in connection with the digital numerical simulation of properties of the rock. The disclosed apparatus includes a fixably mounted diamond wire cutter. Three linear translation stages are coupled to a specimen holder. One of the translation stages moves the specimen in a direction parallel to the plane of the cutting wire. The other two translation stages move the specimen in different directions from one another, and when actuated together, advance the specimen into the wire for short distances in a direction out of the plane of the cutting wire. Short piecewise linear cuts are made in the specimen, to provide a sample of the desired shape with a small cross-section. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031772 | Process for Recovering Paraxylene from at Least Two Feedstreams Containing Xylene Isomers - Processes for recovering paraxylene from at least two feedstreams containing xylene isomers. The process includes directing to a paraxylene recovery zone comprising at least one crystallization zone, a paraxylene-lean feedstream having a paraxylene to total xylene isomer ratio of 0.50 or less, and also directing to the paraxylene recovery zone, a paraxylene-rich feedstream having a paraxylene to total xylene isomer ratio of greater than 0.50. A paraxylene-containing product stream is recovered from the paraxylene recovery zone having a paraxylene to total xylene isomer ratio greater than that of the paraxylene-rich feedstream. The process provides improvements in paraxylene recovery efficiency and/or cost effectiveness. | 02-04-2016 |
20160031771 | MFI Aluminosilicate Molecular Sieves and Methods for Using Same for Xylene Isomerization - MFI aluminosilicate molecular sieve catalysts are prepared from tetra-functional orthosilicates [e.g., Si(OR | 02-04-2016 |
20160018540 | Independent Simultaneous Shooting Acquisition With Vertical Seismic Profile Recording - A method for use in vertical seismic profiling includes: independently and simultaneously shooting a plurality of seismic sources in a plurality of shooting areas to impart seismic signals into a water bottom: receiving reflections of the seismic signals from a subterranean formation beneath the water bottom at a plurality of seismic receivers; and recording the received reflections; wherein, one of the seismic sources and the seismic receivers are disposed in a wellbore in the water bottom. | 01-21-2016 |
20160003026 | METHOD OF DETERMINING RESERVOIR PRESSURE - A well test method for use in tight gas reservoirs prior to hydraulic fracture stimulation. The method can use injection of water using low-rate surface pumps into the reservoir below parting pressure. The measured rates and pressures are converted to sandface rate and pressure datasets for each stage. The technique can utilize either surface or bottom-hole pressure sensors. The resulting sandface datasets are analyzed using the baseline/calibration method or other analysis appropriate to stage data to determine reservoir flow properties. The small-volume, staged well test enables estimation of the flow properties of reservoir, including pressure and permeability, in hours rather than days. | 01-07-2016 |
20150376590 | Thermotolerant Beta-Glucosidase Variants - The present disclosure relates to variant β-glucosidase polypeptides that have enhanced thermostability, and compositions, e.g., cellulase compositions, comprising variant β-glucosidase polypeptides. The variant β-glucosidase polypeptides and related compositions can be used in variety of agricultural and industrial applications. The present disclosure further relates to nucleic acids encoding variant β-glucosidase polypeptides and host cells that recombinantly express the variant β-glucosidase polypeptides. | 12-31-2015 |
20150376589 | VARIANT CBHII POLYPEPTIDES WITH IMPROVED SPECIFIC ACTIVITY - The present disclosure relates to variant CBH II polypeptides that have improved specific activity, and compositions, e.g., cellulase compositions, comprising variant CBH II polypeptides. The variant CBH II polypeptides and related compositions can be used in variety of agricultural and industrial applications. The present disclosure further relates to nucleic acids encoding variant CBH II polypeptides and host cells that recombinantly express the variant CBH II polypeptides. | 12-31-2015 |
20150354349 | COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD, DEVICE, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM FOR VISUALIZING ONE OR MORE PARAMETERS ASSOCIATED WITH WELLS AT A WELL SITE - A computed-implemented method, a device, and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium are disclosed that can perform a method of visualizing sensor data obtained from a plurality of wells at a well site. The method can include acquiring sensor data from one or more sensors operable to measure conditions of subsystems of each well in the plurality of wells at the well site; determining, by a processor, a visual representation of the sensor data; and causing the visual representation of the sensor data to be displayed in a matrix layout on a visual display, wherein the matrix layout comprises an end row representing a current value of the sensor data and one or more intermediate rows representing a past value of the sensor data. | 12-10-2015 |
20150346368 | SEISMIC ACQUISITION USING NARROWBAND SEISMIC SOURCES - There is provided herein a system and method of seismic data collection for land and marine data that utilizes narrowband to monochromatic low-frequency non-impulsive sources designed to optimize the ability of migration/inversion algorithms to image the subsurface of the Earth, in particular, full-waveform inversion. | 12-03-2015 |
20150337632 | Subsea Well Intervention Systems and Methods - A system for performing an intervention on a subsea wellhead, the system including a production tree having a central axis, a first end, a second end, and a first flow bore extending axially from the first end to the second end. The production tree includes a master valve disposed along the first flow bore, a swab valve disposed along the first flow bore between the master valve and the first end, and a shearing device disposed along the first flow bore between the master valve and the second end. The second end of the production tree comprises a connector configured to releasably couple to the subsea wellhead, and the shearing device is configured to shear a component extending through the first flow bore. | 11-26-2015 |
20150329880 | VARIANT CBH I POLYPEPTIDES WITH REDUCED PRODUCT INHIBITION - The present disclosure relates to variant CBH I polypeptides that have reduced product inhibition, and compositions, e.g., cellulase compositions, comprising variant CBH I polypeptides. The variant CBH I polypeptides and related compositions can be used in variety of agricultural and industrial applications. The present disclosure further relates to nucleic acids encoding variant CBH I polypeptides and host cells that recombinantly express the variant CBH I polypeptides. | 11-19-2015 |
20150230394 | FEED MECHANISM TO ALLOW POSITIVE FEEDING OF ENERGY CANES INTO A CHOPPER MECHANISM - A feed mechanism ( | 08-20-2015 |
20150203835 | Xylose Isomerases and Their Uses - This disclosure relates to novel xylose isomerases and their uses, particularly in fermentation processes that employ xylose-containing media. | 07-23-2015 |
20150198023 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING VISCOUS HYDROCARBONS - An embodiment of a method for recovering viscous hydrocarbons from a reservoir in a subterranean formation, the method including (a) continuously injecting steam into the formation, (b) injecting a first amount of a solvent into the formation for a first period of time during (a), and (c) stopping the injection of the solvent during (a) and after (b). In addition, the method includes (d) determining the effectiveness of the solvent injected during (b), and (e) injecting a second amount of the solvent into the formation during a second period of time during (a). The second amount is chosen based on the determination in (d). Further, the method includes (f) reducing a viscosity of the hydrocarbons within the reservoir with the solvent during (b) and (e). | 07-16-2015 |
20150191686 | Purification Methods and Systems Related to Renewable Materials and Biofuels Production - Methods of producing renewable materials may include consuming a fermentation feedstock with a fermentation organism to produce a renewable material in fermentation broth; water may then be separated from the feedstock or broth using one or more phase separations, or the renewable material may be concentrated from the feedstock or broth using one or more phase separations. Methods of producing biofuel components may include consuming a lignocellulosic or sugar fermentation feedstock with a fermentation organism to produce either ethanol or butanol in fermentation broth; cooling the feedstock or broth to solidify at least some water therein; and separating the solidified water from the feedstock or broth using a solid-liquid phase separation. | 07-09-2015 |
20150185122 | SAMPLE PREPARATION APPARATUS FOR DIRECT NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF ROCK PROPERTIES - A sample preparation apparatus and method of preparing a rock sample using such an apparatus, as useful in connection with the digital numerical simulation of properties of the rock. The disclosed apparatus includes a fixably mounted diamond wire cutter. Three linear translation stages are coupled to a specimen holder. One of the translation stages moves the specimen in a direction parallel to the plane of the cutting wire. The other two translation stages move the specimen in different directions from one another, and when actuated together, advance the specimen into the wire for short distances in a direction out of the plane of the cutting wire. Short piecewise linear cuts are made in the specimen, to provide a sample of the desired shape with a small cross-section. | 07-02-2015 |
20150183713 | Process For Using Dehydration Tower Condensate As A Purification Makeup Solvent - Processes for manufacturing purified aromatic carboxylic acids include: oxidizing a substituted aromatic compound in a reaction zone to form a crude aromatic carboxylic add; transferring a vapor phase from the reaction zone to a separation zone, the vapor phase containing water and a plurality of organic compounds including at least one oxidation by-product; withdrawing an organic-depleted water stream from the separation zone and combining at least a portion of the organic-depleted water stream with at least a portion of the crude aromatic carboxylic acid in a purification zone; and purifying the crude aromatic carboxylic acid in the purification zone. | 07-02-2015 |
20150183710 | High-Pressure Condensate Recycle in the Manufacture of Purified Aromatic Carboxylic Acids - Processes for manufacturing purified aromatic carboxylic acids include: generating high-pressure steam from boiler feed water supplied to a boiler; heating a crude aromatic carboxylic acid using the high-pressure steam, whereby the high pressure steam is condensed to form a high-pressure condensate; and purifying the crude aromatic carboxylic acid to form a purified aromatic carboxylic acid. The boiler feed water includes at least a portion of the high-pressure condensate and makeup boiler feed water from at least one additional source. | 07-02-2015 |
20150183709 | Pressurized Crude Aromatic Carboxylic Acid Feed Mixes - Processes for manufacturing a purified aromatic carboxylic acid include heating a purification reaction mixture in a pre-heating zone, the purification reaction mixture comprising a crude aromatic carboxylic acid and a solvent, and purifying the crude aromatic carboxylic acid in the purification reaction mixture to form a purified aromatic carboxylic acid product. One or more operations are maintained at a pressure above ambient in order to achieve energy savings. | 07-02-2015 |
20150183705 | Oxidation Process For Preparing Purified Aromatic Carboxylic Acids - A process including: (a) contacting an aqueous solution including a crude aromatic carboxylic acid with an oxygen source in the presence of an oxidation catalyst including at least one of Ru, Au, Pt, Ir or V, and oxides, alloys, salts and mixtures thereof; and (b) purifying the product of step (a) to form a purified aromatic carboxylic acid. | 07-02-2015 |
20150182890 | Solid-Liquid Separation With a No-Dry Rotary Pressure Filter - A process for recovering a solid product from a solid/liquid mixture. The process includes filtering a solid/liquid mixture to form a filter cake in a first solid-liquid separation zone. The filter cake comprises the solid product. The first solid-liquid separation zone comprises a rotary pressure filter apparatus configured to apply a pressure differential across at least one filter member, and the filter cake is formed on the filter member. The filter cake is then washed with fluid in the rotary filter apparatus to form a wet filter cake. The wet filter cake is then transferred to a reslurrying zone. The wet filter is mixed with a reslurrying fluid to form a slurry, and the slurry is transferred to a second solid/liquid separation zone, where the solid product is separated from the slurry. | 07-02-2015 |
20150159090 | Automated Batch Control of Delayed Coker - An automatic batch sequence computer control system is configured to automatically operate process valves in a delayed coker for a complete coke drum cycle. Double verification of the movement of the process valves is used to confirm advancing to the next step. Primary verification is achieved by using position sensors on the valves. Secondary verification is achieved by using monitored process conditions and confirming the measured conditions correlate with expected process conditions for an arrangement of valve positions at a given sequence in the coke drum cycle. A safety interlock system may be integrated with the control system. | 06-11-2015 |
20150135501 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND BREAKING THREADED JOINTS USING ORBITAL MOTIONS - A method for making a threaded joint between first and second tubulars, each tubular including a central axis, a first end, a second end, a throughbore extending between the first second ends, an internally threaded box-end connector at the first end, and an externally threaded pin-end connector at the second end, the method including: (a) moving the first tubular axially relative to the second tubular to position the pin-end connector of the first tubular at least partially within the box-end connector of the second tubular. In addition, the method includes (b) orbiting the pin-end connector of the first tubular about the central axis of the second tubular; and (c) rotating the first tubular about the central axis of the first tubular during (b). Further, the method includes (d) threading the pin-end connector of the first tubular into the box-end connector of the second tubular dining (b) and (c). | 05-21-2015 |
20150131409 | SEISMIC SOURCE CODING, ACTIVATION, AND ACQUISITION - The Monte-Carlo method of generating Popcorn shooting patterns starts with the number and sizes of the guns available and the length in time of the desired Popcorn pattern. The firing times and order of the guns will be randomly perturbed and a large number of Popcorn patterns built. Candidate Popcorn patterns will then be tested against a set of criteria to identify acceptable or the best patterns. These criteria may include limits on maximum peak strength, distinctiveness compared to the other patterns, and the size of the notches and peaks in the spectra. | 05-14-2015 |
20150120200 | TWO STAGE SEISMIC VELOCITY MODEL GENERATION - A computer-implemented process includes: performing a first foil waveform inversion on an initial subsurface attribute model using low frequency, known source-signature data and low frequency humming seismic data to generate a first updated subsurface attribute model; and performing a second full waveform inversion on the first updated subsurface attribute model using low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data and low-frequency, swept seismic data to generate a second updated subsurface attribute model. The process may be performed by a suitably programmed computing apparatus, the program residing on some form of non-transitory program storage medium. | 04-30-2015 |
20150119607 | LIGNOCELLULOSIC CONVERSION PROCESS WITH TISSUE SEPARATION - Methods of producing renewable materials, such as biofuels, may include separating lignocellulosic feedstock into various fractions, pretreating at least one of the fractions, and further treating the pretreated fraction(s) to produce a renewable material. More particularly, an outer-most stalk tissue, or rind, of the lignocellulosic feedstock having the least-accessible carbohydrates can be separated from the leaves and pith of the feedstock. Then the easily-accessible leaves, pith, and sugars can be processed together, while the rind can either be processed separately to produce a renewable material, or turned into other products. In certain embodiments, a cane tissue fractionation system is included at a front end of a sugar mill. | 04-30-2015 |
20150096748 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING STEAM DISTRIBUTION AND PRODUCTION IN SAGD OPERATIONS - A system for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation with steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) includes a steam injection well. The steam injection well includes a first portion extending from the surface through an unconsolidated layer of the formation to a consolidated layer of the formation, a second portion extending horizontally through the consolidated layer, and a plurality of third portions extending from the second portion. Each third portion extends upward from the second portion into the unconsolidated layer of the formation and a hydrocarbon reservoir in the unconsolidated layer of the formation. In addition, the system includes a production well. The production well includes a first portion extending from the surface through the unconsolidated and a second portion extending horizontally through the unconsolidated layer. The second portion of the production well is vertically positioned above the second portion of the steam injection well. | 04-09-2015 |
20150092517 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING SEISMIC SURVEYS WITH A CONTROLLED SOURCE USING MAXIMUM-POWER SWEEPS - The output spectrum of a controllable swept-frequency acoustic source at a given frequency can be controlled by making the rate of change of frequency equal to the desired output power spectrum divided by the squared envelope amplitude of the source output signal, both measured at the time after the start of its frequency sweep at which the sweep frequency passes through the given frequency. The system and method can also be used to correct for propagation effects outside the source by dividing the desired spectrum by the propagation effect. The method can further be used either to obtain an output spectrum of a desired shape from a source operating at maximum output or to design a sweep of a minimum feasible duration that will result in an output spectrum of a specified shape and with a specified amplitude. | 04-02-2015 |
20150090459 | Apparatus and Methods for Clearing a Subsea Tubular - An embodiment of a tool for clearing a deposit within a fluid flowline, including a body having a central axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a radially outer surface extending axially from the first end of the second end. In addition, the tool includes a first energy element coupled to the first end, and an electrode extending radially from the radially outer surface of the body. The first energy element and the electrodes are each configured to emit energy to dissipate the deposit in the fluid flowline. | 04-02-2015 |
20150078118 | Process and Apparatus of Mixing a Fluid Within a Vessel - This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for mixing a fluid or a liquid within a vessel or a tank. The invention includes an apparatus with an inlet device and a mixer. The invention mixes crude oils and/or other hydrocarbon materials to a homogenous state with surprising and unexpected high efficiency. The invention includes methods of using the apparatus to mix the contents of the vessel and/or two stratified materials. The invention includes the ability to mix materials having disparities in density and/or viscosity. | 03-19-2015 |
20150043787 | Image-Based Direct Numerical Simulation of Petrophysical Properties Under Simulated Stress and Strain Conditions - A testing system for performing image based direct numerical simulation to characterize petrophysical properties of a rock sample under the simulated deformation condition, for example as representative of subsurface conditions. A digital image volume corresponding to x-ray tomographic images of a rock sample is segmented into its significant elastic phases, such as pore space, clay fraction, grain contacts and mineral type, and overlaid with an unstructured finite element mesh. A simulated deformation is applied to the segmented image volume, and the resulting deformed unstructured mesh is numerically analyzed, for example by way of direct numerical simulation, to determine the desired petrophysical properties. | 02-12-2015 |
20150027693 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION OF GAS WELLS - A method for producing gas from a well including a wellbore extending from a surface into a subterranean formation, wherein the well also produces liquid, the method including: (a) producing gas from a production zone in the subterranean formation through an annulus extending within the wellbore at a first velocity that is greater than a critical velocity, and (b) pumping liquid through a liquid tubing string after (a) to reduce a level of the liquid within the wellbore. The method also includes: (c) shutting in the annulus after (a) after the first velocity decreases below the critical velocity, wherein the annulus has a first cross-sectional area and the first production string has a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectional area, and (d) producing gas from the production zone through the first production tubing string after (c) at a second velocity being greater than the critical velocity. | 01-29-2015 |
20150027690 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING GAS WELLS WITH MULTIPLE PRODUCTION TUBING STRINGS - A system for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean well including a wellbore extending from a surface into a subterranean formation, the system including a wellhead disposed at the surface. In addition, the system includes a production tree coupled to the wellhead. Further, the system includes a casing coupled to the wellhead and extending into the wellbore. Still further, the system includes a first plurality of production tubing strings extending into the casing from the wellhead to a first production zone. Each of the first plurality of production tubing strings is configured to provide a fluid flow path for gases from the first production zone. The production tree is configured to selectively and independently control fluid flow through each of the first plurality of production tubing strings. | 01-29-2015 |
20150010985 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR IMPROVING SUGAR TRANSPORT, MIXED SUGAR FERMENTATION, AND PRODUCTION OF BIOFUELS - The present disclosure relates to host cells containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports cellodextrin into the cell. The present disclosure further relates to methods of increasing transport of cellodextrin into a cell, methods of increasing growth of a cell on a medium containing cellodextrin, methods of co-fermenting cellulose-derived and hemicellulose-derived sugars, and methods of making hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon derivatives by providing a host cell containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports cellodextrin into the cell. The present disclosure relates to host cells containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports a pentose into the cell, methods of increasing transport of a pentose into a cell, methods of increasing growth of a cell on a medium containing pentose sugars, and methods of making hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon derivatives by providing a host cell containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports a pentose into the cell. | 01-08-2015 |
20150007488 | OXYGENATED GASOLINE COMPOSITION HAVING GOOD DRIVEABILITY PERFORMANCE - A method for producing a gasoline blend having a high concentration of a butanol isomer and having good cold start and warm-up driveability performance. | 01-08-2015 |
20140323356 | GLYCOSIDASE ENZYMES - A thermostable glycosidase enzymes derived from various | 10-30-2014 |
20140298499 | Xylanases, Nucleic Acids Encoding Them and Methods for Making and Using Them - The invention relates to enzymes having xylanase, mannanase and/or glucanase activity, e.g., catalyzing hydrolysis of internal β-1,4-xylosidic linkages or endo-β-1,4-glucanase linkages; and/or degrading a linear polysaccharide beta-1,4-xylan into xylose. Thus, the invention provides methods and processes for breaking down hemicellulose, which is a major component of the cell wall of plants, including methods and processes for hydrolyzing hemicelluloses in any plant or wood or wood product, wood waste, paper pulp, paper product or paper waste or byproduct. In addition, methods of designing new xylanases, mannanases and/or glucanases and methods of use thereof are also provided. The xylanases, mannanases and/or glucanases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature. | 10-02-2014 |
20140295523 | Glucanases, Nucleic Acids Encoding Them and Methods for Making and Using Them - The invention relates to polypeptides having glucanase, e.g., endoglucanase, mannanase, xylanase activity or a combination of these activities, and polynucleotides encoding them. In one aspect, the glucanase activity is an endoglucanase activity (e.g., endo-1,4-beta-D-glucan 4-glucano hydrolase activity) and comprises hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-D-glycosidic linkages in cellulose, cellulose derivatives (e.g., carboxy methyl cellulose and hydroxy ethyl cellulose) lichenin, beta-1,4 bonds in mixed beta-1,3 glucans, such as cereal beta-D-glucans or xyloglucans and other plant material containing cellulosic parts. In addition, methods of designing new enzymes and methods of use thereof are also provided. In alternative aspects, the new glucanases e.g., endoglucanases, mannanases, xylanases have increased activity and stability, including thermotolerance or thermostability, at increased or decreased pHs and temperatures. | 10-02-2014 |
20140293744 | SPECULAR FILTER (SF) AND DIP ORIENTED PARTIAL IMAGING (DOPI) SEISMIC MIGRATION - According to one embodiment, subsurface ray directions in beam migration or subsurface wave propagation directions in reverse time migrations are used to obtain additional Specular Filter (SF) and Dip Oriented Partial Imaging (DOPI) images. SF migration applies a specular imaging condition during migration with a pre-specified subsurface dip field. It boosts the S/N ratio in both images and gathers, by effectively removing migration noise. DOPI images are produced by decomposing a standard migration image according to subsurface dip inclination or/and dip azimuth groups, providing various views of the subsurface image. Both SF and DOPI migration images can supply valuable additional information compared to a standard migration image, and they can be efficiently generated during migration. | 10-02-2014 |
20140287471 | VARIANT CBH I POLYPEPTIDES WITH REDUCED PRODUCT INHIBITION - The present disclosure relates to variant CBH I polypeptides that have reduced product inhibition, and compositions, e.g., cellulase compositions, comprising variant CBH I polypeptides. The variant CBH I polypeptides and related compositions can be used in variety of agricultural and industrial applications. The present disclosure further relates to nucleic acids encoding variant CBH I polypeptides and host cells that recombinantly express the variant CBH I polypeptides. | 09-25-2014 |
20140278289 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPUTATIONAL GEOLOGY - One aspect of the invention is a method for building geologic/stratigraphic models of the earth for the purposes of numerical simulations of phenomena of interest, such as seismic wave propagation, or fluid flow, reservoir simulation, etc. An embodiment of the invention uses stochastic methods to create material property models that have desired statistical properties by numerically simulating deposition of geological layers. The method can create multiple material parameter models from numerical implementations of a variety of geological processes. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271033 | Bolt With Integrated Gasket - A threaded bolt or plug includes a compressible gasket ring adhered to the underside of the bolt head or plug head. The underside of the bolt head includes at least two concentric grooves covered by the compressible gasket. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270394 | Systems and Methods for Improving Direct Numerical Simulation of Material Properties from Rock Samples and Determining Uncertainty in the Material Properties - A testing system for analyzing a 3D digital volume of a material sample. The testing system defines several test volume sizes with each test volume size including a different numbers of voxels, defining the size of portions of the 3D digital volume to analyze. For each test volume size, the testing system acquires two adjacent portions of 3D digital volume at the test volume size currently being analyzed. The testing system calculates a material property value for the two adjacent portions of the 3D digital volume, and a difference value between the two adjacent portions of the 3D digital volume. The process is repeated over the different test volume sizes. The testing system calculates mean difference values for the different test volume sizes, from which it determines a representative elementary volume. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270393 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING DIRECT NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF MATERIAL PROPERTIES FROM ROCK SAMPLES AND DETERMINING UNCERTAINTY IN THE MATERIAL PROPERTIES - A testing system can analyze a 3D digital volume of a material sample. The testing system can define several test volumes with each test volume including a different numbers of voxels. The test volumes can define the size of portions of the 3D digital volume to analyze. For each test volume, the testing system can acquire two adjacent portions of 3D digital volume that are the size of the test volume currently being analyzed. The testing system can calculate a petrophysical property value for the two adjacent portions of the 3D digital volume and can calculate the difference value between the two adjacent portions of the 3D digital volume. The testing system can repeat the process for the different test volumes. The testing system can plot the mean difference values for the different test volumes. The testing system can analyze the plot to determine a representative elementary volume that meets a predefined difference value. | 09-18-2014 |
20140257775 | Reservoir Architecture and Connectivity Analysis - An interactive system and method of operating the system to define and evaluate a model of a hydrocarbon reservoir. The reservoir model is defined from extrinsic information such as seismic surveys, well logs, and the like, and is based on elements of formation regions, connections among the regions, wells, and perforations. A boundary-element method is used to determine pressure interference responses, corresponding to the pressure at a perforation in response to a single perforation producing fluid at a unit flow rate. These pressure interference responses are then convolved with measured well flow rates obtained during production to arrive at estimates of the wellbore pressure at one or more wells of interest. The estimated wellbore pressure can be compared with downhole pressure measurements to validate the reservoir model, or to provoke the user into modifying the model and repeating the evaluation of the model. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256931 | CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL FOR PURIFYING LIGNOCELLULOSIC OLIGOMERS - The present disclosure relates carbonaceous materials and to methods of using such carbonaceous materials for purifying oligomers produced from depolymerized biomass, such as lignocellulosic biomass. | 09-11-2014 |
20140251692 | ROTATING DRILLING STABILIZER - A stabilizer and method for use in a wellbore are disclosed. The apparatus can include a rotary body disposed about a tubular and configured to rotate and axially-translate with respect to the tubular. The apparatus can also include a first anti-rotation device disposed axially adjacent the rotary body and configured to resist rotation and axial translation with respect to the tubular. The rotary body can be configured to engage the first anti-rotation device and rotationally lock therewith. The apparatus can also include a biasing member configured to bias apart the rotary body and the first anti-rotation device. | 09-11-2014 |
20140251687 | DIGITAL UNDERREAMER - Wellbore drilling apparatus and methods are provided. The apparatus includes a reaming subassembly including one or more reamers configured to ream a wellbore. The reaming subassembly defines a cutting aggressiveness that is variable while the reaming subassembly is disposed in a wellbore. The apparatus also includes an actuator coupled with the reaming subassembly and configured to vary the cutting aggressiveness of the reaming subassembly in response to an actuation signal. | 09-11-2014 |
20140251634 | Subsea Wellhead System With Hydraulically Set Seal Assemblies - A wellhead system, the system including a wellhead housing having a central axis, an upper end, and a radially inner surface extending axially from the upper end. The system also includes a first casing string disposed within the wellhead housing. The first casing string includes a casing hanger and casing extending axially from the casing hanger. The system further includes a first ram block movably coupled to the housing and a second ram block movably coupled to the housing and radially opposed to the first ram block. Each ram block has a withdrawn position radially spaced apart from the casing hanger of the first casing string and an advanced position sealingly engaging the casing hanger of the first casing string. | 09-11-2014 |
20140251633 | Subsea Well Intervention System and Methods - A system for performing an intervention on a subsea wellhead, the system including a production tree having a central axis, a first end, a second end, and a first flow bore extending axially from the first end to the second end. The production tree includes a master valve disposed along the first flow bore, a swab valve disposed along the first flow bore between the master valve and the first end, and a shearing device disposed along the first flow bore between the master valve and the second end. The second end of the production tree comprises a connector configured to releasably couple to the subsea wellhead, and the shearing device is configured to shear a component extending through the first flow bore. | 09-11-2014 |
20140251631 | Riser Breakaway Connection and Intervention Coupling Device - A breakaway connection for a subsea riser, the connection including a tubular stabbing member having a central axis, an upper end, a radially outer cylindrical surface, a radially inner surface, and an annular recess in the outer cylindrical surface. The breakaway connection also includes a tubular female member having a central axis, a lower end, a radially outer surface, a radially inner surface defining a receptacle extending axially from the lower end, and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced threaded holes extending radially from the radially outer surface to the receptacle, wherein the stabbing member is disposed in the receptacle and coaxially aligned with the female member. The breakaway connection further includes a plurality of shear pins, wherein each shear pin is threadably disposed in one threaded hole, and wherein each shear pin has a radially inner end seated in the annular recess. | 09-11-2014 |
20140241117 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING CAVITATION IN CONTROLLED-FREQUENCY MARINE SEISMIC SOURCE ARRAYS - There is provided herein a method of seismic acquisition that utilizes an arrangement of marine sources where each source is positioned at a water depth shallow enough for the surface ghost notch to fall at a frequency greater than or equal to the maximum radiated frequency of interest. If the marine seismic source has a ratio of signal bandwidth to maximum frequency that is less than one half, then it is possible to deploy it at a greater depth at which ghost notches fall below and above its frequency band but not in it. Further, by placing two or more sources at different depths for the same frequency, any undesired nulls in the radiation pattern caused by the deeper tow can be filled in. | 08-28-2014 |
20140199705 | GLUCANASES, NUCLEIC ACIDS ENCODING THEM AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - The invention relates to polypeptides having glucanase, e.g., endoglucanase, mannanase, xylanase activity or a combination of these activities, and polynucleotides encoding them. In one aspect, the glucanase activity is an endoglucanase activity (e.g., endo-1,4-beta-D-glucan 4-glucano hydrolase activity) and comprises hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-D-glycosidic linkages in cellulose, cellulose derivatives (e.g., carboxy methyl cellulose and hydroxy ethyl cellulose) lichenin, beta-1,4 bonds in mixed beta-1,3 glucans, such as cereal beta-D-glucans or xyloglucans and other plant material containing cellulosic parts. In addition, methods of designing new enzymes and methods of use thereof are also provided. In alternative aspects, the new glucanases e.g., endoglucanases, mannanases, xylanases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature. | 07-17-2014 |
20140174734 | CYCLONIC SEPARATORS AND METHODS FOR SEPARATING PARTICULATE MATTER AND SOLIDS FROM WELL FLUIDS - A downhole separator for separating solids from downhole well fluids comprises a cyclonic separation assembly. The assembly comprises a housing with at least one inlet port and an intake member disposed within the housing. The intake member includes a feed tube, a guide member disposed about the feed tube, and a vortex tube coaxially disposed within the feed tube. The assembly also comprises a cyclone body coaxially disposed within the housing and extending axially from the feed tube. In addition, the separator comprises an upper solids collection assembly coupled to the housing and configured to receive the separated solids from the cyclone body. Further, the separator comprises a lower solids collection assembly coupled to the housing and configured to receive the separated solids from the first solids collection assembly. | 06-26-2014 |
20140147894 | VARIANT CBH I POLYPEPTIDES WITH REDUCED PRODUCT INHIBITION - The present disclosure relates to variant CBH I polypeptides that have reduced product inhibition, and compositions, e.g., cellulase compositions, comprising variant CBH I polypeptides. The variant CBH I polypeptides and related compositions can be used in variety of agricultural and industrial applications. The present disclosure further relates to nucleic acids encoding variant CBH I polypeptides and host cells that recombinantly express the variant CBH I polypeptides. | 05-29-2014 |
20140137465 | METHOD TO CONVERT FERMENTATION MIXTURE INTO FUELS - The present disclosure provides methods to produce ketones suitable for use as fuels and lubricants by catalytic conversion of an acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation product mixture that can be derived from biomass. | 05-22-2014 |
20140137463 | Low Polysaccharide Microorganisms for Production of Biofuels and Other Renewable Materials - High cell density fermentations of wild-type organisms can result in increased viscosity due to the production of exocellular polysaccharides. Mutant microorganisms with a dry morphology, resulting from reduced exocellular polysaccharide formation, were isolated and characterized. The exocellular polysaccharide composition for these modified microorganisms is shown to be different than the polysaccharide composition of the wild type microorganism. In addition to reduced exocellular polysaccharide formation, dry morphology mutants of multiple strains show reduced viscosity, improved oxygen mass transfer, and improved fatty acid fermentation yield on carbon. | 05-22-2014 |
20140131104 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING HIGH DENSITY SWEEP ANALYSIS USING MULTIPLE SENSORS - Multiple sensors in a wellbore can be utilized in a high density sweep analysis. In particular, annular pressures, recorded by the multiple sensors as the sweep is circulated, can be utilized to analyze the performance of a high density sweep. The high density sweep analysis can be used to create a prediction of the impact of circulating a high density sweep. The high density sweep analysis can calculate the position of the high density sweep in the well during the circulation by utilizing the multiple sensors and derive information about the presence of solids in the well, their likely location and whether or not the wellbore is clean prior to tripping out of the well. | 05-15-2014 |
20140131101 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING ENHANCED EQUIVALENT CIRCULATING DENSITY AND INTERVAL SOLIDS CONCENTRATION IN A WELL SYSTEM USING MULTIPLE SENSORS - Multiple sensors on a drill string can be utilized to perform equivalent circulation density (ECD) analysis. By utilizing multiple ones of the sensors, the pressure drop in each section of the wellbore can be classified. Additionally, the inclusion of multiple sensors in the drill string allows a wellbore to be sectioned into intervals bounded by any two sensors. Pressure events occurring in a single section of the wellbore bounded by any two sensors can be isolated and analyzed. The isolation can be achieved by subtracting the pressure measured on the shallower sensor from that measured on the deeper sensor. | 05-15-2014 |
20140091803 | SYSTEMS FOR AND METHODS OF MONITORING UNDERGROUND CO2 STORAGE - In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, techniques for monitoring subterranean sequestered CO | 04-03-2014 |
20140076575 | System and Method for Producing Through a Multi Bore Tubing Hanger to a Subsea Manifold Without BOP Modifications - A system for producing hydrocarbons from a subsea wellbore includes a primary conductor extending into the seabed. In addition, the system includes a wellhead disposed at an upper end of the primary conductor. Further, the system includes a multi bore tubing hanger seated in the wellhead. Still further, the system includes a production tree mounted to the wellhead. The production tree includes a spool body and a production spool extending radially from the spool body. The production spool has an end comprising a connector. Moreover, the system includes a rotatable production guide base coupled to the primary conductor and configured to rotate about the wellhead. The production guide base includes a rigid alignment spool. The alignment spool has a first end releasably coupled to the production spool, a second end comprising a second connector, and non-linear deviation positioned between the first end and the second end. | 03-20-2014 |
20140076566 | Use of Underground Access to Improve Steam Distribution in SAGD Operations - A system for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation with steam-assisted gravity drainage comprises a subterranean access tunnel extending through the formation. In addition, the system comprises a steam injection well extending through the formation above a portion of the tunnel. Further, the system comprises a production well extending through the formation above the portion of the tunnel. Still further, the system comprises a plurality of horizontally spaced bores extending upward from the access tunnel through the formation. | 03-20-2014 |
20140034823 | NON-RADIOACTIVE TAGGED CEMENT ADDITIVE FOR CEMENT EVALUATION IN A WELL SYSTEM - An inert (non-radioactive) tagging material can be added to cement in a wellbore. The non-radioactive tagging material can emit radiation at a specific energy level when irradiated with radiation. A logging tool containing a radiation source can be introduced into a wellbore and activated to emit radiation. The logging tool can detect the radiation emitted from the non-radioactive tags within the wellbore. Accordingly, integrity of cement, particularly low density cements that have a density close to that of fluid provided to or contained within a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, can be determined from the detected radiation. | 02-06-2014 |
20140004571 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR BIOMASS LIQUEFACTION | 01-02-2014 |
20130337507 | Xylanases, Nucleic Acids Encoding Them and Methods for Making and Using Them - The invention relates to xylanases and to polynucleotides encoding the xylanases. In addition, methods of designing new xylanases and methods of use thereof are also provided. The xylanases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature. | 12-19-2013 |
20130330783 | CELLULASES, NUCLEIC ACIDS ENCODING THEM AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - This invention relates to molecular and cellular biology and biochemistry. In one aspect, the invention provides polypeptides having cellulase activity, e.g., endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, mannanase and/or β-glucosidase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides cellulase activity, e.g., endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, mannanase and/or β-glucosidase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and feed processing and industrial contexts. | 12-12-2013 |
20130316437 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR IMPROVING SUGAR TRANSPORT, MIXED SUGAR FERMENTATION, AND PRODUCTION OF BIOFUELS - The present disclosure relates to host cells containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports cellodextrin into the cell. The present disclosure further relates to methods of increasing transport of cellodextrin into a cell, methods of increasing growth of a cell on a medium containing cellodextrin, methods of co-fermenting cellulose-derived and hemicellulose-derived sugars, and methods of making hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon derivatives by providing a host cell containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports cellodextrin into the cell. The present disclosure relates to host cells containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports a pentose into the cell, methods of increasing transport of a pentose into a cell, methods of increasing growth of a cell on a medium containing pentose sugars, and methods of making hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon derivatives by providing a host cell containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports a pentose into the cell. | 11-28-2013 |
20130312958 | RESERVOIR TREATMENT - A method of treatment of a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir, the reservoir comprising at least one porous and permeable rock formation, the reservoir being penetrated by a plurality of injection wells and one or more production wells, the injection wells sharing a common injection header for delivering an aqueous injection fluid to the injection wells, the method comprising: a. identifying a group of injection wells selected from the injection wells sharing the common injection header; b. determining a cumulative volume of the treatment stream that is to be supplied contemporaneously to all of the injection wells within the identified group; c. simultaneously transmitting the treatment stream only to the identified group of injection wells so as to inject the treatment stream into the reservoir, thereby treating the reservoir to improve the sweep efficiency of subsequently injected fluid. | 11-28-2013 |
20130311097 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRESSURE TESTING COMPONENTS OF A HYDROCARBON WELL SYSTEM - A component of a well system can be tested by pressurizing the component of the well system a test pressure via two supply lines connected to the component of the well system, e.g. a choke line and a kill line. Then, a first of the two supply lines can be isolated from the second supply line and the component of the well system. The change in pressure can be measured in the first supply line and the change in pressure can be independently measured in the second supply line and the component of the well system. The change in pressure of the first supply line can be subtracted from the change in pressure of the second supply line and the component. Then, the change in pressure for the component can be analyzed to determine if the component of the well system is maintaining pressure integrity, i.e. leaking or not leaking. | 11-21-2013 |
20130311093 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TESTING THE INTEGRITY OF COMPONENTS OF A HYDROCARBON WELL SYSTEM - A component of the hydrocarbon well system and a first supply line to the component can be isolated from other components of the hydrocarbon well system. The component and the first supply line can be pressurized to a test pressure with a test fluid. Then, a pressure and a temperature of the test fluid in the component that was pressurized can be measured over a period of time. The pressure and the temperature that were measured can be analyzed and a pressure integrity of the component can be determined based on the analysis. | 11-21-2013 |
20130304680 | PREDICTIVE CORROSION COUPONS FROM DATA MINING - In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method for predicting a material deterioration of a coupon inserted into the well line system is disclosed. The computer-implemented method can be stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable medium and arranged to be executed by one or more processors that cause the one or more processors to receive data related to the well line system; determine one or more predictors of material deterioration of a coupon based on the data; and predict a material deterioration of the coupon inserted into the well line system based on a mathematical model of the material deterioration using the one or more predictors. | 11-14-2013 |
20130304438 | USE OF SURVIVAL MODELING METHODS WITH PIPELINE INSPECTION DATA FOR DETERMINING CAUSAL FACTORS FOR CORROSION UNDER INSULATION - Methods and systems for using survival modeling methods with pipeline inspection data to determine causal factors for corrosion under insulation comprise determining a first corrosion condition of a pipeline joint at a first time; determining a second corrosion condition of the pipeline joint at a second, subsequent time; determining joint attributes, pipeline attributes, and location attributes associated with the pipeline joint; and repeating the process for a plurality of pipeline joints in one or more pipelines. This information is fed into a multiple regression and survival analysis process that determines regression coefficients reflecting the estimated degrees to which various factors contribute to corrosion under insulation. The survival analysis also determines one or more survival models capable of predicting when a given pipeline joint is likely to transition from a first corrosion state to a different second corrosion state, given values for its various attributes. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299241 | PREDICTION AND DIAGNOSIS OF LOST CIRCULATION IN WELLS - In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, techniques for predicting, classifying, preventing, and remedying drilling fluid circulation loss events are disclosed. Tools for gathering relevant data are disclosed, and techniques for interpreting the resultant data as giving rise to an actual or potential drilling fluid lost circulation event are also disclosed. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299182 | Rigless Low Volume Pump System - A deliquification pump for deliquifying a well comprises a fluid end pump adapted to pump a fluid from a wellbore. In addition, the deliquification pump comprises a hydraulic pump adapted to drive the fluid end pump. The hydraulic pump includes a first internal pump chamber and a first pump assembly disposed in the first chamber. The first pump assembly includes a piston having a first end, a second end, and a throughbore extending between the first end and the second end. In addition, the first pump assembly includes a first wobble plate including a planar end face axially adjacent the second end of the piston and a slot extending axially through the first wobble plate. The first wobble plate is adapted to rotate about the central axis relative to the housing to axially reciprocate the piston and cyclically place the throughbore of the piston in fluid communication with the slot. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299181 | Rigless Low Volume Pump System - A deliquification pump for deliquifying a well comprises a fluid end pump adapted to pump a fluid from a wellbore. In addition, the deliquification pump comprises a hydraulic pump adapted to drive the fluid end pump. The hydraulic pump includes a first internal pump chamber and a first pump assembly disposed in the first chamber. The first pump assembly includes a piston having a first end, a second end, and a throughbore extending between the first end and the second end. In addition, the first pump assembly includes a first wobble plate including a planar end face axially adjacent the second end of the piston and a slot extending axially through the first wobble plate. The first wobble plate is adapted to rotate about the central axis relative to the housing to axially reciprocate the piston and cyclically place the throughbore of the piston in fluid communication with the slot. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299165 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR LONG-TERM MONITORING OF A WELL SYSTEM DURING ABANDONMENT - For long-term abandonment and monitoring of well systems, a series of barriers are formed within a formation and within a casing of a well to prevent materials from leaking from the well. Formation barriers are formed within the formation at the location of perforations in the casing and along the annulus. A series of casing barriers and fluid barriers are formed within the casing of the well. One or more sensors are formed within the barriers to monitor the conditions around the barriers over long periods of time. The sensors can be configured to measure the conditions around the one or more barriers during formation of the one or more barriers and over long periods of time after the one or more barriers are formed. | 11-14-2013 |
20130286782 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMAL STACKING OF SEISMIC DATA - Systems and methods include seismic data stacking derived from a set of image volumes. Stacking includes finding a sub-set of seismic image volumes (and in some implementations their respective stacking weights) or multiple realizations of sub-set of seismic image volumes from a given set that are consistent and similar to each other. Some or all of the input seismic image volumes can be stacked together as they would be with a conventional stack. However, the signal-to-noise ratio can be enhanced by only stacking those volumes that contain consistent and relevant information. Optimal stacking can utilize an algorithm that can be implemented in a moving window fashion. | 10-31-2013 |
20130284446 | SUBSEA TELESCOPING AND ROTATABLE SUB - A subsea telescoping and rotatable connector or sub is coupled into a riser. The sub includes two coupled bodies that are both axially and rotatably moveable relative to each other such that the sub enables the riser to move axially in response to tension or compression in the riser and rotate in response to surface vessel rotation or other torques. The sub expands and contracts in response to the tension or compression in the riser, and swivels in response to surface vessel rotation. | 10-31-2013 |
20130281720 | METHOD FOR EXTRACTING ORGANIC COMPOUNDS FROM AQUEOUS MIXTURES - The invention provides a method to extract organic compounds from aqueous mixtures, using a specially selected organic compound as an extraction liquid. The method can be applied to remove compounds such as acetic acid or ethanol from complex aqueous mixtures, including fermentation reactions or broths, and can be used for in situ extraction of products or by-products from a fermentation reaction. Some suitable extraction liquids for use in these methods include diethylene glycol dibutyl ether, tripropionin, and di(ethylene glycol) diisobutyl ether. | 10-24-2013 |
20130269947 | Marine Subsea Assemblies - A lower riser assembly connects a riser to a seabed mooring and to a subsea hydrocarbon fluid source. The assembly includes sufficient intake ports to accommodate flow of hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon fluid source, as well as optional flow assurance fluid. The upper end of the member has a profile suitable for fluidly connecting to the riser. The lower end of the member includes a connector suitable for connecting to the seabed mooring. An upper riser assembly connects the riser to a near-surface subsea buoyancy device and to a surface structure. The assembly includes sufficient outtake ports to accommodate flow of hydrocarbons from the riser through a subsea flexible conduit to the surface structure. The upper end of the member includes a connector for connecting to a subsea buoyancy device. The lower end of the member comprises a profile suitable for fluidly connecting to the riser. | 10-17-2013 |
20130248195 | HIGH FLOW HOT STAB CONNECTION - A subsea fluid connector is disclosed. The body of the connector has a first portion and a connection profile portion, a first port through an outer surface of the first portion, plurality of openings through an outer surface of the connection profile portion, and a plurality of fluid passages through the body and coupled between the first port and the plurality of openings. The subsea fluid connector may have a first fluid flow path extending through the plurality of fluid passages between the first port through the outer surface of the first portion and the plurality of openings through the outer surface of the connection profile portion, and a second fluid flow path extending through a fluid passage between a second port through the outer surface of the first portion and a third port through the outer surface of the connection profile portion. | 09-26-2013 |
20130244292 | Polypeptides Having Endoglucanase Activity - The present invention relates to a family 5 glycoside hydrolase variant having endoglucanase activity, polynucleotides encoding the family 5 glycoside hydrolase variant, vectors, host cells comprising the polynucleotides, and methods for using the family 5 glycoside hydrolase variant. | 09-19-2013 |
20130227741 | CELLULOYTIC ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS ENCODING THEM AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - The invention is directed to polypeptides having any cellulolytic activity, e.g., a cellulase activity, e.g., endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, beta-glucosidase, xylanase, mannanse, β-xylosidase, arabinofuranosidase, and/or oligomerase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and feed processing and industrial contexts. The invention also provides compositions or products of manufacture comprising mixtures of enzymes comprising at least one enzyme of this invention. | 08-29-2013 |
20130213459 | PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE WITH A POLYMERIC MAT AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - This invention relates to a photovoltaic device with a polymeric mat and a method of making a photovoltaic device with a polymeric mat. The photovoltaic device includes a transparent layer for receiving solar energy, and at least one photovoltaic cell disposed below the transparent layer. The photovoltaic device also includes a polymeric mat disposed below the at least one photovoltaic cell, and a backsheet disposed below the polymeric mat. The photovoltaic device also includes an encapsulant bonding the transparent layer, the at least one photovoltaic cell, the polymeric mat, and the backsheet. | 08-22-2013 |
20130210103 | METHODS FOR DETOXIFYING A LIGNOCELLULOSIC HYDROLYSATE - The present disclosure relates to methods for detoxifying a hydrolysate obtained from a lignocellulosic biomass and methods of producing ethanol from the detoxified hydrolysate. The present methods provide detoxified hydrolysates in which the quantity of compounds that are deleterious to fermenting microorganisms are substantially reduced relative to the starting hydrolysate and in which the amount of fermentable sugars loss is minimal. | 08-15-2013 |
20130210102 | METHODS FOR DETOXIFYING A LIGNOCELLULOSIC HYDROLYSATE - The present disclosure relates to methods for detoxifying a hydrolysate obtained from a lignocellulosic biomass and methods of producing ethanol from the detoxified hydrolysate. The present methods provide detoxified hydrolysates in which the quantity of compounds that are deleterious to fermenting microorganisms are substantially reduced relative to the starting hydrolysate and in which the amount of total fermentable sugars loss is minimal. | 08-15-2013 |
20130203128 | VARIANT CBH I POLYPEPTIDES - In alternative embodiments, the invention provides polypeptides having a lignocellulolytic (lignocellulosic) activity, e.g., a ligninolytic and cellulolytic activity, including, e.g., a glycosyl hydrolase, a cellulase, an endoglucanase, a cellobiohydrolase (cbhl) (e.g., an exo-cellobiohydrolase, e.g., having an “exo” activity that can processively release cellobiose units β-1,4 glucose-glucose disaccharide), a beta-glucosidase, a xylanase, a mannanse, a xylosidase (e.g., a (β-xylosidase) and/or an arabinofuranosidase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one embodiment, the invention provides thermostable and thermotolerant forms of polypeptides of the invention. The polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention are used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts; for example, as enzymes for the bioconversion of a biomass, e.g., lignocellulosic residues, into fermentable sugars, where in one aspect these sugars are used as a chemical feedstock for the production of ethanol and fuels, e.g., biofuels, e.g., synthetic liquid or gas fuels, including ethanol, methanol and the like. | 08-08-2013 |
20130192823 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR MONITORING WELLBORE CONDITIONS - A method includes releasing a flow device into a wellbore to travel towards a target device that is positioned in the wellbore and that is actuated by the flow device, monitoring for communications transmitted by the flow device. The method further includes identifying a condition of the wellbore from the communications. | 08-01-2013 |
20130185113 | WELL WORK OPPORTUNITY SYSTEM - A non-transitory, computer-readable storage device comprises software that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to track one or more well work opportunities. For example, the software may cause the computer to receive input, from a user input device, information pertaining to well work opportunity for an existing production rig, and perform an analysis of the well work opportunity based on the information to compute an incremental increase in rate of production from the production rig and a time period by which an investment will be paid back. The software may also cause the computer to compare the incremental increase in rate of production and the time period to a table that cross references incremental rates of production to time periods, assign a ranking to the well work opportunity based on the comparison, and display the ranking. | 07-18-2013 |
20130184509 | Methods of Making Xylene Isomers - Disclosed herein are methods of making xylene isomers. The methods generally include contacting an aromatics-comprising feed with a non-sulfided catalyst under conditions suitable for converting the feed to a product comprising xylene isomers. The catalyst includes a support impregnated with a hydrogenation component. The support includes a macroporous binder and a sieve selected from the group consisting of a medium pore sieve, a large pore sieve, and mixtures thereof. The selection of the sieve will depend upon the size of the molecules in the feed, intermediate, and product that can be expected from the catalytic reactions. When the molecules are expected to be large, a large pore sieve should be used. In contrast, when the molecules are expected to be smaller, either a large pore sieve, a medium pore sieve, or a mixture thereof may be used. The macropores within the support have been found to be especially beneficial because they help to overcome diffusional limitations observed when utilizing highly-active catalysts lacking such macropores. | 07-18-2013 |
20130180711 | Wellbore Pressure Actuation of Downhole Valves - Methods and systems for operating a valve control system to control a valve in a wellbore include identifying a differential pressure arrangement of a plurality of differential pressure arrangements for actuating the valve to a desired state based on a differential pressure of at least two pressure sources of the wellbore and a present state of the valve. Once identified, the differential pressure arrangement of the at least two pressure sources are utilized to initiate actuation of the valve from the present state to the desired state. | 07-18-2013 |
20130161022 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MECHANICAL HYDROCARBON DISPERSION - System and method provide a rapid mobilization and deployment technique for effectively mechanically dispersing marine oil spills that either eliminates or reduces the use of chemical dispersants. The disclosed systems and methods work by mechanically generating finely dispersed oil and gas droplets which may improve the dispersion of the hydrocarbons into the water column which can increase the rate of natural degradation of hydrocarbons in the water column. | 06-27-2013 |
20130160353 | Biological Oils for Use in Compression Engines and Methods for Producing Such Oils - Disclosed herein are oils, including fatty acid triglyceride and fatty acid ester compositions suitable for the production of biofuel, biofuels, and methods for producing such materials and compositions. These materials and compositions comprise substantially no sterol glycosides. | 06-27-2013 |
20130149210 | METHODS AND UNITS FOR MITIGATION OF CARBON OXIDES DURING HYDROTREATING - This invention relates to methods and units for mitigation of carbon oxides during hydrotreating hydrocarbons including mineral oil based streams and biological oil based streams. A hydrotreating unit includes a first hydrotreating reactor for receiving a mineral oil based hydrocarbon stream and forming a first hydrotreated product stream, and a second hydrotreating reactor for receiving a biological oil based hydrocarbon stream and forming a second hydrotreated product stream. | 06-13-2013 |
20130144531 | GEOLOGICAL MONITORING CONSOLE - A real-time drilling monitor (RTDM) workstation provides real-time information at a well-site. The workstation may include a display and a processor coupled to the display. The processor receives sensor signals from a plurality of sensors and generates a single graphical user interface (GUI) populated with dynamically generated parameters based on the sensor signals, as well as static information and dynamically updated uncertainty assessments. | 06-06-2013 |
20130130335 | Purification Methods and Systems Related to Renewable Materials and Biofuels Production - Methods of producing renewable materials may include consuming a fermentation feedstock with a fermentation organism to produce a renewable material in fermentation broth; water may then be separated from the feedstock or broth using one or more phase separations, or the renewable material may be concentrated from the feedstock or broth using one or more phase separations. Methods of producing biofuel components may include consuming a lignocellulosic or sugar fermentation feedstock with a fermentation organism to produce either ethanol or butanol in fermentation broth; cooling the feedstock or broth to solidify at least some water therein; and separating the solidified water from the feedstock or broth using a solid-liquid phase separation. | 05-23-2013 |
20130118982 | WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM - A treatment system and process is described herein to separate constituent parts from aqueous-based products or by-products, such as wastewater from a cellulosic ethanol process. The treatment system may include an ultrafiltration system, a first reverse osmosis system and a second reverse osmosis system. The treatment system may be configured to operate in modified batch mode. | 05-16-2013 |
20130118557 | Enhanced Function Photovoltaic Modules - A photovoltaic module comprising a first substrate, a backing sheet, a solar cell or a plurality of solar cells, each solar cell positioned between the substrate and the backing sheet, at least one thin electrically conducting board positioned between the substrate and the backing sheet and preferably where the module has at least one electronic device, preferably positioned on the electrically conducting board, that provides the module with a desired function or capability. | 05-16-2013 |
20130116998 | STATISTICAL RESERVOIR MODEL BASED ON DETECTED FLOW EVENTS - Computerized method and system for deriving a statistical reservoir model of associations between injecting wells and producing wells. Potential injector events are interactively identified from time series measurement data of flow rates at the wells, with confirmation that some response to those injector events appears at producing wells. Gradient analysis is applied to cumulative production time series of the producing wells, to identify points in time at which the gradient of cumulative production changes by more than a threshold value. The identified potential producer events are spread in time and again thresholded. An automated association program rank orders injector-producer associations according to strength of the association. A capacitance-resistivity reservoir model is evaluated, using the flow rate measurement data, for the highest-ranked injector-producer associations. Additional associations are added to subsequent iterations of the reservoir model, until improvement in the uncertainty in the evaluated model parameters is not statistically significant. | 05-09-2013 |
20130109055 | USE OF MAMMALIAN PROMOTERS IN FILAMENTOUS FUNGI | 05-02-2013 |
20130109054 | USE OF PLANT PROMOTERS IN FILAMENTOUS FUNGI | 05-02-2013 |
20130090263 | FLUORESCENT PROTEINS, NUCLEIC ACIDS ENCODING THEM AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - The invention is directed to polypeptides having a fluorescent activity, e.g., an auto-fluorescent activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as noninvasive fluorescent markers in living cells and intact organs and animals. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as, e.g., in vivo markers/tracers of gene expression and protein localization, activity indicators, fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) markers, cell lineage markers/tracers, reporters of gene expression and as markers/tracers in protein-protein interactions. | 04-11-2013 |
20130073268 | AUTOMATED GENERATION OF LOCAL GRID REFINEMENT AT HYDRAULIC FRACTURES FOR SIMULATION OF TIGHT GAS RESERVOIRS - A computer system and method of automatically generating a Local Grid Refinement (LGR) gridded model of a gas reservoir. A geologic file includes information identifying the locations of one or more wells according to root grid cells within a volume of the earth to be modeled. User inputs specify the number of hydraulic fractures from each well, and such parameters as the fracture length, etc. User inputs also specify the number of “splits” of the root grid cells containing hydraulic fractures; those root grid cells are then split into finer resolution grid cells of increasing width within the root grid cells containing the fractures. For horizontal wells, user inputs indicate the number of splits of root grid cells containing the lateral portions of the wellbore. Non-orthogonal and complex fractures are processed by a “nested” LGR approach. Geologic properties are assigned to each grid cell, with a tensorial adjustment included for non-orthogonal fractures, and the resulting model is available for simulation. | 03-21-2013 |
20130066120 | Renewable Diesel Refinery Strategy - A process is disclosed that permits the manufacture of renewable diesel while simultaneously manufacturing petroleum based jet fuel and/or diesel fuel. The process provides for the sulfiding of hydroprocessing catalyst used to hydroprocess sulfur deficient biomass derived feedstocks and permits the use of petroleum derived feedstock deactivated hydoprocessing catalyst in biomass derived feedstock service. | 03-14-2013 |
20130032351 | RELEASABLE CONNECTIONS FOR SUBSEA FLEXIBLE JOINTS AND SERVICE LINES - A method for shutting in a subsea wellbore is described, comprising disconnecting a flexible joint from the lower marine riser package subsea after a subsea blowout. The flexible joint is releasably connected to the lower marine riser package with a first connection comprising a connector with a receptacle and a hub seated in the receptacle. The method further comprises positioning a containment cap subsea proximate to the lower marine riser package. In addition, the method comprises connecting the containment cap to the lower marine riser package. The containment cap is releasably connected to the lower marine riser package with a second connection comprising a connector with a receptacle and a hub seated in the receptacle. Furthermore, the method comprises substantially shutting in the wellbore with the containment cap. | 02-07-2013 |
20130029393 | RECOMBINANT ETHANOLOGENIC BACTERIA - The invention provides recombinant ethanologenic bacteria, methods of making the bacteria and methods of producing ethanol using the bacteria. | 01-31-2013 |
20130028051 | FIELD CORRELATION FOR REAL-TIME PASSIVE SEISMIC SURVEILLANCE - There is provided herein a method of passive seismic acquisition that utilizes real time or near real time computation to reduce the volume of data that must be moved from the field to the processing center. Much of the computation that is traditionally applied to passive source data can be done in a streaming fashion. The raw data that passes through a field system can be processed in manageable pieces, after which the original data can be discarded and the intermediate results accumulated and periodically saved. These saved intermediate results are at least two, more likely three, orders of magnitude smaller than the raw data they are derived from. Such a volume of data is trivial to store, transport or transmit, allowing passive seismic acquisition to be practically used for continuous near-real-time seismic surveillance. | 01-31-2013 |
20130022401 | AIR-FREIGHTABLE SUBSEA WELL CONTAINENT TOOLING PACKAGE - A system for supplying a chemical dispersant to a subsea hydrocarbon discharge site comprises a surface vessel including a dispersant storage tank and a dispersant pump configured to pump dispersant from the storage tank. In addition, the system comprises a first flow line coupled to the pump and extending subsea from the vessel. Further, the system comprises a subsea dispersant distribution system coupled to the first flow line. Still further, the system comprises a dispersant injection device coupled to the distribution system and configured to inject dispersant from the tank into a subsea hydrocarbon stream. | 01-24-2013 |
20130022400 | SUBSEA DISPERSANT INJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for supplying a chemical dispersant to a subsea hydrocarbon discharge site comprises a dispersant source and a dispersant pump configured to pump dispersant from the dispersant source. In addition, the system comprises a first flow line coupled to the pump. Further, the system comprises a subsea dispersant distribution system coupled to the first flow line. Still further, the system comprises a dispersant injection device coupled to the distribution system and configured to inject dispersant from the dispersant source into a subsea hydrocarbon stream. | 01-24-2013 |
20130020086 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CAPPING A SUBSEA WELL - A method for capping a subsea wellbore comprises (a) identifying a subsea landing site on the BOP or LMRP for connection of a capping stack. In addition, the method comprises (b) preparing the subsea landing site for connection of the capping stack. Further, the method comprises (c) installing a capping stack on to the subsea landing site. Still further, the method comprises (d) shutting in the wellbore with the capping stack after (c). | 01-24-2013 |
20130018640 | Pseudo-Analytical Method For The Solution Of Wave Equations - The instant invention is a method for numerically propagating waves or solving wave equations on a digital computer. This invention can be used to compute highly accurate solutions to the wave equation, in fact in some cases it computes the analytical solution, something previously considered impossible. The instant method can also propagate waves that are not described by differential equations, such as anisotropic scalar waves. The invention has the advantages that it is computationally efficient, accurate, and flexible. Of importance is the ability to propagate waves that simulate the P-wave arrivals in both isotropic and anisotropic media with a scalar as opposed to a vector equation. | 01-17-2013 |
20130014954 | Subsea Connector with a Split Clamp Latch Assembly - Methods and devices for forming a subsea connection over an existing subsea connection are described herein. In one embodiment, a subsea connector for forming a sealed connection to a subsea connection comprises a connector body including a sealing portion. The connector body comprises a throughbore running therethrough. The subsea connector also comprises a latch clamp assembly coupled to the sealing portion. The latch clamp assembly comprises at least a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion movable to couple to an existing subsea connection. The connector body and latch clamp assembly together form a sealed connection to the existing subsea connection. | 01-17-2013 |
20130011201 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CONNECTING HOSES SUBSEA - A hose splicing system comprises a first clamping tool and a hose fitting adapter. The first clamping tool includes a first clamp member and a second clamp member. An inner surface of at least one of the first clamp member and the second clamp member includes a recess configured to receive an end of a hose. In addition, the first clamping tool includes a hinge coupled to the second clamp member. Further, the first clamping tool includes a lock member pivotally coupled to the first clamp member. The hose fitting adapter has a central axis, a first end configured to be inserted into the end of the hose, a second end configured to releasably connect to a rigid hose end connector, and a through bore extending axially from the first end to the second end. | 01-10-2013 |
20130008151 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ROV MULTITASKING - A remotely operated vehicle system comprises a primary hydraulic system and a multitask interface panel including a hydraulic receptacle in selective fluid communication with the primary hydraulic system. The multitask interface panel is configured for selective connection and disconnection to one or more hydraulically powered devices while the multitask interface panel is subsea. | 01-10-2013 |
20120328373 | Subsea Hydrocarbon Containment Apparatus - A subsea hydrocarbon containment apparatus comprises a containment housing. In addition, the containment apparatus comprises a diverter plate mounted to the containment housing. The containment housing is configured to receive direct hydrocarbon fluids from a subsea hydrocarbon source and direct the hydrocarbon fluids to the diverter plate. | 12-27-2012 |
20120328371 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING SUBSEA FLUID CONDUIT CONNECTIONS - A fluid conduit system for coupling a pair of subsea components comprises a fluid conduit. In addition, the system comprises a first quick disconnect member coupled to a first end of the fluid conduit. The first quick disconnect member is configured to releasably mate and engage a second quick disconnect member coupled to one of the pair of subsea components. Further, the system comprises a handle coupled to the first quick disconnect member. The handle is configured to be grasped and manipulated by a subsea ROM. | 12-27-2012 |
20120325489 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR USE IN ESTABLISHING AND/OR MAINTAINING CONTROLLED FLOW OF HYDROCARBONS DURING SUBSEA OPERATIONS - Apparatus includes a seal head having first and second ends and a sidewall having an internal diameter. The first end of the seal head is open to the environment, and the second end is closed to the environment by an end cap. The seal head includes an aperture configured to accommodate a subsea source. A tubular seal head extension is fluidly connected to the seal head end cap. The seal head extension has an external diameter, an external surface, and a length. A movable element having first and second ends and a sidewall structure having an internal diameter sufficiently larger than the external diameter of the extension forms an annulus between the movable element and the extension. The movable element first end opens to the environment, while its second end is closed by an end cap defining an exit fluidly connectable to a subsea collection system. | 12-27-2012 |
20120324876 | SUBSEA ACCUMULATOR SYSTEM - Embodiments of a subsea accumulator system are disclosed. The system includes a subsea skid structure, a pre-charged fluid accumulator mounted in the subsea skid structure and fluidly coupled to a flowline in the skid structure, and a subsea device coupled to the flowline to receive hydraulic fluid power from the pre-charged fluid accumulator. The system may include a fill port having a releasable connection to selectively couple with a hydraulic fluid supply separate from the skid structure. Certain embodiments may include a subsea pump, instead of a pre-charge, for delivering pressurized fluid to a piston in the accumulator, and multiple accumulators for mixing fluids or discharging the fluids sequentially. | 12-27-2012 |
20120319396 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SPLICING CONDUITS AND HOSES SUBSEA - A hose connection system comprises a body including an internal cavity and a port in fluid communication with a portion of the internal cavity. In addition, the system comprises a hose end fitting positioned in the cavity. The hose end fitting includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member concentrically disposed about the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial slits. Further, the system comprises a plurality of wedge members arranged circumferentially about the outer tubular member. Still further, the system comprises an annular piston movably disposed within the internal cavity of the body. An end of the piston has an inner frustoconical surface that slidingly engages the plurality of wedge members. The piston is configured to move axially through the body and compress the wedge members and the outer tubular member radially inward. | 12-20-2012 |
20120318529 | SUBSEA PRESSURE CONTROL SYSTEM - A subsea pressure control system includes an inlet flowline, a pressure sensing device coupled into the inlet flowline and in fluid communication with the inlet flowline, a controller coupled to the pressure sensing device, an actuator coupled to the controller, and a valve coupled to the actuator and a fluid outlet. The controller may be responsive to the pressure sensing device, the actuator may be responsive to the controller, and the valve may be responsive to the actuator to regulate a measured pressure of the pressure sensing device at or below a setpoint pressure. Another subsea pressure control system includes a controller responsive to a setpoint pressure in a flowline, and a valve responsive to a signal from the controller, wherein the signal is based on the setpoint pressure and actuates the valve from a closed position to an open position. | 12-20-2012 |
20120318522 | AIR-FREIGHTABLE CONTAINMENT CAP FOR CONTAINING A SUBSEA WELL - A modular containment cap for containing a subsea wellbore discharging hydrocarbons comprises a lower assembly including a spool body having an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, and a first throughbore extending from the upper end to the lower end. In addition the containment cap comprises an upper assembly including a spool piece having an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, a throughbore extending from the upper end to the lower end, and a first spool piece valve disposed in the throughbore. The first spool piece valve is configured to control the flow of fluids through the throughbore of the spool piece. The upper end of the spool body is releasably connected to the lower end of the spool piece, and the first throughbore of the spool body is coaxially aligned with and in fluid communication with the throughbore of the spool piece. | 12-20-2012 |
20120318521 | SUBSEA CONTAINMENT CAP ADAPTERS - A method for controlling hydrocarbons flowing from a subsea structure comprises lowering an adapter from the surface to a subsea structure. The adapter has a through bore extending between an upper connector having a first connector profile and a lower connector having a second connector profile that is different than the first connector profile. In addition, the method comprises coupling the lower connector of the adapter to the subsea structure. Further, the method comprises lowering a containment cap from the surface to the adapter. Still further, the method comprises coupling the containment cap to the upper connector of the adapter. | 12-20-2012 |
20120318516 | SUBSEA CONNECTOR WITH A LATCHING ASSEMBLY - A subsea connection device for connecting to an existing subsea joint comprises a body having a central axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a throughbore extending axially from the first end to the second end. The first end comprises a connector configured to couple the body to a capping stack. In addition, the device comprises a seal element mounted in the throughbore at the second end of the body. Further, the device comprises a latching assembly disposed about the second end of the body. The latching assembly includes a base coupled to the body and a plurality of circumferentially spaced latching members pivotally coupled to the base. | 12-20-2012 |
20120305262 | SUBSEA PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES AND METHODS - A device for relieving pressure in a subsea component comprises a housing including an inner cavity, an open end in fluid communication with the inner cavity, and a through bore extending from the inner cavity to an outer surface of the housing. In addition, the device comprises a connector coupled to the open end. The connector is configured to releasably engage a mating connector coupled to the subsea component. Further, the device comprises a burst disc assembly mounted to the housing within the through bore. The burst disc assembly is configured to rupture at a predetermined differential pressure between the inner cavity and the environment outside the housing. | 12-06-2012 |
20120294114 | ACOUSTIC TELEMETRY OF SUBSEA MEASUREMENTS FROM AN OFFSHORE WELL - Sensor and communications systems are disclosed for communicating measurements from subsea equipment, such as at an offshore well, to the surface. A sensor for a physical parameter, such as pressure or temperature at a blowout preventer, capping stack, or conduit in communication with the same, is electrically connected to a subsea acoustic transponder. An acoustic communications device, for example an acoustic transducer and transceiver electronics deployed on a remotely-operated vehicle, interrogates the acoustic transponder with an acoustic signal, in response to which the acoustic transponder transmits an acoustic signal encoded with the measurement. The acquired measurement data are then communicated to a redundant network at the surface. The sensor and acoustic transponder systems can be installed after an event at the subsea equipment, such as blowout of the well. | 11-22-2012 |
20120292037 | ADJUSTMENT AND RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR SUBSEA FLEX JOINT - An adjustment and restraint system for a subsea flex joint may include a pusher saddle to be installed on a flex joint top plate and a hydraulic cylinder to be disposed in the pusher saddle. The hydraulic cylinder may be used to adjust a tilt angle of the adapter spool. A holder saddle may also be installed on the flex joint top plate. The hydraulic cylinders, the holder saddles, holder members, or a combination thereof may be used to restrain the adapter spool in the upright position. | 11-22-2012 |
20120287756 | PIVOTING ULTRASONIC PROBE MOUNT AND METHODS FOR USE - A device for conducting ultrasonic inspections comprises a base. In addition, the device comprises a probe housing pivotally coupled to the base with a suspension system. Further, the device comprises an ultrasonic probe disposed within the probe housing and configured to transmit ultrasonic signals. The suspension system is configured to permit the probe housing to pivot relative to the base to transmit ultrasonic signals in a plurality of directions. | 11-15-2012 |
20120285249 | LINEARLY-TRAVELLING ULTRASONIC PROBE MOUNT AND METHODS FOR USE - A device for conducting an ultrasonic inspection of an object of interest comprises a base member. In addition, the device comprises a track coupled to the base member. Further, the device comprises a carriage moveably coupled to the track. Still further, the device comprises a drive system coupled to the carriage and configured to move the carriage linearly along the track. Moreover, the device comprises an ultrasonic probe coupled to the carriage. | 11-15-2012 |
20120276078 | GLYCOSIDASE ENZYMES - A thermostable glycosidase enzymes derived from various | 11-01-2012 |
20120275566 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UNDERWATER RADIOGRAPHY - A system for subsea imaging comprises a first plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a cavity formed in the inner surface. In addition, the system comprises a phosphor imaging plate disposed in the cavity. Further, the system comprises a second plate having an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first plate and an outer surface facing away from the outer surface of the first plate. Still further, the system comprises a seal member disposed between the inner surface of the first plate and the inner surface of the second plate. The seal member extends around the perimeter of the cavity and is configured to seal the phosphor imaging plate and the cavity from intrusion water. | 11-01-2012 |
20120275274 | ACOUSTIC TRANSPONDER FOR MONITORING SUBSEA MEASUREMENTS FROM AN OFFSHORE WELL - Sensor and communications systems for communicating measurements from subsea equipment, such as at an offshore well, to the surface. A sensor for a physical parameter, such as pressure or temperature at a blowout preventer, capping stack, or conduit in communication with the same, is electrically connected to a subsea acoustic transponder. An acoustic monitoring transponder deployed near the well periodically interrogates the acoustic transponder with an acoustic signal, in response to which the acoustic transponder transmits an acoustic signal encoded with the measurement. The measurement data are stored at the acoustic monitoring transponder. An acoustic communications device later interrogates the acoustic monitoring transponder to receive the stored measurement data for communication to a redundant network at the surface. | 11-01-2012 |
20120273220 | PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE - A pressure relief valve for use submerged in a body of water includes a first seal element in a water-filled chamber having an outlet into the body of water. In addition, the pressure relief valve comprises a spring in a water-filled chamber biasing the first seal element into sealing engagement with a second seal element and forming a seal until the pressure opposing the seal equals or exceeds a predetermined pressure. | 11-01-2012 |
20120273216 | METHODS OF ESTABLISHING AND/OR MAINTAINING FLOW OF HYDROCARBONS DURING SUBSEA OPERATIONS - Methods are disclosed of establishing and maintaining flow of hydrocarbon-bearing fluid from a subsea source while controlling or limiting hydrocarbon gas hydrate formation in a riser and a collection tool fluidly connected to a distal end of the riser during subsea positioning of the riser and tool. Riser sections are connected at or near the sea surface, and a collection tool may be connected to the distal end of the riser at the surface or picked up subsea by the riser. The riser and tool are deployed subsea near a subsea source of hydrocarbons. A low-density fluid is forced down the riser and tool, and then the riser and tool are positioned to collect hydrocarbons from the subsea source of hydrocarbons. Flow of a low-density fluid is gradually reduced to initiate flow of hydrocarbons up the tool and riser. | 11-01-2012 |
20120273215 | OFFSHORE FLUID TRANSFER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for transferring fluids from a free-standing riser to a surface vessel comprises a first valve assembly including a first valve spool and a first isolation valve configured to control the flow of fluids through the first valve spool. In addition, the system comprises a second valve assembly releasably coupled to the first valve assembly with a hydraulically actuated connector. The second valve assembly includes a second valve spool and a second isolation valve configured to control the flow of fluids through the second valve spool. Further, the system comprises a deployment/retrieval rigging coupled to the first valve assembly and configured to suspend the first valve assembly and the second valve assembly from the surface vessel. Each isolation valve has an open position allowing fluid flow therethrough and a closed position restricting fluid flow therethrough, and each isolation valve is biased to the closed position. | 11-01-2012 |
20120273213 | MARINE SUBSEA RISER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A riser system connects a subsea source of hydrocarbons to a collection vessel. The system includes a riser, a lower end of the riser fluidly coupled to a seal stem, the seal stem in turn fluidly attached to a lower riser assembly through a polished bore receptacle. The upper end of the riser is connected to the collection vessel, the riser being maintained in a near vertical position. Methods of installing and using the riser systems for killing and cementing wells are described. | 11-01-2012 |
20120273212 | FLANGE SEPARATION AND RETRIEVAL TOOL - A tool for separating a first flange from a second flange comprises an annular body disposed about a central axis and defining a flange capture cavity. In addition, the tool comprises a plurality of circumferentially-spaced wedge members moveably coupled to the body. Further, the tool comprises a first actuation assembly configured to move each wedge member from a first position radially withdrawn from the capture cavity to a second position radially advanced into the capture cavity. | 11-01-2012 |
20120273209 | WEGHTED PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE - A subsea pressure relief valve includes a water-filled nozzle fluidly connected to a hydrocarbon distribution manifold. A valve body is connected to the distribution manifold, with an outlet of the nozzle coincident with an interior water-filled chamber of the valve body. A first seal element is removably seated against the nozzle outlet and an arm is hinged to the body and configured to apply a force along a seal axis and bias the first seal element into sealing engagement with the nozzle outlet until hydrocarbon pressure exceeds a sealing pressure of the applied force and unseats the first seal element from the nozzle outlet such that excess hydrocarbons exit through an outlet of the valve body. A weight is disposed on the arm at a distance from the seal axis. | 11-01-2012 |
20120269578 | SUBSEA PIPE STUB PULLING DEVICES AND METHODS - A device for retrieving a subsea tubular comprises a housing. In addition, the device comprises a receiving body slidingly disposed within the housing. The body has a central axis, a lower end, and a receptacle extending from the lower end. Further, the device comprises an actuation member configured to move the housing axially relative to the body. Still further, the device comprises a plurality of cam members. Each cam member is rotatably coupled to the lower end of the body and has a cam head extending radially into the receptacle and a lever arm extending from the cam head. Each cam member is configured to rotate in a first direction to move the cam head radially inward and rotate in a second direction to move the cam head radially outward. Moreover, the device comprises a plurality of biasing members configured to bias the cam members in the first direction. | 10-25-2012 |
20120267116 | FLANGE OVERSHOT RETRIEVAL TOOL - A tool for removing a first flange from a second flange comprises a housing having a central axis, a first end, and an open second end opposite the first end. The housing also includes a first access port extending radially therethrough. In addition, the tool comprises an annular basket grapple coaxially disposed within the second end of the housing and configured to coaxially receive and engage a first flange. The basket grapple has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a cutout extending radially therethrough. The outer surface of the basket grapple includes external threads that engage mating internal threads on the inner surface of the housing. Further, the tool comprises a key releasably coupled to the housing. The key is configured to selectively prevent relative rotation between the basket grapple and the housing. | 10-25-2012 |
20120266329 | Nucleic Acids and Proteins and Methods for Making and Using Them - The invention provides polypeptides, including enzymes, structural proteins and binding proteins, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Polypeptides, including enzymes and antibodies, and nucleic acids of the invention can be used in industrial, experimental, food and feed processing, nutritional and pharmaceutical applications, e.g., for food and feed supplements, colorants, neutraceuticals, cosmetic and pharmaceutical needs. | 10-18-2012 |
20120266328 | CELLULOYTIC ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS ENCODING THEM AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - The invention is directed to polypeptides having any cellulolytic activity, e.g., a cellulase activity, e.g., endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, beta-glucosidase, xylanase, mannanse, β-xylosidase, arabinofuranosidase, and/or oligomerase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and feed processing and industrial contexts. The invention also provides compositions or products of manufacture comprising mixtures of enzymes comprising at least one enzyme of this invention. | 10-18-2012 |
20120220800 | Process and Apparatus for Manufacturing Pure Forms of Aromatic Carboxylic Acids - A process and apparatus for manufacture of aromatic carboxylic acids comprises a liquid phase oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbon feed materials and treatment of a high pressure off-gas from the liquid phase oxidation to separate water and reaction solvent and purification of impure aromatic carboxylic acid products wherein a purification liquid includes water from off-gas treatment. | 08-30-2012 |
20120197527 | MONITORING THE HEALTH OF A BLOWOUT PREVENTER - A computerized monitoring system and corresponding method of monitoring the status and health of a blowout preventer. The system includes a graphics display at which a graphical user interface (GUI) displays the health of various sealing elements and control systems by way of “traffic light” indicators. The health indicators are evaluated, by the monitoring system, based on a risk profile for each of the indicated elements and control systems. The risk profiles are evaluated based on inputs such as measurement inputs, feedback signals, mechanical positions, diagnostic results, drilling conditions, and other status information of the blowout preventer at a given time and based on levels of redundancy and levels of deviation from normal conditions. The GUI includes recent history of changes in operating condition, and alarm indications such as poor health, along with the times of those events. | 08-02-2012 |
20120181218 | Devices and Processes for Deasphalting and/or Reducing Metals in a Crude Oil with a Desalter Unit - This invention relates to devices and processes for removing asphaltenes and/or metals from crude oil to increase refinery processing of heavy materials. The desalters of this invention reduce and/or remove at least a portion of asphaltenes and/or metals form the crude oil. The separation occurs by mixing water with the crude oil to result in an aqueous phase having water and water soluble salts, an interface phase having asphaltenes and/or metals along with water, and a hydrocarbon phase haying desalted, deasphalted and/or reduced metal crude oil. | 07-19-2012 |
20120178981 | Alkene Oligomerization Process - Disclosed is a process for producing a hydrocarbon fraction rich in components boiling in the range typical for diesel fuel comprising contacting a feedstock comprising one or more C | 07-12-2012 |
20120178980 | Method of Making and Using a Hydrocarbon Conversion Catalyst - Methods for making and using a catalytic composition useful in the hydrocarbon conversion reactions. The catalytic composition is made from an alumina sol that is prepared by dispersing a hydrated alumina in an aqueous medium. The alumina sol is mixed with a boron-containing molecular sieve. Catalytic compositions prepared in this manner avoid the disadvantages of preparing alumina sols via the Heard process. | 07-12-2012 |
20120178964 | Catalyst, Use Thereof and Process of Hydrogenating Aryl Aldehydes - This invention provides a catalyst and the use thereof and a process for hydrogenating carboxyaryl aldehydes with selectivity to hydroxyalkylaryl monocarboxylic acids. The catalyst comprises iridium. | 07-12-2012 |
20120178615 | Modified Zeolite Catalyst - A modified zeolite catalyst derived from a zeolite of a structural type which consists of a one-dimensional micropore structure of channels made from rings containing between 8 and 12 silicon/aluminium atoms is disclosed. It consists substantially of a plurality of crystallites having additional mesoporosity whose volume is in the range 0.09 to 0.25 ml | 07-12-2012 |
20120176861 | SHOT SCHEDULING LIMITS FOR SEISMIC ACQUISITION WITH SIMULTANEOUS SOURCE SHOOTING - According to an embodiment of the instant invention there is provided a method for collecting a blended source seismic survey that utilizes new approach to determining a random time separation between successive shots. The random time separation may be drawn in some embodiments from a distribution of uniformly distributed numbers, with τ>1/(2 f), where τ is the half-width of the uniform distribution and f is the lowest frequency of interest in the survey. | 07-12-2012 |
20120164054 | Impurity Reducing Process and Purified Material - This invention relates to a process for reducing impurities, such as contaminants in silicon suitable for use in solar cells or solar modules. The process includes the step of melting a feedstock with impurities and the step of adding an impurity-removing agent to the feedstock. The process also includes the step of reacting the impurities with the impurity-removing agent to form a high-temperature solid, and the step of separating the high-temperature solid from the feedstock. | 06-28-2012 |
20120158310 | METHOD OF DETERMINING RESERVOIR PRESSURE - A new approach is disclosed for measuring the pressure of tight gas reservoirs, using information obtain from continuous injection prior to hydraulic fracture stimulation. The technique can be obtained utilizing either bottom-hole or surface pressure gauges and properly instrumented surface injection pumps. The analysis is completed by plotting injection and rate data in a specialized form from terms arranged in Darcy's radial flow equation to obtain a curve or trend. The key component to proper application of this technique is to obtain both baseline and one or more calibration data sets. These calibration data sets are obtained by either increasing or decreasing the injection pressure and/or rate from the baseline data. Initial reservoir pressure is assumed, but the calibration data indicates if the guess was too high or low. Accurate estimates of reservoir pressure may be obtained in a few iterations. | 06-21-2012 |
20120155217 | SEISMIC ACQUISITION USING NARROWBAND SEISMIC SOURCES - There is provided herein a system and method of seismic data collection for land and marine data that utilizes narrowband to monochromatic low-frequency non-impulsive sources designed to optimize the ability of migration/inversion algorithms to image the subsurface of the Earth, in particular, full-waveform inversion. | 06-21-2012 |
20120147701 | SEISMIC ACQUISITION METHOD AND SYSTEM - The maximum output of a seismic source array may be reduced by activating the individual seismic sources within these seismic source array in a pattern that is extended in time rather than by the presently employed conventional simultaneous activation of a large number of individual seismic sources. Methods are disclosed which take data shot with patterned sources and may use a sparse inversion method to create data with the about same image quality as that of conventional sources. In this manner the output of the maximum impulse of a seismic source array may be reduced by an amplitude factor of about 10 in the examples shown here, corresponding to a reduction of about 20 dB while maintaining virtually the same seismic image quality. The disclosed methods may be used in combination with any simultaneous sourcing technique. In addition, the disclosed methods may be used with a plurality of source arrays. | 06-14-2012 |
20120147699 | DISTANCE- AND FREQUENCY-SEPARATED SWEPT-FREQUENCY SEISMIC SOURCES - There is provided a method of seismic acquisition that utilizes a bank of restricted-bandwidth swept-frequency sub-band sources as a seismic source. Each seismic source will cover a restricted sub-band of frequencies, with all the sources taken together covering the full frequency range. Adjacent frequency bands may partially overlap, but non-adjacent frequency bands should not. The sources may be divided into two or more groups, with no sources covering adjacent frequency bands being placed in the same group. The sources within a group can then be separated by bandpass filtering or by conventional simultaneous source-separation techniques. The source groups may be operated simultaneously but separated in space, and the individual sources themselves may each operate independently, on a sweep schedule customized for that particular source. | 06-14-2012 |
20120141453 | Glycosidase Enzymes - A thermostable glycosidase enzymes derived from various | 06-07-2012 |
20120138698 | Nozzle for Use in Fluidized Catalytic Cracking - Disclosed herein is a nozzle tip that atomizes a liquid entering a vessel or reaction zone that contains circulating fluidized particulates where the nozzle tip comprises a first elongated slot that intersects with a second elongated slot to define a single orifice. The first elongated slot may have members protruding into it and the slots may intersect substantially orthogonally and bisect each other. The length of the minor axis of the first slot ranges form about 5% to about 50% of the length of the major axis of the first slot and the length of the minor axis of the second slot ranges form about 1% to about 10% or the major axis of the second slot. This nozzle tip affords erosion reduction caused by the circulating fluidized particulates and therefore provides longer operational lifetimes for the nozzle tip. | 06-07-2012 |
20120135488 | METHODS FOR THE PREPARATION AND USE OF CELLULOSIC FEEDSTOCK FOR ETHANOL PRODUCTION - The instant invention provides methods for increasing the efficiency and yield of cellulosic ethanol production. | 05-31-2012 |
20120111570 | WELLBORE TREATMENT COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING HYDROPHILICALLY MODIFIED POLYMERS AND NONIONIC SURFACTANTS - The disclosed compositions and methods utilize hydrophilic polymers modified by the incorporation of one or more hydrophilic side groups. The polymers may exhibit physical association in solution at a specific temperature so as to provide a significant increase in viscosity at the specific temperature. The viscosity of such systems is substantially increased by the further inclusion of one or more hydrophilic components that may exhibit physical association in solution at one or more temperature trigger points and also associate with the one or more hydrophilic polymers modified by the incorporation of one or more hydrophilic side groups. | 05-10-2012 |
20120085555 | Hydrocarbon recovery process - Hydrocarbons are recovered from subterranean formations by waterflooding. The method comprises passing an aqueous displacement fluid via an injection well through a porous and permeable sandstone formation to release oil and recovering said released oil from a production well spaced from said injection well, wherein (a) the sandstone formation comprises at least one mineral having a negative zeta potential under the formation conditions; (b) oil and connate water are present in the pores of the formation; and (c) the fraction of the divalent cation content of the said aqueous displacement fluid to the divalent cation content of said connate water is less than 1. | 04-12-2012 |
20120085544 | MARINE SUBSEA FREE-STANDING RISER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A free-standing riser system connects a subsea source to a surface structure. The system includes a concentric free-standing riser comprising inner and outer risers defining an annulus there between. A lower end of the riser is fluidly coupled to the subsea source through a lower riser assembly (LRA) and one or more subsea flexible conduits. An upper end of the riser is connected to a buoyancy assembly and the surface structure through an upper riser assembly (URA) and one or more upper flexible conduits, the riser also mechanically connected to a buoyancy assembly that applies upward tension to the riser. The riser may be insulated for flow assurance, either by a flow assurance fluid in the annulus, insulation of the outside of the outer riser, or both. The system may include a hydrate inhibition system and/or a subsea dispersant system. The surface structure may be dynamically positioned. | 04-12-2012 |
20120085276 | SUBSEA AUTONOMOUS DISPERSANT INJECTION SYSTEM AND METHODS - A system for autonomously supplying a chemical dispersant to a subsea hydrocarbon discharge site which comprises a subsea storage vessel configured to store the chemical dispersant subsea is described herein. The storage vessel includes a dispersant outlet in fluid communication with the subsea hydrocarbon discharge site. | 04-12-2012 |
20120073806 | LOW CUT WATER SAMPLING DEVICE - An apparatus for sampling well production fluids comprises a vessel having an inner chamber. In addition, the apparatus comprises a hydrocarbon fluids outlet conduit in fluid communication with the inner chamber. Further, the apparatus comprises a well fluids inlet conduit coaxially disposed within the hydrocarbon fluids outlet conduit and in fluid communication with the inner chamber. The well fluids inlet conduit has a first portion extending from the vessel and a second portion extending into the inner chamber. The second portion of the well fluids inlet conduit includes a plurality of openings configured to direct the well production fluids radially outward from the well fluids inlet conduit. Still further, the apparatus comprises a sample fluids outlet in fluid communication with the inner chamber. | 03-29-2012 |
20120056634 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR SENSING CORROSION UNDER INSULATION (CUI) - A method of sensing corrosion of a pipe covered by a layer of insulation comprises positioning a CUI sensor radially adjacent an outer surface of the pipe. The CUI sensor comprises a non-conductive base having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. In addition, the CUI sensor comprises a first test circuit mounted to the base. The first test circuit includes a first conductor, a second conductor, and a first testing element extending between the first conductor and the second conductor. Further, the method comprises exposing the first testing element to the same environment as the outer surface of the pipe. Still further, the method comprises determining whether the first testing element has corroded through. Moreover, the method comprises assessing whether corrosion of the pipe has occurred based on the determination of whether the first testing element has corroded through. | 03-08-2012 |
20120033525 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MARINE WIDE AZIMUTH TOWED STREAM SEISMIC ACQUISITION - This is a method of acquiring marine wide azimuth towed streamer seismic data. Preferably, a recording boat which tows a plurality of seismic streamers and at least one source may be accompanied by a plurality of source boats that each tow at least one source. The source boats may preferably activate their respective sources such that the subsurface reflections generated by each source interfere. The time separation between successive shots may preferably be a random variable related to the lowest frequency of interest in the data. Additionally, the source boats may preferably be alternatively fired from the head and tail of the recording streamers. | 02-09-2012 |
20120012310 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DEPLOYING EQUIPMENT AT A WELLSITE - A system for transporting and deploying a natural gas processing system comprises a base. In addition, the system comprises a plurality of natural gas processing units mounted to the base. Further, the system comprises a plurality of jacking units attached to the base and configured to raise and lower the base. Each jacking unit comprises a post, an upper lift member moveably coupled to the post, a lower lift member moveably coupled to the post, and a pair of actuators. Moreover, each actuator has an upper end coupled to the upper lift member and a lower end coupled to the lower lift member. | 01-19-2012 |
20120006745 | Methods and Systems for Producing Granules of Biomass in the Treatment of Wastewater - Methods and systems for the production of granules of biomass in the treatment of wastewater. Organic matter is removed from wastewater in an anaerobic zone and then in an aerobic zone. Waste activated sludge is transferred from the aerobic zone to the anaerobic zone and is used in the formation of granulated biomass in the anaerobic zone. Excess granulated biomass may be removed from the anaerobic zone. | 01-12-2012 |
20110297476 | MARINE MECHANICAL SEISMIC SOURCE - A marine seismic source comprises a housing having a central axis, an open end, and a closed end opposite the open end. In addition, the source comprises a piston coaxially disposed within the housing. In addition, the source comprises a flywheel disposed within the housing and axially positioned between the closed end and the piston. The flywheel is configured to rotate about a rotational axis. Further, the source comprises a connecting rod moveably coupling the piston to the flywheel. The connecting rod has a first end pivotally coupled to the piston and a second end pivotally coupled to the flywheel. The second end of the connecting rod has a first position at a first distance measured radially from the rotational axis, and a second position at a second distance measured radially from the rotational axis. The first distance is less than the second distance. | 12-08-2011 |
20110297380 | SELECTIVE CONTROL OF CHARGING, FIRING, AMOUNT OF FORCE, AND/OR DIRECTION OF FORCE OF ONE OR MORE DOWNHOLE JARS - Methods of jarring include communicating between a surface command device and jars in a drill string, the drill string composed of spaced apart jars positioned in a corresponding plurality of wired and/or wireless pipe sections. The methods include selectively controlling charging, firing, amount of force, and/or direction of force of the jars using digitally-controlled surface command devices. One method includes firing a sub-set or all of the jars in a controlled manner and determining depth of a stuck drill string section through analysis of behavior or performance of the fired jars. Other methods include subsequently firing one or more of the jars again below the stuck drill string section. Other methods include selectively firing, using digital signals from the surface command device, jars sequenced in time so that their forces meet in a constructive or destructive manner at a preselected point in the drill string. | 12-08-2011 |
20110282123 | Alkene Oligomerization Process - Disclosed is a process for producing a hydrocarbon fraction rich in components boiling in the range typical for diesel fuel comprising contacting a feedstock comprising one or more C | 11-17-2011 |
20110273958 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCURATE DETERMINATION OF OCEAN BOTTOM SEISMOMETER POSITIONING AND TIMING - There is provided herein a system and method of seismic exploration that produces improved locations and timings for ocean bottom seismometers. The instant method utilizes linearized inversion in conjunction with a conventionally accurate clock to provide both time and positioning for each OBS unit with high accuracy as compared with the prior art approach. Inversion is one mathematical tool that effectively performs the requisite triangulation. Furthermore, the clock drift can be accounted for in the inversion scheme. The inversion not only determines the OBS position and shot timing errors, but also estimates the accuracy of the position and timing determination. | 11-10-2011 |
20110265773 | Composition and Method for Reducing NOx and Smoke Emissions From Diesel Engines at Minimum Fuel Consumption - A diesel fuel composition is disclosed, as well as a method for reducing NOx and smoke emissions from a diesel engine at minimum fuel consumption which comprises adding to the diesel engine at least one diesel fuel or blending component for a diesel fuel which has a combination of a low T50 in the range of from 190° C. to 280° C., a high cetane number in the range of from 31 to 60, and optionally a high distillation curve slope in the range of from 58° C. to 140° C., which combination is effective to afford a combination of the lowest NO | 11-03-2011 |
20110265662 | Using Carbon Dioxide Regulators to Extend the Shelf Life of Plastic Packaging - A method for replenishing carbon dioxide gas in a carbonated beverage container where a carbon dioxide regulator releases carbon dioxide at a rate approximately equal to the rate of carbon dioxide loss from said container. Also disclosed is packaging system for maintaining a consistent pressure of a carbonated beverage comprising a closure, a plastic container, and a carbon dioxide regulator. Also disclosed is a method for making a packaging system for maintaining a consistent pressure in a carbonated beverage comprising overmolding a perform around an assembly for a carbon dioxide regulator, or blending a carbon dioxide regulator into the plastic material used to form the body of a container for said carbonated beverage. Also, disclosed is carbon dioxide regulator composition for replenishing carbon dioxide gas in a carbonated beverage container comprising polymeric carbonates, organic carbonates, or materials that absorb and subsequently release carbon dioxide. | 11-03-2011 |
20110247879 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING GASES DURING CORING OPERATIONS - A method for detecting the presence of an acid gas in a formation fluid from a subterranean formation comprises (a) lowering a coring assembly into a wellbore. The coring assembly including an outer core barrel and an inner core barrel disposed within the outer core barrel. The inner core barrel has an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, and a core sample chamber extending axially from the lower end. In addition, the method comprises (b) capturing a core sample from the subterranean formation within the sample chamber. Further, the method comprises (c) raising the coring assembly to the surface after (b). Still further the method comprises (d) contacting a formation fluid in the sample chamber with at least one detector during (c). Moreover, the method comprises (e) detecting the presence of a formation acid gas in the formation fluid with the at least one detector during (c). | 10-13-2011 |
20110241897 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REAL TIME DATA TRANSMISSION DURING WELL COMPLETIONS - Presently, existing completion tools have not been designed to couple with wired drill pipe. As such, present completions operations and tools have not been able to take advantage of the expanded bandwidth in wire drill pipe. Instead of designing new completions tools with wired pipe connections, the disclosed system and methods propose use of a short-hop or wireless system to transmit data from a completions tool to an upper receiver module coupled to the wired drill pipe. Various measurements from the region around the completions tool may be transmitted from one or more lower wireless modules to the upper wireless module and then transmitted through the wired drill pipe to the surface. Likewise, signals may be transmitted from the surface through the wired drill pipe to the upper module and then to the lower wireless module. | 10-06-2011 |
20110228638 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF 3D SALT FLANK VSP IMAGING WITH TRANSMITTED WAVES - According to a preferred aspect of the instant invention, there is provided herein a system and method for imaging complex subsurface geologic structures such as salt dome flanks using VSP data. In the preferred arrangement, a receiver wave field will be downward continued through a salt flood model and a source wave field will be upward continued through a sediment flood model until they “meet” at the subsurface locations of the VSP receivers. The source and receiver wave fields will be cross correlated as an imaging condition at each depth interval. | 09-22-2011 |
20110213556 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCAL ATTRIBUTE MATCHING IN SEISMIC PROCESSING - There is provided herein a New system arid method of local attribute match filtering which operates in the local attribute domain via the use of complex wavelet transform technology. This approach is adaptable to address various noise types in seismic data and, more particularly, is well suited to reduce the noise in geophone data as long as an associated hydrophone signal is relatively noise-free. | 09-01-2011 |
20110186302 | RIGLESS LOW VOLUME PUMP SYSTEM - A deliquification pump for deliquifying a well comprises a fluid end pump adapted to pump a fluid from a wellbore. In addition, the deliquification pump comprises a hydraulic pump adapted to drive the fluid end pump. The hydraulic pump includes a first internal pump chamber and a first pump assembly disposed in the first chamber. The first pump assembly includes a piston having a first end, a second end, and a throughbore extending between the first end and the second end. In addition, the first pump assembly includes a first wobble plate including a planar end face axially adjacent the second end of the piston and a slot extending axially through the first wobble plate. The first wobble plate is adapted to rotate about the central axis relative to the housing to axially reciprocate the piston and cyclically place the throughbore of the piston in fluid communication with the slot. | 08-04-2011 |
20110155378 | FOAM OPTIMIZATION METHOD FOR DELIQUIFYING WELLS - Systems and methods for optimizing injection of a foaming composition into a well for deliquification are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the method generally comprise injecting a foaming composition into a well to deliquify the well. The method may further comprise measuring the foaming properties of the produced fluids from the well. In addition, the method may comprise correlating the foaming properties of the produced fluids to production rate and then adjusting the injection rate of the foaming composition in light of the results of the analysis. | 06-30-2011 |
20110146144 | Composition and Method for Reducing Friction in Internal Combustion Engines - A fuel composition comprising a combustible fuel, an effective friction reducing amount of at least one saturated C | 06-23-2011 |
20110146143 | Composition and Method for Reducing Friction in Internal Combustion Engines - A fuel composition comprising a combustible fuel, an effective friction reducing amount of at least one C | 06-23-2011 |
20110144356 | Flow reactors for chemical conversions with heterogeneous catalysts - Improved apparatus for use in process systems which include exothermic chemical conversions of organic compounds to value added products is disclosed, more particularly, flow reactors for exothermic chemical conversions using a fixed heterogeneous catalyst with means for control of the exotherm. Flow reactors of the invention comprise a plurality of walled conduits each having an outer surface disposed for contact with a heat-transfer medium, an inlet distribution manifold o adapted for flow communication with a downstream manifold through channels formed by heterogeneous catalytic material disposed within each conduit during operation in a sequence of zones for catalyst having the same or different length along the longitudinal coordinate of the conduit and within each zone essentially uniform cross-section of the conduit measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal coordinate thereby defining volume of the zone, and the sequence of zones comprising of at least two zones such that each downstream zone has a larger or smaller cross-section than the contiguous upstream zone. Another aspect of the invention includes processes which use such flow reactors, for example the continuous manufacture of maleic anhydride. | 06-16-2011 |
20110137088 | Methods and Apparatuses for Producing Renewable Materials From Inhibiting Compounds - Renewable materials made from inhibiting compounds. A method includes the step of consuming a fermentation inhibiting compound with a biological organism, and the step of producing a renewable material with the biological organism from at least a portion of the fermentation inhibiting compound. The methods may include a net balance of cofactor production and consumption. | 06-09-2011 |
20110129403 | Methods and Apparatuses for Manufacturing Cast Silicon From Seed Crystals - Methods and apparatuses are provided for casting silicon for photovoltaic cells and other applications. With these methods, an ingot can be grown that is low in carbon and whose crystal growth is controlled to increase the cross-sectional area of seeded material during casting. | 06-02-2011 |
20110103187 | MIGRATION-BASED ILLUMINATION DETERMINATION FOR AVA RISK ASSESSMENT - According to a preferred aspect of the instant invention, there is provided herein a system and method for extending zero-offset or stacked wave-equation illumination analysis into the angle-gather domain, where it becomes an appropriate tool for assessing the effects of complex overburden on AVA response. A preferred method for doing this involves first creating an angle gather that has a perfect AVA response (i.e. a constant amplitude as a function of angle). This gather is then preferably used as a reflectivity map that is fed into a demigration process which creates modeled data that by construction carries with it a completely flat reflectivity signature. Remigration of such a data set then results in a gather on which any amplitude variation is more likely to be a measure of illumination effects alone. The resulting AVA signature on the gather can then be used to assess the validity of the AVA response on modeled or actual data, resulting in a useful AVA risk analysis. | 05-05-2011 |
20110099979 | Composition and Method for Reducing NOx Emissions From Diesel Engines at Minimum Fuel Consumption - A diesel fuel composition is disclosed, as well as a method for reducing NOx emissions from a diesel engine at minimum fuel consumption wherein the diesel engine operates in a low temperature combustion mode, comprising the step of adding to the diesel engine at least one diesel fuel or blending component for a diesel fuel having a combination of a low T50 in the range of from 190° C. to 280° C., a high cetane number in the range of from 31 to 60, and an effective emissions reducing amount of a nitrogen-free cetane improver. | 05-05-2011 |
20110088744 | Photovoltaic Module Failure Detection Devices and Methods - Photovoltaic module failure detection devices and methods provide reliable, low cost, and effective solutions with visual indication of a temperature of diodes during installation, commissioning, operation, and/or maintenance. Indication of diode temperatures and/or detection of diode failures assures proper installation, improves output, expedites maintenance, increases safety, and/or raises reliability. A photovoltaic module for converting light into electricity includes one or more solar cells, and a transparent front sheet disposed over the one or more solar cells. The photovoltaic module includes a back sheet opposite the transparent front sheet, and one or more electrical circuits with one or more diodes connected to at least a portion of the one or more solar cells. The module includes one or more temperature indication devices in communication with at least a portion of the one or more diodes and disposed between the transparent front sheet and the back sheet. | 04-21-2011 |
20110085581 | Insulation Package for Use in High Temperature Furnaces - A high-temperature furnace for melting materials, e.g. silicon, wherein the furnace comprises a vessel having a wall which defines an inner chamber. A crucible containing the material to be melted is positioned inside of the chamber and heating means is arranged around the crucible. An insulation package is provided in the chamber for protecting the vessel wall from the heat generated by said heating means. Specifically, the package comprises a support ring of insulation mounted in the chamber, a sleeve of insulation supported on the ring and extending upward between the heating means and the vessel wall, a catch tray adapted to receive any material which may leak from the crucible during heating mounted through the support ring, and a top and a lower layer of insulation to thermally seal the crucible within the package during heating. | 04-14-2011 |
20110070602 | Methods and Apparatuses for Measuring Biological Processes Using Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy - This invention relates to methods and apparatuses for measuring biological processes using mid-infrared spectroscopy. The method includes the step of directing a mid-infrared signal into a sample of a biological process during a biologically active phase, and the step of detecting a sample spectrum from the mid-infrared signal to form a sample spectrum. The method includes the step of generating a reference spectrum through a reference media, and the step of combining the sample spectrum and the reference spectrum to form an adjusted sample spectrum. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068047 | Methods and Units for Mitigation of Carbon Oxides During Hydrotreating - This invention relates to methods and units for mitigation of carbon oxides during hydrotreating hydrocarbons including mineral oil based streams and biological oil based streams. A hydrotreating unit includes a first hydrotreating reactor for receiving a mineral oil based hydrocarbon stream and forming a first hydrotreated product stream, and a second hydrotreating reactor for receiving a biological oil based hydrocarbon stream and forming a second hydrotreated product stream. | 03-24-2011 |
20110067306 | Processes and Apparatuses for Reducing Pollutants and Producing Syngas - This invention relates to processes and apparatuses for reducing pollutants and/or producing syngas. The process includes the step of reacting a first stream with at least one sulfur compound to form a second stream with carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and a reduced amount of the at least one sulfur compound, and the step of recovering elemental sulfur from a portion of the second stream to form a third steam with the at least one sulfur compound, carbon dioxide, and a reduced amount of hydrogen sulfide. The process includes the step of directing at least a portion of the third stream to form a portion of the first stream. | 03-24-2011 |
20110061872 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CIRCULATING OUT A WELL BORE INFLUX IN A DUAL GRADIENT ENVIRONMENT - Methods and systems for drilling subsea wells bores with dual-gradient mud systems include drilling the subsea well bore while employing a subsea pumping system, a subsea choke manifold and one or more mud return risers to implement the dual gradient mud system. When a well bore influx is detected, the well bore is shut in, and components determine if pressure control may be used to circulate the influx out of the well bore, the size of the influx, and how much the mud system weight will need to be reduced to match the dual gradient hydrostatic head before the influx reaches the subsea pump take point. The subsea pumping system, subsea choke manifold, and mud risers are isolated while the influx is circulated up one or more fluid passages in the drilling riser package using the surface pump, through the wellhead, and out the surface choke manifold. | 03-17-2011 |
20110040536 | RESERVOIR ARCHITECTURE AND CONNECTIVITY ANALYSIS - An interactive system and method of operating the system to define and evaluate a model of a hydrocarbon reservoir. The reservoir model is defined from extrinsic information such as seismic surveys, well logs, and the like, and is based on elements of formation regions, connections among the regions, wells, and perforations. A boundary-element method is used to determine pressure interference responses, corresponding to the pressure at a perforation in response to a single perforation producing fluid at a unit flow rate. These pressure interference responses are then convolved with measured well flow rates obtained during production to arrive at estimates of the wellbore pressure at one or more wells of interest. The estimated wellbore pressure can be compared with downhole pressure measurements to validate the reservoir model, or to provoke the user into modifying the model and repeating the evaluation of the model. | 02-17-2011 |
20110036588 | Systems and Methods for Running Casing Into Wells Drilled with Dual-Gradient Mud Systems - Systems and methods for running and cementing casing into wells drilled with dual-gradient mud systems include running casing through a subsea wellhead connected to a marine riser, the casing having an auto-fill float collar, and connecting a landing string to the last casing run. The landing string includes a surface-controlled valve (SCV) and a surface-controlled ported circulating sub (PCS). The SCV and PCS are manipulated as needed when running casing, washing it down while preventing u-tubing on connections and prior to cementing to displace mixed density mud from the landing string and replace it with heavy-density mud prior to circulating below the mudline thus maintaining the dual gradient effect. | 02-17-2011 |
20110033238 | Greenhouse Gas Reservoir Systems and Processes of Sequestering Greenhouse Gases - This invention relates to greenhouse gas reservoir systems and processes of storing and/or sequestering greenhouse gases. The greenhouse gas reservoir system includes a shale layer for containment of greenhouse gas and the shale layer has a vertical permeability of less than about 0.1 millidarcies. The greenhouse gas reservoir system includes a sandstone layer disposed at least partially below the shale layer and the sandstone layer delivers the greenhouse gas into the shale layer. The system includes a borehole for injection of the greenhouse gas into the sandstone layer. | 02-10-2011 |
20110011094 | METHOD OF RECOVERING ENERGY FROM A FLUID CATALYTIC CRACKING UNIT FOR OVERALL CARBON DIOXIDE REDUCTION - In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method of recovering energy from a FCC unit having a reactor and a regenerator for overall CO | 01-20-2011 |
20110006008 | Apparatus and Process for the Separation of Solids and Liquids - A filter column apparatus comprising a filtration zone and a reslurry zone. These zones are separated by a barrier wall or are in substantial cooperation with each other. Also disclosed is a process for separating at least a portion of at least one substantially solid component from a solid-liquid stream comprising the substantially solid component and at least one substantially liquid component. Also disclosed is a process for forming a substantially solids containing packed bed. Also disclosed is a process for purifying paraxylene in a filtration zone. | 01-13-2011 |
20110005968 | Coking Process Additives and Related Processes - This invention relates to coking process additives and, related processes, such as upgrading heavy hydrocarbons, producing petroleum coke and lighter hydrocarbon products, and/or thermally cracking heavy hydrocarbons. The additive includes an anionic clay to increase a liquid product yield. Suitable anionic clays may include hydrotalcite materials and hydrotalcite-like materials. | 01-13-2011 |