| Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20130124167 | METHOD FOR USING MULTI-GAUSSIAN MAXIMUM-LIKELIHOOD CLUSTERING AND LIMITED CORE POROSITY DATA IN A CLOUD TRANSFORM GEOSTATISTICAL METHOD - A method of modeling porosity and permeability in a subsurface region includes modeling a sparse data set as a mixture of Gaussian distributions, each with a cluster center in permeability-porosity space using permeability-porosity covariance. A number and location of cluster centers as well as covariances and probabilities of each cluster are derived using an interative maximum-likelihood algorithm. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130124106 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATING SEDIMENT CONTENT OF A HYDROPROCESSED HYDROCARBON-CONTAINING FEEDSTOCK - Disclosed herein is a method of estimating sediment content of a hydroprocessed hydrocarbon-containing feedstock. The method involves the steps of: (a) precipitating an amount of asphaltenes from a liquid sample of a first hydroprocessed hydrocarbon-containing feedstock having solvated asphaltenes therein with one or more first solvents in a column; (b) determining one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; (c) analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; (d) determining asphaltene content of the liquid sample from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; (e) determining one or more asphaltene stability parameters of the liquid sample from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; and (f) correlating the asphaltene content and one of the asphaltene stability parameters of the liquid sample to estimate sediment content of the liquid sample. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130124105 | METHOD FOR PREDICTING SEDIMENT CONTENT OF A HYDROPROCESSED HYDROCARBON PRODUCT - Disclosed herein is a method of predicting sediment content of a hydroprocessed hydrocarbon product. The method involves: (a) precipitating an amount of asphaltenes from a liquid sample of a first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock having solvated asphaltenes therein with one or more first solvents; (b) determining one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; (c) analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics; (d) determining asphaltene content of the liquid sample from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics; (e) determining one or more asphaltene stability parameters of the liquid sample from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics; and (f) correlating the asphaltene content and one of the asphaltene stability parameters of the liquid sample with at least two operation conditions associated with a refinery to predict sediment content. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130124092 | METHOD OF USING SPATIALLY INDEPENDENT SUBSETS OF DATA TO CALCULATE VERTICAL TREND CURVE UNCERTAINTY OF SPATIALLY CORRELATED RESERVOIR DATA - A method, implemented on a computer, for calculating vertical trend curve uncertainty of spatially correlated reservoir data. The method includes inputting, into the computer, a sample reservoir data comprising correlated data; applying, using the computer, a variogram to the sample reservoir data to select a plurality of subsets of data, the subsets of data being substantially less correlated than the sample reservoir data; and applying, using the computer, a bootstrap process on each of the plurality of subsets of data to obtain a plurality of bootstrap data sets from each of the plurality of subsets of data. The method further includes calculating vertical trend curves for each of the obtained plurality of bootstrap data sets, ranking the vertical trend curves by using a selected statistical parameter to obtain ranked vertical trend curves, and characterizing the uncertainty based on the ranked vertical trend curves. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118951 | METHOD FOR PREDICTING CATALYST PERFORMANCE - Disclosed herein is a method involving the steps of: (a) precipitating an amount of polyaromatic compounds from a liquid sample of a first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock having solvated polyaromatic compounds therein with one or more first solvents in a column; (b) determining one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated polyaromatic compounds; (c) analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated polyaromatic compounds; and (d) correlating a measurement of catalyst activity performance for the first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock sample with a mathematical parameter derived from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated polyaromatic compounds to predict catalyst performance of a catalyst in a refinery operation of the hydrocarbon-containing feedstock. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130116925 | WAVELET-TRANSFORM BASED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING CHARACTERISTICS OF A GEOLOGICAL FORMATION - A method for analyzing characteristics of a geological formation includes obtaining at a processor data representative of at least one of stratigraphic, structural, or physical characteristics of the geological formation, applying at the processor a wavelet transform to at least a portion of the obtained data or data interpreted or derived from the obtained data to derive one or more wavelet transform coefficients representative of the obtained data, segmenting at the processor at least one or more of the obtained data or data interpreted or derived from the obtained data into segments, determining at the processor a measure of variability of the obtained data or the data interpreted or derived from the obtained data over each segment at one or more scales of the wavelet transform. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130116492 | Preparation of Alkyl Aromatic Compounds - Provided is a process for preparing alkyl aromatic compounds. The process comprises contacting an alkane under dehydrogenation conditions in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst, e.g., a pincer iridium catalyst, to form olefins, and then contacting the olefins generated with an aromatic compound under alkylation conditions. Both reactions are conducted in a single reactor, and occur simultaneously. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130115009 | LATERAL BUCKLING MITIGATION APPARATUS, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SUBSEA CONDUITS - Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling lateral deformation and reducing axial displacement, also referred to as walking, of a subsea conduit such as a pipeline for conveying produced hydrocarbon fluids. The systems and methods include the installation of rolling assemblies on the conduit at predetermined locations. The rolling assemblies include elements for forming rolling modules rotatable with respect to the conduit. Also disclosed is a system for monitoring displacement of the conduit over time. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130112482 | Apparatus and Process For Drilling A Borehole In A Subterranean Formation - An apparatus and process is disclosed for drilling a borehole into a subterranean formation with reverse circulation of drilling fluid. A tubular drill pipe extends into a subterranean formation. A bottom hole assembly connected to the drill pipe includes a drill bit for excavating the subterranean formation. A downhole motor is adapted for receiving electrical power from a cable extending into the subterranean formation. A downhole pump is powered by the motor and is configured for reverse circulating drilling fluid from the annular space surrounding the drill pipe to the interior space of the drill pipe. The drilling fluid is pumped upwards in the drill pipe by the downhole pump to carry excavated cuttings upwards through the interior space of the drill pipe. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130111969 | METHODS FOR RETROFITTING NATURAL GAS METERS - Disclosed are methods for diagnosing poor performance of natural gas meter stations which utilize tube bundle flow conditioners upstream of orifice plates and methods for retrofitting the natural gas meter stations to improve accuracy of orifice measurements. Diagnostic methods include making measurements of decibels of sound upstream and downstream of the orifice plate, detecting intermittent sounds from a check valve downstream of the orifice plate, and visually inspecting the internal surface of the meter tube downstream of the orifice plate. Accuracy of orifice measurements is improved by replacing a tube bundle flow conditioner with a one-piece plate flow conditioner. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130099169 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PASSIVATING HEAT EXCHANGER SYSTEMS - A process for extending the life of coolant fluids by passivating surfaces of components and parts in heat exchanger systems that employ coolants for heat transfer. In the method, heat exchanger parts with metal surfaces which chemically and detrimentally interact with additives in coolant fluids in the heat exchanger system are treated by contacting the metal surfaces with a phosphate-containing solution for the phosphate-containing solution to passivate the metal surface for subsequent contact with the coolant fluids. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130099157 | COOLANT FORMULATIONS - The technology of this invention relates to an aqueous heat transfer solution exhibiting enhanced stability as well as thermal conductivity. The solution comprises silicon oxide nanoparticles, to which a freezing point depressant may potentially be added. The solution provides protection against forms of corrosion for use in applications where cooling is critical. The invention also covers the use of a concentrate as well as the dilution made from the concentrate. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130096040 | GEAR LUBRICANT - A gear oil composition is provided. The composition comprises a major amount of base oil comprising a mixture of a mineral base oil and polybutene; and 0.1 to 0.5 wt % of carbon black, based on the total weight of the gear oil composition. Such compositions can provide improved viscosity stability. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130092373 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DELIQUEFYING PRODUCED FLUIDS FROM A WELL - An apparatus, system, and method are provided for deliquefying a produced fluid being produced from a gas well. The apparatus can be a nozzle configured to be disposed in a production tube extending from a subsurface gas reservoir to a surface location and configured to provide a pathway for transmission of the produced fluid from the reservoir to the surface location. The nozzle generally can define a first end for receiving the produced fluid from the reservoir, a second end distal to the first end, and an inner surface extending between the ends. The inner surface can define an inwardly tapered inlet portion at the first end, an outwardly tapered outlet portion proximate the second end, and a venturi neck portion between the inlet and outlet portions. The nozzle can be configured to reduce the pressure of the produced fluid and thereby deliquefy the produced fluid passing therethrough. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130090503 | Process for Alkane Oligomerization - Provided is a process for preparing oligomers from an alkane. The process comprises (a) contacting an alkane under dehydrogenation conditions in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst such as an iridium catalyst complex comprising iridium complexed with a benzimidiazolyl-containing ligand to form olefins, and (b) contacting the olefins prepared in step (a) under oligomerization conditions with an oligomerization catalyst such as a nickel, platinum or palladium metal catalyst complex comprising the metal complexed with a nitrogen containing bi- or tridentate ligand to prepare oligomers of the olefins, and hydrogenating the olefin oligomers. In one embodiment, the ligands of the catalyst complexes in step (a) and step (b) can be the same. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130090394 | PROCESS FOR PROVIDING HYDROGEN TO A SYNTHESIS GAS CONVERSION REACTION - A synthesis gas conversion process for carrying out the process is disclosed. A hydrogen-containing sweep gas is caused to flow across a water permselective membrane adjacent a synthesis gas conversion reaction zone in which synthesis gas is contacted with a catalyst and converted to effluent including water. Water is removed from the reaction zone through the membrane. The sweep gas has sufficient hydrogen partial pressure to cause hydrogen to pass through the membrane into the reaction zone. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130090272 | 170 NEUTRAL BASE OIL WITH IMPROVED PROPERTIES - We provide a base stock comprising hydrocarbons with consecutive numbers of carbon atoms, wherein the base stock has a boiling range from 388 to 538° C., a VI from 105 to less than 130, and a Noack volatility from 5 to 11.5 wt % or a CCS VIS at −25° C. from 2000 to 4000 mPa·s. We also provide a base stock slate comprising the base stock and an additional base stock having an additional boiling range from 371 to 496° C. and other properties. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130087336 | System And Method Of Perforating A Well And Preparing A Perforating Fluid For The Same - A perforation fluid is prepared having a solid material suspended in a liquid. The solid material includes particles having particle sizes that correspond to the pore throat sizes of one or more geological formations through which a well to be perforated runs. The solid material is self-degrading. Perforation of a well-casing of the well in the perforation fluid causes the solid material to instantaneously (or substantially so) form a self-degrading filter cake that facilitates setting of the final completions of the well. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130085091 | INDUSTRIAL OIL COMPRISING A BIO-DERIVED ESTER - An industrial oil composition comprises a major amount of an ester base oil comprised of at least one diester or triester species having a vicinal diester substituent and at least one additive. The use of such esters can provide biodegradable industrial oils having improved viscosity index, additive solvency, or both. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130083626 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING SEISMIC DATA BACKGROUND - A system, method and device may be used to evaluate stacked seismic trace data. A portion of each of a number of seismic traces is isolated and an un-tuned biased volume and a tuned biased volume are produced for each trace. The un-tuned biased volume and tuned biased volume are combined to determine zones having a high probability of containing hydrocarbon resources. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130081874 | Electro-Hydraulic Drilling With Shock Wave Reflection - Shock waves produced during electro-hydraulic drilling can be reflected into a rock body where the reflected shock waves are converted from compression waves to tension waves, which are more efficient at breaking down the rock body. A system configured for electro-hydraulic drilling where shock waves produced during drilling are reflected into the rock body includes two electrodes and a shock wave reflector disposed at an electro-hydraulic drill head. The two electrodes are configured to (1) facilitate formation of a spark along a spark path spanning the two electrodes and (2) facilitate a pulse of electricity being passed through the spark to form a primary shock wave emanating from the spark path. The shock wave reflector is configured to reflect a portion of the primary shock wave such that the reflected shock wave is concentrated to a focal region within the rock body. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130081328 | PROCESS FOR PROVIDING A LOW-CARBON FUEL FOR REFINING OPERATIONS - An integrated process provides a low-carbon fuel gas for use in refinery equipment such as heaters and boilers. The process utilizes a hydrogen separation membrane to separate a refinery fuel gas into a first hydrogen-enriched stream and a hydrogen-depleted stream containing methane. The hydrogen-depleted stream is subjected to reforming and water gas shift, and the resulting shifted gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide is subjected to separation into a second hydrogen-enriched stream and a carbon dioxide stream. The first and second hydrogen-enriched streams are combined and utilized as low-carbon fuel gas containing at least about 50 mol % hydrogen. Sweep gas is provided across the permeate side of the hydrogen separation membrane to improve the performance of the membrane unit. The sweep gas can be taken from the exhaust of the refinery equipment, from an air separation unit and/or from a carbon dioxide-depleted stream generated in the reforming process. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130080061 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING INFORMATION RELATED TO SUB-SURFACE GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS USING TIME-DEPENDENT MAGNETIC FIELDS - A time-dependent magnetic field and/or flux is implemented to determine information related to geological formations within the geologic volume of interest. Such information may include one or more of location, boundary or shape, pressure, faults, lithology, strength, and/or other information. A source of the time-dependent magnetic field and/or flux may leverage the operation of an excavation tool used to excavate a hole at or near the geologic volume of interest in order to generate the magnetic field and/or flux. A plurality of different sources may be used to generated the magnetic field and/or flux. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130079266 | Method of Preparing Greases - Provided is a method for preparing a grease composition, which comprises mixing an amine in a lubricating bas oil and an isocyanate in a lubricating base oil under high pressure and high flow rate impingement. In one embodiment, the mixing and reaction occurs in a reaction injection molding device. The resulting grease composition is an extremely low noise grease, being virtually clear of any urea thickener particles. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130078181 | METHOD FOR PREPARING LTA-TYPE ZEOLITES USING A NOVEL STRUCTURE DIRECTING AGENT - This disclosure relates to LTA-type zeolites which are synthesized using tris[2-(isopropylamino)ethyl]amine as a structure directing agent. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130068605 | SYSTEM FOR USING FLUE GAS HEAT - A system including a pyrolysis unit for pyrolyzing organic material to produce at least pyrolysis oil and coke, a regenerator unit to combust the coke and produce a regenerator flue gas, and a mixer connected to the regenerator unit to mix the regenerator flue gas with air to produce a cooled flue gas. The system may further include at least one heat exchanger connected to the mixer to extract heat from the cooled flue gas, and a conveyer belt in thermal communication with the at least one heat exchanger and operably connected to the pyrolysis unit. The conveyer belt conveys a organic material in need of drying past the at least one exchanger to produce organic material suitable for use as a feed to the pyrolysis unit. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068465 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CIRCULATING FLUID WITHIN THE ANNULUS OF A FLEXIBLE PIPE RISER - Disclosed is a process and system for circulating fluid within the annulus of a flexible pipe used in a riser in an offshore hydrocarbon production facility. Fluid, such as corrosion inhibitors, can be circulated in a closed loop which includes the annulus of the riser terminating at a platform or floating vessel, a fluid storage tank located on the platform or vessel and an umbilical tube terminating at the platform or vessel and at a subsea location. Use of the system to flow the fluid through the annulus can prevent or reduce corrosion of the steel members within the annulus and increase the fatigue life of the riser. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068464 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR CIRCULATING FLUID WITHIN THE ANNULUS OF A FLEXIBLE PIPE RISER - Disclosed are methods, systems and apparatus for circulating fluid within the annulus of a flexible pipe used in a riser in an offshore hydrocarbon production facility. Fluid, such corrosion inhibitors, can be introduced into the annulus by pumping fluid from a storage tank located on a platform or vessel into tubes within the annulus. Use of the system to flow the fluid through the annulus can prevent or reduce corrosion of the steel members within the annulus and increase the fatigue life of the riser. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068457 | Method of Manufacture of Guerbet Alcohols For Making Surfactants Used In Petroleum Industry Operations - A method is disclosed for manufacturing surfactants for utilization in petroleum industry operations. The method comprises providing a bio-lipid. The bio-lipid can include one or more medium-chain or long-chain fatty acids, such as Lauric acid, Myristic acid, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Palmitoleic acid, Oleic acid, Ricinoleic acid, Vaccenic acid, Linoleic acid, Alpha-Linoleic acid, or Gamma-Linolenic acid. Fatty acid alkyl esters are produced by reacting the bio-lipid with a low-molecular weight alcohol. The fatty acid alkyl esters are reduced to a fatty alcohol. The fatty alcohol is dimerized to form a Guerbet alcohol, which is a precursor to producing surfactant for utilization in a petroleum industry operation, such as an enhanced oil recovery process. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130068454 | System, Apparatus and Method For Producing A Well - A system is provided that is capable of providing heat across a produced interval during oil and gas production to minimize or reduce undesirable formation of gas hydrates in the wellbore. In one embodiment, the configuration provides a means to recycle heat generated by an electrical submersible pump. Heat from the pump may be applied downhole. One configuration is capable of providing for downhole separation of gas from produced fluids to reduce or eliminate gas transit through the pump. A heating element also may apply heat to produced fluids. In one embodiment, a system may provide for the safe containment and control of gas within the wellbore by the utilization of a safety valve. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130066133 | CONVERSION OF HF ALKYLATION UNITS FOR IONIC LIQUID CATALYZED ALKYLATION PROCESSES - Methods for converting an HF alkylation unit to an ionic liquid alkylation system configured for performing ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation processes may comprise connecting at least one component configured for ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation to at least one component of the HF alkylation unit, wherein the at least one component of the HF alkylation unit is retained, modified or adapted for use in the ionic liquid alkylation system. An ionic liquid alkylation system derived from an existing or prior HF alkylation unit is also disclosed. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130066132 | CONVERSION OF HF ALKYLATION UNITS FOR IONIC LIQUID CATALYZED ALKYLATION PROCESSES - Methods for converting an H | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130066130 | IONIC LIQUID CATALYZED ALKYLATION PROCESSES & SYSTEMS - Ionic liquid alkylation processes may comprise contacting at least one hydrocarbon stream with an ionic liquid catalyst in an ionic liquid alkylation zone under ionic liquid alkylation conditions, cooling at least one of a reactor effluent and a hydrocarbon phase of the reactor effluent, and recycling the cooled reactor effluent or cooled hydrocarbon phase to the ionic liquid alkylation zone. Ionic liquid alkylation systems for performing ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation processes are also disclosed. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130066121 | HYDROISOMERIZATION AND SELECTIVE HYDROGENATION OF FEEDSTOCK IN IONIC LIQUID-CATALYZED ALKYLATION - A process for producing alkylate comprising contacting a first hydrocarbon stream comprising at least one olefin having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms which contains 1,3-butadiene and 1-butene with a hydroisomerization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under conditions favoring the simultaneous selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene to butenes and the isomerization of 1-butene to 2-butene and contacting the resulting stream and a second hydrocarbon stream comprising at least one isoparaffin having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms with an acidic ionic liquid catalyst under alkylation conditions to produce an alkylate is disclosed. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130062881 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING POWER IN A FLUID CONDUIT - An apparatus and method is disclosed for generating power from the energy of fluid flow in a conduit, such as a pipeline or production tubing of a wellbore. A fan may be comprised of a plurality of blades positioned circumferentially around a central cavity. The blades may be adapted for receiving fluid flow and transmitting energy of fluid flow to rotate the fan. The fan may be configured for generating rotational movement of a magnet relative to an electromagnetic winding to produce electrical energy. The central cavity may be adapted for receiving objects such as wellbore intervention tools or other devices for insertion into the central cavity. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130062253 | INTEGRATED BUTANE ISOMERIZATION AND IONIC LIQUID CATALYZED ALKYLATION PROCESSES - Integrated isomerization and ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation processes may comprise integrating ionic liquid alkylation and n-butane isomerization using a common distillation unit for separating an n-butane containing fraction from at least one of an alkylation hydrocarbon phase from an ionic liquid alkylation reactor and an isomerization hydrocarbon stream from an isomerization unit. The n-butane containing fraction may undergo isomerization to provide an isomerization reactor effluent comprising the isomerization hydrocarbon stream. An isobutane containing fraction, separated from at least one of the alkylation hydrocarbon phase and the isomerization hydrocarbon stream, may be recycled from the distillation unit to the ionic liquid alkylation reactor. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130061899 | Apparatus, System and Method For Generating Power In A Wellbore - An apparatus, system and method provides electrical power in a subterranean well. A radioisotope thermoelectric generator may be positioned and installed in a downhole location in a wellbore. The location of the radioisotope thermoelectric generator may be within a completion string. A radioisotope thermoelectric generator comprises a core having a radioisotope for producing heat, and a thermocouple. The thermocouple comprises at least two different metals, and is positioned adjacent to the core. The radioisotope thermoelectric generator flows heat from the core to the thermocouple to produce electricity that may be stored in an energy storage device, or used to power a component. The produced electrical power may be employed to activate downhole sensors, valves, or wireless transmitters associated with the operation and production of an oil or gas well. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130056984 | Downhole Power Generation By Way of Electromagnetic Induction - Electrical power may be generated at a downhole position of a production well by way of electromagnetic induction through oscillating linear translation driven by the flow of a fluid being transported by the production well. In exemplary embodiments, a conductive coil is disposed in a fixed position along a length of a production pipe such that the conductive coil encircles the production pipe. A linear translation apparatus is disposed radially inward from the conductive coil and is configured to move linearly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the production pipe and within the conducting coil by harnessing mechanical energy from fluid flowing within the production pipe. Magnets are affixed to the linear translation apparatus to cause electrical power to be generated in the conductive coil by way of electromagnetic induction responsive to the magnets passing by the conductive coil when the linear translation apparatus is in motion. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130054201 | HYBRID DETERMINISTIC-GEOSTATISTICAL EARTH MODEL - Embodiments of the present technology integrate seismic data and geologic concepts into earth model building. More specifically, exemplary embodiments provide new ways to build an earth model based on information in the seismic data and geologic concepts to use as a context to interpret the seismic data and/or to add to the earth model in regions where the seismic data is missing (e.g., either no data or no data resolvability). In some embodiments, a deterministic framework is generated for an earth models through deterministic identification of discrete geobodies. A hybrid deterministic-geostatistical earth model is generated by filling stratigraphic gaps in a deterministic framework using geostatistical information and/or seismic inversion, in accordance with some embodiments. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130048541 | ATTRITION SELECTIVE PARTICLES - Additive particles for use in a fluid catalytic cracking system are provided for reducing the opacity of flue gas that is generated from a regenerator within the system. Particles are supplied to the unit to catalyze the cracking of hydrocarbon feeds, and to react with sulfur oxides that are produced during regeneration of catalysts supplied for the cracking reactions. At least a portion of the supplied particles include active particulates and a binder, with at least a portion of the active particulates being in a size range from 0.5 to 40 microns. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130046476 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUBSURFACE CHARACTERIZATION INCLUDING UNCERTAINTY ESTIMATION - A system and method for subsurface characterization including depth and structural uncertainty estimation is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include determining a detectability threshold for moveout in a seismic data gather based on the seismic data and computing a depth uncertainty function, wherein the depth uncertainty function represents an error estimate that is used to analyze an interpretation of the seismic data. In another embodiment, the method may include receiving a depth uncertainty volume and at least one interpreted horizon from seismic data, extracting a depth uncertainty cage for each of the interpreted horizons based on the depth uncertainty volume, and simulating multiple realizations for each of the interpreted horizons, constrained by the depth uncertainty cage. The multiple realizations may be used for analyzing changes to geometrical or structural properties of the at least one interpreted horizon. The changes may be plotted as at least one distribution and may be used to make P10, P50 and P90 estimates. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130043424 | REFRIGERATION OIL FROM GAS-TO-LIQUID DERIVED AND BIO-DERIVED DIESTERS - The present invention is directed to a refrigerator oil composition comprising
| 02-21-2013 |
| 20130034484 | REDUCTION OF OXIDES OF NITROGEN IN A GAS STREAM USING MOLECULAR SIEVE SSZ-28 - The invention relates generally to molecular sieve SSZ-28 and its use in the reduction of oxides of nitrogen in a gas stream such as the exhaust from an internal combustion engine. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130034483 | REDUCTION OF OXIDES OF NITROGEN IN A GAS STREAM USING MOLECULAR SIEVE SSZ-25 - The invention relates generally to molecular sieve SSZ-25 and its use in the reduction of oxides of nitrogen in a gas stream such as the exhaust from an internal combustion engine. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130034482 | REDUCTION OF OXIDES OF NITROGEN IN A GAS STREAM USING MOLECULAR SIEVE SSZ-23 - The invention relates generally to molecular sieve SSZ-23 and its use in the reduction of oxides of nitrogen in a gas stream such as the exhaust from an internal combustion engine. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130031955 | GAS FLUX MEASUREMENT USING TRAPS - A passive sampling apparatus and method for measuring the cumulative mass of a selected gas being transported through a known cross-sectional area, for example, a soil surface, during a chosen period of time, using absorbent material, are described. Two quantities of absorbent material are disposed in a hollow container, such as a pipe section, and spaced apart such that they may be readily separated for analysis. The absorbent material closest to the soil captures the gas leaving the soil. Under reversed flow conditions, for example when the ambient air enters the ground because of fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, the upper absorbent material captures the component of interest entering the apparatus, thereby preventing this gas from entering the lower material and disturbing the measurement. The apparatus can therefore sequester the component of interest without being affected by the direction of gas transport. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130030710 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERTURBING AN INITIAL HORIZON-PICKING SOLUTION TO FOLLOW LOCAL FEATURES OF A VOLUME - A horizon-picking solution for a geological volume of interest is determined. To determine the horizon-picking solution, a plurality of horizons through the geological volume of interest included in an initial horizon-picking solution are perturbed to more closely follow the local character of measured data related to the geological volume of interest. In particular, the horizons may be perturbed simultaneously by blending the initial solution with a secondary horizon-picking solution that automatically identifies a plurality of horizons through the geological volume of interest that follow the measured data related to the geological volume of interest. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130029888 | LUBRICATING GREASE COMPOSITION - A lubricating grease composition for extra heavy duty extreme pressure applications comprises a major amount of a synthetic base oil a lithium complex thickener, at least one extreme pressure agent; and at least 5 wt. % of molybdenum disulfide, based on a total weight of the lubricating grease composition. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130025875 | PIPE-IN-PIPE APPARATUS, AND METHODS AND SYSTEMS - An apparatus is disclosed which provides fluid communication between the inner bore and the annular space in a pipe-in-pipe system. Other embodiments disclose an apparatus which provides fluid communication between adjacent segments of the annular space, between the inner bore or the annular space and an external source in a pipe-in-pipe type system. Methods and systems are disclosed utilizing the various apparatus embodiments to transport well fluids in an offshore or onshore hydrocarbon production operation. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130025866 | INTEGRATED PROCESS UTILIZING NITROGEN AND CARBON DIOXIDE STREAMS FOR ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY - Disclosed is an integrated enhanced oil recovery process and system for use in recovering relatively light oil from an oil-producing reservoir utilizing the injection of nitrogen produced by air separation in a cryogenic air separation unit and/or carbon dioxide produced by combustion in an oxygen fired steam generator fed by oxygen from the air separation unit. The steam produced may be utilized for suitable uses other than injection into an oil-producing reservoir, including heat generation and driving steam turbines, which in turn drive rotary equipment such as electrical generators, pumps and compressors. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130017983 | SYNTHESIS OF BIOLUBRICANT ESTERS FROM UNSATURATED FATTY ACID DERIVATIVES - The present invention is generally directed to diester-based lubricant compositions comprising one or more isomeric mixtures of diester species wherein the kinematic viscosity of the composition at temperature of 100 C is at least 3 mm2/s The present invention is also directed to methods of making these and other similar lubricant compositions. In some embodiments, the methods for making such diester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor material from which mono-unsaturated free lipid species can be provided or otherwise generated, wherein such mono-unsaturated free lipid species are converted to isomeric diol species en route to the synthesis of diester species for use as/in the diester-based lubricant compositions. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130015126 | IN SITU BIOREMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER USING ELECTRON ACCEPTOR SALTS - A process is provided for bioremediating petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated groundwater by applying at least one electron acceptor salt to a ground surface overlying the contaminated groundwater. The process includes identifying characteristics of the aquifer, in which the contaminated groundwater is found, to enable treatment of aquifers at a range of depths below the ground surface. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130015101 | SYNTHESIS OF A CRYSTALLINE SILICOALUMINOPHOSPHATE - The present invention is a method for synthesizing non-zeolitic molecular sieves which have a three dimensional microporous framework comprising [AlO | 01-17-2013 |
| 20120331191 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROCESSING SEISMIC DATA ON A CO-PROCESSOR DEVICE - A system and method for processing seismic data on one or more co-processor devices that are operatively coupled to a host computing system via a communications channel. The compression of input data transmitted to the co-processor device and/or the size of the storage provided on the co-processor device may enhance the efficiency of the processing of the data on the peripheral device by obviating a bottleneck caused by the relatively slow transfer of data between the host computing system and the co-processor device or by the relatively slow transfer of data within the co-processor device between the co-processor information storage and the co-processor. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120330634 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION FORECASTING - A system and method for hydrocarbon production forecasting which includes creating an integrated production model representative of at least two interconnected subsurface tanks, at least one well, and a surface network, wherein the surface network comprises multiple components including at least one pipeline; parameterizing a subsurface part of the integrated production model by using material balance to characterize the at least two interconnected subsurface tanks; parameterizing a well part of the integrated production model based in part on well geometry; parameterizing the surface network based on the multiple components of the surface network; combining the parameterized subsurface part, the parameterized well part and the parameterized surface network into an improved integrated production model; forecasting hydrocarbon production based on the improved integrated production model and displaying the input, output and intermediary products. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120329695 | LUBRICATING GREASE COMPOSITION - A lubricating grease composition for extreme pressure applications requiring extended lubrication intervals comprises a major amount of a lubricating base oil; a lithium complex thickener; and a polar compound selected from the group consisting of a rust inhibitor, a non-ionic surfactant, and mixtures thereof; wherein the concentration of the polar compound in the lubricating grease composition is no more than 0.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the lubricating grease composition. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120322699 | Method of Preventing Scale Formation During Enhanced Oil Recovery - A method for preventing scale formation during an alkaline hydrocarbon recovery process is disclosed. An aqueous solution (e.g., recovered sea water, water produced from the subterranean reservoir, or a combination thereof) having a concentration of metal cations (e.g., calcium, magnesium) is provided. A stoichiometric amount of an organic complexing agent relative to the concentration of metal cations is introduced into the aqueous solution such that the organic complexing agent forms aqueous soluble cation-ligand complexes with the metal cations. At least one alkaline is introduced into the aqueous solution to form an injection fluid having a pH value of at least 10. The cation-ligand complexes remain soluble in the injection fluid such that scale formation is prevented when the injection fluid is injected into a subterranean reservoir. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120316844 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATA INVERSION WITH PHASE UNWRAPPING - A system and computer-implemented method for inverting data from an area of interest to determine physical properties of the area of interest is disclosed. The method includes transforming the data into a Fourier frequency domain to obtain frequency domain data wherein the frequency domain data includes an amplitude portion and a phase portion, performing phase unwrapping of the phase portion of the frequency domain data to generate an unwrapped phase portion, and inverting the unwrapped phase portion to determine the physical properties of the area of interest. The method may also extrapolate the phase. The data inverted may be, for example, seismic data or synthetic aperture radar data. The system includes a data source, a user interface, and a processor configured to execute computer modules designed to execute the method. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120316791 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEISMIC DATA INVERSION BY NON-LINEAR MODEL UPDATE - A system and computer-implemented method for determining properties of a subsurface region of interest from seismic data is disclosed. An embodiment of the method performs full waveform inversion by non-linear model update to compute a velocity model. The method includes obtaining actual seismic data representative of the subsurface region and an initial earth property model for the subsurface region, performing forward modeling using the initial earth property model to create modeled seismic data with similar acquisition specifications as the actual seismic data, calculating a residual between the actual seismic data and the modeled seismic data in a time or transform domain, and inverting the residual to generate a model produced by non-linear model update components. The system includes a data source, user interface, and processor configured to execute computer modules that implement the method. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120316790 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATA INVERSION WITH PHASE EXTRAPOLATION - A system and computer-implemented method for inverting data from an area of interest to determine physical properties of the area of interest is disclosed. The method includes transforming the data into a Fourier frequency domain to obtain frequency domain data wherein the frequency domain data includes an amplitude portion and a phase portion, performing phase unwrapping of the phase portion of the frequency domain data to generate an unwrapped phase portion of unwrapped data, extrapolating the unwrapped phase portion to create extrapolated unwrapped data, and inverting the extrapolated unwrapped data to determine the physical properties of the area of interest. The data inverted may be, for example, seismic data or synthetic aperture radar data. The system includes a data source, an user interface, and a processor configured to execute computer modules designed to implement the method. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120316352 | PREPARATION OF TITANOSILICATE ZEOLITE TS-1 - A method is disclosed for preparing crystalline titanosilicate zeolite TS-1 from a reaction mixture containing only sufficient water to produce zeolite TS-1. In one embodiment, the reaction mixture is self-supporting and may be shaped if desired. In the method, the reaction mixture is heated at crystallization conditions and in the absence of an added external liquid phase, so that excess liquid need not be removed from the crystallized product. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120316093 | CONVERSION OF FATTY ACIDS TO BASE OILS AND TRANSPORTATION FUELS - The present invention is directed to methods for processing fatty acids to provide for base oil and transportation fuels, wherein decarboxylation-coupling dimerization of fatty acids provides dimer ketones from which the base oils and transportation fuels may be produced. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120314538 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEISMIC DATA INVERSION - A system and computer-implemented method for determining properties of a subsurface region of interest from seismic data is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes obtaining seismic data representative of the subsurface region and an initial earth property model for the subsurface region, performing forward modeling using the initial earth property model to create modeled seismic data with similar acquisition specifications as the actual seismic data, transforming the modeled and actual seismic data to a temporal Fourier frequency domain to create frequency domain modeled and actual seismic data wherein the frequency domain modeled and actual seismic data include an amplitude portion and a phase portion, measuring the misfit between the frequency domain modeled seismic data and frequency domain actual seismic data to produce frequency domain residual seismic data, performing phase unwrapping of the phase portion of certain observed frequency components of the frequency domain residual seismic data to create an unwrapped residual phase portion, and inverting the unwrapped residual phase portion to determine desired properties of the subsurface region of interest, wherein the inverting minimizes an objective function defined to measure the misfit. The method may also include phase extrapolation. Additionally, the method may include a second inverting step using the result of the first inverting step as a starting model. The system includes a data source, a user interface, and a processor configured to execute computer modules designed to perform the method. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120296145 | METHODS FOR MONITORING IONIC LIQUIDS USING VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY - Methods for monitoring ionic liquids using vibrational spectroscopy may involve contacting an infrared (IR) transmissive medium with the ionic liquid, recording an IR spectrum of the ionic liquid, and quantifying at least one chemical characteristic of the ionic liquid based on the IR spectrum. The IR spectrum may be recorded ex situ or in situ. Methods for controlling ionic liquid catalyzed processes are also disclosed, wherein a condition of the ionic liquid may be determined during such processes based on IR spectral analysis of the ionic liquid. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120290277 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHARACTERIZING RESERVOIR FORMATION EVALUATION UNCERTAINTY - A method is provided that utilizes independent data spatial bootstrap to quantitatively derive P10, P50 and P90 reservoir property logs and zonal averages. The method utilizes at least a “baseline” dataset that is assumed to be correct, and determines the distribution of possible input parameter values that provide the most optimal solution to fit the log analysis to the core data. In one embodiment, independent data spatial bootstrap method can be applied to determine the uncertainty of porosity and saturation. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120290212 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HYDROCARBON PAY ZONE DEFINITION IN A SUBTERRANEAN RESERVOIR - The present invention is directed to methods and systems for defining hydrocarbon net pay zone using movable water volume estimates and hydrocarbon saturation uncertainty levels in lieu of fixed cut-offs to define the net pay zone. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120290211 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING PROPERTIES OF A HYDROCARBON RESERVOIR BASED ON PRODUCTION DATA - A system and computer-implemented method for determining properties of a hydrocarbon reservoir from production data is disclosed. The method includes obtaining production data for a plurality of wells in the hydrocarbon reservoir, arranging the production data for each of the wells such that the production data is indexed in three dimensions, displaying the arranged production data in a three dimensional graphical space to create displayed 3D production data, determining properties of the hydrocarbon reservoir based on the displayed 3D production data, and managing the hydrocarbon reservoir based on the properties of the hydrocarbon reservoir. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120288332 | Thermal Treatment of a Contaminated Volume of Material. - A method is provided for remediating porous contaminated material. In the method, fuel material is combined with the contaminated material and a smoldering combustion process is initiated in the contaminated material to remediate the contaminated material. Control systems are provided to control the smoldering combustion process. The contaminated material may include oily waste, asbestos fibers, and/ or at least one of a chlorinated solvent, a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), a dioxin, a furan and a polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120286197 | HOT TEST FLUID CONTAINING VAPOR PHASE INHIBITION - This invention covers formulation providing protection against corrosion in both the liquid and vapor phase. Such formulations are used in applications where engine parts or fuel cell systems are subjected to a “running-in” or “hot test” prior to final assembly or storage. The invention includes a concentrate as well as a dilute solution. The synergistic combination of inorganic ammonium derivatives in combination with monocarboxylic or dicarboxylic acids and a silicate dramatically increases the period of protection for both ferrous and aluminum alloys. This enables storage for a longer period when the engine parts are shipped or stored prior to assembling. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120286196 | HOT TEST FLUID CONTAINING VAPOR PHASE INHIBITION - This invention covers a formulation providing protection against corrosion in liquid and vapor phase. Such formulations are used in applications where engine parts or fuel cell systems are subjected to a “running-in” or “hot-test” prior to final assembly or storage. The invention includes a concentrate as well as a dilute solution. The synergistic combination of inorganic ammonium derivatives in combination with monocarboxylic or dicarboxylic acids increases the period of protection. This enables storage for a longer period when the engine parts are shipped or stored prior to assembling. The use of the described invention pre-conditions the metal surface and provides protection even if afterwards the liquid is almost completely removed. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120283491 | Low Pour Point Renewable Fuel Blend - A renewable fuel blend and a process for producing a renewable fuel blend are described. The blend includes biologically derived C | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120283160 | SYNTHESIS OF BIOLUBRICANT ESTERS FROM UNSATURATED FATTY ACID DERIVATIVES - The present invention is generally directed to diester-based lubricant compositions comprising one or more isomeric mixtures of diester species. The present invention is also directed to methods of making these and other similar lubricant compositions. In some embodiments, the methods for making such diester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor material from which mono-unsaturated free lipid species can be provided or otherwise generated, wherein such mono-unsaturated free lipid species are converted to isomeric diol species en route to the synthesis of diester species for use as/in the diester-based lubricant compositions. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120282150 | ALKYLATION PROCESS UNIT FOR PRODUCING HIGH QUALITY GASOLINE BLENDING COMPONENTS IN TWO MODES - We provide an alkylation process unit, comprising: a control system connected to an alkylation reactor, that enables the alkylation reactor to operate in both an alkylate mode that produces a gasoline blending component having a RON of 90 or higher and in a distillate mode that produces a second gasoline blending component having a RON of 85 or higher. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120279713 | PULSE FRACTURING DEVICE AND METHOD - A method of inducing fracture in at least a portion of a geologic structure includes inducing acoustic waves into a fluid medium present in a borehole extending at least partially into the structure. Embodiments may include preheating or pressurizing the fluid medium prior to inducing the acoustic wave therein. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120275995 | GERMANOSILICATE SSZ-75 - The present invention relates to new germanosilicate SSZ-75 molecular sieve, and methods for synthesizing germanosilicate SSZ-75. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120273235 | FLOW-INDUCED ELECTROSTATIC POWER GENERATOR FOR DOWNHOLE USE IN OIL AND GAS WELLS - The present invention is directed to processes (methods) for harnessing flow-induced electrostatic energy in an oil and/or gas well and using this energy to power electrical devices (e.g., flowmeters, electrically-actuated valves, etc.) downhole. The present invention is also directed to corresponding systems through which such methods are implemented. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120273234 | FLOW-INDUCED ELECTROSTATIC POWER GENERATOR FOR DOWNHOLE USE IN OIL AND GAS WELLS - The present invention is directed to processes (methods) for harnessing flow-induced electrostatic energy in an oil and/or gas well and using this energy to power electrical devices (e.g., flowmeters, electrically-actuated valves, etc.) downhole. The present invention is also directed to corresponding systems through which such methods are implemented. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120273190 | ELECTROKINETIC ENHANCED HYDROCARBON RECOVERY FROM OIL SHALE - Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale utilizing electrokinetic-induced migration. An electric field is generated through at least a portion of the kerogen rich zone to induce electrokinetic migration of the oxidant. A mobile kerogen-based product, that includes reaction products of kerogen conversion, is urged toward a production well utilizing electrokinetic-induced migration, and withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation. An electric field generated through at least a portion of the kerogen rich zone can also be utilized to induce migration of catalysts or catalyst precursors. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120271086 | PROCESS FOR REACTING ISO-ALKANE TO MAKE NAPHTHA AND MIDDLE DISTILLATE - A process for reacting an iso-pentane, comprising: | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120270724 | PROCESS FOR REGENERATING A REFORMING CATALYST - The present invention is directed to an in situ process for regenerating a reforming catalyst within a reactor by:
| 10-25-2012 |
| 20120265445 | STABLE SHOT ILLUMINATION COMPENSATION - Various embodiments provide a system and a shot illumination compensation method implemented on a computer system for imaging a subsurface formation. The method includes receiving, by the computer system, seismic data produced by an acoustic energy source and reflected by the subsurface formation; and generating, by the computer system, an image of the subsurface formation based on the seismic data and a spatially varying damping parameter. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120264991 | ALKYLATING ISO-PENTANE WITH A CONVERTED OLEFINIC FEEDSTOCK - A process for reacting an iso-pentane, comprising: alkylating the iso-pentane with a converted olefinic feedstock comprising at least 5 wt % C5 olefins, wherein the C5 olefins in the converted olefinic feedstock are predominantly 2-pentene, to make a naphtha and a middle distillate, and wherein a formation of iso-butane during the alkylating is less than 35 wt % of an amount of olefins in the converted olefinic feedstock. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120263537 | Systems, Methods And Assemblies For Supplying Power To An Offshore Facility - The present invention is directed to processes and systems that use wave energy to drive one or more air turbines associated with an offshore facility, wherein such turbines can generate electrical power for use on the offshore facility and/or adjacent facilities and equipment. The offshore facility can be an offshore platform or a floating vessel. The turbine can be housed within a structural member of the facility or a tubular member suspended from the facility. The turbine can also be housed within a tubular member connected to a structural member of the facility. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120260877 | FUEL COMPOSITION - A fuel composition having a boiling range of between 95 to 440 degrees Fahrenheit containing (a) a saturates content below 55 vol %; (b) a RON of from about 88 to about 91; (c) an olefins content of from about 0 to about 5 vol %; (d) an aromatics content of from about 32 to about 40 vol %; (e) an ethanol content of from about 8 to about 16 vol %; (f) an octane sensitivity of from about 8 to about 11; and the fuel composition is used in an HCCI engine. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120260628 | TREATMENT OF COLD START ENGINE EXHAUST - A method of treating a cold-start engine exhaust gas stream comprising hydrocarbons and other pollutants, the method comprising: flowing the exhaust gas stream over a molecular sieve bed, the molecular sieve bed comprising an alkali metal cation-exchanged molecular sieve having intersecting 10- and 12-membered ring pore channels, to provide a first exhaust stream; flowing the first exhaust gas stream over a catalyst to convert any residual hydrocarbons and other pollutants contained in the first exhaust gas stream to innocuous products to provide a treated exhaust stream; and discharging the treated exhaust stream into the atmosphere. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120255727 | Apparatus and Method For Testing Solids Production In A Wellbore - An apparatus and method is disclosed for conducting a fluid and solids production test in a subterranean well. A testing apparatus may be inserted into a wellbore. The apparatus may employ a tubular housing with entry port(s) through the housing. An inner assembly may be positioned within the tubular housing, the inner assembly being configured for connection to the tubular housing. The inner assembly may include a fluid permeable screen and a distal end forming a reservoir that is scaled, or may be adapted to be scaled, for the collection of solids during a well production testing event. Following a testing event, the apparatus may be removed from the wellbore to enable the collected solids to be measured to determine the amount of solids generated by a subterranean formation at actual field flow conditions. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120253762 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPUTATIONS UTILIZING OPTIMIZED EARTH MODEL REPRESENTATIONS - A method and corresponding system is provided for computation utilizing an earth model representation via a computing system having a first processor having access to an earth model dataset. The method includes compressing the earth model dataset at the first processor to generate a look-up table and a set of data indices (i.e., collectively a compressed earth model representation), wherein the look-up table includes quantized data values. By then storing the look-up table in a first level (“fast”) memory, and storing the indices in a second level (“slower,” higher memory capacity) memory, the look-up table and the indices can be accessed to selectively decompress the compressed earth model representation at the first processor such that the computation can be performed efficiently by the first processor. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120253681 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING SEISMIC DATA - A computer-implemented method for processing seismic data includes the determining, from the seismic data, a first amplitude attribute map at a first image depth corresponding to a shallow attenuating body, and a second amplitude attribute map at a second image or target depth. The first and second amplitude attribute maps are then normalized, and a ratio map is determined based on a ratio of the normalized first and second amplitude attribute maps. The ratio map is scaled to yield a scale factor map, which is then applied to the seismic data to compensate for effects of shallow overburden attenuation. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120247780 | Thermally-Actuated Gas Lift Safety Valve - In one embodiment, a valve comprising a valve body; an orifice disposed within the valve body; a fluid flow restraining member located at a first location of the orifice, the fluid flow restraining member pivotable between a closed position and an open position; an extending member connected to, and moveable in pivotable synchronization with, the fluid flow restraining member; and a shape memory alloy element attached to the extending member and the valve body, the shape memory alloy element causing a pivotal movement of the extending member between positions corresponding to the open and closed positions responsive to a change in temperature of the shape memory alloy element. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120241996 | CROSSLINKED POLYIMIDE MEMBRANE, METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME USING ORGANIC TITANATE CATALYSTS TO FACILITATE CROSSLINKING AND METHOD OF USING THE MEMBRANE FOR FLUID SEPARATION - A method of making a crosslinked polyimide membrane is described. A monoesterified membrane is formed from a monoesterified polyimide polymer. The monoesterified membrane is subjected to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked membrane. The monoesterified membrane is incorporated with an organic titanate catalyst before or after formation of the monoesterified membrane. A crosslinked polyimide membrane made using the aforementioned method and a method of using the membrane to separate fluids in a fluid mixture, such as methane and carbon dioxide, are also disclosed. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120236685 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEISMIC IMAGING WITH REDUCED COMPUTATIONAL COST - A computer-implemented method, system, and article of manufacture for generating images of a subsurface region are disclosed. The method includes obtaining seismic data and an earth model related to the subsurface region, forward propagating a source wavefield through the earth model for a limited time range dependent on a first travel time and a second travel time, backward propagating a receiver wavefield through the earth model for the limited time range dependent on the first travel time and the second travel time, and applying an imaging condition to the forward propagated source wavefield and backward propagated receiver wavefield to generate images related to the subsurface region. The first travel time is a length of time taken by seismic energy to travel from a seismic source to an image point in the subsurface region and the second travel time is a length of time taken by seismic energy to travel from a seismic receiver to the image point in the subsurface region. The limited time range is between the first travel time and the second travel time subtracted from a maximum travel time. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120234942 | SPRAY GUN - A spray gun ( | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120234567 | ROCK DRILL OIL - Provided is a lubricating oil composition suitable for use in rotary pneumatic and reciprocating tools, comprising a Fischer-Tropsch base oil, a friction modifier based on synthetic ester and a sulfurized extreme pressure agent. The present lubricating oil composition has superior wear, friction and extreme pressure characteristics. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120232863 | METHOD FOR PREDICTING ADSORBENT PERFORMANCE - A method for predicting selective performance of an adsorbent is disclosed. The adsorbent is selected from a list of metals and/or metal cations for use in removing contaminants as thiophene derivatives in hydrocarbon feed. The metals or metal cations are identified from a list having a positive value for E | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120226086 | PROCESS FOR PRODUCING A GASOLINE BLENDING COMPONENT AND A MIDDLE DISTILLATE BY ADJUSTING A LEVEL OF A HALIDE CONTAINING ADDITIVE DURING ALKYLATION - A process for producing a gasoline blending component and a middle distillate, comprising adjusting a level of a halide containing additive provided to an ionic liquid alkylation reactor to shift selectivity towards heavier products, and recovering a low volatility gasoline blending component and the middle distillate. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120226083 | PROCESS FOR REACTING AN ISO-ALKANE TO PRODUCE A HIGH BOILING PRODUCT AND AN ALKYLATE GASOLINE BLENDING COMPONENT - A process for reacting an iso-alkane, comprising: | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120221303 | System and Method For Performing Reservoir Simulation Using Preconditioning - A computer-implemented system, method, and software are provided for solving linear systems of equations arising in reservoir simulation. A linear system of fluid flow equations, including a plurality of unknown variables, is provided that represents fluid flow properties in a geological formation of a subterranean reservoir. Block diagonal scaling is applied to the linear system of fluid flow equations. Threshold incomplete lower-upper approximate factorization is applied to obtain a preconditioning matrix, which can be used to iteratively solve unknown variables associated with the system of fluid flow equations. Preconditioning can be used directly as part of a preconditioned Krylov subspace method or alternatively as a 2 | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120217019 | SHEAR LASER MODULE AND METHOD OF RETROFITTING AND USE - There is provided a high power shear laser module, which can be readily included in a blowout preventer stack. The shear laser module as the capability of delivering high power laser energy to a tubular within a blowout preventer cavity, cutting the tubular and thus reducing the likelihood that the tubular will inhibit the ability of the blowout preventer to seal off a well. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120217018 | LASER ASSISTED BLOWOUT PREVENTER AND METHODS OF USE - There is provided a high power laser assisted blowout preventer and methods of use. In particular, there are provided systems and assemblies for utilizing high power laser energy within a blowout preventer to cut tubulars that are present within the bore of the blowout prevent, reducing the risk that such tubulars will inhibit the ability of the blowout preventer to seal a well. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120217017 | LASER ASSISTED SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING DEEP WATER DRILLING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS - There is provided a high power laser riser blowout preventer system and controller for operation thereof. The system utilizes high power laser cutters that are associated with the riser and the blowout preventer to provided an integrated operation to quickly weaken or cut tubulars to address potential emergency and emergency situations that can arise during deep sea drilling. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120217015 | LASER ASSISTED RISER DISCONNECT AND METHOD OF USE - There is provided a high power laser-riser blowout preventer package and laser module for use with a subsea riser. The laser module and laser-riser package use high power laser energy to quickly cut the riser permitting an offshore drilling rig to quickly, and in a controlled manner disconnect from a blowout preventer. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120215512 | System And Method For Uncertainty Quantification In Reservoir Simulation - A computer-implemented reservoir prediction system, method, and software are provided for quantifying uncertainty and evaluating production performance of a subterranean reservoir. A reservoir simulation model representing a subterranean reservoir and an associated distribution of input variables are provided. A plurality of polynomial chaos expansions is generated. Each polynomial chaos expansion is used to approximate a simulation output of the reservoir simulation model for the distribution of input variables. Deterministic coefficients of the polynomial chaos expansions are calculated using a sampling process, such as a quasi-Monte Carlo method using a low discrepancy sequence. An output variable, such as cumulative oil production, and associated output variable uncertainty are forecasted using the polynomial chaos expansions and the deterministic coefficients such that production performance of the subterranean reservoir can be evaluated. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215511 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MODELING A SUBTERRANEAN RESERVOIR - A computer-implemented reservoir prediction system, method, and software are provided for updating simulation models of a subterranean reservoir. An ensemble of reservoir models representing a subterranean reservoir having non-Gaussian characteristics is provided, along with reservoir data from the subterranean reservoir used to condition the ensemble of reservoir models. For each of the reservoir models in the ensemble of reservoir models, a constrained optimization with equality constraints and inequality constraints are solved using a constrained Kernel Ensemble Kalman Filter to obtain a constrained optimal solution. The constrained optimal solutions are assembled to update the ensemble of reservoir models. The updated ensemble of reservoir models are consistent with the reservoir data provided from the subterranean reservoir and the non-Gaussian characteristics of the subterranean reservoir are preserved. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120211399 | JET FUELS HAVING SUPERIOR THERMAL STABILITY - Disclosed herein are jet fuel compositions containing (a) a total aromatics content of from 2 vol. % to no more than about 25 vol. %; (b) a net heat of combustion of at least about 125,000 Btu/gal; (c) a concentration of less than about 5 vol. % of hydrocarbons having a boiling point greater than or equal to about 550° F., as determined by ASTM D 2887; and (d) a Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Test (JFTOT) thermal stability characterized by a filter pressure drop of no more than 25 mm Hg, a breakpoint temperature greater than or equal to about 300° C., and an overall tube deposit rating less than 3, as determined by ASTM D 3241. Methods for their preparation are also disclosed. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120211278 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE SENSING - A system, method and device may be used to monitor conditions in a borehole. Well tubing and casing act as a conductive pair for delivering power to one or more downhole active sensors. At the surface, power and signal are isolated so that the same conductive pair may act to transmit the sensor signals to the surface. In an embodiment, the sensor signals are RF signals and the surface electronics demodulate the RF signals from the sensor power. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120199266 | ROBOTIC SOLAR PANEL STRING ASSEMBLY PROCESS - The present invention is directed to a process for manufacture of a solar panel string assembly for a solar canopy including: horizontally aligning two solar panel support channels substantially parallel to one another; applying an adhesive with a robotic tool to an upper portion of the solar panel support channels, the robotic tool comprising a fixed track aligned parallel with the two solar panel support channels, a robotic arm assembly movably supported by the track, a positioning member for adjusting the position of the robotic arm assembly along the track, and wherein the robotic arm comprises an adhesive applicator and a vacuum lift component; and lifting with the vacuum lift component of the robot arm assembly of the robotic tool and aligning a solar panel on top of the two solar panel support channels near opposing edges of the solar panel. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120198999 | LIQUID DISTRIBUTOR FOR A ROTATING PACKED BED - Provided is a method, liquid distributor and reactor for contacting a gas with a liquid in a rotating packed bed. The method comprises providing a rotating packed bed comprising two sets of rotatable packing rings disposed within a chamber and defining an interior region. The rotating packed bed also comprises at least one liquid distributor with an inlet for accepting a liquid, the inlet in communication with an exit port for infusing the liquid into the interior region. The liquid distributor also comprises at least one gas outlet for accepting gas which has passed through the packed bed and for removing the gas from the interior region. The two sets of rotatable packing rings are caused to rotate. Liquid is infused into the interior region by way of the liquid inlet, and gas is injected through at least one gas inlet into the interior region, with the liquid and gas passing through each of the packing rings in countercurrent flow. Liquid is removed from the interior region through a liquid outlet, and gas is removed through the gas outlet in the liquid distributor. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120198718 | THERMAL TREATMENT PROCESSES FOR SPENT HYDROPROCESSING CATALYST - A process to upgrade heavy oil and convert the heavy oil into lower boiling hydrocarbon products is provided. The process employs a catalyst slurry comprising catalyst particles with an average particle size ranging from 1 to 20 microns. In the upgrade process, spent slurry catalyst in heavy oil is generated as an effluent stream, which is subsequently recovered/separated from the heavy oil via membrane filtration. Residual hydrocarbons, i.e., heavy oil and solvent employed in the filtration for the heavy oil extraction are removed from the catalyst particles in a drying zone which employs at least two drying apparatuses to volatize residual hydrocarbons in the catalyst. Valuable metals can be recovered from catalyst particles for subsequent re-use in a catalyst synthesis unit, generating a fresh slurry catalyst. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120198696 | SOLAR STRING ASSEMBLY PROCESS - The present invention is directed to a process for aligning two solar panel support channels substantially parallel in a substantially planar pre-assembly tool, wherein the pre-assembly tool has two solar panel support channels guides for receiving and aligning the two solar panel support channels substantially parallel to one another; aligning a plurality of solar panels on top of the two solar panel support channels near opposing edges of each solar panel; and attaching the plurality of solar panels to the two solar panel support channels, thereby forming a solar panel string assembly. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120198682 | EDGE CONVEYOR BELT SOLAR STRING ASSEMBLY DEVICE - The present invention is directed to a process for pre-assembly of a solar panel string for a solar canopy, the process comprising aligning a plurality of solar panels onto an edge conveyor, wherein belts of the edge conveyor contact and support the bottom of the plurality of solar panels at opposite longitudinal ends of each solar panel and aligning a solar panel support channel below the plurality of solar panels; and attaching the solar panel support channel to the plurality of solar panels, thereby forming a solar panel string assembly. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120196782 | Rock Drill Oil - Provided is a lubricating oil composition suitable for use in rotary pneumatic and reciprocating tools, comprising a Fischer-Tropsch base oil, a friction modifier based on synthetic ester and a sulfurized extreme pressure agent. The present lubricating oil composition has superior wear, friction and extreme pressure characteristics. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120175116 | IN-SITU KEROGEN CONVERSION AND RECYCLING - Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale. An alkaline material is also provided to the formation fluid to mobilize organic acids which are produced during oxidation of the kerogen. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and further processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein. These organic acids are valuable as hydrocarbon products for creating commercial products and a portion of these organic acids can also be used in the process for extracting the kerogen-based product from the subsurface shale formation. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120175115 | IN-SITU KEROGEN CONVERSION AND PRODUCT UPGRADING - Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein. The isolated organic acids are upgraded by a reaction process that make the products suitable as refinery feedstocks, fuel or lubricant blendstocks, reaction intermediates, chemical feedstocks, or chemical intermediate blendstocks. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120175114 | IN-SITU KEROGEN CONVERSION AND PRODUCT ISOLATION - Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein. An exemplary method for isolating the acids includes treating the mobile kerogen-based product such that at least a portion of the organic acids form a separate phase from the mobile kerogen-based product. The organic acids may further be extracted from the mobile kerogen-based product using an organic extraction fluid. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120172644 | TUNING AN OLIGOMERIZING STEP THAT USES AN ACIDIC IONIC LIQUID CATALYST TO PRODUCE A BASE OIL WITH SELECTED PROPERTIES - We provide a process, comprising:
| 07-05-2012 |
| 20120172641 | BASE OIL HAVING HIGH KINEMATIC VISCOSITY AND LOW POUR POINT - We provide a base oil, comprising oligomerized olefins, wherein the base oil has: a) a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. greater than 10 mm | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120172459 | Acetylene Enhanced Conversion of Syngas to Fischer-Tropsch Hydrocarbon Products - A method is disclosed for converting syngas to Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) hydrocarbon products. A synthesis gas including carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas is provided to a F-T reactor. Also, acetylene is supplied to the F-T reactor. The ratio of the volume of acetylene to the volume of synthesis gas is at least 0.01. The synthesis gas and acetylene are reacted under suitable reaction conditions and in the presence of a catalyst to produce F-T hydrocarbon products. The F-T hydrocarbon products are then recovered from the reactor. The synthesis gas and acetylene may be provided in a combined feed stream or introduced separately into the reactor. The acetylene enhanced syngas conversion in a F-T reactor results in the synthesis of F-T products which have a tighter distribution of intermediate length carbon products than do F-T products synthesized according to conventional methods. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120171105 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING TOTAL ENERGY DEMAND IN A POST-COMBUSTION CARBON CAPTURE PROCESS WITH IONIC ABSORBENT - Disclosed herein is a method for improving the total energy demand required to separate carbon dioxide (CO | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120168154 | USE OF GAS-SEPARATION MEMBRANES TO ENHANCE PRODUCTION IN FIELDS CONTAINING HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF HYDROGEN SULFIDES - A method and system for processing produced fluids from a subterranean reservoir is disclosed. The system comprises:
| 07-05-2012 |
| 20120167619 | METHOD TO MAXIMIZE LNG PLANT CAPACITY IN ALL SEASONS - As described herein, a method and system for operating a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant are provided. The method and system also provide for domestic natural gas production. In the present methods and systems, substantially all of the natural gas produced from a well or formation is processed to form LNG; a portion of the LNG produced is regasified; and the regasification is utilized to cool the inlet air to the gas turbines in the LNG plant, either directly or indirectly. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120167618 | USE OF REFRIGERATION LOOPS TO CHILL INLET AIR TO GAS TURBINE - As described herein, a method and system for operating a refrigeration system are provided. In the present methods and systems, a portion of the refrigerant from the refrigeration system is used for reducing the temperature of inlet air entering the gas turbine. The refrigeration system disclosed herein can be used for LNG production, air separation, food storage, or ice-making. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120165995 | Slug Countermeasure Systems and Methods - In one embodiment, a method comprising receiving slug attribute information from a distributed or multi-point sensing system coupled to a fluid processing system, the slug attribute information associated with one or more slugs present in the fluid processing system; determining by a processor whether to activate one or more control devices of the fluid processing system to effect slug countermeasures based on the slug attribute information, the slug countermeasures comprising slug control; and activating the one or more control devices responsive to the determination. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120164506 | Ester Based Heat Transfer Fluid Useful as a Coolant for Electric Vehicles - Provided is a heat transfer fluid formulation comprising at least one diester or triester species having ester links on adjacent carbons. The formulation exhibits an excellent balance of dielectric and heat transfer properties, and is useful as a coolant for electric vehicles. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120161085 | High Fire-Point Esters as Electrical Insulating Oils - Provided is an electrical insulating oil formulation comprising at least one diester or triester species having ester links on adjacent carbons, and an anti-oxidant additive. The formulation exhibits an excellent balance of the pour point, viscosity and fire point properties, and is imminently suitable for use as a transformer oil. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120160486 | IN-SITU KEROGEN CONVERSION AND RECOVERY - Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale. An alkaline material is also provided to the formation fluid to mobilize organic acids which are produced during oxidation of the kerogen. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and further processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120160015 | METHODS FOR PREDICTING FOULING TENDENCIES OF HYDROCARBON CONTAINING FEEDSTOCKS - Disclosed is a method involving the steps of (a) precipitating an amount of asphaltenes from a liquid sample of a first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock having solvated asphaltenes therein with one or more first solvents in a column; (b) determining one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; (c) analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes; and (d) correlating a measurement of feedstock fouling tendencies for the first hydrocarbon-containing feedstock sample with a mathematical parameter derived from the results of analyzing the one or more solubility characteristics of the precipitated asphaltenes. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120158380 | System And Method For Simulating Fluid Flow In A Fractured Reservoir - A method, system and computer program product are disclosed for simulating fluid flow in a fractured subterranean reservoir. A reservoir model representative of a fractured subterranean reservoir is provided. The reservoir model includes porous matrix control volumes and a network of fractures, which define fracture control volumes, overlying the porous matrix control volumes. A system of equations based on scale separation is constructed for fluid flow in the porous matrix control volumes and the fracture control volumes. The system of equations can include fracture equations having a pressure vector for each network of fractures that is split into an average pressure value and remainder pressure value. The system of equations based on scale separation is sequentially solved, such as by using an iterative Multi-Scale Finite Volume (MSFV) method. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120157359 | LUBRICATING OIL WITH IMPROVED WEAR PROPERTIES - Provided is a lubricating oil composition for internal combustion engines comprising at least one hydrocarbon base stock which is determined to exhibit a 40° C. PVC/100° C. PVC ratio approaching one or greater, and one or more lubricating additives. Also provided is a method for preparing such a composition, which includes determining the 40° C. PVC/100° C. PVC ratio of a hydrocarbon base stock oil, and selecting a hydrocarbon base stock oil which exhibits a 40° C. PVC/100° C. PVC ratio approaching one. One or more lubricating additives is then added to the selected base stock oil. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120152570 | System and Method For Enhancing Oil Recovery From A Subterranean Reservoir - A system and method is disclosed for enhancing the distribution of an enhanced oil recovery fluid utilizing electrokinetic-induced migration for enhancing oil recovery from a subterranean reservoir. An enhanced oil recovery fluid is injected into the hydrocarbon bearing zone through the injection well. An electric field is generated through at least a portion of the hydrocarbon bearing zone to induce electrokinetic migration of the enhanced oil recovery fluid. Electrokinetic induced migration allows for the enhanced oil recovery fluid to contact portions of the reservoir that previously were unswept, which as a result enhances recovery of hydrocarbons through the production well. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120152556 | Method, System and Apparatus for Deployment of Umbilicals in Subsea Well Operations - In subsea drilling operations, workover control systems may include deployment of an umbilical from a deepwater drilling vessel. Such an umbilical provides support functions for deepwater drilling operations. In the practice of the invention, a new method, system and apparatus may be employed to deploy the umbilical independently of the drilling riser, which provides commercial and operational advantages. That is, the umbilical may be deployed at a different time than the riser is deployed, and also without intimate close connection from the umbilical to the riser. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120152536 | HEAT GENERATING SYSTEM FOR ENHANCING OIL RECOVERY - The instant invention pertains to a composition which may be useful for enhancing oil recovery. The composition typically comprises the reaction mixture of at least (a) two or more compounds capable of generating at least about 20 kcal to about 150 kcal per mole when contacted; (b) one or more suitable surfactants or one or more suitable polymers or a mixture thereof; and (c) oil. The invention also pertains to a method for enhancing oil recovery wherein a suitable system is injected through a wellbore into a reservoir to enhance mobility of oil. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120152122 | WATER SEPARATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A water separation system and method for treating multiphase hydrocarbon production streams is disclosed. The system may be employed to separate gas from the production stream, and then separate the liquid stream into its oil component and water component. A gas/liquid separator may be employed to separate a multiphase hydrocarbon production stream into a gas stream and a liquid stream. A liquid cyclone separator, positioned downstream from the gas/liquid separator, may be employed to divide the liquid stream into an oil dominated portion and a water dominated portion. The system may be used on land or on offshore platforms in locations where it is desirable to separate oil and water from hydrocarbon streams. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120152121 | WATER SEPARATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A water separation system and method for treating multiphase hydrocarbon production streams is disclosed. The system may be employed to separate gas from the production stream, and then separate the liquid stream into its oil component and water component. A gas/liquid separator may be employed to separate a multiphase hydrocarbon production stream into a gas stream and a liquid stream. A liquid cyclone separator, positioned downstream from the gas/liquid separator, may be employed to divide the liquid stream into an oil dominated portion and a water dominated portion. The system may be used on land or on offshore platforms in locations where it is desirable to separate oil and water from hydrocarbon streams. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120150518 | Method and System For Coupling Reservoir and Surface Facility Simulations - A method, system and apparatus are disclosed for coupling independent reservoir and surface facility network simulators. A reservoir simulator is configured to simulate fluid flow in subterranean reservoirs and a surface facility network simulator is configured to simulate fluid flow in production equipment. Simulation of fluid flow in a subterranean reservoir is initiated using the reservoir simulator. Simulation of fluid flow in production equipment is initiated using the surface facility network simulator. The simulated fluid flow in the production equipment includes fluids produced from the subterranean reservoir. The simulation of fluid, flow in the subterranean reservoir is coupled with the simulation of fluid flow in the production equipment using, a sub-domain inflow performance relationship. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120150506 | Constrained Pressure Residual Preconditioner For Efficient Solution Of The Adjoint Equation - A method, system and computer program product is disclosed for using a constrained pressure residual (CPR) preconditioner to solve adjoint models. A linear system of fluid flow equations comprising a plurality of variables that represent fluid flow properties in a geological formation of a subterranean reservoir is provided. Matrix (Ã) | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120148487 | NOVEL OXIDE MATERIALS AND SYNTHESIS BY FLUORIDE/CHLORIDE ANION PROMOTED EXFOLIATION - The present invention is directed to the synthesis of novel delaminated layered zeolite precursor materials prepared by fluoride/chloride anion-promoted exfoliation. The method comprises, for example, using a combination of fluoride and chloride anions at a mild pH in aqueous solution to affect delamination of a layered zeolite precursor. The method can also comprise using a combination of fluoride and chloride anions in a non-aqueous solution comprising an organic solvent. The method may be used in conjunction with either acidification or sonication, or both. The resulting delaminated zeolite precursors are then isolated. Precursors that are then isolated lack amorphous silica content. The UCB-1 product is an example of such a novel oxide material and is obtained in yields in excess of 90% without the need for sonication. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120145116 | LUBRICATING OIL COMPOSITION - A lubricating oil composition having a sulfur content of up to about 0.4 wt. % and a sulfated ash content of up to about 0.5 wt. % as determined by ASTM D874 is disclosed which comprises (a) a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity; (b) at least one oil-soluble or dispersed oil-stable boron-containing compound having greater than 400 ppm of boron, based upon the total mass of the composition; and (c) at least one oil-soluble or dispersed oil-stable molybdenum-containing compound having at least about 1100 ppm of molybdenum, based upon the total mass of the composition; wherein the lubricating oil composition has a ratio of sulfur to molybdenum of less than or equal to about 4:1. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120145115 | LUBRICATING OIL COMPOSITION - A lubricating oil composition having a sulfur content of up to about 0.4 wt. % and a sulfated ash content of up to about 0.5 wt. % as determined by ASTM D874 is disclosed which comprises (a) a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity; (b) at least one oil-soluble or dispersed oil-stable boron-containing compound having no more than about 600 ppm of boron, based upon the total mass of the composition; and (c) at least one oil-soluble or dispersed oil-stable molybdenum-containing compound having no more than about 800 ppm of molybdenum, based upon the total mass of the composition; wherein the lubricating oil composition has a ratio of sulfur to molybdenum of about 5:1 to about 500:1. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120145114 | LUBRICATING OIL COMPOSITION - A lubricating oil composition having a sulfur content of up to about 0.4 wt. % and a sulfated ash content of up to about 0.5 wt. % as determined by ASTM D874 is disclosed which comprises (a) a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity; (b) at least one oil-soluble or dispersed oil-stable boron-containing compound having no more than about 400 ppm of boron; and (c) at least one oil-soluble or dispersed oil-stable molybdenum-containing compound having, at least about 1100 ppm of molybdenum, based upon the total mass of the composition; wherein the lubricating oil composition has a ratio of sulfur to molybdenum of less than or equal to about 4:1. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120129745 | LUBRICANT FOR PERCUSSION EQUIPMENT - This invention discloses a lubricant suitable for use in percussion equipment. The lubricant comprises a base oil selected from the group consisting of Group I or Group II, blended in a synergistic amount with a gear oil package and a friction modifier. The lubricant exhibits superior wear and superior extreme pressure properties due to the synergistic effect of the gear oil package and the friction modifier. In a preferred embodiment, the gear oil package comprises a polyalkyl methacrylate polymer, and the friction modifier comprises a synthetic ester. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125818 | PROCESS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR REMOVING HEAVY METALS FROM FLUIDS - Trace element levels of heavy metals in crude oil are reduced by contacting the crude oil with an oxidizing agent, converting heavy metals into heavy metal cations for subsequent separation from the crude oil. At least a complexing agent is added to convert the heavy metal cations into soluble heavy metal complexes in a water phase, which can be separated from the crude oil, for a treated crude oil having reduced levels of heavy metals. In one embodiment, the complexing agent is selected from the group of metal halides, and the oxidizing agent is selected from the group of organic peracids, inorganic peracids and salts thereof. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125817 | PROCESS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR REMOVING HEAVY METALS FROM FLUIDS - Trace element levels of heavy metals such as mercury in crude oil are reduced by contacting the crude oil with an oxidant such as oxyhalites, converting elemental mercury into heavy metal cations for subsequent separation from the crude oil. In an improved method for the removal of mercury, at least a complexing agent is added to convert the heavy metal cations into soluble heavy metal complexes in a water phase, which can be separated from the crude oil, for a treated crude oil having reduced levels of heavy metals. In one embodiment, the complexing agent is selected from the group of metal halides. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125816 | PROCESS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR REMOVING HEAVY METALS FROM FLUIDS - Trace element levels of heavy metals in crude oil are reduced by contacting the crude oil with an oxidizing agent, extracting heavy metals into a water phase for subsequent separation from the crude oil. The oxidizing agent is selected from the group of hydroperoxides, organic peroxides, inorganic peracids and salts thereof, organic peracids and salts thereof, and ozone. In one embodiment, the oxidizing agent converts heavy metals into the heavy metal cations in a water-oil emulsion, which can be subsequently separated from the crude oil, for a treated crude oil having reduced levels of heavy metals. In one embodiment, at least a complexing agent can be added to facilitate the removal by forming soluble heavy metal complexes in the water phase. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125644 | ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY IN LOW PERMEABILITY RESERVOIRS - A method for enhancing hydrocarbon recovery in low permeability reservoirs comprises first providing a subterranean reservoir comprising one or more hydrocarbons and water therewithin and a wellbore in fluid communication with the subterranean reservoir. Next, a substantially anhydrous composition is injected into the reservoir through the wellbore. The substantially anhydrous composition comprises carbon dioxide and one or more surfactants. The composition is suitable to form a foam upon contact with the water within the reservoir. The method often results in reduced wellbore corrosion and hydrate formation, reduced reservoir fingering, and enhanced carbon dioxide sweep efficiency over conventional methods. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120123684 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING MICRO-SEISMIC EVENTS AND CHARACTERIZING PROPERTIES OF A MEDIUM WITH NON-LINEAR ACOUSTIC INTERACTIONS - A method and system includes generating a first coded acoustic signal including pulses each having a modulated signal at a central frequency; and a second coded acoustic signal each pulse of which includes a modulated signal a central frequency of which is a fraction d of the central frequency of the modulated signal for the corresponding pulse in the first plurality of pulses. A receiver detects a third signal generated by a non-linear mixing process in the mixing zone and the signal is processed to extract the third signal to obtain an emulated micro-seismic event signal occurring at the mixing zone; and to characterize properties of the medium or creating a 3D image of the properties of the medium, or both, based on the emulated micro-seismic event signal. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120120767 | DATA ACQUISITION AND PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INVESTIGATING SUB-SURFACE FEATURES OF A ROCK FORMATION - A system and a method includes generating a first signal at a first frequency; and a second signal at a second frequency. Respective sources are positioned within the borehole and controllable such that the signals intersect in an intersection volume outside the borehole. A receiver detects a difference signal returning to the borehole generated by a non-linear mixing process within the intersection volume, and records the detected signal and stores the detected signal in a storage device and records measurement parameters including a position of the first acoustic source, a position of the second acoustic source, a position of the receiver, elevation angle and azimuth angle of the first acoustic signal and elevation angle and azimuth angle of the second acoustic signal. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120120766 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INVESTIGATING SUB-SURFACE FEATURES OF A ROCK FORMATION USING COMPRESSIONAL ACOUSTIC SOURCES - A system and method for investigating rock formations outside a borehole are provided. The method includes generating a first compressional acoustic wave at a first frequency by a first acoustic source; and generating a second compressional acoustic wave at a second frequency by a second acoustic source. The first and the second acoustic sources are arranged within a localized area of the borehole. The first and the second acoustic waves intersect in an intersection volume outside the borehole. The method further includes receiving a third shear acoustic wave at a third frequency, the third shear acoustic wave returning to the borehole due to a non-linear mixing process in a non-linear mixing zone within the intersection volume at a receiver arranged in the borehole. The third frequency is equal to a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120120765 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INVESTIGATING SUB-SURFACE FEATURES OF A ROCK FORMATION WITH ACOUSTIC SOURCES GENERATING CONICAL BROADCAST SIGNALS - A method of interrogating a formation includes generating a conical acoustic signal, at a first frequency—a second conical acoustic signal at a second frequency each in the between approximately 500 Hz and 500 kHz such that the signals intersect in a desired intersection volume outside the borehole. The method further includes receiving, a difference signal returning to the borehole resulting from a non-linear mixing of the signals in a mixing zone within the intersection volume. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120120764 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INVESTIGATING SUB-SURFACE FEATURES AND 3D IMAGING OF NON-LINEAR PROPERTY, COMPRESSIONAL VELOCITY VP, SHEAR VELOCITY VS AND VELOCITY RATIO VP/VS OF A ROCK FORMATION - A system and a method for generating a three-dimensional image of a rock formation, compressional velocity VP, shear velocity VS and velocity ratio VP/VS of a rock formation are provided. A first acoustic signal includes a first plurality of pulses. A second acoustic signal from a second source includes a second plurality of pulses. A detected signal returning to the borehole includes a signal generated by a non-linear mixing process from the first and second acoustic signals in a non-linear mixing zone within an intersection volume. The received signal is processed to extract the signal over noise and/or signals resulting from linear interaction and the three dimensional image of is generated. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120120763 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INVESTIGATING SUB-SURFACE FEATURES OF A ROCK FORMATION WITH ACOUSTIC SOURCES GENERATING CODED SIGNALS - A system and a method for investigating rock formations includes generating, by a first acoustic source, a first acoustic signal comprising a first plurality of pulses, each pulse including a first modulated signal at a central frequency; and generating, by a second acoustic source, a second acoustic signal comprising a second plurality of pulses. A receiver arranged within the borehole receives a detected signal including a signal being generated by a non-linear mixing process from the first-and-second acoustic signal in a non-linear mixing zone within the intersection volume. The method also includes-processing the received signal to extract the signal generated by the non-linear mixing process over noise or over signals generated by a linear interaction process, or both. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120120761 | INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR INVESTIGATING SUB-SURFACE FEATURES OF A ROCK FORMATION - A system for investigating non-linear properties of a rock formation around a borehole is provided. The system includes a first sub-system configured to perform data acquisition, control and recording of data; a second subsystem in communication with the first sub-system and configured to perform non-linearity and velocity preliminary imaging; a third subsystem in communication with the first subsystem and configured to emit controlled acoustic broadcasts and receive acoustic energy; a fourth subsystem in communication with the first subsystem and the third subsystem and configured to generate a source signal directed towards the rock formation; and a fifth subsystem in communication with the third subsystem and the fourth subsystem and configured to perform detection of signals representative of the non-linear properties of the rock formation. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120111580 | TOOL AND METHOD FOR PLACEMENT OF A COMPONENT INTO A WELL - An apparatus and method is disclosed for insertion of a component into an oil or gas well. Typically, the well includes a cased hole section and may also include an uncased hole section. In some applications, the well deviates substantially from the vertical direction. The apparatus may include a tool member and an engagement mechanism mounted upon the tool member. The engagement mechanism is configured for selective frictional engagement to the cased hole section of the well. A piston is connected to the tool member and is configured for extension relative to the tool member. The component for insertion into the well may be a sand control screen, a perforating gun, or other device. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111569 | CHEMICAL DELIVERY APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION - An apparatus, system and method for delivering a mixture of well treatment chemicals into a well are disclosed. A chemical distribution device includes mixing manifold that receives well treatment chemicals and solvent that are to be mixed. A siphon is positioned within the mixing manifold to control the fluid level. The mixture is not delivered from the chemical distribution device until the fluid level of the mixture is above a crest of the siphon. The mixture is delivered in a batch to the well via a flowline until the fluid level of the mixture is below the inlet of the siphon. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120108834 | BIOLUBRICANT ESTERS FROM THE ALCOHOLS OF UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS - The present invention is generally directed to triester-based lubricant compositions. The present invention is also directed to methods of making these and other similar lubricant compositions. In some embodiments, the methods for making such triester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor comprising mono-unsaturated fatty acids, wherein such mono-unsaturated fatty acids are reduced to mono-unsaturated fatty alcohols en route to the synthesis of triester species for use as/in the triester-based lubricant compositions. Subsequent steps in such synthesis may employ carboxylic acids and/or acyl halides/anhydrides derived from biomass and/or Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108682 | PROCESS OF SYNTHESIS GAS CONVERSION TO LIQUID HYDROCARBON MIXTURES USING ALTERNATING LAYERS OF SYNTHESIS GAS CONVERSION CATALYST, HYDROCRACKING AND HYDROISOMERIZATION CATALYST - Disclosed is a process for converting synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbon mixtures useful in the production of fuels and petrochemicals. The synthesis gas is contacted with at least two layers of synthesis gas conversion catalyst wherein each synthesis gas conversion catalyst layer is followed by a layer of hydrocracking catalyst and hydroisomerization catalyst or separate layers of hydrocracking and hydroisomerization catalysts. The process can occur within a single reactor, at an essentially common reactor temperature and an essentially common reactor pressure. The process provides a high yield of naphtha range liquid hydrocarbons and a low yield of wax. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108479 | COMPRESSOR OILS HAVING IMPROVED OXIDATION RESISTANCE - A compressor lubricant composition providing energy savings and exhibiting excellent oxidation stability is provided, as well as a process for preparation of the lubricant composition. The composition comprises: (i) from 68 to 99.999 wt % of an isomerized base oil or blend of isomerized base oils; (ii) 0.001 through 20 wt % of a blend of ashless additives, the ashless additives having a viscosity range at 40° C. of from 50 mm | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103105 | TESTING DEVICE FOR STRESS CORROSION CRACKING - The present disclosure provides a device for stress corrosion testing of materials, e.g., a test specimen, in corrosive materials. It also provides a testing method that is easy to employ in a consistent and controlled manner and also makes efficient use of the potentially corrosive materials. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103104 | TESTING DEVICE FOR STRESS CORROSION CRACKING - The present disclosure provides a device for stress corrosion testing of materials, e.g., a test specimen, in corrosive materials. It also provides a testing method that is easy to employ in a consistent and controlled manner and also makes efficient use of the potentially corrosive materials. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120101759 | COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORECASTING PERFORMANCE OF WATER FLOODING OF AN OIL RESERVOIR SYSTEM USING A HYBRID ANALYTICAL-EMPIRICAL METHODOLOGY - Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for generating corrected performance data of water flooding of an oil reservoir system based on application of a statistical correction factor methodology (SCF). For example, data related to properties of the oil reservoir system and data related to a water flooding scenario are received. Water flooding performance data is generated based on application of an analytical water flooding performance computation methodology. Based on application of the SCF methodology to the generated water flooding performance data, corrected water flooding performance data is determined, representative of oil recovery by the water flooding of the oil reservoir system. The SCF methodology can also be used to evaluate water production based on parameters such as water-oil ratio and water cut, identify possible analog reservoirs that have similar water production performance, and calculate a Gross Injection Factor to account for water loss in the reservoir. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097389 | NON-IONIC ALKALI POLYMER SOLUTIONS FOR ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY IN A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION - A method for enhancing oil recovery is disclosed. The method includes providing a subsurface reservoir containing hydrocarbons therewithin and a wellbore in fluid communication with the subsurface reservoir. A solution for injection into the reservoir is formed by mixing a composition with at least one non-ionic chemical, at least one polymer, and at least one alkali. The non-ionic chemical can be alcohol alkoxylates such as alkylaryl alkoxy alcohols or alkyl alkoxy alcohols. The solution is solution is clear and aqueous stable when mixed. The solution is injected through the wellbore into the subsurface reservoir. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120089366 | ACCURATELY ACCOUNTING FOR SIZING UNCERTAINTY IN INSPECTION - In one embodiment, a method implemented by a processor that receives plural sets of values corresponding to plural matched pairs of anomalies from a first inspection and second inspection following the first inspection, a first portion of each pair corresponding to the first inspection and a second portion of each pair corresponding to the second inspection, the plural sets of values corresponding to wall loss information for plural locations of a fluid carrying vessel; computes first and second statistical descriptions of a respective accuracy of the first and second inspections; and computes a revised estimate of the plural sets of values based on the first and second statistical descriptions. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120089346 | PREDICTION OF REMAINING LIFE IN A HEAT EXCHANGER - In one embodiment, a method implemented by a processor that receives a first set of inputs comprising values associated with wall thickness, the values ascertained through an inspection method for a first zone of a heat exchanger, the first zone comprising a plurality of inspected and uninspected tubes; computes a respective estimate of a likelihood of a leak occurring at the plurality of inspected and uninspected tubes over a time continuum based on the first set of inputs, an age of the inspected tubes, and an accuracy of the inspection method; and provides a visualization of an estimate for a total likelihood of a leak for the heat exchanger based on the estimate for the first zone. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085097 | UTILIZATION OF PROCESS HEAT BY-PRODUCT - Heat recovery systems and methods for producing electrical and/or mechanical power from a process heat by-product are provided. Sources of process heat by-product include hot flue gas streams, high temperature reactors, steam generators, gas turbines, diesel generators, and process columns. Heat recovery systems and methods include a process heat by-product stream for directly heating a working fluid of an organic Rankine cycle. The organic Rankine cycle includes a heat exchanger, a turbine-generator system for producing power, a condenser heat exchanger, and a pump for recirculating the working fluid to the heat exchanger. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085096 | CAPACITY AND PERFORMANCE OF PROCESS COLUMNS BY OVERHEAD HEAT RECOVERY INTO AN ORGANIC RANKINE CYCLE FOR POWER GENERATION - Heat recovery systems and methods for producing electrical and/or mechanical power from heat by-product of an overhead stream from a process column are provided. Heat recovery systems and methods include a process heat by-product stream for directly or indirectly heating a working fluid of an organic Rankine cycle. The organic Rankine cycle includes a heat exchanger, a turbine-generator system for producing electrical or mechanical power, a condenser heat exchanger, and a pump for recirculating the working fluid to the heat exchanger. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085095 | UTILIZATION OF PROCESS HEAT BY-PRODUCT - Heat recovery systems and methods for producing electrical and/or mechanical power from a process heat by-product are provided. Sources of process heat by-product include hot flue gas streams, high temperature reactors, steam generators, gas turbines, diesel generators, and process columns. Heat recovery systems and methods include a process heat by-product stream for indirectly heating a working fluid of an organic Rankine cycle. The organic Rankine cycle includes a heat exchanger, a turbine-generator system for producing power, a condenser heat exchanger, and a pump for recirculating the working fluid to the heat exchanger. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120084055 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SENSING A LIQUID LEVEL - A system, method and device may be used to monitor fluid levels in a borehole. The system includes a pulse generator to generate a pulse of electromagnetic energy to propagate along the wellbore towards a surface of the fluid, a detector to detect a portion of the electromagnetic pulse reflected from the surface of the fluid and propagated along the wellbore towards the detector, a processor to analyze detected signals to determine a level of the surface of the fluid. In an embodiment, the system includes a pump controller to control the operation of a pump located in the wellbore based on the fluid surface level. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120080186 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING SOLIDS IN SUBSEA DRILLING OR EXCAVATION - An apparatus, system and method is disclosed for processing geological solids or wellbore cuttings generated by excavation or drilling under a body of water. An apparatus for processing solids in association with a riser may employ a solids processing apparatus having a central cavity that is substantially free of mechanical obstructions. The central cavity may be positioned in-line with the riser. The apparatus may be adapted for receiving solids within the central cavity and reducing the particle size of the solids by action of a cutter assembly which is positioned outside of the central cavity. The cut and processed solids may be pumped to the surface of the water. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120075952 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IMAGING OF NON-LINEAR AND LINEAR PROPERTIES OF FORMATIONS SURROUNDING A BOREHOLE - In some aspects of the disclosure, a method and an apparatus is disclosed for investigating material surrounding the borehole. The method includes generating within a borehole an intermittent low frequency vibration that propagates as a tube wave longitudinally to the borehole and induces a nonlinear response in one or more features in the material that are substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the borehole; generating within the borehole a sequence of high frequency pulses directed such that they travel longitudinally to the borehole within the surrounding material; and receiving, at one or more receivers positionable in the borehole, a signal that includes components from the low frequency vibration and the sequence of high frequency pulses during intermittent generation of the low frequency vibration, to investigate the material surrounding the borehole. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120075951 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IMAGING OF NON-LINEAR AND LINEAR PROPERTIES OF FORMATIONS SURROUNDING A BOREHOLE - In some aspects of the disclosure, a method and an apparatus is disclosed for investigating material surrounding the borehole. The method includes generating a first low frequency acoustic wave within the borehole, wherein the first low frequency acoustic wave induces a linear and a nonlinear response in one or more features in the material that are substantially perpendicular to a radius of the borehole; directing a first sequence of high frequency pulses in a direction perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the borehole into the material contemporaneously with the first acoustic wave; and receiving one or more second high frequency pulses at one or more receivers positionable in the borehole produced by an interaction between the first sequence of high frequency pulses and the one or more features undergoing linear and nonlinear elastic distortion due to the first low frequency acoustic wave to investigate the material surrounding the borehole | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120072117 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING IMAGES OF SUBSURFACE STRUCTURES - A system and method for generating images of a subsurface region of interest is provided. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method of generating images related to a subsurface region of interest includes: accessing, via a central processing unit (CPU), seismic data and an earth model related to the subsurface region of interest; forward propagating a source wavefield using the earth model at a first time interval via at least one external co-processor coupled to the CPU; transferring, at a second time interval, the forward propagated source wavefield to the CPU for compression and external storage; backward propagating the seismic data at the first time interval via the external co-processor to derive backward propagated receiver wavefield; and transferring, at the second time interval, the backward propagated receiver wavefield to the CPU. Via the CPU, the method further includes retrieving the stored forward propagated source wavefield; decompressing the retrieved forward propagated source wavefield; and applying imaging conditions to the decompressed forward propagated source wavefield and backward propagated receiver wavefield to construct image data representative of the subsurface region of interest. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067786 | PROCESS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR REMOVING HEAVY METALS FROM FLUIDS - Trace element levels of heavy metals such as mercury in crude oil are reduced by contacting the crude oil with an iodine source, generating a water soluble heavy metal complex for subsequent removal from the crude oil. In one embodiment, the iodine source is generated in-situ in an oxidation-reduction reaction, by adding the crude oil to an iodine species having a charge and a reductant or an oxidant depending on the charge of the iodine species. In one embodiment with an iodine species having a positive charge and a reducing reagent, a complexing agent is also added to the crude oil to extract the heavy metal complex into the water phase to form water soluble heavy metal complexes which can be separated from the crude oil, for a treated crude oil having reduced levels of heavy metals. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067785 | Process, Method, and System for Removing Heavy Metals from Fluids - Trace element levels of heavy metals such as mercury in crude oil are reduced by contacting the crude oil with an iodine source, generating a water soluble heavy metal complex for subsequent removal from the crude oil. In one embodiment, the iodine source is generated in-situ in an oxidation-reduction reaction, by adding the crude oil to an iodine species having a charge and a reductant or an oxidant depending on the charge of the iodine species. In one embodiment with an iodine species having a positive charge and a reducing reagent, a complexing agent is also added to the crude oil to extract the heavy metal complex into the water phase to form water soluble heavy metal complexes which can be separated from the crude oil, for a treated crude oil having reduced levels of heavy metals. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067784 | Process, Method, and System for Removing Heavy Metals from Fluids - Trace levels of heavy metals in fluids such as crude oil are reduced by contacting the crude oil with a composition comprising a compound of Formula (I), | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067779 | Process, Method, and System for Removing Heavy Metals from Fluids - Trace element levels of heavy metals such as mercury in crude oil are reduced by contacting the crude oil with an iodine source, generating a water soluble heavy metal complex for subsequent removal from the crude oil. In one embodiment, the iodine source is generated in-situ in an oxidation-reduction reaction, by adding the crude oil to an iodine species having a charge and a reductant or an oxidant depending on the charge of the iodine species. In one embodiment with an iodine species having a positive charge and a reducing reagent, a complexing agent is also added to the crude oil to extract the heavy metal complex into the water phase to form water soluble heavy metal complexes which can be separated from the crude oil, for a treated crude oil having reduced levels of heavy metals. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067208 | METHOD OF MAKING A CROSSLINKED FIBER MEMBRANE FROM A HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT, MONOESTERIFIED POLYIMIDE POLYMER - The present disclosure relates to a high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer. Such high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymers are useful in forming crosslinked polymer membranes for the separation of fluid mixtures. According to its broadest aspect, the method of making a crosslinked membrane comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polyimide polymer comprising carboxylic acid functional groups from a reaction solution comprising monomers and at least one solvent; (b) treating the polyimide polymer with a diol at esterification conditions in the presence of dehydrating conditions to form a monoesterified polyimide polymer; and (c) subjecting the monoesterified fiber to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked fiber membrane, wherein the dehydrating conditions at least partially remove water produced during step (b). The crosslinked membranes can be used to separate at least one component from a feed stream including more than one component. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120065448 | OLIGOMERIZATION OF PROPYLENE AND LONGER CHAIN ALPHA OLEFINS TO PRODUCE BASE OIL PRODUCTS - We provide a process for making a base oil, comprising:
| 03-15-2012 |
| 20120065447 | OLIGOMERIZATION OF OLEFIN FEED COMPRISING PROPYLENE AND PROPANE TO PRODUCE BASE OIL - We provide a process for making a base oil, comprising:
| 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061295 | SYNTHESIS OF A CRYSTALLINE SILICOALUMINOPHOSPHATE - The present invention is a method for synthesizing non-zeolitic molecular sieves which have a three dimensional microporous framework comprising [AlO | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120059641 | Iterative Method and System To Construct Robust Proxy Models For Reservoir Simulation - A method, system and computer program product is disclosed for utilizing proxy models to evaluate a subterranean reservoir. The method includes constructing a proxy model from a set of sampling points to approximate simulation outputs of a reservoir model. The set of sampling points is updated by adding at least one new sampling point that is selected from a location associated with surface non-linearities such as gradients, curvature, and bending energy. Response surface values at new sampling points and distances to existing sampling points can also be used to evaluate new sampling points. Proxy models are refined with the updated set of sampling points until the proxy model satisfies a predetermined stopping criterion, such as when a predetermined number of iterations are reached or when changes to the response surface are below a predetermined threshold. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120040413 | CHLORINE DIOXIDE TREATMENT OF BIOMASS FEEDSTOCK - The instant invention pertains to the use of chlorine dioxide in new processes for treating lignocellulosic feedstocks, as well as, new compositions suitable for, for example, bioalcohol production. Advantageously, the processes and compositions of the present invention may be used in more environmentally friendly, cost-efficient production of fuels and, if desired, may be coupled with other biomass processing facilities such as Kraft pulp bleaching mills. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120028860 | Method of Preparing Greases - Provided is a method for preparing a grease composition, which comprises mixing grease components under high pressure and high flow rate impingement. In one embodiment, a first mixture of an amine in a lubricating base oil is mixed with an isocyanate in a lubricating base oil under high pressure and high flow impingement. In another embodiment, the mixing and reaction occurs in a reaction injection molding device. The orifice size through which each of the mixtures is introduced into a reaction/mixing zone is less than 0.030 inch (0.0762 centimeter) in diameter. The resulting grease composition is an extremely low noise grease, being virtually clear of any urea thickener particles, and/or can exhibit good high temperature resistance and mechanical stability. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028859 | METHOD OF PREPARING GREASES - Provided is a method for preparing a grease composition, which comprises mixing an amine in a lubricating bas oil and an isocyanate in a lubricating base oil under high pressure and high flow rate impingement. In one embodiment, the mixing and reaction occurs in a reaction injection molding device. The resulting grease composition is an extremely low noise grease, being virtually clear of any urea thickener particles. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024525 | FRACTURING FLUID WATER REUSE SYSTEM AND METHOD - Methods of processing a fluid recovered from an oil or gas extraction operation for reuse in a hydraulic fracturing fluid are described. The methods include providing an amount of a produced fluid composition containing iron and suspended solids and controlling at least one of the conductivity, iron content, oxidative strength, and pH of the composition, such that Fenton's reagent is formed in situ. Also described are hydraulic fracturing fluids produced using fluid recovered from an oil or gas production process and treated in accordance with the methods described herein as well as systems for preparing a hydraulic fracturing fluid having, as a fluid source, fluid recovered from an oil or gas production process that has been treated in accordance with the methods described herein. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120023845 | Base Mat Assembly And Method For Constructing The Same - A precast reinforced concrete base mat element, a base mat assembly and method for constructing a base mat assembly from a plurality of the base mat elements are described. The base mat element comprises a concrete body having first and second conduits extending there through in first and second generally perpendicular directions and a liner plate anchored in the concrete body. Preferably the concrete bodies have interlocking surfaces formed there on. A plurality of the base mat elements may be juxtaposed together with the interlocking surfaces interlocking with one another and with the tensile members extending through the first and second tensile conduits and being post-tensioned and anchored about the base mat elements to clamp the base mat elements together. The liner plates may then be welded together to form a generally planar membrane. In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second tensile conduits is located above and one below the horizontal center planes of the concrete bodies to limit the base mat elements from displacing vertically relative to one another. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120010113 | METALWORKING FLUID COMPOSITIONS AND PREPARATION THEREOF - A metalworking fluid composition comprising an isomerized base oil having consecutive numbers of carbon atoms and less than 10 wt % naphthenic carbon by n-d-M is provided. The metalworking fluid has reduced mist formation, low foaming tendency and excellent air release properties, and excellent wear properties. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120004850 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MIGRATING SEISMIC DATA - A system and method that enable the processing of seismic data. In one embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of processing nodes and a server. The plurality of processing nodes are configured to process seismic data for migration. The server is operatively linked to each of the plurality of processing nodes to enable communication between the server and the processing nodes. The server may manage a set of stored beam tables that can be accessed by the processing nodes in order to process seismic data. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004153 | Lithium Complex Grease with Improved Thickener Yield - Provided is an improved lithium complex grease. The grease composition has a higher thickener yield, yet good mechanical properties. The grease composition comprises a lubricating oil, a lithium complex thickener and a copolymer, which in one embodiment may comprise styrene and butadiene. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004096 | ON-SITE DRYING OF AQUEOUS SALT FOR IONIC LIQUID MAKE-UP - Methods for amending the composition of catalyst inventory of ionic liquid catalyzed processes, whereby the catalytic activity of the catalyst inventory may be adjusted and maintained for the steady state operation of such processes by contacting the catalyst inventory with a liquid phase, catalyst make-up material comprising an anhydrous salt and/or a mixture of the ionic liquid with the salt, wherein the salt comprises a precursor of the ionic liquid. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004095 | ACID CATALYST COMPOSITION HAVING A HIGH LEVEL OF CONJUNCT POLYMER. - An acid catalyst effective for a conversion of a hydrocarbon, comprising greater than 20 wt % of a conjunct polymer, and an ionic liquid catalyst; wherein the acid catalyst has a molar ratio of Al to a heteroatom selected from the group consisting of N, P, O, S, and combinations thereof greater than 2.0; and wherein the conversion is alkylation, isomerization, hydrocracking, polymerization, dimerization, oligomerization, acylation, acetylation, metathesis, copolymerization, dehalogenation, dehydration, olefin hydrogenation, or combinations thereof. Also, an acid catalyst effective for a conversion of a hydrocarbon, comprising greater than 15 wt % halide-containing conjunct polymer, and a Lewis acid; wherein less than 0.1 wt % solid precipitates from the catalyst when it is held for three hours or longer at 25° C. or below. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120000828 | HYDRODEMETALLIZATION CATALYST AND PROCESS - This invention is directed to hydrodemetallization catalysts and hydrodemetallization processes employing a magnesium aluminosilicate clay. The magnesium aluminosilicate clay has a characteristic | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120000668 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING HYDROCARBONS FROM A WELL - A system for producing hydrocarbons from a well includes an unloading unit that receives fluids from a wellhead. The unloading unit separates the oil and gas, and the oil is pumped to a pipeline. Using the unloading unit and the pump helps to reduce the pressure at the wellhead which helps increase production. The gas separated by the unloading unit is compressed and re-injected into the well to create a gas lift which further helps increase production. Capturing and reinjecting the separated gas for gas lift operations reduces environmental damages associated with conventional unloading unit and pump assemblies. The unloading unit, compressor, and pump are modular for quicker installation and a smaller footprint. After increasing the productive life of a first reservoir, the system can be broken down and reassembled for use at another reservoir. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120000658 | METHOD FOR IN SITU FLUID ASSESSMENT AND OPTIMIZATION DURING WELLBORE DISPLACEMENT OPERATIONS - The present invention is, in some embodiments directed to methods for optimizing wellbore displacement operations via in situ fluid property assessment/monitoring. By monitoring fluid properties in situ (i.e., downhole), fluid property assessment is direct instead of being inferred. Additionally, wherein such assessment/monitoring is carried out in real time, changes to the displacement fluid can be made “on-the-fly,” thereby contributing to an enhancement of the overall efficiency of the method. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110320128 | System and Method For Conformance Control In A Subterranean Reservoir - A system and method for optimizing the design of a conformance control treatment for a subterranean reservoir is disclosed. The system and method include performing tracer analysis between an injection well and a production well. A flow capacity and storage capacity curve is constructed from the tracer analysis. A storage capacity associated with a threshold residence time is determined using the flow capacity and storage capacity curve. A conformance control treatment is determined for the storage capacity associated with the threshold residence time. A chemical slug is injected into the injection well to increase the flow resistance in high permeability regions of a subterranean reservoir, thereby enhancing the recovery of hydrocarbons from the reservoir. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110320047 | DESIGN AND CONTROL OF MULTIPLE TUBING STRING WELL SYSTEMS - Design and control of well systems with multiple tubing strings is described. An example system models multiple tubing strings in wellbores as segments, with multiple control points selectively located among the segments. Each segment is modeled as one or more equations that describe characteristics of a fluid resource associated with the segment. The system can predict flow of fluids and energy in a wellbore by solving physical conservation equations subject to specified conditions. The system models multiple control points, and solves the equations to convergence to satisfy injection and production targets and specified constraints. Results may be used to improve production of the resource. The system can apply a variety of strategies to model wells via multiple control points, including conservation of mass and energy models, a global phase-component partitioning model, a conductive heat transfer model, a pseudo-pressure model, a non-Darcy flow model, a phase separation model, and so forth. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319693 | IONIC LIQUID CATALYZED ALKYLATION WITH ETHYLENE IN ETHYLENE CONTAINING GAS STREAMS - An alkylation process comprising contacting in an alkylation zone under alkylation conditions an olefin containing gas stream with an isoparaffin in the presence of an ionic liquid catalyst composition to provide an alkylate product. In an embodiment, the olefin stream may comprise offgas containing ethylene together with one or more non-condensable and/or inert gases, and the offgas may be fed in its native state to an alkylation reactor containing the ionic liquid catalyst for the alkylation of isoparaffins to provide low volatility, high octane gasoline blending components. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319685 | CATALYTIC PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS FOR BASE OIL PRODUCTION FROM LIGHT FEEDSTOCK - Processes and catalyst systems are provided for dewaxing a light hydrocarbon feedstock to form a lubricant base oil. A layered catalyst system of the present invention may comprise a first hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst disposed upstream from a second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst. Each of the first and second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalysts may be selective for the isomerization of n-paraffins. The first hydroisomerization catalyst may have a higher level of selectivity for the isomerization of n-paraffins than the second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319258 | METHOD TO MAKE AN ACID CATALYST HAVING GREATER THAN 20 WT% CONJUNCT POLYMER - A method to make an acidic ionic liquid catalyst, by mixing aluminum chloride in the presence of a hydrocarbon solvent, an organic chloride, and optionally an ionic liquid; wherein the acidic ionic liquid catalyst does not precipitate out solids; and wherein the acidic ionic liquid catalyst has greater than 20 wt % conjunct polymer and a molar ratio of Al to a heteroatom selected from the group consisting of N, P, O, S, and combinations thereof greater than 2.0. Also a method to make the acidic ionic liquid catalyst comprising:
| 12-29-2011 |
| 20110315598 | CATALYTIC PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS FOR BASE OIL PRODUCTION USING ZEOLITE SSZ-32x - Processes and catalyst systems are provided for dewaxing a hydrocarbon feedstock to form a lubricant base oil. A layered catalyst system of the present invention may comprise a first hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst disposed upstream from a second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst. Each of the first and second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalysts may be selective for the isomerization of n-paraffins. The first hydroisomerization catalyst may have a higher level of selectivity for the isomerization of n-paraffins than the second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst. At least one of the first and second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalysts comprises small crystallite zeolite SSZ-32x. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110315597 | CATALYTIC PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS FOR BASE OIL PRODUCTION FROM HEAVY FEEDSTOCK - Processes and catalyst systems are provided for dewaxing a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock to form a lubricant base oil. A layered catalyst system of the present invention may comprise a first hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst disposed upstream from a second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst. Each of the first and second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalysts may be selective for the isomerization of n-paraffins. The first hydroisomerization catalyst has a first level of selectivity for the isomerization of n-paraffins, the second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalyst has a second level of selectivity for the isomerization of n-paraffins, and a layered catalyst system comprising the first and second hydroisomerization dewaxing catalysts has a third level of selectivity for the isomerization of n-paraffins. The third level of selectivity may be higher than each of the first level of selectivity and the second level of selectivity. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110315062 | RISER SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR USE WITH AN OFFSHORE PLATFORM - A riser support system for use in a body of water comprises a buoyant and ballastable support structure and a plurality of substantially vertical and rigid risers each of which is attached to the inside of the support structure at a location below the center of buoyancy of the support structure and below the surface of the body of water. Usually, each riser passes through the inside of a single tube in the support structure. Typically, the riser support system is used to support a plurality of risers and their surface wellheads inside the hull of an offshore platform, usually in such a manner that the axial movement of the risers and support structure is independent of the axial movement of the hull. | 12-29-2011 |
