"It is estimated that from 20 to 25 percent of all the water that runs off the Earth’s surface is carried to the Amazon" (http://library.thinkquest.org/22642/nwonders/amazon.htm)
“How could drops of water know themselves to be a river? Yet the river flows on” -- Antoine de Saint-Exupery (French Pilot, Writer and Author of 'The Little Prince', 1900-1944)
You no doubt spend a lot of time on the Web looking for items pertaining to your area of interest. So do information professionals, including your friendly corporate or academic librarian. Do yourself a favor … introduce yourself to them. They can help you become a more effective online searcher.
Let’s say, for example, that you want a good, authoritative book on desulfurization of heavy oils. You could Google® … but since you know you are looking for a book, lighten the load. Search Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) instead. By choosing the right database, you narrow your focus and save yourself time.
Search Amazon.com for "desulfurization" in Books category. One hit …
The Desulfurization of Heavy Oils and Residua (Chemical Industries) (Hardcover)
2nd edition
~ James G. Speight (Editor) "Petroleum is scattered throughout the earth's crust, which is divided into natural groups or strata, categorized in order of their antiquity (Table 1-1) (Speight, 1999)..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York, Marcel Dekker Inc, Gas Journal (more...)
$219.00
ISBN: 0-8247-8921-0
This is a fairly expensive book. It may be worth its weight in palladium, but you may want to take a look at it first. One way to do so … Make an ILL – Interlibrary Loan – request from your librarian. The librarian will locate a library that owns the book and request a loan. You will have two or three weeks to peruse the tome to determine whether it is worth the purchase price.
But wait, there’s more you can do. Maybe you have never heard of James G. Speight, the editor of above. No problem …
Google® "James G. Speight" Among the results …
Dr. James G. Speight Energy and environmental consulting services We are a technical advisory service that provides project management and business consulting.
www.drjamesspeight.qpg.com/ - Cached - Similar
Dr. James G. Speight Résumé We are a technical advisory service that provides project management and business consulting.www.drjamesspeight.qpg.com/page3.html
And you can go on with your background check. Search ScienceDirect (www.sciencedirect.com) …
Search ScienceDirect: "speight"
Some articles by James G. Speight ...
Sulphoxidation of Athabasca bitumen
Fuel, Volume 57, Issue 10, October 1978, Pages 647-649
Speros E. Moschopedis, James G. Speight
Electrical conductivities of bitumen fractions in non-aqueous solvents
Fuel, Volume 53, Issue 3, July 1974, Pages 192-197
Stephen Penzes, James G. Speight
Investigation of hydrogen bonding by oxygen functions in Athabasca bitumen
Fuel, Volume 55, Issue 3, July 1976, Pages 187-192
Speros E. Moschopedis, James G. Speight
The production of low-sulphur liquids and coke from Athabasca bitumen
Fuel Processing Technology, Volume 2, Issue 4, October 1979, Pages 295-302
James G. Speight, Speros E. Moschopedis
Identification of nitrogen functional groups in Athabasca bitumen
Fuel, Volume 60, Issue 5, May 1981, Pages 397-400
Speros E. Moschopedis, Randall W. Hawkins, James G. Speight
Water-soluble constituents of Athabasca bitumen
Fuel, Volume 56, Issue 1, January 1977, Pages 109-110
Speros E. Moschopedis, John F. Fryer, James G. Speight
Investigation of the carbonyl functions in a resin fraction from Athabasca bitumen
Fuel, Volume 55, Issue 3, July 1976, Pages 184-186
Speros E. Moschopedis, John F. Fryer, James G. Speight
Chapter 6 Thermal Cracking of Athabasca Bitumen
Developments in Petroleum Science, Volume 7, 1978, Pages 123-154
James G. Speight
Thermal cracking of Athabasca bitumen, Athabasca asphaltenes, and Athabasca deasphalted heavy oil
Fuel, Volume 49, Issue 2, April 1970, Pages 134-145
J.G. Speight
A structural investigation of the constituents of Athabasca bitumen by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Fuel, Volume 49, Issue 1, January 1970, Pages 76-90
J.G Speight///////
Talk to your friendly corporate or academic librarian. That information professional can give you tips on other databases to search to maximize the effectiveness of your technical research.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
In the strangest places
“[A] mind forever Voyaging through strange seas of Thought, alone.” -- William Wordsworth (Major English Romantic Poet. 1770-1850)
The search for desulfurization related research leads to some of the strangest places. Example … geothermal fluids contains exotic microorganisms which thrive on sulfur in extreme environments. Here is the abstract of a paper delivered at a recent conference …
Goldschmidt Conference Abstracts 2010
Microbially mediated sulfur cycling in chemotrophic geothermal systems of Yellowstone National Park
Z.J. JAY, M.A. KOZUBAL, J. FOUR COLORS, R.E. MACUR AND W.P. INSKEEP
Thermal Biology Institute and Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State Univ., Bozeman, MT 59717, USA (*correspondence binskeep@montana.edu)
Sulfur exists in multiple electronic states and chemical
forms, and plays a pivotal role in both catabolic and anabolic metabolism in prokaryotes. Elemental sulfur (solid phase) and reduced aqueous species (e.g. sulfide, polysulfides, polythionates, thiosulfate) may serve as both electron donors and acceptors for thermophilic microorganisms in geothermal systems of Yellowstone National Park (YNP). Prokaryotes have evolved to exploit the energetically favorable oxidation of dissolved sulfide (DS) to elemental S, thiosulfate, or sulfate, as well as the reduction of elemental S, polysulfides or thiosulfate to DS. Although numerous microbial electron transfer reactions involving sulfur have been suggested and identified, metagenomic analysis of geothermal microbial communities provides direct information regarding the metabolic potential of indigenous populations to carry out reactions central to sulfur cycling. This study combines metagenomic sequencing, geochemical and bioinformatic analyses, and microbiological techniques to identify processes controlling sulfur oxidation-reduction in geochemically diverse (>70° C, pH ~2-7), sulfur-dominated systems across YNP. Proteins involved in sulfur oxidation-reduction in known extremophiles were used to identify homologs in assembled, metagenome sequence using reciprocal BLAST. Identified amino acid sequences were then phylogenetically and structurally analyzed using bioinformatic techniques to identify specific organisms involved in sulfur cycling and characterize the potential function of these proteins across geochemical gradients. Amplification of genes and mRNA transcripts involved in sulfur oxidation-reduction in representative isolates from these communities and from field sites suggest possible mechanisms of microbial sulfur cycling. The oxidation and or reduction of sulfur is extremely dependent on the availability of dissolved oxygen (DO) as a terminal electron acceptor, while microbial populations in anoxic systems can potentially reduce elemental S or polysulfides back to DS. The convergence of phylogenetic and functional information from metagenome sequence of YNP environments provides a foundation for understanding the central role of sulfur in the metabolism of deeply-rooted thermophilic bacteria and archaea.
Source: www.goldschmidt2010.org/abstracts/finalPDFs/A461.pdf
This resulted from Googling® “geothermal sulfur 2010.”
Visit www.JeanSteinhardt.com for more tips on how to improve your online research effectiveness.
The search for desulfurization related research leads to some of the strangest places. Example … geothermal fluids contains exotic microorganisms which thrive on sulfur in extreme environments. Here is the abstract of a paper delivered at a recent conference …
Goldschmidt Conference Abstracts 2010
Microbially mediated sulfur cycling in chemotrophic geothermal systems of Yellowstone National Park
Z.J. JAY, M.A. KOZUBAL, J. FOUR COLORS, R.E. MACUR AND W.P. INSKEEP
Thermal Biology Institute and Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State Univ., Bozeman, MT 59717, USA (*correspondence binskeep@montana.edu)
Sulfur exists in multiple electronic states and chemical
forms, and plays a pivotal role in both catabolic and anabolic metabolism in prokaryotes. Elemental sulfur (solid phase) and reduced aqueous species (e.g. sulfide, polysulfides, polythionates, thiosulfate) may serve as both electron donors and acceptors for thermophilic microorganisms in geothermal systems of Yellowstone National Park (YNP). Prokaryotes have evolved to exploit the energetically favorable oxidation of dissolved sulfide (DS) to elemental S, thiosulfate, or sulfate, as well as the reduction of elemental S, polysulfides or thiosulfate to DS. Although numerous microbial electron transfer reactions involving sulfur have been suggested and identified, metagenomic analysis of geothermal microbial communities provides direct information regarding the metabolic potential of indigenous populations to carry out reactions central to sulfur cycling. This study combines metagenomic sequencing, geochemical and bioinformatic analyses, and microbiological techniques to identify processes controlling sulfur oxidation-reduction in geochemically diverse (>70° C, pH ~2-7), sulfur-dominated systems across YNP. Proteins involved in sulfur oxidation-reduction in known extremophiles were used to identify homologs in assembled, metagenome sequence using reciprocal BLAST. Identified amino acid sequences were then phylogenetically and structurally analyzed using bioinformatic techniques to identify specific organisms involved in sulfur cycling and characterize the potential function of these proteins across geochemical gradients. Amplification of genes and mRNA transcripts involved in sulfur oxidation-reduction in representative isolates from these communities and from field sites suggest possible mechanisms of microbial sulfur cycling. The oxidation and or reduction of sulfur is extremely dependent on the availability of dissolved oxygen (DO) as a terminal electron acceptor, while microbial populations in anoxic systems can potentially reduce elemental S or polysulfides back to DS. The convergence of phylogenetic and functional information from metagenome sequence of YNP environments provides a foundation for understanding the central role of sulfur in the metabolism of deeply-rooted thermophilic bacteria and archaea.
Source: www.goldschmidt2010.org/abstracts/finalPDFs/A461.pdf
This resulted from Googling® “geothermal sulfur 2010.”
Visit www.JeanSteinhardt.com for more tips on how to improve your online research effectiveness.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Conversion/extraction desulfurization (CED)
“We must judge of a form of government by it's general tendency, not by happy accidents” -- Thomas Babington Macaulay (English Historian, 1800-1859)
I rediscovered the U.S. Department of Energy Fossil Energy R&D Project Data Base (http://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/projectdatabase/index.html) by a happy accident. While Googling® “conversion/extraction desulfurization” I ran across the following Project Fact Sheet. It looked interesting. I thought there might be other interesting projects in the pipeline. So I added the Fossil Energy R&D Project Data Base to my deli.cio.us bookmarks for future reference.
///////
United States Department of Energy
Office of Fossil Energy
Project Fact Sheet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Information
Project ID: DE-FC26-02NT15340
Project Title: Biocatalyst Desulfurization
FE Program: Gas/Oil - Drilling, Completion and Stimulation
Research Type: Applied Research
Funding Memorandum: Cooperative Agree't (nonCCT) - Tech R&D
Project Performer
Performer Type: Small Business
Performer: Petro Star Inc.
3900 C Street
Suite 401
Project Team Members:
Project Location
City: Anchorage
State: Alaska
Zip Code: 99503-5966
Congressional District: 01
Responsible FE Site: NETL
Project Point of Contact
Name: Boltz, James F.
Telephone: (907) 339-6614
Fax Number: (907) 349-1377
Email Address: JFBoltz@petro-star.com
Fossil Energy Point of Contact
Name: West, Paul A.
Telephone: (918) 699-2035
Location: NETL
Email Address: Paul.West@netl.doe.gov
Project Dates
Start Date: 06/30/2002
End Date: 12/30/2005
Contract Specialist
Name: Jaskolka, Donna J.
Telephone: (412) 386-6106
Cost & Funding Information
Total Est. Cost: $6,618,844
DOE Share: $5,295,075
Non DOE Share: $1,323,769
Project Description
Petro Star has requested a change in the scope of work for their BDS project. In the original project plan, Petro Star intended to use BDS, alone or in combination with their CED process (which was being developed in another DOE project), to remove sulfur from diesel fuel. At that time, the goal was to reduce the level of sulfur in diesel fuel to 500 ppm using biodesulfurization alone. Since the original proposal was written, two things have changed. " The CED process was found to lack economic viability; work was discontinued. " The 500 ppm target is insufficient to meet EPA mandated sulfur levels of 15 ppm. Therefore, Petro Star has proposed that the CED related task be eliminated and that the target for sulfur be lowered to the 15 ppm required by EPA. They propose to use BDS in combination with hydrotreating. If BDS can be used to reduce the sulfur compounds most resistant to hydrotreating, less severe processing conditions can be used to meet the 15 ppm sulfur requirement. The researchers have found that there are changes that could help them achieve the goal of developing a viable process that Petro Star, a small Alaskan refinery, can use to meet current diesel standards most efficiently.
Project Background
Petro Star, Inc. Biodesulfurization Project Petro Star, Inc. (a subsidiary of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation) runs two small refineries in Alaska (http://www.petro-star.com ). These refineries produce kerosene, diesel and jet fuels. Because of concerns over air pollution EPA has imposed limits on the sulfur levels in diesel fuel. Even relatively complex refineries will have some difficulty meeting the required level, but small refineries without hydrotreating capability are face even more challenges. There is not a readily identified, economical process that can help them achieve the low sulfur levels that will soon be required. Petro Star has developed two processes that they believe will help them reduce the sulfur content in their diesel. One of them is biodesulfurization and the other is a chemical process, Conversion Extraction Desulfurization (CED). The chemical process produces an extract that needs to be treated; biochemical treatment is viewed as an option for the extract. This bioprocessing project has two objectives. The first objective is to 1) develop a biocatalyst that will remove a large portion of the sulfur in diesel fuel at commercially acceptable rates and 2) develop design specifications and a cost estimate for a 5,000 bpd biodesulfurization demonstration unit.
Project Milestones
This information is currently unavailable.
Project Accomplishments
Title: BDS with Hydrotreated Diesel
Date: 02/16/2005
Description Several biocatalysts have been tested for their activitiy in partially treated diesel fuel. The compounds containing dibenzothiophene are generally the hardest to remove with hydrotreating, so these have been the focus of much of Diversa's efforts. They have found that that virtually all of the DBTs can be removed after 22 hours. However, other sulfur spiecies survive both treatments. Catalyst development is still in process.
Title: Diesel Hydrotreating Completed
Date: 02/28/2004
Description Generate hydrotreated petro Star diesel for use in the characterization of biocatalyst strains. both moderate (300-500 ppm S) and deep (10-50 ppm S) hydrotreated diesels will be generated. As part of the work that Petro Star is doing for the biodesulfurization project, they have hydrotreated their diesel at PARC Technical Services. The products and approximate volumes of thepilot plant run were: *12.5 gallons of 43ppm diesel *11.5 gallons of 418ppm diesel *14 gallons of 1746ppm diesel This work will help them to determine the exact components they need to treat and help evaluate the amount of hydrotreating necessary to reach low sulfur levels. This can be used in the economic evaluation of the work that is being done.
Title: Project Kickoff
Date: 02/18/2003
Description All of the participants who will be contributing to this effort met in San Diego on November 13, 2003. All aspects of the project were discussed to ensure that all efforts can be focussed on project objectives.
source: http://www.fe.doe.gov/fred/factsheet.jsp?doc=3212&projtitle=Biocatalyst%20Desulfurization
///////
Visit Jean’s deli.cio.us bookmarks at: http://delicious.com/jeansteinhardt
I rediscovered the U.S. Department of Energy Fossil Energy R&D Project Data Base (http://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/projectdatabase/index.html) by a happy accident. While Googling® “conversion/extraction desulfurization” I ran across the following Project Fact Sheet. It looked interesting. I thought there might be other interesting projects in the pipeline. So I added the Fossil Energy R&D Project Data Base to my deli.cio.us bookmarks for future reference.
///////
United States Department of Energy
Office of Fossil Energy
Project Fact Sheet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Information
Project ID: DE-FC26-02NT15340
Project Title: Biocatalyst Desulfurization
FE Program: Gas/Oil - Drilling, Completion and Stimulation
Research Type: Applied Research
Funding Memorandum: Cooperative Agree't (nonCCT) - Tech R&D
Project Performer
Performer Type: Small Business
Performer: Petro Star Inc.
3900 C Street
Suite 401
Project Team Members:
Project Location
City: Anchorage
State: Alaska
Zip Code: 99503-5966
Congressional District: 01
Responsible FE Site: NETL
Project Point of Contact
Name: Boltz, James F.
Telephone: (907) 339-6614
Fax Number: (907) 349-1377
Email Address: JFBoltz@petro-star.com
Fossil Energy Point of Contact
Name: West, Paul A.
Telephone: (918) 699-2035
Location: NETL
Email Address: Paul.West@netl.doe.gov
Project Dates
Start Date: 06/30/2002
End Date: 12/30/2005
Contract Specialist
Name: Jaskolka, Donna J.
Telephone: (412) 386-6106
Cost & Funding Information
Total Est. Cost: $6,618,844
DOE Share: $5,295,075
Non DOE Share: $1,323,769
Project Description
Petro Star has requested a change in the scope of work for their BDS project. In the original project plan, Petro Star intended to use BDS, alone or in combination with their CED process (which was being developed in another DOE project), to remove sulfur from diesel fuel. At that time, the goal was to reduce the level of sulfur in diesel fuel to 500 ppm using biodesulfurization alone. Since the original proposal was written, two things have changed. " The CED process was found to lack economic viability; work was discontinued. " The 500 ppm target is insufficient to meet EPA mandated sulfur levels of 15 ppm. Therefore, Petro Star has proposed that the CED related task be eliminated and that the target for sulfur be lowered to the 15 ppm required by EPA. They propose to use BDS in combination with hydrotreating. If BDS can be used to reduce the sulfur compounds most resistant to hydrotreating, less severe processing conditions can be used to meet the 15 ppm sulfur requirement. The researchers have found that there are changes that could help them achieve the goal of developing a viable process that Petro Star, a small Alaskan refinery, can use to meet current diesel standards most efficiently.
Project Background
Petro Star, Inc. Biodesulfurization Project Petro Star, Inc. (a subsidiary of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation) runs two small refineries in Alaska (http://www.petro-star.com ). These refineries produce kerosene, diesel and jet fuels. Because of concerns over air pollution EPA has imposed limits on the sulfur levels in diesel fuel. Even relatively complex refineries will have some difficulty meeting the required level, but small refineries without hydrotreating capability are face even more challenges. There is not a readily identified, economical process that can help them achieve the low sulfur levels that will soon be required. Petro Star has developed two processes that they believe will help them reduce the sulfur content in their diesel. One of them is biodesulfurization and the other is a chemical process, Conversion Extraction Desulfurization (CED). The chemical process produces an extract that needs to be treated; biochemical treatment is viewed as an option for the extract. This bioprocessing project has two objectives. The first objective is to 1) develop a biocatalyst that will remove a large portion of the sulfur in diesel fuel at commercially acceptable rates and 2) develop design specifications and a cost estimate for a 5,000 bpd biodesulfurization demonstration unit.
Project Milestones
This information is currently unavailable.
Project Accomplishments
Title: BDS with Hydrotreated Diesel
Date: 02/16/2005
Description Several biocatalysts have been tested for their activitiy in partially treated diesel fuel. The compounds containing dibenzothiophene are generally the hardest to remove with hydrotreating, so these have been the focus of much of Diversa's efforts. They have found that that virtually all of the DBTs can be removed after 22 hours. However, other sulfur spiecies survive both treatments. Catalyst development is still in process.
Title: Diesel Hydrotreating Completed
Date: 02/28/2004
Description Generate hydrotreated petro Star diesel for use in the characterization of biocatalyst strains. both moderate (300-500 ppm S) and deep (10-50 ppm S) hydrotreated diesels will be generated. As part of the work that Petro Star is doing for the biodesulfurization project, they have hydrotreated their diesel at PARC Technical Services. The products and approximate volumes of thepilot plant run were: *12.5 gallons of 43ppm diesel *11.5 gallons of 418ppm diesel *14 gallons of 1746ppm diesel This work will help them to determine the exact components they need to treat and help evaluate the amount of hydrotreating necessary to reach low sulfur levels. This can be used in the economic evaluation of the work that is being done.
Title: Project Kickoff
Date: 02/18/2003
Description All of the participants who will be contributing to this effort met in San Diego on November 13, 2003. All aspects of the project were discussed to ensure that all efforts can be focussed on project objectives.
source: http://www.fe.doe.gov/fred/factsheet.jsp?doc=3212&projtitle=Biocatalyst%20Desulfurization
///////
Visit Jean’s deli.cio.us bookmarks at: http://delicious.com/jeansteinhardt
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Keyword Alert: Toe to Heel Air Injection (THAI)
“Looking for peace is like looking for a turtle with a mustache: You won't be able to find it. But when your heart is ready, peace will come looking for you.” -- Ajahn Chah quotes (Thai famous buddhist, 1918-1992)
With tar sands increasing in importance for the world’s energy supply, desulfurization and other technologies must be adapted to that type of source. A keyword for online research in the tar sands area is …
Toe to Heel Air Injection (THAI)
A Wikipedia article describes the technology thusly …
“Toe to Heel Air Injection (THAI)
“This is a very new and experimental method that combines a vertical air injection well with a horizontal production well. The process ignites oil in the reservoir and creates a vertical wall of fire moving from the "toe" of the horizontal well toward the "heel", which burns the heavier oil components and upgrades some of the heavy bitumen into lighter oil right in the formation. Historically fireflood projects have not worked out well because of difficulty in controlling the flame front and a propensity to set the producing wells on fire. However, some oil companies feel the THAI method will be more controllable and practical, and have the advantage of not requiring energy to create steam.
“Advocates of this method of extraction state that it uses less freshwater, produces 50% less greenhouse gases, and has a smaller footprint than other production techniques.
“Petrobank Energy and Resources Ltd. has reported encouraging results from their test wells in Alberta, with production rates of up to 400 barrels per day per well, and the oil upgraded from 8 to 12 API degrees. The company hopes to get a further 7-degree upgrade from its CAPRI (controlled atmospheric pressure resin infusion) system, which pulls the oil through a catalyst lining the lower pipe.”
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sands#Toe_to_Heel_Air_Injection_.28THAI.29
///////
For more detail on the technology, take a look at …
Tech Talk: The THAI process for bitumen and heavy oil
Posted by Heading Out on February 7, 2010 - 9:14am
Topic: Supply/Production
Tags: bitumen, heavy oil, tech talk, toe to heel air injection [list all tags]
“For a while, when I was a student, I had an attic bedroom that was heated by a small coal fire, with a relatively short chimney up to the roof. I learned, fairly early on, that in starting the fire you needed a fairly high velocity air flow across the coals, and underlying firewood strips. And to get this I would rest a shovel over the front of the fireplace, and try and seal off the sides. I kept a small bellows beside the fire to help when this wasn’t particularly successful. When you are starting a fire underground the provision of air is critical, but when you are trying to burn the residual coke that is left, after the heat has cracked the rest of the oil and caused it to flow away, keeping that air flowing at a high enough rate to sustain the high-temperature burn becomes somewhat critical to most efficient operation, particularly if the air has to get through a sand layer to reach the fire.
“This is the post on THAI – Toe to Heel Air Injection for the recovery of heavy oils, which is part of the ongoing technical post (tech talk) series that I write on Sundays. It is a subject that has been described several times in the past at The Oil Drum. I first mentioned it back in 2006 when the first underground test was underway at White Sands.”
source: http://www.theoildrum.com/node/6183
There’s more … visit the site for more detail
And visit the Jean Steinhardt Consulting Web (www.JeanSteinhardtConsulting.com) for more useful tips on researching tech topics.
With tar sands increasing in importance for the world’s energy supply, desulfurization and other technologies must be adapted to that type of source. A keyword for online research in the tar sands area is …
Toe to Heel Air Injection (THAI)
A Wikipedia article describes the technology thusly …
“Toe to Heel Air Injection (THAI)
“This is a very new and experimental method that combines a vertical air injection well with a horizontal production well. The process ignites oil in the reservoir and creates a vertical wall of fire moving from the "toe" of the horizontal well toward the "heel", which burns the heavier oil components and upgrades some of the heavy bitumen into lighter oil right in the formation. Historically fireflood projects have not worked out well because of difficulty in controlling the flame front and a propensity to set the producing wells on fire. However, some oil companies feel the THAI method will be more controllable and practical, and have the advantage of not requiring energy to create steam.
“Advocates of this method of extraction state that it uses less freshwater, produces 50% less greenhouse gases, and has a smaller footprint than other production techniques.
“Petrobank Energy and Resources Ltd. has reported encouraging results from their test wells in Alberta, with production rates of up to 400 barrels per day per well, and the oil upgraded from 8 to 12 API degrees. The company hopes to get a further 7-degree upgrade from its CAPRI (controlled atmospheric pressure resin infusion) system, which pulls the oil through a catalyst lining the lower pipe.”
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sands#Toe_to_Heel_Air_Injection_.28THAI.29
///////
For more detail on the technology, take a look at …
Tech Talk: The THAI process for bitumen and heavy oil
Posted by Heading Out on February 7, 2010 - 9:14am
Topic: Supply/Production
Tags: bitumen, heavy oil, tech talk, toe to heel air injection [list all tags]
“For a while, when I was a student, I had an attic bedroom that was heated by a small coal fire, with a relatively short chimney up to the roof. I learned, fairly early on, that in starting the fire you needed a fairly high velocity air flow across the coals, and underlying firewood strips. And to get this I would rest a shovel over the front of the fireplace, and try and seal off the sides. I kept a small bellows beside the fire to help when this wasn’t particularly successful. When you are starting a fire underground the provision of air is critical, but when you are trying to burn the residual coke that is left, after the heat has cracked the rest of the oil and caused it to flow away, keeping that air flowing at a high enough rate to sustain the high-temperature burn becomes somewhat critical to most efficient operation, particularly if the air has to get through a sand layer to reach the fire.
“This is the post on THAI – Toe to Heel Air Injection for the recovery of heavy oils, which is part of the ongoing technical post (tech talk) series that I write on Sundays. It is a subject that has been described several times in the past at The Oil Drum. I first mentioned it back in 2006 when the first underground test was underway at White Sands.”
source: http://www.theoildrum.com/node/6183
There’s more … visit the site for more detail
And visit the Jean Steinhardt Consulting Web (www.JeanSteinhardtConsulting.com) for more useful tips on researching tech topics.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Expert Alert: Frontier & Unconventional Resources
“There exist limitless opportunities in every industry. Where there is an open mind, there will always be a frontier.” -- Charles F. Kettering (American engineer, inventor of the electric starter, 1876-1958)
"Please, Captain, not in front of the Klingons." -- Spock to Kirk, as Kirk is about to hug him, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
LinkedIn groups are a fertile source of potentially useful information. For example the following was a recent post to the LinkedIn group Frontier & Unconventional Resources
Global Unconventional Gas hosts top U.S. and international experts
Started by Trevor Smith, Business Development Manager, Gas Technology Institute
• Jan Panek - Head of Unit for Coal & Oil, European Commission
• Jean-Francois Cirelli - Vice Chairman and President, GDF SUEZ and president‐elect of Eurogas
• Aubrey McClendon - CEO of Chesapeake
• Dr. Abdul Rahim Hashim - President of Int’l Gas Union (IGU)
• Christopher Flavin - President of Worldwatch Institute
• Chris Smith - Deputy Assistant Secretary of U.S. Dept. of Energy
• Dominico Dispenza – Chairman of the European Union Natural Gas Industry
• Dr. Manuel Lage, President, NGVA Europe
• Randall Miller, President, Core Lab
• Dr. Mart van Bracht, Director, TNO Built Environment and Energy
• Dr. Rhodri Thomas, Managing Consultant, Wood Mackenzie
• Gerald Schotman, Chief Technology Officer, Royal Dutch Shell
• Jan Dirk Bokhoven, Chairman Executive Board, EBN
• John Harris, Director, Global Gas, IHS CERA
• Scott Reeves, Global Head, Unconventional Gas Resources, BG Group
• Dr. György Szabó, Chairman of the Board, Falcon – TXM Oil and Gas Ltd.
• George C. Yeung, Principal Professional, Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)
• Chris Hopkins, Vice President, Unconventional Resources, Schlumberger
• John McGinnis, Senior Vice President, Exploration & Development, NFG/Seneca Resources
• Alastair Nichol, Executive Advisor, Encana
• Richard Stoneburner, President and COO, Petrohawk Energy Corporation
• Porter Bennett, President & CEO, Bentek Energy, LLC
• Vello A. Kuuskraa - President and Chairman, Advanced Resources International Inc
• Steve Wolhart - Vice President, Fracture Diagnostics, Pinnacle - a Halliburton Service
• Dr. Rich Haut - Senior Research Scientist, Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC)
• Rowen Bainbridge - Chief Executive Officer, Aurelian Oil and Gas PLC
• Rich Broderick, Schlumberger Water Services
• Brent Halldorson, Chief Operating Officer, Aqua‐Pure/Fountain Quail
• Charles Kozora, Regional Business Development Manager, Aquatech
Major sponsors to date include Smith International, Encana, Upstream Magazine, Int’l Gas Union (IGU), Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America (RPSEA), Core Lab, and Landmark - a Halliburton Service.
Visit www.gastechnology.org/gug2010 for the full agenda and for registration. Members of LinkedIn receive a $200 discount off registration. Just enter GUGLINK2010 into the discount code. If your company is considering sending two or more delegates, a half price discount on the second registration is available. The hotel block is filling quickly and expires on May 18.
To join Global Unconventional Gas on LinkedIn click:
http://www.linkedin.com/e/GGij6B7nEBL-Q2i9GXYYaVmFV47-HmDDUPSjABOn2_q3w-r/blk/I542574036_3/dzcMd3sRczgRbShEi6RTrRB1bPoQczoRczANbPgQe3kOdP8LtCBDbOYWrSlI/giv/
By Trevor Smith, Business Development Manager, Gas Technology Institute
While not directly connected to desulfurization, since everything in connects to everything else in the brave new world of the Internet, a list of names like the above may be worth mining.
The next step is to search the Web for background information on each of the people listed. A quick search reveals, for example, that at least two of the people has a LinkedIn profile.
• Jan Dirk Bokhoven, Chairman Executive Board, EBN (http://nl.linkedin.com/pub/jan-dirk-bokhoven/10/507/595)
• Dr. György Szabó, Chairman of the Board, Falcon – TXM Oil and Gas Ltd. (http://hu.linkedin.com/pub/gyorgy-szabo/17/5b8/869)
Your corporate librarian can help you research these names. You don’t have a corporate librarian? Contact an Independent Information Professional such as Jean Steinhardt Consulting LLC (www.jeansteinhardtconsulting.com)
"Please, Captain, not in front of the Klingons." -- Spock to Kirk, as Kirk is about to hug him, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
LinkedIn groups are a fertile source of potentially useful information. For example the following was a recent post to the LinkedIn group Frontier & Unconventional Resources
Global Unconventional Gas hosts top U.S. and international experts
Started by Trevor Smith, Business Development Manager, Gas Technology Institute
• Jan Panek - Head of Unit for Coal & Oil, European Commission
• Jean-Francois Cirelli - Vice Chairman and President, GDF SUEZ and president‐elect of Eurogas
• Aubrey McClendon - CEO of Chesapeake
• Dr. Abdul Rahim Hashim - President of Int’l Gas Union (IGU)
• Christopher Flavin - President of Worldwatch Institute
• Chris Smith - Deputy Assistant Secretary of U.S. Dept. of Energy
• Dominico Dispenza – Chairman of the European Union Natural Gas Industry
• Dr. Manuel Lage, President, NGVA Europe
• Randall Miller, President, Core Lab
• Dr. Mart van Bracht, Director, TNO Built Environment and Energy
• Dr. Rhodri Thomas, Managing Consultant, Wood Mackenzie
• Gerald Schotman, Chief Technology Officer, Royal Dutch Shell
• Jan Dirk Bokhoven, Chairman Executive Board, EBN
• John Harris, Director, Global Gas, IHS CERA
• Scott Reeves, Global Head, Unconventional Gas Resources, BG Group
• Dr. György Szabó, Chairman of the Board, Falcon – TXM Oil and Gas Ltd.
• George C. Yeung, Principal Professional, Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)
• Chris Hopkins, Vice President, Unconventional Resources, Schlumberger
• John McGinnis, Senior Vice President, Exploration & Development, NFG/Seneca Resources
• Alastair Nichol, Executive Advisor, Encana
• Richard Stoneburner, President and COO, Petrohawk Energy Corporation
• Porter Bennett, President & CEO, Bentek Energy, LLC
• Vello A. Kuuskraa - President and Chairman, Advanced Resources International Inc
• Steve Wolhart - Vice President, Fracture Diagnostics, Pinnacle - a Halliburton Service
• Dr. Rich Haut - Senior Research Scientist, Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC)
• Rowen Bainbridge - Chief Executive Officer, Aurelian Oil and Gas PLC
• Rich Broderick, Schlumberger Water Services
• Brent Halldorson, Chief Operating Officer, Aqua‐Pure/Fountain Quail
• Charles Kozora, Regional Business Development Manager, Aquatech
Major sponsors to date include Smith International, Encana, Upstream Magazine, Int’l Gas Union (IGU), Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America (RPSEA), Core Lab, and Landmark - a Halliburton Service.
Visit www.gastechnology.org/gug2010 for the full agenda and for registration. Members of LinkedIn receive a $200 discount off registration. Just enter GUGLINK2010 into the discount code. If your company is considering sending two or more delegates, a half price discount on the second registration is available. The hotel block is filling quickly and expires on May 18.
To join Global Unconventional Gas on LinkedIn click:
http://www.linkedin.com/e/GGij6B7nEBL-Q2i9GXYYaVmFV47-HmDDUPSjABOn2_q3w-r/blk/I542574036_3/dzcMd3sRczgRbShEi6RTrRB1bPoQczoRczANbPgQe3kOdP8LtCBDbOYWrSlI/giv/
By Trevor Smith, Business Development Manager, Gas Technology Institute
While not directly connected to desulfurization, since everything in connects to everything else in the brave new world of the Internet, a list of names like the above may be worth mining.
The next step is to search the Web for background information on each of the people listed. A quick search reveals, for example, that at least two of the people has a LinkedIn profile.
• Jan Dirk Bokhoven, Chairman Executive Board, EBN (http://nl.linkedin.com/pub/jan-dirk-bokhoven/10/507/595)
• Dr. György Szabó, Chairman of the Board, Falcon – TXM Oil and Gas Ltd. (http://hu.linkedin.com/pub/gyorgy-szabo/17/5b8/869)
Your corporate librarian can help you research these names. You don’t have a corporate librarian? Contact an Independent Information Professional such as Jean Steinhardt Consulting LLC (www.jeansteinhardtconsulting.com)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
LinkedIn Group: Frontier & Unconventional Resources
“A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.” -- Robert Orben (US magician and comedy writer, b. 1927)
I will be on vacation and will not be posting for a couple of weeks. Here is today’s post.
If you are a LinkedIn® member, consider joining the Frontier & Unconventional Resources group. It has occasional discussions that could provide useful information.
Here, for example, is a notice I found in my inbox this morning …
///////
Latest: 3 discussions 1 news discussion 2 news articles 1 Job
Frontier & Unconventional Resources
Most Active Discussions (1)
How Shale Gas Is Going to Rock the World - WSJ.com 2 comments »
Started by Calin Dragoie
There is a lot of opinion in this article. I am yet to see gas producers keep costs below $5 per mcf. US shale and CBM gas drilling has...
More »
By Tom Wharton
Discussions (3)
Free Download: 20 Major Oil & Gas Companies for LinkedIn Members Add a comment »
Started by Alyssa Su, Mining & Resources Industry Research at RWP Consultancy Group
We have just launched our Global Oil & Gas Companies Guide, we would like share 20 Oil & Gas companies with LinkedIn members.
We have uploaded 20 Oil & Gas Companies on our homepage of ResearchWhitePaper (http://researchwhitepaper.com), if you go to the home page, and key in your name, e-mail and code 0510, this report will come up automatically. This offer is for LinkedIn members only, and the code is unique. If you have trouble in downloading this report, please let us know, and we can e-mail to you.
By Alyssa Su, Mining & Resources Industry Research at RWP Consultancy Group
Sustainable communities around the world Add a comment »
Started by MacGonagall (Mac) Ackers, Networking at Greening of Oil magazine
Cornell student spends a semester in Iceland, gaining a new outlook on life from local sustainable villagers in Solheimar. The student interviewer and traveler would love to hear your feedback, similar experiences, questions about sustainable living in Iceland. http://bit.ly/anjzJD
By MacGonagall (Mac) Ackers, Networking at Greening of Oil magazine
GlobalData New report: Bakken Shale Gas Play-2010 Add a comment »
Started by Jean-Claude Moos, Senior Business Executive at GlobalData (Energy * Power e-Track)
GlobalData New report: Bakken Shale Gas Play-2010
To inquire about this report, contact jmoos1503@globaldata.com
By Jean-Claude Moos, Senior Business Executive at GlobalData (Energy * Power e-Track)
News Discussions (1)
PROSPEX RESOURCES LTD. ProspEx Announces 2010 First Quarter Results 1 comment »
Prospex announces success in East Kakwa Falher multistage fracced horozontals. IP's of 5-8 mmcfpd. Also 1mmcfpd from Notikewin hz in Brazeau.
By Calin Dragoie, Operations Geologist at Chinook Consulting
Elliptical Mobile Solutions partners Nor-Tech Nor-Tech Add a comment »
nor-tech.com May 10, 2010
Nor-Tech, the Second largest custom system builder in the country, officially partners with Elliptical Mobile Solutions. Nor-Tech integrates their high performance clusters with EMS' Micro Modular Data Center chassis, creating the most powerful and port...…
Job Discussions (1)
VP Business Development - Facilities & Construction - Montreal Add a comment »
Posted by Greg Forrest, President - Management Consultant at Framtid, LLC
///////
Not yet a LinkedIn member? Consider joining. And, by the way, I welcome LinkedIn invitations from fellow technologists. View my profile at: www.linkedin.com/in/jeansteinhardtresearch
I will be on vacation and will not be posting for a couple of weeks. Here is today’s post.
If you are a LinkedIn® member, consider joining the Frontier & Unconventional Resources group. It has occasional discussions that could provide useful information.
Here, for example, is a notice I found in my inbox this morning …
///////
Latest: 3 discussions 1 news discussion 2 news articles 1 Job
Frontier & Unconventional Resources
Most Active Discussions (1)
How Shale Gas Is Going to Rock the World - WSJ.com 2 comments »
Started by Calin Dragoie
There is a lot of opinion in this article. I am yet to see gas producers keep costs below $5 per mcf. US shale and CBM gas drilling has...
More »
By Tom Wharton
Discussions (3)
Free Download: 20 Major Oil & Gas Companies for LinkedIn Members Add a comment »
Started by Alyssa Su, Mining & Resources Industry Research at RWP Consultancy Group
We have just launched our Global Oil & Gas Companies Guide, we would like share 20 Oil & Gas companies with LinkedIn members.
We have uploaded 20 Oil & Gas Companies on our homepage of ResearchWhitePaper (http://researchwhitepaper.com), if you go to the home page, and key in your name, e-mail and code 0510, this report will come up automatically. This offer is for LinkedIn members only, and the code is unique. If you have trouble in downloading this report, please let us know, and we can e-mail to you.
By Alyssa Su, Mining & Resources Industry Research at RWP Consultancy Group
Sustainable communities around the world Add a comment »
Started by MacGonagall (Mac) Ackers, Networking at Greening of Oil magazine
Cornell student spends a semester in Iceland, gaining a new outlook on life from local sustainable villagers in Solheimar. The student interviewer and traveler would love to hear your feedback, similar experiences, questions about sustainable living in Iceland. http://bit.ly/anjzJD
By MacGonagall (Mac) Ackers, Networking at Greening of Oil magazine
GlobalData New report: Bakken Shale Gas Play-2010 Add a comment »
Started by Jean-Claude Moos, Senior Business Executive at GlobalData (Energy * Power e-Track)
GlobalData New report: Bakken Shale Gas Play-2010
To inquire about this report, contact jmoos1503@globaldata.com
By Jean-Claude Moos, Senior Business Executive at GlobalData (Energy * Power e-Track)
News Discussions (1)
PROSPEX RESOURCES LTD. ProspEx Announces 2010 First Quarter Results 1 comment »
Prospex announces success in East Kakwa Falher multistage fracced horozontals. IP's of 5-8 mmcfpd. Also 1mmcfpd from Notikewin hz in Brazeau.
By Calin Dragoie, Operations Geologist at Chinook Consulting
Elliptical Mobile Solutions partners Nor-Tech Nor-Tech Add a comment »
nor-tech.com May 10, 2010
Nor-Tech, the Second largest custom system builder in the country, officially partners with Elliptical Mobile Solutions. Nor-Tech integrates their high performance clusters with EMS' Micro Modular Data Center chassis, creating the most powerful and port...…
Job Discussions (1)
VP Business Development - Facilities & Construction - Montreal Add a comment »
Posted by Greg Forrest, President - Management Consultant at Framtid, LLC
///////
Not yet a LinkedIn member? Consider joining. And, by the way, I welcome LinkedIn invitations from fellow technologists. View my profile at: www.linkedin.com/in/jeansteinhardtresearch
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Geothermal
“Time is the longest distance between two places.” ~Tennessee Williams
Sulfur is a problem that pervades nearly every source of energy … including geothermal. The following article illustrates the point …
Electrochemical desulfurization of geothermal fluids under high temperature and pressure
ATEYA B. G. (bgateya@yahoo.com) ; AL KHARAFI F. M. ; EL-SHAMY A. M. ; SAAD A. Y. ; ABDALLA R. M. ;
Abstract
Electrochemical removal of sulfide ions was achieved in salt water using graphite anodes in an autoclave under high temperatures and pressures, simulating geothermal fluids. The reaction products were characterized using microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). At low temperatures the reaction rate is quite small. It decreases rapidly with time down to a negligibly small value, which increases only slightly with temperature. The reaction produces elemental sulfur, which was seen under the microscope and identified using XPS. It passivates the electrode and hence diminishes its activity. Above about 115 °C, much higher removal rates can be sustained for much longer times, while the increase of temperature has a much stronger effect on the reaction rate. Under this condition, elemental sulfur was no longer detected among the reaction products, while the electrode retained its activity for continuous operation. The XPS spectra at high temperatures reveal the presence of oxygen bearing sulfur species, such as sulfates. The melting of sulfur (at 115 °C) has a much stronger effect on the efficiency of the process than the transition of orthorhombic to monoclinic sulfur (at 95 °C). A Clausius-Clapeyron's analysis reveals that the melting point of sulfur inside the autoclave is nearly equal to its normal melting point.
Journal of applied electrochemistry
2009, vol. 39, no3, pp. 383-389 [7 page(s) (article)]
source: http://www.springerlink.com/content/l54158v871850492/#ContactOfAuthor1
No matter what your area of energy technology research, the tips in the Desulfurization Blog can help save you time in your online searches. Follow it, and suggest it to your colleagues.
Sulfur is a problem that pervades nearly every source of energy … including geothermal. The following article illustrates the point …
Electrochemical desulfurization of geothermal fluids under high temperature and pressure
ATEYA B. G. (bgateya@yahoo.com) ; AL KHARAFI F. M. ; EL-SHAMY A. M. ; SAAD A. Y. ; ABDALLA R. M. ;
Abstract
Electrochemical removal of sulfide ions was achieved in salt water using graphite anodes in an autoclave under high temperatures and pressures, simulating geothermal fluids. The reaction products were characterized using microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). At low temperatures the reaction rate is quite small. It decreases rapidly with time down to a negligibly small value, which increases only slightly with temperature. The reaction produces elemental sulfur, which was seen under the microscope and identified using XPS. It passivates the electrode and hence diminishes its activity. Above about 115 °C, much higher removal rates can be sustained for much longer times, while the increase of temperature has a much stronger effect on the reaction rate. Under this condition, elemental sulfur was no longer detected among the reaction products, while the electrode retained its activity for continuous operation. The XPS spectra at high temperatures reveal the presence of oxygen bearing sulfur species, such as sulfates. The melting of sulfur (at 115 °C) has a much stronger effect on the efficiency of the process than the transition of orthorhombic to monoclinic sulfur (at 95 °C). A Clausius-Clapeyron's analysis reveals that the melting point of sulfur inside the autoclave is nearly equal to its normal melting point.
Journal of applied electrochemistry
2009, vol. 39, no3, pp. 383-389 [7 page(s) (article)]
source: http://www.springerlink.com/content/l54158v871850492/#ContactOfAuthor1
No matter what your area of energy technology research, the tips in the Desulfurization Blog can help save you time in your online searches. Follow it, and suggest it to your colleagues.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Expert Alert: Yong Wang
“Be on the alert, like the red ant that moves with its claws wide open. Uganda” -- African Proverb
PNNL – Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (www.pnl.gov) – does a lot of research relevant to the problems of desulfurization. You can browse the PNNL site for experts, but I find it more convenient to Google®. That’s how I found Yong Wang.
How I found him:
Google®: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory +desulfurization
The search led me to his page on the PNNL site. It contains useful information, but one piece was missing … his email address. To find it, I searched his name in the author field on ScienceDirect (www.sciencedirect.com), where I found an article with his email address.
Here is some of the information on Dr. Wang’s PNNL page …
Yong Wang
Hydrocarbon Processing
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
PO Box 999
Richland, WA 99352
(509) 371-6273
yongwang@pnl.gov
Biography
Dr. Wang joined PNNL in 1994 and was promoted to Laboratory Fellow in 2005. He led the Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Team from 2000 to 2007, and has served as the Associate Director of Institute for Interfacial Catalysis since 2008. Most recently, Dr. Wang assumed a joint position at Washington State University and PNNL. In this unique position, he continues to be a Laboratory Fellow at PNNL and is the Voiland Distinguished Professor in Chemical Engineering at WSU, a full professorship with tenure. Dr. Wang is best known for his leadership in the development of novel catalytic materials and reaction engineering for the conversion of fossil and biomass feedstocks to fuels and chemicals. Dr. Wang has authored more than 130 peer reviewed publications and is the inventor on many catalytic technologies, resulting in more than 150 issued patents (including more than 60 issued U.S. patents).
One of Dr. Wang's publications:
Li L, DL King, J Liu, Q Huo, K Zhu, CM Wang, MA Gerber, DJ Stevens, and Y Wang. 2009. "Stabilization of Metal Nanoparticles in Cubic Mesostructured Silica and Its Application in Regenerable Deep Desulfurization of Warm Syngas." Chemistry of Materials 21(22):5358-5364
source: http://energyenvironment.pnl.gov/staff/staff_info.asp?staff_num=1555
Follow the Desulfurization Blog for more online search tips and tricks … and let your colleagues know.
PNNL – Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (www.pnl.gov) – does a lot of research relevant to the problems of desulfurization. You can browse the PNNL site for experts, but I find it more convenient to Google®. That’s how I found Yong Wang.
How I found him:
Google®: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory +desulfurization
The search led me to his page on the PNNL site. It contains useful information, but one piece was missing … his email address. To find it, I searched his name in the author field on ScienceDirect (www.sciencedirect.com), where I found an article with his email address.
Here is some of the information on Dr. Wang’s PNNL page …
Yong Wang
Hydrocarbon Processing
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
PO Box 999
Richland, WA 99352
(509) 371-6273
yongwang@pnl.gov
Biography
Dr. Wang joined PNNL in 1994 and was promoted to Laboratory Fellow in 2005. He led the Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Team from 2000 to 2007, and has served as the Associate Director of Institute for Interfacial Catalysis since 2008. Most recently, Dr. Wang assumed a joint position at Washington State University and PNNL. In this unique position, he continues to be a Laboratory Fellow at PNNL and is the Voiland Distinguished Professor in Chemical Engineering at WSU, a full professorship with tenure. Dr. Wang is best known for his leadership in the development of novel catalytic materials and reaction engineering for the conversion of fossil and biomass feedstocks to fuels and chemicals. Dr. Wang has authored more than 130 peer reviewed publications and is the inventor on many catalytic technologies, resulting in more than 150 issued patents (including more than 60 issued U.S. patents).
One of Dr. Wang's publications:
Li L, DL King, J Liu, Q Huo, K Zhu, CM Wang, MA Gerber, DJ Stevens, and Y Wang. 2009. "Stabilization of Metal Nanoparticles in Cubic Mesostructured Silica and Its Application in Regenerable Deep Desulfurization of Warm Syngas." Chemistry of Materials 21(22):5358-5364
source: http://energyenvironment.pnl.gov/staff/staff_info.asp?staff_num=1555
Follow the Desulfurization Blog for more online search tips and tricks … and let your colleagues know.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Dissertations Database
“An American cannot converse, but he can discuss, and his talk falls into a dissertation. He speaks to you as if he was addressing a meeting; and if he should chance to become warm in the discussion, he will say ''Gentlemen'' to the person with whom he is conversing.” -- Alexis de Tocqueville (French Historian and Political scientist. 1805-1859)
Dissertations are a rich source of information on both emerging technologies and emerging technologists. I bookmark dissertation databases whenever I find them. Here’s a good one …
Louisiana State University Electronic Thesis & Dissertation Collection (http://etd.lsu.edu/ETD-db/ETD-search/search)
And here’s an example from the database …
Master's Thesis
Haynes, Daniel (dhayne5@lsu.edu)
The Catalytic Partial Oxidation of N-Tetradecane on Rh and Sr Substituted Pyrochlores
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (M.S.Ch.E.)
Chemical Engineering
Advisor NameTitle
James J. SpiveyCommittee Chair
Douglas P. HarrisonCommittee Member
Gregory L. GriffinCommittee Member
David A. BerryCommittee Member
2007-04-10
Abstract
Catalyst deactivation by high levels of sulfur and aromatics limits the catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) of diesel fuel into a H2-rich stream for fuel cells. These species poison traditional supported metal catalysts because they adsorb strongly to electron dense metal clusters and promote the formation of carbon on the surface. Therefore, it is logical to spatially distribute an active metal into the lattice of a chemically and thermally stable material to create an active catalyst surface that is less likely to accumulate carbon or be deactivated by sulfur. In this work, Rh metal only and Rh + Sr are substituted into lanthanum zirconate (LZ) pyrochlore (La2Zr2O7) to give La2RhyZr(2-y)O(7-ξ,) (LRZ) and La(2-x)SrxRhyZr(2-y)O(7-ξ) (LSRZ) catalysts. Their resistance to deactivation and carbon formation were examined by the CPOX of a mixture of model compounds chosen to represent diesel fuel. The results were compared to a commercial Rh/γ-Al2O3 catalyst.
Characterization results appear to confirm the Rh metal is distributed throughout the pyrochlore structure and is reducible. Activity screening with the CPOX of n-tetradecane (TD) with no other reactants shows that the Rh substituted in LRZ and LSRZ has activity comparable to the supported Rh/γ-Al2O3, and each of these catalysts produces H2 and CO yields close to equilibrium levels. Effects of polynuclear aromatics (5 wt % 1-methylnaphthalene (MN) in TD), sulfur (1000 ppmw dibenzothiophene (DBT) in TD) and 5 wt % MN + 1000 ppmw DBT in TD on catalytic activity were then tested. Rh/γ-Al2O3 was deactivated in all three experiments, likely due to significant carbon accumulation on/near the Rh metal. The activity of the pyrochlores in the presence of the contaminants was LSRZ>LRZ>LZ, which was directly related to carbon formation on the surface. Both LZ and LRZ were irreversibly poisoned by MN and DBT while the activity of the LSRZ is only kinetically inhibited by these contaminants. The resistance to deactivation by LSRZ is thought to be attributable to the oxygen-ion conductivity that results from Sr substitution into the pyrochlore structure. The presence of Rh, in both LRZ or LSRZ, resulted in a greater resistance to deactivation by sulfur and carbon accumulation on active sites than the supported Rh/γ-Al2O3.
Dissertations are a rich source of information on both emerging technologies and emerging technologists. I bookmark dissertation databases whenever I find them. Here’s a good one …
Louisiana State University Electronic Thesis & Dissertation Collection (http://etd.lsu.edu/ETD-db/ETD-search/search)
And here’s an example from the database …
Master's Thesis
Haynes, Daniel (dhayne5@lsu.edu)
The Catalytic Partial Oxidation of N-Tetradecane on Rh and Sr Substituted Pyrochlores
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (M.S.Ch.E.)
Chemical Engineering
Advisor NameTitle
James J. SpiveyCommittee Chair
Douglas P. HarrisonCommittee Member
Gregory L. GriffinCommittee Member
David A. BerryCommittee Member
2007-04-10
Abstract
Catalyst deactivation by high levels of sulfur and aromatics limits the catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) of diesel fuel into a H2-rich stream for fuel cells. These species poison traditional supported metal catalysts because they adsorb strongly to electron dense metal clusters and promote the formation of carbon on the surface. Therefore, it is logical to spatially distribute an active metal into the lattice of a chemically and thermally stable material to create an active catalyst surface that is less likely to accumulate carbon or be deactivated by sulfur. In this work, Rh metal only and Rh + Sr are substituted into lanthanum zirconate (LZ) pyrochlore (La2Zr2O7) to give La2RhyZr(2-y)O(7-ξ,) (LRZ) and La(2-x)SrxRhyZr(2-y)O(7-ξ) (LSRZ) catalysts. Their resistance to deactivation and carbon formation were examined by the CPOX of a mixture of model compounds chosen to represent diesel fuel. The results were compared to a commercial Rh/γ-Al2O3 catalyst.
Characterization results appear to confirm the Rh metal is distributed throughout the pyrochlore structure and is reducible. Activity screening with the CPOX of n-tetradecane (TD) with no other reactants shows that the Rh substituted in LRZ and LSRZ has activity comparable to the supported Rh/γ-Al2O3, and each of these catalysts produces H2 and CO yields close to equilibrium levels. Effects of polynuclear aromatics (5 wt % 1-methylnaphthalene (MN) in TD), sulfur (1000 ppmw dibenzothiophene (DBT) in TD) and 5 wt % MN + 1000 ppmw DBT in TD on catalytic activity were then tested. Rh/γ-Al2O3 was deactivated in all three experiments, likely due to significant carbon accumulation on/near the Rh metal. The activity of the pyrochlores in the presence of the contaminants was LSRZ>LRZ>LZ, which was directly related to carbon formation on the surface. Both LZ and LRZ were irreversibly poisoned by MN and DBT while the activity of the LSRZ is only kinetically inhibited by these contaminants. The resistance to deactivation by LSRZ is thought to be attributable to the oxygen-ion conductivity that results from Sr substitution into the pyrochlore structure. The presence of Rh, in both LRZ or LSRZ, resulted in a greater resistance to deactivation by sulfur and carbon accumulation on active sites than the supported Rh/γ-Al2O3.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Organization Alert: William R. Riley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
"There's only one I wanna find / I'm gonna look until it makes me blind / Searching, searching, searching day or night" -- Jason & the Scorchers "Find You" (T. Krekel, J. Ringenberg)
We are searching for desulfurization in all the right places. Today’s tip … The William R. Riley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) (http://www.emsl.pnl.gov/emslweb/), a PNNL-Pacific Northwest National Laboratory facility.
The EMSL Web describes the facility thusly …
“EMSL was the concept of former PNNL Director, Dr. William R. Wiley who knew that understanding systems at the molecular level is imperative to tackle our nation's energy and environmental challenges. Since opening its doors in 1997 on the grounds of PNNL in Richland, Washington, scientific users from academia, industry, and other national laboratories representing all 50 states and nearly 30 countries have applied EMSL resources to their research. EMSL offers these scientists access to instruments—otherwise unavailable to many scientists at their home institutions—to further their scientific studies. All resources housed within EMSL are available at no cost to researchers if their research results are shared in the open literature. Access to EMSL resources is awarded on a peer-reviewed proposal basis. Researchers are encouraged to take advantage of the full complement of tools available and employ unique combinations of equipment and capabilities within EMSL. To become an EMSL user, follow the User Access steps to submit a proposal centered around EMSL's Science Themes, which represent growing areas of research.
“EMSL scientific consultants are available to help users find resources that best meet their needs. EMSL scientists are experts in their fields and can provide a variety of assistance, from helping design an experiment to analyzing results. In some cases, training on specific instruments is offered. Users are also encouraged to contact scientific consultants for potential collaborations.”
Use the site’s search box to search for “sulfur” and you will find a number of interesting items like the following …
///////
The Cage Stage: Researchers use 3-D silica nanocages to protect environmentally critical catalysts
[Excerpt]
“Effective metal catalysts are vital to pollution prevention and clean energy production, and thus central to the interests of the Department of Energy and the nation. Preventing nanosized catalyst particle sintering has remained a great challenge within the field of catalysis research. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researchers have intricately studied a new cubic mesostructured silica (SBA-16) catalyst support that uses its cage-like 3-D structure to protect metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, keeping them safe from heat damage. Using electron microscopy resources at DOE’s EMSL, the team of scientists not only demonstrated the effectiveness of SBA-16’s nanocages, but in the process also developed a class of SBA-16-supported, regenerable metal catalysts that remove unwanted sulfur from syngas fuel.”
source: www.emsl.pnl.gov/news/highlights/cage20100209.pdf
///////
The site also has valuable contact information as shown below …
Allison Campbell, EMSL Director
Allison.Campbell@pnl.gov
April Green, EMSL Director Executive Administrator
April.Green@pnl.gov
Ray Teller, EMSL Associate Director for Scientific Resources
Raymond.Teller@pnl.gov
Staci West, EMSL Communications Manager
Staci.West@pnl.gov
David Koppenaal, Chief Technology Officer
david.koppenaal@pnl.gov
Monty Rosbach, Chief Operations Officer
ml.rosbach@pnl.gov
Don Baer, Interim Chief Scientist
don.baer@pnl.gov
Terry Law, User Support Office
Terry.Law@pnl.gov
Bert de Jong, EMSL interim Associate Director for Molecular Science Computing
Wibe.deJong@pnl.gov
Another contact to keep in mind … Jean Steinhardt (research@jeansteinhardtconsulting.com), producer of the Desulfurization Blog.
We are searching for desulfurization in all the right places. Today’s tip … The William R. Riley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) (http://www.emsl.pnl.gov/emslweb/), a PNNL-Pacific Northwest National Laboratory facility.
The EMSL Web describes the facility thusly …
“EMSL was the concept of former PNNL Director, Dr. William R. Wiley who knew that understanding systems at the molecular level is imperative to tackle our nation's energy and environmental challenges. Since opening its doors in 1997 on the grounds of PNNL in Richland, Washington, scientific users from academia, industry, and other national laboratories representing all 50 states and nearly 30 countries have applied EMSL resources to their research. EMSL offers these scientists access to instruments—otherwise unavailable to many scientists at their home institutions—to further their scientific studies. All resources housed within EMSL are available at no cost to researchers if their research results are shared in the open literature. Access to EMSL resources is awarded on a peer-reviewed proposal basis. Researchers are encouraged to take advantage of the full complement of tools available and employ unique combinations of equipment and capabilities within EMSL. To become an EMSL user, follow the User Access steps to submit a proposal centered around EMSL's Science Themes, which represent growing areas of research.
“EMSL scientific consultants are available to help users find resources that best meet their needs. EMSL scientists are experts in their fields and can provide a variety of assistance, from helping design an experiment to analyzing results. In some cases, training on specific instruments is offered. Users are also encouraged to contact scientific consultants for potential collaborations.”
Use the site’s search box to search for “sulfur” and you will find a number of interesting items like the following …
///////
The Cage Stage: Researchers use 3-D silica nanocages to protect environmentally critical catalysts
[Excerpt]
“Effective metal catalysts are vital to pollution prevention and clean energy production, and thus central to the interests of the Department of Energy and the nation. Preventing nanosized catalyst particle sintering has remained a great challenge within the field of catalysis research. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researchers have intricately studied a new cubic mesostructured silica (SBA-16) catalyst support that uses its cage-like 3-D structure to protect metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, keeping them safe from heat damage. Using electron microscopy resources at DOE’s EMSL, the team of scientists not only demonstrated the effectiveness of SBA-16’s nanocages, but in the process also developed a class of SBA-16-supported, regenerable metal catalysts that remove unwanted sulfur from syngas fuel.”
source: www.emsl.pnl.gov/news/highlights/cage20100209.pdf
///////
The site also has valuable contact information as shown below …
Allison Campbell, EMSL Director
Allison.Campbell@pnl.gov
April Green, EMSL Director Executive Administrator
April.Green@pnl.gov
Ray Teller, EMSL Associate Director for Scientific Resources
Raymond.Teller@pnl.gov
Staci West, EMSL Communications Manager
Staci.West@pnl.gov
David Koppenaal, Chief Technology Officer
david.koppenaal@pnl.gov
Monty Rosbach, Chief Operations Officer
ml.rosbach@pnl.gov
Don Baer, Interim Chief Scientist
don.baer@pnl.gov
Terry Law, User Support Office
Terry.Law@pnl.gov
Bert de Jong, EMSL interim Associate Director for Molecular Science Computing
Wibe.deJong@pnl.gov
Another contact to keep in mind … Jean Steinhardt (research@jeansteinhardtconsulting.com), producer of the Desulfurization Blog.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Nanotechnology Today Blog
"I can do more than talk; I can pontificate!" -- Nibbler, a character in Bender's Big Score
The Desulfurization Blog is as much about online search tips as it is about actual desulfurization resources. Accordingly, today’s post highlights another blog … the Nanotechnology Today Blog (http://nanotechnologytoday.blogspot.com/). I ran across the blog while researching a desulfurization related organization. When I found it, I used the following strategy …
• Search
• Bookmark
• Harvest
The first thing I did was to use the Blogger search box to look for posts with the word “desulfurization” somewhere in the text. The search located the following post …
///////
Fuel cells help make noisy, hot generators a thing of the past
[Excerpts]
Two core technologies developed at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - a fuel desulfurization system and a fuel reforming system - were instrumental in the demonstration of an electric power system operating on JP-8, a fuel commonly used in military operations.
Portable fuel cell power units are quieter, more efficient and have lower emissions than standard diesel generators, but are challenged when used with JP-8 fuel because of its sulfur content.
The fuel desulfurization and reforming systems developed at PNNL reduce the sulfur content of JP-8 and generate a hydrogen stream compatible with an integrated fuel cell.
Although currently under development for military use, the desulfurization and reforming technologies can be used with different liquid fuels to provide portable power almost anywhere that small size and high performance are important. Researchers at PNNL are also extending the desulfurization technology for use with diesel fuel.
View the entire post at: http://nanotechnologytoday.blogspot.com/search?q=desulfurization
///////
So much for “Search.” The next step … Bookmark
I added the Nanotechnology Today URL to my deli.cio.us bookmarking account. I added the tag “desulfurization” to the bookmark. It is not really a desulfurization resource as such, but when I browse my bookmarks in the future, I will search the site for desulfurization related posts, so for my purpose the desulfurization tag is appropriate.
Finally, I read the post both for content and for items to harvest. I look for keywords to add to my keyword list. I look for organizations such as research labs or vendors. And I look for possible experts or other individuals that could lead to additional desulfurization nuggets. For example, the post above listed the following …
Contact: Christy Lambert christy.lambert@pnl.gov 509-375-3732 DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (http://www.pnl.gov/)
Search … Bookmark … Harvest … You can use this strategy on the Desulfurization Blog (http://www.desulf.blogspot.com/). And you can do your colleagues a favor by letting them know about the blog. I pontificate daily.
The Desulfurization Blog is as much about online search tips as it is about actual desulfurization resources. Accordingly, today’s post highlights another blog … the Nanotechnology Today Blog (http://nanotechnologytoday.blogspot.com/). I ran across the blog while researching a desulfurization related organization. When I found it, I used the following strategy …
• Search
• Bookmark
• Harvest
The first thing I did was to use the Blogger search box to look for posts with the word “desulfurization” somewhere in the text. The search located the following post …
///////
Fuel cells help make noisy, hot generators a thing of the past
[Excerpts]
Two core technologies developed at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - a fuel desulfurization system and a fuel reforming system - were instrumental in the demonstration of an electric power system operating on JP-8, a fuel commonly used in military operations.
Portable fuel cell power units are quieter, more efficient and have lower emissions than standard diesel generators, but are challenged when used with JP-8 fuel because of its sulfur content.
The fuel desulfurization and reforming systems developed at PNNL reduce the sulfur content of JP-8 and generate a hydrogen stream compatible with an integrated fuel cell.
Although currently under development for military use, the desulfurization and reforming technologies can be used with different liquid fuels to provide portable power almost anywhere that small size and high performance are important. Researchers at PNNL are also extending the desulfurization technology for use with diesel fuel.
View the entire post at: http://nanotechnologytoday.blogspot.com/search?q=desulfurization
///////
So much for “Search.” The next step … Bookmark
I added the Nanotechnology Today URL to my deli.cio.us bookmarking account. I added the tag “desulfurization” to the bookmark. It is not really a desulfurization resource as such, but when I browse my bookmarks in the future, I will search the site for desulfurization related posts, so for my purpose the desulfurization tag is appropriate.
Finally, I read the post both for content and for items to harvest. I look for keywords to add to my keyword list. I look for organizations such as research labs or vendors. And I look for possible experts or other individuals that could lead to additional desulfurization nuggets. For example, the post above listed the following …
Contact: Christy Lambert christy.lambert@pnl.gov 509-375-3732 DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (http://www.pnl.gov/)
Search … Bookmark … Harvest … You can use this strategy on the Desulfurization Blog (http://www.desulf.blogspot.com/). And you can do your colleagues a favor by letting them know about the blog. I pontificate daily.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Nanobots
“We are all robots when uncritically involved with our technologies.” -- Marshall McLuhan (1911 – 1980) Canadian educator, philosopher, and scholar
This is why I love serendipity … one lucky find leads to another lucky find, which leads to another …
A tip from Dr. Daniel E. Resasco (ouresasco@gmail.com), D. and H. Bourne Chair and George Lynn Cross Professor, Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, at the University of Oklahoma led to a Google® search on the Advanced Energy Consortium (http://www.beg.utexas.edu/aec/) This led in turn to the following Houston Chronicle article …
///////
A new way to get inside scoop on oil: Super-tiny robots may be deployed for big strikes of tomorrow
By Tom Fowler, Houston Chronicle (May 17, 2009)
[Excerpts]
Big Oil is thinking small — really, really small — in its quest to squeeze more oil and gas from the ground.
A consortium of companies is funding research at Rice University, the University of Texas and other schools around the country to develop tiny devices 70,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair to gather information about oil and gas reservoirs deep underground.
Jim Tour (http://www.jmtour.com/) a professor at Rice University known for cutting-edge work in the field of nanotechnology — which involves the engineering of atomic-scale devices — said the devices under development would be like secret agents sent behind enemy lines, but without a radio to transmit messages.
“You don’t get the information until the agent actually comes back and you interrogate him,” Tour said.
And instead of just one or two agents, trillions of nanobots would travel below, carried in drilling mud or some other medium. The nanobots would have different molecules attached that react in different ways with oil, water, sulfur or other materials.
When brought back to the surface the nanobots would be analyzed for changes that could tell geologists something about the reservoir they passed through, such as the temperature or pressure, the presence of sulfur or other chemicals.
View the full text of this article at: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl//6428632.html
///////
Visit Jean Steinhardt’s Delicous Bookmarks account (http://delicious.com/jeansteinhardt) for more great desulfurization resources
This is why I love serendipity … one lucky find leads to another lucky find, which leads to another …
A tip from Dr. Daniel E. Resasco (ouresasco@gmail.com), D. and H. Bourne Chair and George Lynn Cross Professor, Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, at the University of Oklahoma led to a Google® search on the Advanced Energy Consortium (http://www.beg.utexas.edu/aec/) This led in turn to the following Houston Chronicle article …
///////
A new way to get inside scoop on oil: Super-tiny robots may be deployed for big strikes of tomorrow
By Tom Fowler, Houston Chronicle (May 17, 2009)
[Excerpts]
Big Oil is thinking small — really, really small — in its quest to squeeze more oil and gas from the ground.
A consortium of companies is funding research at Rice University, the University of Texas and other schools around the country to develop tiny devices 70,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair to gather information about oil and gas reservoirs deep underground.
Jim Tour (http://www.jmtour.com/) a professor at Rice University known for cutting-edge work in the field of nanotechnology — which involves the engineering of atomic-scale devices — said the devices under development would be like secret agents sent behind enemy lines, but without a radio to transmit messages.
“You don’t get the information until the agent actually comes back and you interrogate him,” Tour said.
And instead of just one or two agents, trillions of nanobots would travel below, carried in drilling mud or some other medium. The nanobots would have different molecules attached that react in different ways with oil, water, sulfur or other materials.
When brought back to the surface the nanobots would be analyzed for changes that could tell geologists something about the reservoir they passed through, such as the temperature or pressure, the presence of sulfur or other chemicals.
View the full text of this article at: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl//6428632.html
///////
Visit Jean Steinhardt’s Delicous Bookmarks account (http://delicious.com/jeansteinhardt) for more great desulfurization resources
Monday, May 3, 2010
Patent Applications … The Cutting Edge
“A man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure.” Segal's Law
Patents are such a rich source of information that is makes sense to scan the latest patent applications to stay abreast of developments in your field. Searching the Applications section of the US Patent & Trademarks Office (http://patft.uspto.gov/), as opposed to the Patents Granted section, can save lots of time … because applications are, by definition, the newest of the new when it comes to patents.
Here are some examples found in the Applications section of the USPTO site using the following keyword search ...
dibenzothiophene AND diesel
///////
United States Patent Application 20100089799
BABE; Celine ; et al. April 15, 2010
USE OF ZINC FERRITE-BASED SOLIDS IN A PROCESS FOR DEEP DESULFURIZATION OF HYDROCARBON FRACTIONS
Abstract
The invention relates to a process for desulfurization of a non-oxidized hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising organic sulfur compounds, by adsorption, especially chemisorption of sulfur on a composition in bulk form consisting essentially of 70% by weight of zinc ferrite and optionally iron oxides or zinc oxides. The process is performed in the presence of hydrogen at a temperature of between 200.degree. C. and 450.degree. C.
Assignee Name and Adress: IFP
///////
United States Patent Application 20100041730
Sabahi; Mahmood ; et al. February 18, 2010
ALKYLATED HETEROCYCLIC REACTION PRODUCTS USEFUL AS ANTIOXIDANTS
Abstract
This invention relates to novel macromolecular compositions having oxidation inhibition characteristics that are exhibited when added to organic material normally susceptible to oxidative degradation in the presence of air or oxygen, such a petroleum products, synthetic polymers, and elastomeric substances.
Inventors: Sabahi; Mahmood; (Baton Rouge, LA) ; Gatto; Vincent J.; (Baton-Rouge, LA) ; Elnagar; Hassan Y.; (Baton Rouge, LA)
Correspondence Name and Address: ALBEMARLE CORPORATION;PATENT DEPARTMENT
///////
United States Patent Application 20100038285
Toledo Antonio; Jose Antonio ; et al. February 18, 2010
Catalytic composition for hydroprocessing of light and intermediate oil fractions
Abstract
The present invention relates to the novel catalytic composition having a high specific activity in reactions involving hydroprocessing of light and intermediate petroleum fractions, and preferably in hydrodesulphurization and hydrodenitrogenation reactions. The inventive catalyst contains at least one element of a non-noble metal from group VIII, at least one element from group VIB and, optionally, a group one element of the VA group, which are deposited on a novel catalytic support comprising of an inorganic metal oxide from group IVB, consisting of an (ID) one-dimensional nanostructured material having nanofibers and/or nanotube morphology with high specific surface area of between 10 and 500 m.sup.2/g.
Correspondence Name and Address: ROYLANCE, ABRAMS, BERDO & GOODMAN, L.L.P.
///////
United States Patent Application 20100038284
Vergel; Cesar February 18, 2010
PROCESS FOR HYDROTREATING A DIESEL FUEL FEEDSTOCK, HYDROTREATING UNIT FOR IMPLEMENTING SAID PROCESS, AND CORRESPONDING HYDROREFINING UNIT
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for the catalytic hydrotreatment of a load based on a diesel fuel oil and a biological load based on plant oils and/or animal fats in a hydrotreatment unit. The invention is characterised in that the hydrotreatment unit comprises at least one hydrotreatment reactor operating on a countercurrent. The invention also relates to a hydrotreatment unit for implementing said method, and a corresponding hydrorefining unit.
Assignee Name and Adress: TOTAL RAFFINAGE MARKETING
///////
United States Patent Application 20100025301
Borgna; Armando ; et al. February 4, 2010
NOVEL PROCESS FOR REMOVING SULFUR FROM FUELS
Abstract
A process for removing sulfur-containing compounds from fuel, said process comprising contacting the fuel in liquid phase with air to oxidize the sulfur-containing compounds, said contacting being carried out in the presence of at least one transition metal oxide catalyst, wherein the catalyst is supported on a porous support and wherein the porous support comprises a support material selected from the group consisting of a titanium oxide, a manganese oxide and a nanostructured material of the aforementioned support materials.
Assignee Name and Adress: AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH (Singapore)
///////
United States Patent Application 20100025291
Shafi; Raheel ; et al. February 4, 2010
Process for the Treatment of Heavy Oils Using Light Hydrocarbon Components as a Diluent
Abstract
The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of heavy oils using a catalytic hydrotreating process. More specifically, the invention relates to the presence of light hydrocarbon components in conjunction with the heavy oils for improved treatment of the heavy oils utilizing moderate temperature and pressure.
Assignee Name and Adress: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
///////
United States Patent Application 20100018902
Brownscombe; Thomas Fairchild ; et al. January 28, 2010
METHODS FOR PRODUCING A TOTAL PRODUCT AT SELECTED TEMPERATURES Abstract
Method of producing a total product are described. A method includes providing a feed and a supported inorganic salt catalyst to a contacting zone. Contact of the supported inorganic salt catalyst with the feed in the presence of a hydrogen source and steam in the contacting zone at a temperature of at most 1000.degree. C. and a total operating pressure of at most 4 MPa produces the total product.
Correspondence Name and Address: SHELL OIL COMPANY
///////
Patents are such a rich source of information that is makes sense to scan the latest patent applications to stay abreast of developments in your field. Searching the Applications section of the US Patent & Trademarks Office (http://patft.uspto.gov/), as opposed to the Patents Granted section, can save lots of time … because applications are, by definition, the newest of the new when it comes to patents.
Here are some examples found in the Applications section of the USPTO site using the following keyword search ...
dibenzothiophene AND diesel
///////
United States Patent Application 20100089799
BABE; Celine ; et al. April 15, 2010
USE OF ZINC FERRITE-BASED SOLIDS IN A PROCESS FOR DEEP DESULFURIZATION OF HYDROCARBON FRACTIONS
Abstract
The invention relates to a process for desulfurization of a non-oxidized hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising organic sulfur compounds, by adsorption, especially chemisorption of sulfur on a composition in bulk form consisting essentially of 70% by weight of zinc ferrite and optionally iron oxides or zinc oxides. The process is performed in the presence of hydrogen at a temperature of between 200.degree. C. and 450.degree. C.
Assignee Name and Adress: IFP
///////
United States Patent Application 20100041730
Sabahi; Mahmood ; et al. February 18, 2010
ALKYLATED HETEROCYCLIC REACTION PRODUCTS USEFUL AS ANTIOXIDANTS
Abstract
This invention relates to novel macromolecular compositions having oxidation inhibition characteristics that are exhibited when added to organic material normally susceptible to oxidative degradation in the presence of air or oxygen, such a petroleum products, synthetic polymers, and elastomeric substances.
Inventors: Sabahi; Mahmood; (Baton Rouge, LA) ; Gatto; Vincent J.; (Baton-Rouge, LA) ; Elnagar; Hassan Y.; (Baton Rouge, LA)
Correspondence Name and Address: ALBEMARLE CORPORATION;PATENT DEPARTMENT
///////
United States Patent Application 20100038285
Toledo Antonio; Jose Antonio ; et al. February 18, 2010
Catalytic composition for hydroprocessing of light and intermediate oil fractions
Abstract
The present invention relates to the novel catalytic composition having a high specific activity in reactions involving hydroprocessing of light and intermediate petroleum fractions, and preferably in hydrodesulphurization and hydrodenitrogenation reactions. The inventive catalyst contains at least one element of a non-noble metal from group VIII, at least one element from group VIB and, optionally, a group one element of the VA group, which are deposited on a novel catalytic support comprising of an inorganic metal oxide from group IVB, consisting of an (ID) one-dimensional nanostructured material having nanofibers and/or nanotube morphology with high specific surface area of between 10 and 500 m.sup.2/g.
Correspondence Name and Address: ROYLANCE, ABRAMS, BERDO & GOODMAN, L.L.P.
///////
United States Patent Application 20100038284
Vergel; Cesar February 18, 2010
PROCESS FOR HYDROTREATING A DIESEL FUEL FEEDSTOCK, HYDROTREATING UNIT FOR IMPLEMENTING SAID PROCESS, AND CORRESPONDING HYDROREFINING UNIT
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for the catalytic hydrotreatment of a load based on a diesel fuel oil and a biological load based on plant oils and/or animal fats in a hydrotreatment unit. The invention is characterised in that the hydrotreatment unit comprises at least one hydrotreatment reactor operating on a countercurrent. The invention also relates to a hydrotreatment unit for implementing said method, and a corresponding hydrorefining unit.
Assignee Name and Adress: TOTAL RAFFINAGE MARKETING
///////
United States Patent Application 20100025301
Borgna; Armando ; et al. February 4, 2010
NOVEL PROCESS FOR REMOVING SULFUR FROM FUELS
Abstract
A process for removing sulfur-containing compounds from fuel, said process comprising contacting the fuel in liquid phase with air to oxidize the sulfur-containing compounds, said contacting being carried out in the presence of at least one transition metal oxide catalyst, wherein the catalyst is supported on a porous support and wherein the porous support comprises a support material selected from the group consisting of a titanium oxide, a manganese oxide and a nanostructured material of the aforementioned support materials.
Assignee Name and Adress: AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH (Singapore)
///////
United States Patent Application 20100025291
Shafi; Raheel ; et al. February 4, 2010
Process for the Treatment of Heavy Oils Using Light Hydrocarbon Components as a Diluent
Abstract
The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of heavy oils using a catalytic hydrotreating process. More specifically, the invention relates to the presence of light hydrocarbon components in conjunction with the heavy oils for improved treatment of the heavy oils utilizing moderate temperature and pressure.
Assignee Name and Adress: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
///////
United States Patent Application 20100018902
Brownscombe; Thomas Fairchild ; et al. January 28, 2010
METHODS FOR PRODUCING A TOTAL PRODUCT AT SELECTED TEMPERATURES Abstract
Method of producing a total product are described. A method includes providing a feed and a supported inorganic salt catalyst to a contacting zone. Contact of the supported inorganic salt catalyst with the feed in the presence of a hydrogen source and steam in the contacting zone at a temperature of at most 1000.degree. C. and a total operating pressure of at most 4 MPa produces the total product.
Correspondence Name and Address: SHELL OIL COMPANY
///////
Sunday, May 2, 2010
AskaChE The Ultimate Help Desk
“There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot.” -- Plato (Ancient Greek Philosopher, 428 BC-348 BC)
I don’t remember how I came across the AskaChE (http://www.askache.com/) site, but I bookmarked it for future reference some time ago. A recent visit suggests that it may no longer be completely current. It was last updated 2008, so some info may be dated. However, it has an impressive number of links. I especially like the links to vendors in a huge variety of technical areas, such as heat exchangers and dewatering.
The site is designed to be browsed, not searched, but it is worth a look.
Here is some information from the AskaChE site …
///////
AskaChE The Ultimate Help Desk
We answer questions related to chemical engineering in petroleum refining
objective of the AskaChE help desk
offer Chemical Engineering assistance:
Obtain information, not proprietary but general, whatever can be found in a journal, or book, or in the web, or in the mind of a retired process engineer.
Bounce back ideas or review memos or check calculations
Search for providers of equipment or services
Mentor new engineers or guide non chemical engineers
Refresh forgotten information or calculation methods
This service is free
source: http://www.askache.com/
///////
Resume of George A. Scharenberg (excerpt)
Relevant Experience:
1996 to April 1999 Fluor Corp.(Irvine CA office)- Process Engineer
• Prepared startup procedures for two cryogenic NGL Gas plants for Pemex
• Developed the Reformer unit revamp safety design for Amoco Salt Lake City refinery
• Designed the preliminary phase for the FCC expansion at the Amoco Salt Lake City refinery and at the Ultramar Wilmington refinery
• Developed the PROII simulations to expand the Crude unit for the Texaco Bakersfield refinery, the BHP-Hawaii refinery and the ARCO-Wilmington refinery
• Prepared the simulations to match plant data of the HF Alkylation unit for the Ultramar Wilmington refinery
source: http://www.askache.com/inResume.htm
///////
I don’t remember how I came across the AskaChE (http://www.askache.com/) site, but I bookmarked it for future reference some time ago. A recent visit suggests that it may no longer be completely current. It was last updated 2008, so some info may be dated. However, it has an impressive number of links. I especially like the links to vendors in a huge variety of technical areas, such as heat exchangers and dewatering.
The site is designed to be browsed, not searched, but it is worth a look.
Here is some information from the AskaChE site …
///////
AskaChE The Ultimate Help Desk
We answer questions related to chemical engineering in petroleum refining
objective of the AskaChE help desk
offer Chemical Engineering assistance:
Obtain information, not proprietary but general, whatever can be found in a journal, or book, or in the web, or in the mind of a retired process engineer.
Bounce back ideas or review memos or check calculations
Search for providers of equipment or services
Mentor new engineers or guide non chemical engineers
Refresh forgotten information or calculation methods
This service is free
source: http://www.askache.com/
///////
Resume of George A. Scharenberg (excerpt)
Relevant Experience:
1996 to April 1999 Fluor Corp.(Irvine CA office)- Process Engineer
• Prepared startup procedures for two cryogenic NGL Gas plants for Pemex
• Developed the Reformer unit revamp safety design for Amoco Salt Lake City refinery
• Designed the preliminary phase for the FCC expansion at the Amoco Salt Lake City refinery and at the Ultramar Wilmington refinery
• Developed the PROII simulations to expand the Crude unit for the Texaco Bakersfield refinery, the BHP-Hawaii refinery and the ARCO-Wilmington refinery
• Prepared the simulations to match plant data of the HF Alkylation unit for the Ultramar Wilmington refinery
source: http://www.askache.com/inResume.htm
///////
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Organization Alert: Nanotube Research Group
“The flame from the angel's sword in the garden of Eden has been catalyzed into the atom bomb; God's thunderbolt became blunted, so man's thunderbolt has become the steel star of destruction.” -- Seán O'Casey (1880-1964) Irish dramatist and memoirist
O’Casey’s line is food for thought … but now to the mundane …
Nanotubes are being used to enhance catalysis, and as such have the potential to impact desulfurization research. Oklahoma University’s Nanotube Research Group (http://www.ou.edu/engineering/nanotube/) is one organization worth bookmarking.
Here by way of illustration is the abstract of a recent report produced by the group.
///////
Science 1 January 2010:
Vol. 327. no. 5961, pp. 68 - 72
Reports
Solid Nanoparticles that Catalyze Biofuel Upgrade Reactions at the Water/Oil Interface
Steven Crossley, Jimmy Faria, Min Shen, Daniel E. Resasco*
A recoverable catalyst that simultaneously stabilizes emulsions would be highly advantageous in streamlining processes such as biomass refining, in which the immiscibility and thermal instability of crude products greatly complicates purification procedures. Here, we report a family of solid catalysts that can stabilize water-oil emulsions and catalyze reactions at the liquid/liquid interface. By depositing palladium onto carbon nanotube–inorganic oxide hybrid nanoparticles, we demonstrate biphasic hydrodeoxygenation and condensation catalysis in three substrate classes of interest in biomass refining. Microscopic characterization of the emulsions supports localization of the hybrid particles at the interface.
School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: resasco@ou.edu
///////
Nanotube Research Group
Prof. Daniel E. Resasco (resasco@ou.edu)
Professor Daniel Resasco holds the Douglas Bourne Chair of the School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. He is also George Lynn Cross Professor, the highest research honor bestowed by the University. He received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering at the Universidad Nacional del Sur, Argentina (1975) and his Ph.D. from Yale University (1984). He has received the 2004 Oklahoma Chemist of the Year from the American Chemical Society, the Yale Award for Advancement of Basic and Applied Science from the Yale Science and Engineering Association, Yale University, the Regents Award for Superior Research, University of Oklahoma (1999), the Sam A. Wilson Professorship, and the J. and K. Smalley Presidential Professorship (1996). He received the Big XII Rising Star Award from the Big XII Center for Economic Development, Innovation, and Commercialization and was finalist for the Small Times US Innovator of the Year in 2007. In 1987 he received the B. Houssay Award for Scientific Achievement from the National Research Council of Argentina. He has also served as a Chairman in the Chemical Engineering Department at the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (1987-88). From 1991 to 1993 he was appointed Senior Scientist at Sun Company, Inc., Pennsylvania. He has been member of the Executive Committee of the International Congress on Catalysis (1996) and Associate Editor of the Journal of Catalysis, for which he is now a member of the Editorial Board. He is founder of SouthWest Nanotechnologies Inc., a major producer of high quality single-walled carbon nanotubes.
Source: http://www.ou.edu/engineering/nanotube/
O’Casey’s line is food for thought … but now to the mundane …
Nanotubes are being used to enhance catalysis, and as such have the potential to impact desulfurization research. Oklahoma University’s Nanotube Research Group (http://www.ou.edu/engineering/nanotube/) is one organization worth bookmarking.
Here by way of illustration is the abstract of a recent report produced by the group.
///////
Science 1 January 2010:
Vol. 327. no. 5961, pp. 68 - 72
Reports
Solid Nanoparticles that Catalyze Biofuel Upgrade Reactions at the Water/Oil Interface
Steven Crossley, Jimmy Faria, Min Shen, Daniel E. Resasco*
A recoverable catalyst that simultaneously stabilizes emulsions would be highly advantageous in streamlining processes such as biomass refining, in which the immiscibility and thermal instability of crude products greatly complicates purification procedures. Here, we report a family of solid catalysts that can stabilize water-oil emulsions and catalyze reactions at the liquid/liquid interface. By depositing palladium onto carbon nanotube–inorganic oxide hybrid nanoparticles, we demonstrate biphasic hydrodeoxygenation and condensation catalysis in three substrate classes of interest in biomass refining. Microscopic characterization of the emulsions supports localization of the hybrid particles at the interface.
School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: resasco@ou.edu
///////
Nanotube Research Group
Prof. Daniel E. Resasco (resasco@ou.edu)
Professor Daniel Resasco holds the Douglas Bourne Chair of the School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. He is also George Lynn Cross Professor, the highest research honor bestowed by the University. He received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering at the Universidad Nacional del Sur, Argentina (1975) and his Ph.D. from Yale University (1984). He has received the 2004 Oklahoma Chemist of the Year from the American Chemical Society, the Yale Award for Advancement of Basic and Applied Science from the Yale Science and Engineering Association, Yale University, the Regents Award for Superior Research, University of Oklahoma (1999), the Sam A. Wilson Professorship, and the J. and K. Smalley Presidential Professorship (1996). He received the Big XII Rising Star Award from the Big XII Center for Economic Development, Innovation, and Commercialization and was finalist for the Small Times US Innovator of the Year in 2007. In 1987 he received the B. Houssay Award for Scientific Achievement from the National Research Council of Argentina. He has also served as a Chairman in the Chemical Engineering Department at the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (1987-88). From 1991 to 1993 he was appointed Senior Scientist at Sun Company, Inc., Pennsylvania. He has been member of the Executive Committee of the International Congress on Catalysis (1996) and Associate Editor of the Journal of Catalysis, for which he is now a member of the Editorial Board. He is founder of SouthWest Nanotechnologies Inc., a major producer of high quality single-walled carbon nanotubes.
Source: http://www.ou.edu/engineering/nanotube/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)