Abstract:
The invention relates to the correlating of mechanical and geological (e.g. compositional) information from a rock core or a large number of rock cores. A geological facies model may be created correlating mechanical and geological information, and allowing prediction of the mechanical properties of rock with given geological properties, such as composition, porosity, etc.
Abstract:
Methods and systems relate to an oxy-boiler used to generate steam injected into a well for assisting recovery of hydrocarbons. Operating conditions of a burner for the oxy-boiler limits oxygen contamination in a resulting flue gas for carbon dioxide recovery and limits size of the oxy-boiler, which may thus be located proximate the well rather at a central processing facility. In contrast to a direct steam generation approach where resulting carbon dioxide is mixed with steam, the oxy-boiler also enables selection of a desired level of carbon dioxide injection, which may be provided with the flue gas that may be exhausted from the oxy-boiler at an injection pressure.
Abstract:
Methods and systems generate steam for injection into a formation in order to facilitate oil recovery and also capture carbon dioxide in a recovery unit that receives flue gas exhaust from such steam generation. The methods and systems integrate various process streams from and to the carbon dioxide recovery unit. Such integration provides resulting benefits associated with efficiency and/or carbon dioxide avoidance.
Abstract:
The invention relates to the prevention of small leakages from transfer lines used for transferring liquids, e.g. oil, between ships, oil platforms and other structures or vessels, where the transfer lines extend over open water. In such situations, small amounts of oil can leak from e.g. a corroded joint, causing an environmental impact which may be a notifiable event. A pad may be fastened around a joint or other part of the transfer line which may be at risk of leakage or seepage, which is capable of soaking up the small volumes of liquid which are likely to be involved (a liter or so). The pad includes a sorbent zone and an outer impermeable layer which may have a transparent or translucent portion. The pad is preferably also equipped with a floatation element.
Abstract:
A method correlates satellite image data with data taken from multiple upward-looking sonars moored on the sea floor. The correlation of this information facilitates the prediction of ice thickness in later seasons using synthetic aperture radiation only, thus allowing for the assessment of threats to oil exploration, production or completion facilities located in the Arctic Ocean.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for removing heavy hydrocarbons are provided. Methods for liquefying a natural gas stream include: (a) cooling at least a portion of the natural gas stream in an upstream refrigeration cycle of a liquefaction process to produce a cooled natural gas stream; (b) separating via a first distillation column the cooled natural gas stream into a first top fraction and a first bottom fraction, wherein the first fraction does not freeze in a subsequent downstream step of the liquefaction process; (c) separating via a second distillation column the first bottom fraction into a second top fraction and a second bottom fraction, wherein the second top fraction at least a portion of a reflux stream; (d) optionally separating via a third distillation column the second bottom fraction into a third top fraction and a third bottom fraction, wherein the third top fraction forms a portion of the reflux stream; and (e) introducing the reflux stream into the first distillation column.
Abstract:
The disclosure is directed to polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles that can be used to deliver agents deep into hydrocarbon reservoirs. Methods of making and using said polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles are also provided.
Abstract:
The invention relates generally to a method for supporting non-buoyant offshore drilling units that are anchored to the sea floor and are subject to heavy lateral loads. Specifically, tension tendons are attached to piled foundations to prevent jack-ups from being overturned by the loads. Tension can also be applied to the tendons to provide additional hold down forces to the offshore units.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a novel method of maintaining a steady and/or proper water-gas ratio for the wet in situ combustion process for oil recovery. In particular, the method comprises mixing water with a foaming agent, or some other colloid capable of generating foam, in addition to gas. The foam carries the water through heated reservoirs more efficiently and prevents separation from the gas. As such, more heat can be scavenged, thus an increased amount of steam is generated and transferred to the oil to increase its recovery.