Abstract:
A hydrocarbon source feed is upgraded using a solvent deasphalting (SDA) unit employing a solvent having a critical temperature T.sub.c by initially separating from a first hydrocarbon input stream fractions with an atmospheric equivalent boiling temperature less than about T.sub.f .degree. F. for producing a stream of T.sub.f.sup.- fractions and a residue stream (T.sub.f.sup.+ stream), where T.sub.f is greater than about T.sub.c -50.degree. F. In the SDA unit, a second hydrocarbon input stream which includes the residue stream is deasphalted for producing a first product stream of substantially solvent-free asphaltenes, and a second product stream containing substantially solvent-free deasphalted oil (DAO). The source feed may be included in either the first or second input streams. The DAO in the second product stream is thermally cracked for producing an output stream that includes thermally cracked fractions and by-product asphaltenes produced by thermally cracking the DAO. Finally, at least some the said thermally cracked fractions are included in the first input stream.
Abstract:
A power plant includes a gas turbine unit having a compressor for compressing ambient air, a burner for burning fuel and heating air compressed by said compressor, and a turbine for expanding air heated by said burner to drive said compressor and produce hot exhaust gases. The plant further includes a combustor for containing particles of solid fuel which are fluidized by the exhaust gases from the turbine to produce hot products of combustion that include coarse ash particulate. Apparatus is provided for generating power from the hot products of combustion.
Abstract:
Desalination of sea water is achieved using a solar pond that includes a halocline interposed between a convective upper wind mixed layer exposed to the ambient atmosphere, and a lower heat storage layer of hot, concentrated brine, Hot brine from the heat storage layer is flashed into steam which is condensed into desalted water using an indirect heat exchanger cooled by saline water. The latent heat of condensation of the steam warms the saline water and effects evaporation of water therefrom in the form of vapor. The last mentioned water vapor is condensed into desalted water using a two-stage condenser, the first stage of which is an indirect heat exchanger cooled by saline feed water which is heated as a result producing warmed saline feed water that constitutes the saline water used for condensing the steam produced by flashing the brine from the heat storage layer of the pond. The major part of the water vapor is condensed into desalted water in a second stage of the condenser that utilizes an indirect heat exchanger cooled by cooling water from the wind-mixed layer of the solar pond. The major portion of the warmed cooling water leaving the second stage of the condenser are returned to the wind-mixed layer of the solar pond.
Abstract:
A portion of solid fuel is pyrolyzed in a pyrolyzer to produce combustible gases and carbonaceous material, the carbonaceous material being supplied from the pyrolyzer to a furnace. A further portion of the solid fuel is added to a furnace and is combusted with the carbonaceous material therein to produce combustion products that include hot flue gases and ash particulate. The combustion products are separated into a plurality of streams, one of which contains coarse ash and another of which contains flue gases and fine ash. A portion of the coarse ash is directed into the pyrolyzer while a further portion is disposed of, preferably by being used to heat air entering the furnace.
Abstract:
A method is provided for extracting heat from a hot liquid containing scaling material whose solubility is proportional to the temperature of the liquid. The method includes providing a pond containing a liquid, and locating in said pond a vertical tube having an upper end that is substantially closed, and an open lower end immersed in the liquid in the pond and spaced from the bottom thereof for establishing a trapped region above a column of liquid in the tube. Hot liquid is supplied to the trapped region, and the pond and the tube are constructed and arranged so that the liquid in the pond and the liquid in the column are in substantial hydrostatic equilibrium. As a consequence, the trapped region is maintained at a pressure such that some of the liquid supplied to said trapped region flashes into a vapor thereby concentrating the liquid in the column. Finally, the open lower end of the tube effects the passage to the bottom of the pond of scaling material that precipitates as a consequence of the concentration of liquid below the trapped region.
Abstract:
A method of and apparatus for controlling precipitation in evaporation ponds containing brine is provided wherein brine to be concentrated is introduced into a pond at at least one brine entrance, this brine being mixed in the vicinity of the entrance with bine present in the pond by enhanced brine mixing apparatus such that precipitation of salts occurs and salt deposits form in the vicinity of the entrance. This salt deposits collect in a collection basin at the floor of the pond. Brine present in the pond can be close to saturation or even saturated with respect to at least one of the salts contained therein. Deposits present in the collection basin can be removed to a location external to the pond by removal apparatus preferably including a mechanical scapper and conveying or transporting apparatus. A submerged source of compressed air producing bubbles or a motorized propellor mixer may be used to enhance the mixing of the brines near the brine entrance. When a source of compressed mixing is used to enhance mixing, a perforated pipe wherein the compressed air exits through the perforations or holes can be used for this purpose.
Abstract:
The turbidity of a fluid is reduced by adding a treatment solution containing a flocculation agent to said fluid. The treatment solution has a density different from that of the fluid. It is added at selected locations in the fluid such that the difference in densities will cause the treatment solution to be uniformly distributed throughout the fluid to be treated thereby causing flocs to be uniformly distributed throughout the fluid. In this way, a fluid can be treated in situ, rather than transported to a separate location, and mechanically mixed with a flocculation agent. This technique has particular application in the preparation and maintenance of solar ponds.