Showing papers by "ExxonMobil published in 1980"

Internal solitons in the andaman sea.

Abstract: The solitary wave is a localized hydrodynamic phenomenon that can occur because of a balance between nonlinear cohesive and linear dispersive forces in a fluid. It has been shown theoretically, and observed experimentally, that some solitary waves have properties analogous to those of elementary particles, and the waves have therefore been named solitons. During a measurement program in the Andaman Sea near northern Sumatra, large-amplitude, long internal waves were observed with associated surface waves called tide rips. Using theoretical results from the physics of nonlinear waves, it is shown that the internal waves are solitons and their interactions with surface waves are described.

Theory for the Dielectric Function of Granular Composite Media

Abstract: A new theory for the dielectric function of composite solids is formulated which displays both the optical dielectric anomaly and the percolation threshold, thereby providing a basis for a unified understanding of the optical and percolation transport properties of granular materials. The results of the theory are shown to be in good agreement with experimental data.

Method for continuously producing viscous hydrocarbons by gravity drainage while injecting heated fluids

Abstract: A thermal method is disclosed for recovering normally immobile oil from a tar sand deposit. Two wells are drilled into the deposit, one for injection of heated fluid and one for production of liquids. Thermal communication is established between the wells. The wells are operated such that heated mobilized oil and steam flow without substantially mixing. Oil drains continuously by gravity to the production well where it is recovered.

Method of and apparatus for enabling output power of solar panel to be maximised

Abstract: The d.c. power supplied by a photovoltaic solar panel to a load is controlled by monitoring the slope of the panel voltage vs. current characteristic and adjusting the current supplied by the panel to the load so that the slope is approximately unity. The slope is monitored by incrementally changing the panel load and indicating whether the resulting change in current derived from the panel is above or below a reference value, indicative of the panel voltage. In response to the change in the monitored current being above the reference value, the slope of a voltage vs. current curve is greater than unity and the load is adjusted to decrease the current supplied by the panel to the load. Conversely, in response to the current being less than the reference value, the slope of the voltage vs. current curve is less than unity and the load is adjusted to increase the current supplied by the panel to the load.

Bromine Complexation in Zinc‐Bromine Circulating Batteries

Abstract: Upon electrolysis of aqueous zinc bromide solutions containing unsymmetrically substituted, cyclic quaternary ammonium bromides, both zinc metal and a bromine‐rich liquid are produced. Data, reported for N‐ethyl, N‐methylmorpholinium (1), N‐methoxymethyl, N‐methylpiperidinium (2), and N‐chloromethyl, N‐methylpyrrolidinium (3) bromides suggest that the bromine‐rich liquid is a fused salt and separates from the aqueous solution because of insolubility and density differences. The separation process of the bromine fused salt from the aqueous solution is represented as a partitioning of bromine between two phases and is dependent upon electrolysis state‐of‐charge, quaternary ammonium bromide, bromide ion concentration, and temperature. The bromine‐fused salts have properties dependent on composition. Selected examples of densities, specific resistances, viscosities, and polarization are given. Bromine, in the form of a dense, stable, conductive liquid, is useful in circulating zinc‐bromine batteries.

Graphite Intercalation Compounds

Abstract: Publisher Summary Twenty years ago, Walter Rudorff wrote a review for the series entitled “Graphite Intercalation Compounds” (R1). It was one of the four definitive articles to come out in 1959 and 1960 (HI, C1, U1), a period of intense activity in graphite research. One have now again reached the “fever pitch,” with not only the appearance of several new articles (E l , H2, W1), but also the convening of the first international conference dedicated exclusively to graphite compounds (H3 ). In the following, one shall concentrate on the work performed between 1974 and the present. The interlayer voids are frequently attacked to yield a periodic sequence of filled and empty spaces. The stage of a compound is defined as the ratio of host layers to guest layers, so that a first-stage compound, in which every interlayer void is filled, is the most concentrated. Historically, compounds of graphite have been placed in three categories, depending on the strength of interaction between the reacting species and graphite.

Solution behavior of ionomers. I. Metal sulfonate ionomers in mixed solvents

Abstract: The solution behavior of metal sulfonate-containing ionomers has been investigated in various mixed solvent systems. Ionomers, such as lightly sulfonated polystyrene (sodium salt) and sulfonated ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (metal salts) are generally insoluble in typical hydrocarbon solvents, but readily dissolve when small amounts of alcohols or other polar cosolvents are present. At relatively low polymer concentration these ionomers display unusually high thickening behavior in nonpolar solvents when compared with nonionic polymers because of association of the metal sulfonate groups. The addition of modest levels of polar cosolvent markedly decreases the solution viscosity and gives rise to viscosity-temperature relationships different from those of conventional polymer solutions. For example, such solutions can display vicosities which increase, are relatively constant, or display maxima or minima over broad temperature ranges. These observations are interpreted as arising from a temperature-dependent preferential interaction of the cosolvent with the sulfonate groups. While these ionomers can be regarded as polyelectrolytes of low charge density, they do not display the typical “polyelectrolyte” behavior often observed in aqueous solutions. This anomalous behavior is attributed to the fact that the metal sulfonate groups are largely un-ionized in solvents of low dielectric constant. Therefore, the solution behavior is dominated by ion pair interactions rather than free ions.

Anomalous Low-Frequency Raman Scattering from Rough Metal Surfaces and the Origin of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

Abstract: Anomalous, low-frequency Raman scattering from localized acoustic vibrations of roughness features on a metal surface are observed. The observed mode frequency shifts with excitation frequency and with the index of refraction of the surrounding medium. The shifts arise from resonant laser excitation of localized dipolar plasmons. This resonant optical coupling is a key to the phenomenon of enhanced Raman scattering from molecules adsorbed on rough metal surfaces.

Cometary collisions on the Moon and Mercury

Abstract: Unusual swirl patterns of bright and dark material on the moon and Mercury are proposed to be remnants of collisions with gas/dust-rich regions within a cometary coma. This interpretation provides important new clues for understanding cometary fine structure, impact effects of low-density material, and the origin of certain pronounced magnetic anomalies.

Ultimate Capacity Equations for Tubular Joints

Abstract: A total of 137 ultimate strength tests on simple T,Y,DT and K tubular joints is used as a basis for development of new ultimate capacity formulas. The data are taken from a variety of sources and only relatively large geometries are considered. Axial tension, axial compression, in-plane bending and out-of plane bending loads are represented. The failure condition is taken as the minimum of either maximum load, first crack load or load at an excessive deformation limit. Several formulas are recommended to predict the capacity of the different joint and load types. The accuracy of these formulas is then studied in a statistical manner. Predictions of past and present API RP 2A formulas are compared to the same data base. It is found that the new equations are more consistent in their level of prediction and result in less scatter. The new equations are also relatively simple in format.

AMORPHOUS MoS 3 AND WS 3

Abstract: MoS 3 and WS 3 are examples of a group of transition metal chalcogenides which have only been prepared in amorphous form. Recently these compounds have been found to show interesting properties as cathode materials in ambient temperature alkali metal batteries. In particular, MoS 3 reacts readily and reversibly with lithium, giving a battery system with a high theoretical energy density. In this paper, we report results of structural studies of amorphous MoS 3 and WS 3 using X-ray radial distribution analysis, EXAFS, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements and vibrational spectroscopies. The results reveal that these amorphous compounds have a chain-like structure similar to that of the crystalline trichalcogenides of the neighboring IVB and VB elements. However, the combined formations of the metal dimers and polysulfide bonds along the chains are structural features unique to these amorphous compounds. The possible implications of this structure to the observed electrochemical behavior will be discussed.

Method and apparatus for facsimile sheet handling

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a facsimile apparatus with an improved sheet transport means including a transport path and a feeder in the path for moving sheets along it to a scanner. A sensor is situated in the path for sensing the length of the sheets being fed to the scanner. The sensor is utilized for detecting the length of the document such that it may be removed from the scanner by engaging the trailing edge of the sheet.

Solar cell with corrugated bus

Abstract: The invention teaches an improved bus for current collection in photovoltaic solar cells. The bus is prefabricated from a highly conductive metal and is corrugated to compensate for differences in thermal coefficients of expansion between the bus and the solar cell body.

Polymer-microemulsion complexes for the enhanced recovery of oil

Abstract: A polymer-microemulsion complex useful for the enhanced recovery of crude oil is disclosed. The polymer is polyethylene oxide or polyvinyl pyrrolidone and interacts with the surfactant of the microemulsion to form a physical association. The resulting complex is characterized by a complexation energy of at least 2 Kcal/mole. The polymer microemulsion complexes are stable at high salinity, reduce adsorption and retention by the formation, lower interfacial tension, achieve retentions as low as 0.1 mg surfactant/gm sand at high salinity and provide for early banking, as well as high recovery of oil.

Lubricating oil with improved diesel dispersancy

Abstract: Alkenyl succinimide or borated alkenyl succinimide dispersants as exemplified by a polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride - alkylene polyamine reaction product are substantially improved in their dispersancy properties in diesel engines by treating such dispersants at elevated temperatures with an oil-soluble strong acid, such as an alkaryl sulfonic acid or a phosphoric acid, such as a dialkyl monoacid phosphate. The treated dispersants are included in conventional lubricating oil formulations.

Method for recovery of hydrocarbons from oil-bearing limestone or dolomite

Abstract: Hydrocarbon liquids and/or gases are recovered from thick underground deposits of oil-bearing limestone or dolomite by drilling two or more boreholes from the earth's surface into the lower part of the deposit, establishing communication between the boreholes, burning the oil in said limestone or dolomite in an area between the boreholes to decompose the alkaline earth carbonate into alkaline earth oxide, flushing out the alkaline earth oxide formed by the combustion with water to form a cavity, collapsing the overlying oil-bearing limestone or dolomite into the cavity to form a rubblized zone extending vertically to a point near the upper boundary of the deposit, driving a flame front vertically through the rubblized zone to liberate hydrocarbon liquids and produce gases, and recovering the liquids and/or gases from the rubblized zone.

Recovery of alkali metal catalyst constituents with sulfurous acid

Abstract: In a coal gasification operation or similar conversion process carried out in the presence of an alkali metal-containing catalyst wherein solid particles containing alkali metal residues are produced, alkali metal constituents are recovered from the particles primarily in the form of water-soluble alkali metal sulphites and bisulphites by treating the particles with a solution of sulfurous acid. During the treating process the water-insoluble alkali metal compounds in the alkali metal residues are converted into water-soluble alkali metal sulphites and bisulphites, which have been found to be catalytically active. The aqueous solution containing water-soluble alkali metal sulphites and bisulphites is then separated from the treated particles and any insoluble material formed during the treatment process, treated to remove soluble aluminum compounds and recycled to the gasification process where the alkali metal sulphites and bisulphites serve as at least a portion of the alkali metal constituents which comprise the alkali metal-containing catalyst.

Interaction between deformation, recrystallization and precipitation in niobium steels

Abstract: The present study was undertaken in order to establish the extent to which niobium (columbium) inhibits recovery and recrystallization of microalloyed austenite while present as solute on the one hand, and as carbonitride precipitates on the other. Three steels were used; the first was an HSLA steel containing 0.054 pct Nb, 0.05 pct C and 0.92 pct Mn. The second was prepared by treating the first in wet hydrogen at 1100°C so as to reduce the C and N content to about 10 ppm by wt. The third material was a plain carbon steel containing 0.055 pct C and 0.41 pct Mn. The isothermal recovery and re-crystallization of these materials, after an interval of hot working, was studied by means of interrupted compression tests. Samples were prestrained at 10-2 and 10-1s-1 at 900, 950 and 1000°C to natural strains of 0.10 and 0.25, and held isothermally prior to reloading. The results obtained in this way, indicate that 0.56 pct of substitutional solute can give rise to an order of magnitude decrease in the rate of recrystallization. When precipitation of Nb(CN) takes place either during deformation or in strained aus-tenite the mean precipitate size is ∼ 20 nm. The presence of such particles inhibits both static recovery and recrystallization; the magnitude of the effect being dependent on the volume fraction of precipitate. When the volume fraction reaches about 0.02 pct, static recrystallization is completely suppressed for the present prestraining conditions.

Breakaway pipe coupling with automatically closed valves

Abstract: A breakaway pipeline coupling is described which comprises first and second pipe sections forming a fluid seal and designed to separate at a predetermined axial load. A plurality of piston and cylinder pressure compensating devices are arranged around the exterior of the pipe sections to hold them together until separation. Shear pins or shear studs passing between the pipeline sections will fail when the coupling is subjected to an external tensile force exceeding the predetermined maximum force. The pressure compensating devices apply a compression load on the coupling to counteract the tension load exerted by internal pressure in the pipeline. The pressure compensating devices included pistons movable axially within cylinders in response to pressure differentials, and porting or tubing for exposing one side of the piston to the internal pressure within the coupling. When internal pressure produces a force which tends to separate the coupling, an opposing compressive force resulting from the pressure acting on the pistons tends to hold the coupling together. External tensile force tending to separate the coupling are resisted by the shear pins, but when a predetermined maximum external tensile force is exceeded, the shear pins fail and the pipeline sections separate. A first, normally closed valve is located within the first pipeline section, and a second, normally closed valve, or a valve lock pin, is located in the second pipeline section. When the pipeline sections are joined together, the valve(s) is locked in the open position and fluid can flow freely through the coupling and the pipeline in which the coupling is assembled. As the sections move relative to one another, each valve is shut to that the contents of the pipeline are not discharged into the environment.

Solar cell modules

Abstract: Solar cell modules having light scattering surfaces (26) at least in the land areas between a plurality of arrayed solar cells (10) and optically coupled to the cells by means of an internally reflective plate (20) having a planar surface (22) of incidence and an opposed textured surface (24) provides increased module output. lnsolation (50) impinging on the light scattering surfaces (26) is diffused upward through the optical coupling medium and then downward toward a solar cell (10), thereby increasing the output of the module.