Showing papers by "Mobil published in 1986"

Industrial application of shape-selective catalysis

Abstract: In the 26 years since the term “shape-selective catalysis” was coined by P. B. Weisz and V. J. Frilette [1] to describe the unique catalytic properties of small pore molecular sieve zeolites, great strides in the use of shape-selective zeolites have been made, both scientifically and technologically. Since then, in addition to small pore zeolites, synthetic medium pore zeolites, such as ZSM-5 [2], ZSM-11 [3], ZSM-22 [4], ZSM-23 [5], ZSM-35 [6], ZSM-38 [7], ZSM-48 [8], etc., have been discovered. The availability of these synthetic medium pore zeolites has expanded the realm of “shape selectivity” beyond the original discovery of selective conversion of straight chain molecules to include certain branched molecules, single-ring aromatics, naphthenes, and nonhydrocarbons with a critical molecular dimension smaller than about 6 A.

Recharge docking system for mobile robot

Abstract: A recharge docking system for a battery-powered mobile robot which senses when the battery charge is below a predetermined level and halts the travel of the robot at its next navigational node, following which the robot independently plots and negotiates a path from the next node back to a base node at a recharge station, where the batteries are charged.

Conversion of propylene and butylene over ZSM-5 catalyst

Abstract: Using the zeolite ZSM-5, new technology has been developed for catalytically oligomerizing light olefins (C3 to C4) to gasoline (C5 to C10) and diesel (C10 to C20) range product. This reaction produces product constrained by both the shape selectivity of the zeolite catalyst and the thermodynamics governing the oligomerization reaction.

Resin composition, opaque film and method of preparing same

Abstract: A resin combination comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix having dispersed therein as distinct phases, a multiplicity of small spherical solid particles of polybutylene terephthalate, the resin combination in opaque biaxially oriented polymeric film form and the same oriented film structure having on at least one surface thereof a void-free thermoplastic skin layer. The process for preparing a biaxially oriented opaque film comprising providing said resin combination, forming an unoriented film of said resin combination and biaxially orienting said film to an extent sufficient to opacify the same. The process also provides for the opaque film having a void-free thermoplastic skin layer on at least one surface thereof.

Models for generation of carbonate cycles

Abstract: Computer modeling provides a quantitative approach to a better understanding of actual carbonate cyclic sequences. To model carbonate cycles, the authors can use water-depth-dependent sedimentation rate for each facies, an initial lag time, linear subsidence, tidal range, and period and amplitude of sea-level oscillation about a horizontal datum. Tidal-flat-capped cycles up to a few meters thick result from low-amplitude sea-level oscillation of a few meters and short lag times. Nonerosive caps reflect sea-level lowering being balanced by subsidence, and basinward migration of the shoreline not exceeding tidal-flat progradation rate. When higher amplitude sea-level oscillations occur, the tidal flats are abandoned on the inner shelf during sea-level fall, because seaward movement of the strandline outpaces progradation rate of flats. Increased amplitude also results in sea-level falling faster than flats can subside, so that disconformities with thick vadose profiles develop. High-amplitude (100 m or more) oscillations result in incipient drowning of platforms and juxtaposition of deep-water facies against shallow-water facies within cycles. Sea level falls before the platform can build to the sea-level highstand, and the shoreline migrates much more rapidly than tidal flats can prograde; thus, cycles are disconformity-bounded and lack tidal-flat caps. 10 references.

Sigmoidal tidal bundles and other tide-generated sedimentary structures of the Curtis Formation, Utah

Abstract: The Curtis Formation in central Utah contains a rich suite of sedimentary structures that provides persuasive evidence for a tidal mode of origin. The most diagnostic of these structures are sigmoidal tidal bundles: sandstone packages deposited during one dominant tidal episode that comprise a set of large-scale cross-lamination enclosed by two relatively gently dipping, sigmoid-shaped pause planes. Bundles are especially recognizable as tidally generated features because they exhibit an internal progression, from gentle, drape-like sigmoids to avalanche-type cross-bed foresets back to sigmoidal drapes. This progression reflects the sequential change in tidal flow velocities from slack water to maximum flow back to slack water. In addition, cyclic variability in the thickness and in internal structures among tidal bundles is clearly related to periodicity in the lunar month. These features of the Curtis Formation are remarkably similar to sedimentary structures observed in Holocene tidal sediments along the Dutch North Sea coast.

Opaque film composites and method of preparing same

Abstract: An opaque, biaxially oriented film structure is described which comprises: an expanded thermoplastic polymer matrix core layer within which is located a minor amount of a light-absorbing pigment and a strata of voids; positioned at least substantially within at least a substantial number of said voids is at least one void-initiating particle which is phase distinct and incompatible with the matrix material, the void space occupied by said particle being substantially less than the volume of said void, with one generally cross-sectional dimension of said particle, at least approximating a corresponding cross-sectional dimension of said void; the population of voids in said core and the thickness of said core being such as to cause a degree of opacity of less than 15% light transmission; and at least one void-free thermoplastic skin layer affixed to a surface of the core layer, said skin layer(s) being of a thickness such that the outer surfaces thereof do not, at least substantially, manifest the surface irregularities of said core layer.

Creation of multiple sequential hydraulic fractures via hydraulic fracturing combined with controlled pulse fracturing

Abstract: A process for sequentially fracturing a subterranean formation containing desired natural resources in which controlled pulse fracturing (CPF) is combined with hydraulic fracturing in the same wellbore. After multiple radial vertical fractures have been created by CPF, a solidifiable gel material is directed into the created fractures during a subsequent hydraulic fracturing procedure. During this procedure, multiple vertical hydraulic fractures initiate in and propagate away from the CPF created fractures thereby bringing the wellbore into communication with the desired natural resources.

Sequential hydraulic fracturing

Abstract: A process for sequential hydraulic fracturing of a hydrocarbon fluid-bearing formation. A fracture is induced in said formation by hydraulically fracturing via one wellbore. Thereafter, while the formation remains pressurized from the first induced-fracture operation, a second hydraulic fracturing operation is conducted via another wellbore substantially within the pressurized formation area of the first fracturing operation which causes a fracture trajectory to form contrary to the far-field in-situ stresses. This second hydraulic fracture will tend to curve away from the first hydraulic fracture and has the potential of intersecting natural hydrocarbon fluid-bearing fractures in said formation.

Production of high octane gasoline

Abstract: A moderate pressure hydrocracking process in which a highly aromatic, substantially dealkylated feedstock having a boiling point in the range between 300° and 650° F. is processed directly to high octane gasoline by hydrocracking over a catalyst, preferably comprising a large pore size, crystalline alumino-silicate zeolite hydrocracking catalyst such as zeolite Y together with a hydrogenation-dehydrogenation component. The feedstock which is preferably a light cut light cycle oil has an aromatic content of at least 50, usually at least 60 percent and an API gravity not more than 25. The hydrocracking typically operates at 600-1000 psig at moderate to high conversion levels to maximize the production of monocyclic aromatics which provide the requisite octane value to the product gasoline.

Beacon proximity detection system for a vehicle

Abstract: A proximity detection system for determining the distance between a vehicle and a navigation beacon by resolving the altitude angle between the beacon and the vehicle and determining the distance between them. The system then defines an optimum distance between the beacon and the vehicle and compares the determined distance and the optimum distance to establish any difference between them.

Hydraulic fracturing of a shallow subsurface formation

Abstract: A subsurface formation having original in-situ stresses that favor the propagation of a horizontal fracture is penetrated by a cased borehole which is perforated at a pair of spaced-apart intervals to form a pair of sets of perforations. Fracturing fluid is initially pumped down said cased borehole and out one of said sets of perforations to form the originally favored horizontal fracture. The propagation of this horizontal fracture changes the in-situ stresses so as to favor the propagation of a vertical fracture. Thereafter, while maintaining pressure on said horizontal fracture, fracturing fluid is pumped down said cased borehole and out of the other of said sets of perforations to form the newly favored vertical fracture.

Use of electroless metal coating to prevent galling of threaded tubular joints

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of electroless metal coatings, preferrably copper or zinc, on oil country tubular goods to eliminate galling of the threads, provide a tortuous path as a sealing surface, and provide porous lubricant reservoirs

Layered metal chalcogenides containing interspathic polymeric chalcogenides

Abstract: Layered chalcogenide materials of high thermal stability and surface area which contain interspathic polymeric chalcogenides such as polymeric silica are prepared by ion exchanging a layered metal oxide, such as layered titanium oxide, with organic cation, to spread the layers apart. A compound such as tetraethylorthosilicate, capable of forming a polymeric oxide, is thereafter introduced between the layers. The resulting product is treated to form polymeric oxide, e.g. by hydrolysis, to produce the layered oxide material. The resulting product may be employed as catalyst material in the conversion of organic compounds.

Organic matter metabolizability andd calcium carbonate dissolution in nearshore marine muds

Abstract: Examination of intertidal mud flat and tidal creek sediments from Sapelo Island, Georgia, and Indian Neck, Connecticut, indicates that variations in the degree of calcium carbonate preservation exist between these localities. Although the preservation of calcium carbonate in modern nearshore terrigenous marine muds has previously been shown to be strongly dependent on the physical and biological attributes of the depositional environment (Berger and Soutar 1970; Sholkovitz 1973; Aller 1982), the phenomenon documented in this study occurs in the absence of significant variations in benthic faunas or physical conditions. Evidence for variations in the degree of calcium carbonate preservation is provided by analyses of sediment chemistry and observations of mollusc shells recovered from he sediments. The pattern of sediment chemistry and calcium carbonate preservation is shown to be related to seasonal climatic variations and the metabolizability of organic matter supplied to the sediments. During the summer the presence of readily metabolizable organic matter in the Connecticut sediments results in high rates of microbial decay, establishment of anoxic-sulfidic conditions at the sediment-water interface, and the production of large amounts of ferrous sulfide minerals. During periods of reduced microbial activity (winter), ferrous sulfide minerals in the surficial sediments are oxidized, resulting in dramatically lower in situ pH values, and undersaturation with respect to calcium carbonate. In Georgia, temperatures remain relatively warm throughout the year and therefore macrofau al and microbial activity do not exhibit the extreme seasonal variations present in Connecticut. Because the destruction of reactive organic matter continues throughout the year, the organic matter supplied to the Georgia sediments is less readily metabolizable. As a result, the inception of anoxic-sulfidic conditions is depressed below the sediment-water interface; only limited amounts of ferrous sulfide minerals are formed in the surficial sediments; and saturation or supersaturation with respect to calcium carbonate is maintained throughout the year. This relationship between organic matter metabolizability and calcium carbonate preservation has the potential to be used as an indicator of the environmental conditions present at the time of sediment deposition. Application of the results of this modern sediment study to facies-dependent variations in calcium carbonate preservation in ancient marine shales suggests that prior interpretations of the paleoenvironmental significance of these variations may be in error.

Nuclear magnetic resonance borehole logging tool

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance logging tool comprises spaced-apart arrays of magnets, oppositely polarized, to produce a homogeneous static magnetic field parallel to the borehole when positioned adjacent the borehole wall. Magnetic material is positioned between the arrays of magnets and the borehole fluid when the logging tool is so positioned against the borehole wall to create a weaker magnetic field within the borehole. Transmitter means produces a radio frequency polarization pulse. Receiver means detects nuclear magnetic resonance in the formation following the termination of the polarization pulse.

Catalytic cracking with a mixture of faujasite-type zeolite and zeolite beta

Abstract: Heavy oils are simultaneously subjected to cracking and dewaxing in the absence of added hydrogen using a catalyst comprising Zeolite Beta and an X or Y or other faujasite zeolite. The process is able to effect a bulk conversion of the oil, while, at the same time, yielding a higher octane gasoline, increased yields of C3 and C4 olefins, and a low pour point distillate product.

Process for upgrading wax from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Abstract: The waxy liquid phase of an oil suspension of Fischer-Tropsch catalyst containing dissolved wax is separated out and the wax is converted by hydrocracking, dewaxing or by catalytic cracking with a low activity catalyst to provide a highly olefinic product which may be further converted to premium quality gasoline and/or distillate fuel.

Process for hydrotreating residual petroleum oil

Abstract: A method for hydrotreating residual oil which comprises utilizing a hydrotreating catalyst which contains a thermally stable composition comprising a layered metal oxide containing an interspathic polymeric oxide having a d-spacing of at least about 10 angstroms at hydrotreating conditions. Said conditions include temperature ranging from about 357° C. to 454° C. (675° F. to 850° F.), a hydrogen partial pressure of at least about 2860 kPa (400 psig) and a liquid hourly space velocity ranging between about 0.1 and 10 hr -1 .

Method for improving high impulse fracturing

Abstract: A process for improving the effectiveness of control pulse fracturing in a carbonate formation wherein a two stage high energy impulse device is utilized in combination with a retarded acid. Upon placement of such device within a wellbore, the first impulse stage activates said acid. Afterwards, the second impulse stage fractures the formation and forces the activated acid into the created fractures thereby enhancing acid contact with said formation.

Polypropylene barrier film and method of forming same

Abstract: The film resulting from and the process for forming a firmly bonded film laminate combination comprising, preparing an intimate combination I of polypropylene and a maleic acid anhydride modified olefin polymer; forming a film of at least one layer of said combination I with at least one layer of a polymer II selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer; and effecting adhesion between the layers by orienting the film.

Xylene isomerization process to exhaustively convert ethylbenzene and non-aromatics

Abstract: A new xylene isomerization process which is capable of converting ethylbenzene and non-aromatic exhaustively while selectively converting xylenes to thermal equilibrium in mixed EB/xylene feeds is proposed. The new process employs a two component catalyst system; each of the components contains a strong hydrogenation metal and a zeolite. The zeolite of each of the two components differs from the other in its selectivity for xylene isomerization and its capacity to deethylete ethylbenzene. That selectivity for xylene isomerization is described by xylene diffusion properties of the zeolite. In one embodiment of the invention, ZSM-5 of greater than 1 micron crystal size and an alpha value of greater than 100 in a first component and ZSM-5 of less than 1 micron crystal size and an alpha of less than 100 in a second catalyst component satisfy the diffusion properties which allow for the exhaustive conversion of ethyl benzene and non-aromatics and the selectivity for xylene isomerization of typical xylene isomerization feeds. In a preferred embodiment, the feed is cascaded over the first component and then the aforementioned second component.

Minimizing gravity override of carbon dioxide with a gel

Abstract: A process for minimizing gravity override via carbon dioxide combined with a sized gel. A polysaccharide gel of a size sufficiently greater than the pores contained in a more permeable formation area is prepared ex situ in the presence of sodium hydroxide. Said gel is then pumped into said formation causing pores in the more permeable formation area to be blocked off. Thereafter, carbon dioxide flooding is commenced and said flood is directed into the less permeable formation area causing hydrocarbonaceous fluids to be produced therefrom.

Apparatus for loading bags

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing individual plastic handle bearing bags from a stack of bags and holding the dispensed bag in an open position for loading. The apparatus comprises a bottom support member and two spaced-apart, oppositely disposed upwardly projecting tab members such that the apparatus has an opening corresponding approximately to the size of the open bag it is designed to contain. The upwardly projecting elongated tabs are compatible in size with the open portion of the bag handles and each is adapted to engage a handle of the bag in such manner that the bag is held suspended within the apparatus.