Showing papers by "Mobil published in 1987"

Fan-deltas and braid deltas: Varieties of coarse-grained deltas

Abstract: Two types of coarse-grained deltas are recognized: fan-deltas and braid deltas. Fan-deltas are gravel-rich deltas formed where an alluvial fan is deposited directly into a standing body of water from an adjacent highland. They occupy a space between the highland (usually a fault-bounded margin) and the standing body of water. In contrast, braid deltas (here introduced) are gravel-rich deltas that form where a braided fluvial system progrades into a standing body of water. Braid deltas have no necessary relationship with alluvial fans, as exemplified by fluvioglacial braid deltas. Braid deltas have previously been classified as fan-deltas even though the geomorphic and sedimentologic settings of the two systems can be vastly different. Braid deltas are a common present-day geomorphic feature and are abundant in the geological record. Fan-deltas and braid deltas can be distinguished in the rock record by distinctive subaerial components of these depositional systems; the shoreline and subaqueous components of both are similar. Fan-delta sequences have a subaerial component that is an alluvial-fan facies comprising interbedded sheetflood, debris-flow, and braided-channel deposits. Fan-deltas produce small (a few tens of square kilometres), wedge-shaped bodies of sediment, commonly displaying high variability in paleocurrent patterns and abrupt changes in facies. The deposits are generally very coarse grained (with large out-sized clasts), very poorly sorted, matrix-rich, polymictic, heterolithic, partially cemented by penecontemporaneous carbonate, and have low porosity and permeability. Braid-deltas, in contrast, have a subaerial component consisting entirely of braided-river or braidplain facies. Their deposits display better sorting, roundness, and clast orientation than do fan-delta sediments; they lack a muddy matrix; they display size grading and bar migration; they commonly have a sheet geometry with high lateral continuity (tens to hundreds of square kilometres); and they exhibit moderate to high porosity and permeability. Valuable paleogeographic and tectonic information concerning the proximity of highlands and major fault zones may be misinterpreted or lost if these two coarse-grained deltaic systems are not differentiated.

Disposal of produced formation fines during oil recovery

Abstract: Recovered formation fines are pumped in slurry form into an injection well during an enhanced oil recovery process e.g. a steam flood. Said injection can be done incrementally in stages in conjunction with said process. Said fines improve the sweep efficiency of the injected medium. This method is also beneficial where steam breakthrough has occurred since the breakthrough path is in a fluid or semi-solid state thereby allowing the fines slurry to be injected.

Method of recovering viscous oil from reservoirs with multiple horizontal zones

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of recovering viscous oil from a subterranean viscous oil-containing formation separated into at least one upper and at least one lower zone by a horizontal layer having lower vertical permeability than the rest of the reservoir. The method comprises injecting steam into the lower zone until steam breakthrough occurs at the production well; subsequently injecting steam into both the upper and the lower zones; and, continuing to inject steam into both zones and recovering fluids, including oil from the production well.

Ocean Response to a Hurricane. Part I: Observations

Abstract: The response of the ocean to hurricanes was investigated using aircraft-deployable expendable current profilers (AXCP). The goals were to observe and separate the surface wave and surface mixed layer (SML) velocities under the storms and to map the across-track and along-track velocity and temperature response in the mixed layer and thermocline. Custom instrumentation was prepared, including slower failing AXCPs, and the AXCP equipment was installed on NOAA WP-3D aircraft. Research flights were made into two 1984 hurricanes: Norbert, in the eastern Pacific off Baja California (19°N, 109°W), and Josephine, off the east coast of the United States (29°N, 72°W). Thirty-one probes were deployed in each hurricane, and about half the AXCPs provided temperature and velocity profiles. Most velocity profiles exhibited strong surface wave contributions, slablike velocities in the SML, strong shears beneath the SML, and only weak flows in the upper thermocline. Separation of the surface gravity wave velociti...

Model for the combined-flow origin of hummocky cross-stratification

Abstract: Many shallow marine sandstones are characterized by gently dipping trough cross-stratification. There appear to be significant similarities between this low-angle cross-stratification and typical hummocky cross-stratification, and it is proposed that much of what is currently recognized as hummocky cross-stratification is related to low-relief megaripple bed forms that are equilibrium structures for fine-grained sand under combined wave surge and unidirectional currents. The geometry that obtains when these bed forms migrate is low-angle trough cross-stratification. High rates of sedimentation from incipient suspension and limited lateral migration of individual bed forms promote preservation of convex-upward depositional surfaces (hummocks) between troughs. Highly unsteady flow leads to abundant internal scour and drape surfaces. Neither random scour and drape nor oscillatory currents seem sufficient to generate hummocky bed forms.

Modified crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite catalyst and its use in the production of lubes of high viscosity index

Abstract: The catalytic activity of a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite having a Constraint Index of from about 1 to about 12 for a variety of hydrocarbon conversions including the oligomerization of olefins to provide high viscosity index lubes is significantly enhanced by modifying the catalyst to reduce surface acid sites. This is accomplished by contacting the zeolite with a fluorosilicate salt to extract surface zeolitic aluminum which is replaced by silicon.

Hydraulic fracturing utilizing a refractory proppant

Abstract: Silicon carbide is used as a proppant during a hydraulic fracturing process. The proppant is particularly useful when steam-flooding or acidizing a formation. This proppant is crush resistant and impervious to HCl and HCl/HF acids. High formation and reservoir stimulation temperatures do not affect said proppant. Induced fractures are therefore more effectively propped.

Simultaneous hydraulic fracturing

Abstract: A process and apparatus for simultaneous hydraulic fracturing of a hydrocarbonaceous fluid-bearing formation. Fractures are induced in said formation by hydraulically fracturing at least two wellbores simultaneously. While the formation remains pressurized curved fractures propagate from each wellbore forming fracture trajectories contrary to the far-field in-situ stresses. By applying simultaneous hydraulic pressure to both wellbores, at least one curved fracture trajectory will be caused to be transmitted from each wellbore and intersect a natural hydrocarbonaceous fracture contrary to the far-field in-situ stresses.

Coated, oriented, polymer film laminate

Abstract: A coated, oriented polymer film laminate is provided which comprises: (a) an oriented core layer having an upper face and a lower face, said core layer being fabricated from a polypropylene homopolymer; (b) an oriented, heat sealable layer applied to the lower face, and optionally, to the upper face, of core layer (a), said heat sealable layer being fabricated from a member of the group consisting of heat sealable copolymer or blend of copolymers, heat sealable blend of homopolymers and heat sealable blend of at least one copolymer and at least one homopolymer; (c) a coating layer applied to the upper face of core layer (a), or, where heat sealable layer (b) has been applied thereto, to the exposed surface of said layer (b), said coating layer being derived from an interpolymer which is obtained from the interpolymerization of from about 0 to 15 parts by weight of an alpha-beta monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and mixtures thereof with from about 85 to about 100 parts by weight of neutral monomer esters.

Hydraulic fracturing with a refractory proppant for sand control

Abstract: A process for hydraulic fracturing where a fracturing fluid contains a clay stabilizing agent Said agent stabilizes clay particles or fines along the face of a resulting formation fracture Thereafter a fused refractory proppant is injected into the fracture The proppant increases thermal conductivity during a steam-flooding oil recovery method while controlling clay particles and sand

Catalyst composition for polymerizing alpha-olefins

Abstract: A catalyst composition for polymerizing alpha-olefins is prepared by reacting a transition metal compound, e.g., titanium, with trimethylaluminum catalyst activator. In a preferred embodiment, the catalyst is supported on a porous refractory support and is prepared by additionally reacting a magnesium compound or an organomagnesium composition with the support. Also disclosed is a process for polymerizing alpha-olefins in the presence of the catalyst of the invention. The polymer products have higher bulk density and produce films of greater strength than polymers prepared with similar catalysts utilizing different alkyl-aluminum activators, e.g., triethylaluminum and tri-isobutylaluminum.

Wastebasket and inner liner retainer

Abstract: A wastebasket which is adapted to receive an inner liner includes a container having an upper rim defining an open end, and a lid pivotally mounted on the container and adapted to cover the open end. A bezel is provided for releasably retaining an inner liner in the container. The bezel is pivotally mounted on the container at its open end, and is pivotable between first position, when the bezel is disposed substantially co-planarly with the upper rim of the container, and a second position, where the bezel is raised at an angle above the rim of the container. The wastebasket also includes structure for pivotally mounting the bezel to the container and for retaining the bezel in the raised second position.

Enhanced hydraulic fracturing of a shallow subsurface formation

Abstract: A method for extending a vertical fracture formed in a formation having original in-situ stresses that favor the propagation of a horizontal fracture. In this method, 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 separate pairs 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. Said horizontal fracture is extended by placing a chemical blowing agent and surfactant into the fracturing fluid. Gas released by decomposition of said agent causes foam to be generated along with an increase in pressure thereby extending the horizontal 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.

Process for removing mercury vapor and chemisorbent composition therefor

Abstract: A process and composition for removing elemental mercury vapor from a gas such as natural gas is disclosed. The mercury-containing gas is contacted with a solid support such as carbon containing elemental sulfur and at least one metal which catalyzes the reaction: 2 Hg+S 2 2 HgS.

Hydraulic fracturing with a refractory proppant combined with salinity control

Abstract: A process for controlling fines or sand in an unconsolidated or loosely consolidated formation or reservoir containing hydrocarbonaceous fluids where the reservoir is penetrated by at least one wellbore. The method includes the utilization of hydraulic fracturing and a fused refractory proppant in combination with control of the critical salinity rate and the critical flow velocity. The proppant increases thermal conductivity during a steam-flooding process while controlling fines or sand.

Zeolite ZSM-57

Abstract: This invention relates to a synthetic porous zeolite, identified as ZSM-57, a method for its preparation. This crystalline material may have a ratio of XO 2 :Y 2 O 3 of at least 4, wherein X represents silicon and/or germanium and Y represents aluminum, boron, chromium, iron and/or gallium. The silica/alumina form of this crystalline material has a silica to alumina ratio of at least 4 and may be prepared with directing agents which are N,N,N,N',N',N'-hexaethylpentane-diammonium compounds. The crystalline material exhibits a characteristic X-ray diffraction pattern.

Proposed synthetic zeolite ECR-1 structure gives a new zeolite framework topology

Abstract: Zeolites dominate petroleum and new petrochemical processing, and any new large-pore zeolite is of major significance. Here we propose a structure for the recently synthesized zeolite phase ECR-1 (ref. 1). The proposed model is an intimate twin of the mordenite2 and mazzite3 structures, constructed by interposing layers of mordenite-like sheets between layers of mazzite-like cages. Although there is an ambiguity between two ways the layers are interconnected, this layer-twin model explains the results of sorption and crystallization experiments, the spectroscopic data, X-ray and electron diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) lattice imaging results. The ECR-1 channel system is one-dimensional, with 12-membered-ring openings intermediate in size between those of the parent materials. The structure solution confirms the power of HRTEM lattice imaging in helping to solve the structures of microcrystalline materials4,5, and the intergrowth of ECR-1 and mazzite observed in the images suggests that a new subfamily of zeolite materials based on differing sequences of the two structural layers can be synthesized.

Method for determining relative permeability of a subterranean reservoir

Abstract: A core sample from a subterranean reservoir is placed in a pressure cell holder and the core pressure is measured at a plurality of pressure points along the core before and during fluid flooding. A computed tomography (CT) scanning system provides images of the density distribution within the core sample during such waterflooding. Fluid saturation, determined from these CT images, and pressure gradients, determined from the pressure measurements are used to determine the relative permeability of the subterranean reservoir.

Borated reaction products of succinic compounds as lubricant dispersants and antioxidants

Abstract: Borated reaction products of alkenyl succinic compounds, aryl amines and aminoalcohols are highly effective dispersant and antioxidant/anticorrosion additives for lubricant compositions

Anti-rotation tubular connection for flowlines or the like

Abstract: An anti-rotational joint (25) for connecting sections of conduits together to form a flowline (13) or the like wherein the joint (25) includes a means (26) that prevents the joint (25) from accidentally unscrewing after it is made up to its desired torque.

Zeolite synthesis using an alcohol or like molecules

Abstract: There is provided a method for preparing a zeolite other than ZSM-5 from a reaction mixture comprising a mixed organic directing agent which is a combination of (a) an organic nitrogen containing compound such as an amine or a quaternary ammonium compound and (b) an alcohol and/or diol. Particular zeolites synthesized by this method include ZSM-22 and ZSM-23. The use of an alcohol or a diol may inhibit the coformation of ZSM-5. Especially when used to prepare ZSM-23, this method enables the preparation of more catalytically active ZSM-23 of reduced crystallite size and also enables the use of lower crystallization temperatures. Particular mixed organic directing agents for the preparation of ZSM-23 are combinations of (a) pyrrolidine and (b) ethanol or ethylene glycol. Other factors which enhance the activity of ZSM-23 include the use of the following in the reaction mixtures for preparing ZSM-23: potassium ions; precipitated silica particles as sources of silica; and spray dried precipitated silica/alumina particles as sources of silica and alumina. The catalytic stability of alumina bound ZSM-23 catalysts is especially enhanced by steaming. Particular reactions which can be catalyzed by ZSM-23 made according to methods described herein include the dealkylation of ethylbenzene and the alkylation of benzene with ethylene.

Particle-impregnated one-sided cling stretch wrap film

Abstract: A thermoplastic stretch wrap film exhibits a significant level of cling on one surface but no appreciable cling force on the other, the latter surface exhibiting a slide property when in contact with a film of like surface due to the presence of particulate antiblock agent mechanically bonded thereto. The film can be used to overwrap one or a group of articles to form a unitized packaged unit employing any of the known and conventional tension-wrapping techniques. Because of its one-sided cling and slide capabilities, pallet loads overwrapped with the film and in mutual contact avoid film tearing or destruction when the pallet loads are separated from each other.

Kinptr (Mobil's Kinetic Reforming Model): A Review Of Mobil's Industrial Process Modeling Philosophy

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses kinetic platinum reforming (KINPTR) model that was completed in 1974. Because the model was developed from a fundamental basis, it has been invaluable to Mobil's research efforts in evaluating novel process designs, investigating catalyst improvements, and diagnosing commercial reformer problems. The model includes fundamental hydrocarbon conversion kinetics developed on fresh catalysts, referred to as start-of-cycle kinetics, and the fundamental relationships that modify the fresh-catalyst kinetics to account for the complex effects of catalyst aging (deactivation kinetics). The successful development of this model was accomplished by reducing the problem complexity. A thorough understanding of the chemistry, thermodynamics, and catalyst deactivation is always necessary to reduce the problem to a manageable size without loss in accuracy. Since its development, KINPTR has had a major impact in Mobil's worldwide operations. It can be accessed by personnel at each of Mobil's locations throughout the world. The detailed kinetics for the C 6 hydrocarbons is provided in the chapter that focuses on the overall program structure of KINPTR, its start-of cycle and deactivation kinetics, the model's accuracy, examples of KINPTR use within Mobil, and the rationale for the kinetic lumping schemes.

Incipiently drowned facies within a cyclic peritidal ramp sequence, Early Ordovician Chepultepec interval, Virginia Appalachians

Abstract: The Chepultepec interval (145 to 260 m thick) in Virginia, although dominated by peritidal carbonates, contains thick subtidal sequences that formed during repeated, incipient drowning of the Early Ordovician ramp. Cyclic peritidal sequences make up the lower member (up to 150 m thick) and upper member (up to 85 m thick). Subtidal limestone and bioherms make up the middle member (up to 110 m thick) and pass landward into cyclic peritidal facies. Average long-term subsidence rates were up to 4 cm/1,000 yr (mature passive margin rates), and ramp gradients commonly were extremely low (2 cm/km). Computer modeling helped define mechanisms involved in formation of the stratigraphic sequence. The peritidal sequences are upward-shallowing cycles (average period 140,000 to 200,000 yr) of pellet and skeletal limestone, pellet grainstone, thrombolites, intraclast grainstone, and laminite caps. These resulted from periodic sea-level oscillations of several metres amplitude, and possible slow, long-teim (third-order) sea-level fall superimposed on long-term subsidence. Tidal flats were shifted far westward after each sea-level rise but had sufficient time to prograde back across the ramp during sea-level fall. The middle number contains repeated sequences of subtidal skeletal limestone and pellet limestone with storm beds and burrowed-units (formed below fair-weather wave base), local rippled pellet limestone, and thrombolite bioherms (subwave-base to wave-agitated shoals) that may have erosional tops overlain by thin grainstone sheets. Tidal-flat facies are absent. These sequences formed by periodic sea-level rise (more than 12 to 17 m amplitude), which caused incipient drowning of the platform, and migration of tidal flats several hundred kilometres back onto the platform. These flats were unable to prograde onto the outer ramp during regression because of insufficient time and because seaward retreat of the shoreline outpaced progradation of tidal flats. This left them abandoned on the inner ramp. Similar sequences reflecting incipient drowning are widespread in the geological record.

Abatement of NOx in exhaust gases

Abstract: Abatement of nitrogen oxides in an industrial exhaust gas is effected by reduction of the nitrogen oxides with ammonia in the presence of a catalyst comprising a porous crystalline siliceous solid such as a ZSM-5 type zeolite. Fast responses to changes of NO x load is achieved with a zeolite of low to moderate acid activity. The catalyst may be virgin catalyst, aged catalyst previously used for the conversion of a hydrocarbon or an organic compound, or artifically aged catalyst.

Process for removing hydrogen sulfide and mercury from gases

Abstract: Disclosed is a sorbent material for removing mercury and hydrogen sulfide from gases The sorbent is a porous granular material which has been impregnated with a chemical compound capable of converting mercury to the oxide form and simultaneously hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur Sorbent materials include silica, alumina, silica-alumina, molecular sieves, and mixtures of two or more of these The reactive compound disclosed is an alkali metal peroxomonosulfate salt, for example, potassium peroxomonosulfate In a variation the gas can be contacted directly with an aqueous solution of the chemical compound such as the alkali peroxomonsolufate salt

Hydrocracking process with improved distillate selectivity with high silica large pore zeolites

Abstract: A hydrocracking process in which improved selectivity for the production of distillate range (165° C-343° C) products is obtained by the use of a catalyst containing a highly siliceous large pore zeolite as the acidic component Suitable zeolites include zeolites, Y, ZSM-20 and beta with structural silica:alumina ratios of at least 50:1