Showing papers by "Mobil published in 1993"

Synthetic layered MCM-56, its synthesis and use

Abstract: This invention relates to a new synthetic layered material, a method for its preparation and use thereof as a sorbent and as a catalyst component in catalytic conversion of organic compounds.

Method for producing low permeability reservoirs using a single well

Abstract: A method for recovering connate fluids (e.g. oil) from a low permeability subterranean reservoir (e.g. diatomite) through a single wellbore. Upper and lower intervals are fractured from the wellbore that the fractured intervals only partially overlap, thereby leaving a partial, natural barrier formed of random-spaced, low permeable areas along the interface between the fractured intervals. This partial barrier improves the sweep efficiency of a drive fluid (e.g. water) which is injected into the lower fractured interval by forcing it to spread outward into the reservoir before it is flows through the upper fractured interval. The drive fluid is injected at approximately the same rate as that at which the fluids are produced so that displacement of oil occurs primarily due to imbibition.

Oil recovery by enhanced imbitition in low permeability reservoirs

Abstract: A method for enhanced oil recovery from a low permeability diatomaceous reservoir by imbibition is described. In this method, oil is displaced from a single injection well, or series of injection wells into a single producer or series of producing wells by a combination of applied fluid pressure, plus "enhanced imbibition." Enhanced imbibition is accomplished by adding chemical additives to the injection fluid so that rock in the tight reservoir has a stronger affinity for the water present therein, thus releasing oil from the rock.

Tubular plastic end stops bonded to plastic zipper

Abstract: Plastic-film zipper bags having tubular plastic end stops bonded to the plastic zipper to seal the ends of the zipper and to provide stops to retain a slider on the zipper are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of installing the tubular plastic end stops on the zipper.

Unique method of hydraulic fracturing

Abstract: An improved method for hydraulically fracturing a formation or reservoir where a thermo-setting gellable mixture is utilized. This thermo-setting mixture is foamed either at the surface or in situ under fracturing pressures and conditions. The mixture and carrier fluid is of a composition such that the foamed mixture has a viscosity of sufficient magnitude to cause a created fracture to grow while the foamed mixture is kept under fracturing pressure and conditions. Once a fracture of a desired size and length has been generated, the resin is ignited and thermally set thus forming a porous hardened solid within the fracture thereby holding the fracture open. Once combustion is finished, no spent fracturing fluids or load fluids remain to be recovered. This porous solid props the fracture open thereby increasing the conductivity of the formation or reservoir and fluid flow therefrom.

Sensor device containing mesoporous crystalline material

Abstract: A sensor device includes ultra-large pore crystalline material M41S as a selective detecting element, and a measuring element for quantifying physical, chemical or biological events which occur within the crystalline material. The crystalline material may also contain an additional selective detecting component within its pores.

Apparatus and method for measuring relative permeability and capillary pressure of porous rock

Abstract: A core sample of a porous rock from a subterranean reservoir is placed in a pressure cell holder. The sample is desaturated to first fluid irreducible desaturation with a second fluid through a porous plate preferentially wet to only the first fluid. The sample is then flooded with a plurality of first and second fluid ratios. Core pressure is measured along the core at various differential pressure plateau's during initial first fluid desaturation and again during fluid flooding with first and second fluids. A computed tomography (CT) scanning system provides images of the density distribution within the core sample during such flooding. Fluid saturation, determined from these CT images, and the pressure measurements are used to determine the relative permeability and capillary pressure responses of the fluids within the subterranean reservoir.

Flexible plastic zipper slider with rigidizing structure for assembly with profiled plastic zipper

Abstract: A flexible plastic slider having sidewalls normally diverging outwardly and spaced apart a distance adequate for transverse installation of the slider over the profiled elements of a zipper with rigidizing structure on the slider to move the sidewalls into and retain them in an assembled position on the zipper to prevent the slider from being lifted off the zipper.

Plastic reclosable fastener with slider detent lock for locking slider in closed position

Abstract: A plastic reclosable fastener or zipper with slider detent lock for locking the slider in closed position on plastic-film bags and the like is disclosed. The slider includes two spring-loaded detent elements located on opposite sides of the separator finger on the slider. When the slider is at any location other than the fully closed position at the end of the fastener, the spring-loaded detent elements ride against the outside surfaces of the flanges by which the separator finger opens the fastener. When the slider reaches the location at the end of the fastener where portions of the flanges have been removed to provide a notch, the spring-loaded detent elements spring inward against the sides of the separator finger. There they resist an attempt to move the slider in an opening direction because this requires that they be forced outward over the flanges of the zipper.

Wellbore guided hydraulic fracturing

Abstract: Method of hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean formation comprising drilling a deviated wellbore in a direction parallel to a desired fracture direction, and supplying fracturing fluid through the wellbore to the formation. The average net pressure on the fluid is maximized in a fracture formed in the formation by pumping the fracturing fluid at a maximum rate, and by using a high viscosity fracturing fluid. Maximization of the average net pressure acts to extend the fracture in a direction parallel to the direction of the wellbore. The amount of the extension of the fracture is a function of the ratio of the average net pressure to the horizontal stress difference, whereby the higher the ratio, the greater the amount of the extension.

Plastic end clips fused to plastic zipper

Abstract: A plastic clip is located at each end of a plastic zipper of a thermoplastic bag and fused with the ends of the profile elements of the zipper into a single mass by melting the clip to the zipper material.

Plastic reclosable fastener with structure for restraining slider in closed position and for facilitating reopening fastener

Abstract: A plastic reclosable fastener with slider for opening and closing the reclosable fastener on plastic-film bags and the like is disclosed. The plastic reclosable fastener and slider include a provision for restraining the slider in closed position and thereby maintaining the male and female elements of the fastener in interlocking relation to avoid inadvertent opening of the elements of the fastener when the slider reaches the fully closed position at the end of its travel along the fastener. The ends of the flanges of the fastener that are created by the slider-restraining notch are provided with diverging structure to facilitate re-entry of the slider separator structure between the flanges when the slider is moved toward the opposite end of the fastener to open the male and female elements of the fastener.

Catalytic conversion with improved catalyst

Abstract: A process is provided for converting feedstock hydrocarbon compounds over a catalyst composition which comprises clay and a zeolite component, at least one of which has been treated with a phosphorus-containing compound, for example, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate or phosphoric acid, and which is spray dried at a low pH, preferably lower than about 3. An embodiment of the present invention comprises an improved catalytic cracking process to produce high octane gasoline and increased lower olefins, especially propylene and butylene.

Tools for delivering fluid to spaced levels in a wellbore

Abstract: A well tool for delivering fluid (e.g. sand or gravel slurry) to different levels within a wellbore which is comprised of a delivery conduit which, in turn, has a plurality of exit ports spaced along its length. Each exit port has an exit tube connected thereto. Each exit tube includes a portion whose length lies substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the delivery conduit which permits larger exit ports to be used which, in turn, substantially reduces the likelihood of an exit port becoming blocked prior to completion of a well operation. Also, where at least a portion of an exit tube is inside the delivery conduit, the concentration of the sand flowing through the exit tube will be substantially the same as the original concentration in the slurry since sand particles will not tend to by-pass an exit port and remain in the slurry. This prevents the premature dehydration of the slurry and the resulting buildup of sand within the delivery conduit which is normally associated therewith.

Impact of catalyst acid/metal balance in hydroisomerization of normal paraffins

Abstract: The hydroisomerization of n-heptane has been used as a model to study the acid-metal balance requirements for Pt/zeolite catalysts. Experiments were carried out using physical mixtures of zeolite beta and Pt/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] particles, in which the level of the metal-containing component was varied to change the acid-metal balance. Selectivity, in terms of cracking vs. isomerization, varies significantly with the metal loading up to a point beyond which the degree of paraffin isomerization is independent of metal loading. These results are interpreted in terms of a simple dual-site model based on a classical theory of polyfunctional catalysis, first advanced by Weisz (1962). The model is also used to show how an imbalance in hydrogenation and acid functions can even alter the apparent reaction network of the observable chemical species in the system.

Solid elastomeric block copolymers

Abstract: There are disclosed novel, solid, elastomeric block copolymers with improved resistance to cold flow wherein either 1) the terminal blocks are each a polymer (I polymer) of at least one conjugated diene (I), e.g., isoprene, which contains at least five carbon atoms with at least one of each pair of double-bonded carbon atoms in the polymerized diene I units being additionally single-bonded to two carbon atoms; at least one middle or interior block is a hydrogenated polybutadiene (B polymer); and at least one middle or interior block is an essentially straight chain polyethylene (E polymer) resulting from the hydrogenation of a polybutadiene composed of at least 80 % of 1,4- units; or 2) the terminal blocks are random copolymers resulting from the hydrogenation of a copolymer of at least one diene I as previously defined and hydrogenated butadiene, and at least one middle or interior block is a straight chain polyethylene (E polymer) as previously defined. The hydrogenated butadiene units in the B polymer or random IB polymer blocks are composed of no more than about 65 % of 1,4- units and at least about 35 % of 1,2- units. The foregoing block copolymers may be prepared by selectively hydrogenating substantially all the butadiene units of a precursor block, copolymer wherein the precursor blocks of the straight chain polyethylene block units are polybutadiene blocks in which at least about 80 % of the butadiene units are 1,4- units. A sufficient number of I units in the I polymer blocks or random IB copolymer blocks retain their unsaturation on selective hydrogenation to enable the vulcanization of the block copolymer.

A process for forming a carrier material

Abstract: A support containing methylaluminoxane and derivatives thereof is formed by an incipient impregnation of a silica support so that the solution of the aluminoxane fills the pores in the support with no solution left out. The supported aluminoxane eliminates the problem of fluid bed reactor fouling during gas phase polymerization of olefins in the presence of added metallocenes. The fluid bed reactor (10) is a vertical enclosure with a reaction zone (12), comprising a bed of growing polymer particles and a minor amount of catalyst particles fluidized by the continuous flow of polymerizable and modifying gaseous components, a velocity reduction zone (14), where entrained particles are given opportunity to drop back into the fluidized bed, and a distributor plate (20). The unreacted gas passes through a cyclone separator (22), a filter (24), a compressor (25) and a heat exchanger (26). The distribution plate (20) serves the purpose of diffusing recycle gas through the bed at a rate sufficient to maintain fluidization.

Structuring and transfer zones in the Faeroe Basin in a regional tectonic context

Abstract: An integrated structural interpretation of the Faeroe Basin within the regional tectonic setting of the North Atlantic margin was derived from gravity, magnetic and regional seismic data. The tectonic framework of the basin was established during the Caledonian orogeny while its subsequent structural evolution was linked to the development of the Greenland–Scotland Ridge and the Iceland hot-spot. Some major transfer zones had previously been identified in the Faeroe Basin area. The gravity and magnetic data defined a series of transfer zones oriented NW–SE across the basin which were also identified on seismic data. These transfer zones have had major influences on the Mesozoic sedimentation patterns, and define basin segments which most likely had different sedimentary and structural histories, thus introducing a diversity of hydrocarbon plays into the Faeroe Basin.

Simultaneous hydraulic fracturing using fluids with different densities

Abstract: Two spaced apart zones of a formation are simultaneously hydraulically fractured. A lower density fracturing fluid is injected into an upper zone of the formation via an annulus of a perforated wellbore communicating with the upper zone thereby causing a fracture to propagate. Simultaneously therewith, a higher density fracturing fluid is injected into a lower spaced apart zone via a tube within the wellbore which fluidly communicates with the lower zone thereby causing simultaneously the propagation of a second fracture. Neither fracture contacts the other although complete fracture growth is obtained.

Use of thin liquid spacer volumes to enhance hydraulic fracturing

Abstract: A method for enhanced hydraulic fracturing which comprises injecting a proppant laden fracturing fluid into a formation or reservoir at a rate and pressure sufficient to fracture said formation. Next, a thin spacer fluid is injected into the created fracture. Afterwards, a proppant laden fracturing fluid is injected into the formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to hold the created fracture open which allows proppant to be more evenly distributed throughout the created fracture as proppant falls through the spacer fluid thereby avoiding proppant convection in the created fracture while obtaining substantially improved propping of the fracture.

Single connector for shunt conduits on well tool

Abstract: A well tool (e.g. well screen) having a single connector for fluidly connecting the shunt conduits carried by adjacent joints of a well tool to thereby eliminate the need for separate, individual connectors. The single connector is slidably mounted on the central conduit of one of the joints and has a plurality of passages therethrough, each of which is adapted to receive a respective shunt conduit on one of the adjacent joints. After the central conduits of two adjacent joints are coupled together, the single connector is moved whereby the upper ends of the respective shunts on one joint enter the lower ends of the respective passages to thereby fluidly connect the respective shunt conduits. The single connector is then secured in a connected position.

Developing flow of a gas‐particle mixture in a vertical riser

Abstract: The riser reactors used for the catalytic cracking of gas oil use a transported solid catalyst, and their performance can be predicted with confidence only if the physical mechanism that determines the cross-sectional distribution of the catalyst can be identified and modeled. A computational study of steady, developing flow of gas-particle suspensions in a vertical riser has been carried out, using a model based on kinetic theory of granular materials, to understand the role of inlet configuration on the pattern of flow development. Three inlet configurations - uniform inlet, core-annulus flow at the inlet and circumferential injection of secondary gas - were examined. It is found that the inlet configuration can have a profound impact on the rate of segregation of particles to the wall and the internal recirculation. Circumferential injection of gas has a favorable effect on the flow in the sense that it can decrease the extent of internal recirculation.

Traction structures in deep-marine, bottom-current-reworked sands in the Pliocene and Pleistocene, Gulf of Mexico

Abstract: The Pliocene-Pleistocene sequence cored in the Ewing Bank and Garden Banks areas in the Gulf of Mexico provides an example of deep-marine sand reworked by bottom currents. A distinctive attribute of these sands is their traction structures, which include cross-stratification, current ripples, and horizontal lamination. These sands also exhibit sharp upper contacts, inverse size grading, mud offshoots, and flaser bedding. An important aspect of these structures is their occurrence in discrete units, but not as part of a vertical sequence of structures, such as the Bouma sequence. Presumably, the Loop Current, a strong, wind-driven surface current in the Gulf of Mexico, impinged on the sea bottom, as it does today, and resulted in bottom-current-reworked sands. A depositional model is proposed in which the bottom-current-reworked sands tend to develop a facies in interchannel slope areas that is distinctly different from channel-levee turbidite facies.

Method and apparatus for gravel packing of wells

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gravel packing wherein a gravel slurry is distributed to different points of a wellbore annulus from a internal passage within the apparatus thereby protecting the passage from damage during operation. The apparatus is comprised of a plurality of gravel screen units which are connected together at the lower end of a workstring. Each gravelscreen unit is comprised of a gravel screen and a valve-outlet assembly which, in turn, is comprised of a collar having an outlet and a valve for opening and closing the outlet. A washpipe is positioned within the workstring and provides a passage for delivering the slurry internally to the outlets in each of the valve-outlet assemblies. The valves are closed when the washpipe is removed.

Selective toluene disproportionation process (STDP) with ex situ selectivated zeolite catalyst

Abstract: A process for shape selective hydrocarbon conversion that involves contacting a hydrocarbon feedsteam, including toluene, under conversion conditions with a catalytic molecular sieve which has been modified by being ex situ selectivated with a silicon compound. The ex situ selectivation involves exposing the molecular sieve to at least two silicon impregnation sequences, each sequence comprising an impregnation with a silicon compound followed by calcination. The modified catalyst used in the process may also be steamed. Optionally, the modified catalyst may be trim-selectivated.

Shape selective conversion of hydrocarbons over extrusion-modified molecular sieve

Abstract: A process for a shape selective hydrocarbon conversion such as toluene disproportionation, involves contacting a reaction stream under conversion conditions with a catalytic molecular sieve which has been preselectivated by agglomerating with an organosilicon compound. The invention also includes a method for agglomeration-preselectivation and the shape selective catalyst which results from the agglomeration preselectivation.

Temperature control of MW in olefin polymerization using supported metallocene catalyst

Abstract: In gas phase polymerizations and copolymerizations of ethylene, temperature controls the molecular weight, expressed as MI (wherein MI is measured according to ASTM D-1238 Condition E), of the resin product. Increase in polymerization temperature produces decrease in MI; whereas, decrease in polymerization temperature produces increase in MI.

Method of preparation of ex situ selectivated zeolite catalysts for enhanced shape selective applications and method to increase the activity thereof

Abstract: An ex situ selectivated catalytic molecular sieve for enhanced shape selective hydrocarbon conversions in which a catalytic molecular sieve is modified by being exposed to at least two selectivation sequences, each sequence including an impregnation of the molecular sieve with a selectivating agent and a subsequent calcination of the impregnated molecular sieve. The ex situ selectivation method is also described, including the use of low volatility organic carriers for the selectivating agent. Also, a method for moderate steaming of the ex situ selectivated molecular sieve. Also a method for in situ trim-selectivating the ex situ selectivated catalytic molecular sieve. Also described is the process for shape selective hydrocarbon conversion comprising contacting a hydrocarbon feedstream under conversion conditions with the modified catalytic molecular sieve.

Shape selective hydrocarbon conversion over pre-selectivated, activated catalyst

Abstract: A process for a shape selective hydrocarbon conversion such as toluene disproportionation involves contacting a reaction stream under conversion conditions with a catalytic molecular sieve which has been pre-selectivated and concurrently activated by contact with a substantially aqueous solution of an organosilicon compound. The invention also includes a method for concurrently preselectivating and activating a catalyst and the shape selectivated, activated catalyst which results from this method.