Showing papers on "Brine published in 1987"

Process for converting heavy crudes, tars, and bitumens to lighter products in the presence of brine at supercritical conditions

Abstract: A majority amount of a heavy hydrocarbon crude is reacted with a minor amount of brine, at supercritical temperature and pressure for the brine, for a predetermined period of time in order to upgrade and convert the heavy hydrocarbon crude into a lighter hydrocarbon crude of higher API gravity. The upgrading and conversion of a viscous heavy hydrocarbonaceous crude oil into lighter hydrocarbons is accomplished in a continuous reactor system and may be accomplished in a subterranean petroleum reservoir at supercritical temperature and pressure. The overall heat of reaction is neutral, i.e., neither exothermic nor endothermic. In order to provide the necessary temperature, heat is added to the system prior to the reaction. For an in situ application, a combustion operation may be utilized to provide the necessary temperature, and is initiated using an oxidizing gas injected through an injection well. After a predetermined amount of time, injection of the oxidizing gas is terminated and the injection well is shut-in for a predetermined period of time to permit the petroleum reservoir to undergo a soak period in order to increase the temperature and decrease the viscosity of the viscous heavy hydrocarbonaceous crude oil. As the viscosity of the heavy hydrocarbonaceous crude oil decreases, the oil flows downwardly into the combustion zone steam and/or brine is injected which is at supercritical conditions in order to upgrade the heavy hydrocarbonaceous crude oil into lighter fractions. The reaction products from a reactor or an in situ operation are also lower in obnoxious constituents such as sulfur, nitrogen and heavy metals.

A thermodynamic model for aqueous solutions of liquid-like density

Abstract: The paper describes a model for the prediction of the thermodynamic properties of multicomponent aqueous solutions and discusses its applications. The model was initially developed for solutions near room temperature, but has been found to be applicable to aqueous systems up to 300/sup 0/C or slightly higher. A liquid-like density and relatively small compressibility are assumed. A typical application is the prediction of the equilibrium between an aqueous phase (brine) and one or more solid phases (minerals). (ACR)

Evaluation of Hot-Brine Stimulation Technique for Gas Production From Natural Gas Hydrates

Abstract: Thermally efficient production of natural gas can be accomplished by the use of hot brine to dissociate solid gas hydrate deposits in the earth. The advantages of brine stimulation over steam or hot-water injection are lower energy requirements for reservoir heating and hydrate dissociation, reduced heat losses, higher gas production, and improved thermal efficiency. In addition, the problems of blockage of rock pores and wellbore because of reformation of hydrates during gas production can be avoided. A mathematical model for a hot-brine stimulation technique was developed to compute gas recovery and the energy-efficiency ratio (i.e., the ratio of energy content of produced gas to heat injected) for a reservoir containing gas hydrates. The effects of variations in reservoir porosity, hydrate-zone thickness, depth, salinity of brine, brine temperature, and brine injection rate on the energy-efficiency ratio and gas production were determined. A comparison of brine and steam injection cases for the same heat injection rate shows higher gas production and energy-efficiency ratio for the brine case.

Influence of the nature of the counterion and of hexanol on the phase behavior of the dilute ternary systems: cetylpyridinium bromide or chloride-hexanol-brine

Abstract: Etude du diagramme de phase du systeme ternaire dilue bromure ou chlorure de cetylpyridinium-hexanol-saumure

Liquid-crystalline and microemulsion phase behavior in alcohol-free Aerosol-OT/oil/brine systems

Abstract: The phase behavior of systems containing the pure anionic surfactant Aerosol OT or sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate was studied as a function of salt concentration, surfactant concentration, alkane carbon number, and water-to-oil ratio. Since the hydrophilic and lipophilic properties of Aerosol OT are nearly balanced, the surfactant forms microemulsions with water and oil in the absence of cosurfactant, allowing for simplified representation of phase behavior. In particular, this property aided in the understanding of transitions between the aqueous surfactant phase behavior and the well-studied oil-rich microemulsion regime. With the addition of salt to dilute alcohol-free surfactant-water mixtures, transitions in the liquid-crystalline phases similar to those seen previously for systems containing petroleum sulfonates and other anionic surfactants with alcohol cosurfactants were found. When hydrocarbons of various chain lengths were equilibrated with the aqueous surfactant solutions, again behavior similar to that of anionic surfactants with alcohol cosurfactants was observed. Pseudoternary diagrams of surfactant-brine-oil were constructed at various brine salinities with n-dodecane as the oil. The assumption that brine acts as a pseudocomponent was found to work best at salinities well below and well above the optimum and at low surfactant concentrations. In any case, the results provide extensive information on phase behavior ofmore » a four-component system containing a pure anionic surfactant, a pure hydrocarbon, and sodium chloride brine over a region of considerable interest for enhanced oil recovery and other applications.« less

Modified non-polluting liquid phase shale swelling inhibition drilling fluid and method of using same

Abstract: The present invention provides a modified liquid phase drilling fluid having desirable properties of shale swelling inhibition, lubrication, and high temperature performance. The fluid does not rely on the incorporation of inorganic salts or high molecular weight water soluble polymers for control of shale swelling or shale disintegration and exhibits performance characteristics, approaching those of oil base drilling fluids, without the objectionable properties of hydrocarbon oils or its potential hazardous impact on the environment. The fluid is comprised of the following: (1) a liquid phase containing; (a) a water phase comprising fresh water, seawater, brine, simulated brine, or mixtures thereof; and (b) a water-soluble component selected from the class consisting of polyhydric alcohols, glycol, glycol ethers, polypropylene glycols, polyethylene glycols, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymers ("EO-PO"), alcohol-initiated EO-PO copolymers and/or mixtures thereof, the ratio of said water-soluble component in the total liquid phase being from about 5% to about 50% by volume; (2) a viscosifier for suspension of solids in said liquid phase; and (3) a filtration control agent. The fluid with the water soluble component will exhibit a lubricity coefficient lower than that for substantially the same fluid without the water soluble component as determined by the American Petroleum Institute's "Procedure for Determination of Lubricity Coefficient (Tentative)" (1980), and the linear swelling on a reconstituted "gumbo" shale inserted for about 60 minutes of said drilling fluid being from lower than that for substantially the same fluid without the water soluble component, as measured by the "Swelling Test", "Rigsite Shale Evaluation Techniques for Control of Shale-related Wellbore Instability Problems", SPE/IADC Paper No. 16054, pages 52-53, (1987).

Freezing and thawing of soils and permafrost containing unfrozen water or brine

Abstract: An analytical solution is presented for freezing and thawing of soils and permafrost containing unfrozen water or brine and with temperature dependent thermal properties. Latent heat effects are incorporated into an apparent heat capacity. The partially frozen soil is divided into layers, each with constant thermal properties and with fixed temperatures at the layer boundaries which move with time in a multiple moving boundary problem. Solutions are obtained for the positions of the layer boundaries and for the temperature distribution within each layer. The theory is used to predict the maximum depth of ice penetration and the temperature profile in a large artificial island. Maximum ice penetration in the island is greater than that determined from the two-layer Neumann solution. Predicted temperature profiles are relatively smooth and do not exhibit a sharp break at the phase boundary. The solution procedure is also applicable to other heat conduction problems in permafrost containing unfrozen water or brine.

Halide and Sulfate Ion Diffusion in Nafion Membranes

Abstract: The self‐diffusion coefficients of chloride, iodide, and sulfate anions have been measured in Nafion® perfluorosulfonate and perfluorocarboxylate membranes using radiotracer methods. Values were measured with the membranes in equilibrium with hot, concentrated brine and caustic solutions which are typical of brine electrolysis cells, and also in dilute solution environments. Several differences were found for these diffusion coefficients, and those of cations measured previously, compared to conventional ion exchange polymers. It is postulated that separate diffusional pathways exist for cations and anions in these polymers, and that this feature contributes to the high permselectivity which these polymers exhibit.

Electrostatic/mechanical emulsion treating method and apparatus

Abstract: A treater for electrostatically and/or mechanically separating emulsified brine from oil during longitudinal flow through a horizontally elongate metal tank, wherein coalescer elements are provided for enhancement of the de-emulsification process. Following the diffusion and distribution of the flowing emulsion across the transverse area of the treater, the emulsion is directed through electrical fields where the brine droplets take on an electrical charge, then moved through an electrically-grounded coalescing element comprising a multiplicity of longitudinally-extending downwardly-inclined open-ended tubes arranged in bundle-fashion. Individual tubes present opposition to the flow of emulsion for contact between brine droplets of the emulsion and the interior surfaces of the tubes, the brine droplets adhering to the tube surfaces where they lose their charge and accumulate, trickling downwardly by gravity to a brine sump. De-emulsified oil is removed in a stream separate from the brine stream. The treater also operates mechanically, with reduced efficiency, when electricity is unavailable.

Brine Radiolysis and Its Effect on the Corrosion of Grade 12 Titanium

Abstract: The corrosion of Grade 12 titanium, a possible canister material for the storage of high-level nuclear wastes, has been studied in brine solution under γ radiation (Ce137, 1.5×105 rad/h), in which a variety of radiolytic species that may change the redox reactions involved in corrosion processes is known to be produced. It was found that radiolysis of the brine solution permits additional partial cathodic reactions and shifts the open circuit potential (OCP) of the alloy in the noble direction. Furthermore, it was found that the changes in the oxide responsible for decreased hydrogen absorption by Grade 12 Ti under γ radiation are caused by the radiolysis products of the brine solution and not by the direct effect of radiation on the metal or oxide. γ radiation also increases the pitting potential of the alloy in 1 M KBr solution at 25 C. Among the radiolytic products, hydrogen peroxide plays an important role in determining the corrosion conditions in the irradiated brine solution: (1) it provid...

Origin of brine in the San Andres Formation, evaporite confining system, Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico

Abstract: Although regional hydrogeologic data and numerical models suggest that ground water flows downward through the evaporite-confining system in the Palo Duro Basin, new evidence of chemical and isotopic composition of brine from a carbonate bed in the Permian San Andres Formation suggests that post-Permian ground-water movement within the evaporite section has been negligible. Similarity between δD and δ 18 O of brine in San Andres carbonate rock and δD and δ 18 O of Permian fluid inclusions in halite beds implies that brine in the carbonate rock is connate and originated as Permian evaporatively concentrated sea water. Extensive rock-water reactions that account for chemical and isotopic composition of the brine by circulating meteoric ground water seem more complex and less substantiated than does diagenetic change of connate Permian brine. The conflict between hydrogeologic and chemical interpretations is reconciled if (1) there has not been enough time for flow of meteoric ground water to flush connate brine from the carbonate bed since a significant cross-formational gradient in hydraulic head developed, (2) present cross-formational flow of ground water is unevenly distributed between fractured and unfractured areas, and (3) composition of brine sampled at the test wells differs from that of brine in fractured zones that have not been sampled.

High temperature stable aqueous brine fluids viscosified by polyvinylpyrrolidone

Abstract: There is provided an aqueous brine fluid containing a high salt concentration and a polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer or copolymer which serves to increase the viscosity thereof, particularly at elevated temperatures of above about 300° F. These fluids are particularly useful as drilling fluids for the drilling of oil and gas wells.

Apparatus for concentrating brine waters or dewatering brines generated in well drilling operation

Abstract: A brine concentrator utilizing two separate concentrating devices in combination wherein a first concentrating device comprises a plurality of serpentine pipes interposed within a concentrator tank containing a dilute brine solution and a second concentrating device, including a venturi, is attached to the upper end of the concentrator tank and connected to receive exhaust gases from an exterior source. The brine solution which has been concentrated by the first concentrating device exit the tank through an output opening and is introduced into the venturi via a plurality of nozzles where it is mixed with the exhaust gases. A venting stack is also attached to the upper end of the tank for venting the exhaust gases emitted from the venturi and pre-heating dilute brine solution, which is introduced into the tank through the venting stack. As the solution travels down the stack and into the tank, it comes into contact with the exhaust gases exiting the tank from the venturi. A heat transfer occurs between the exiting exhaust gases and the entering dilute brine solution, thereby raising the temperature of the solution.

Cold storage method and apparatus

Abstract: A cold storage container has chambers of a solidifiable liquid such as water immersed in a brine. The brine is circulated to heat exchange systems which can cool the brine to below the solidification temperature of the liquid and can extract heat from a space to cool the space. The chambers are preferably formed in sausage-shaped interconnected chambers which are free to move within the container and which occupy about 70% of the container volume.

Chemical Corrosion of Cogema Glass R7T7 in High Saline Brines

Abstract: In the Federal Republic of Germany, the salt dome formation at Gorleben has been selected as a possible site for final disposal of HLW. The waste form will be borosilicate glass, e. g. the French Cogema glass R7T7. The corrosion of this glass has been investigated in three reference salt brines (brine 1: high Mg, brine 2: Ca and Mg, and brine 3: high Na) at three different temperatures, 110°, 150°, and 190°C and three S/V ratios, 10, 100, and 1000m−1. Results are presented for brine 1 and are compared qualitatively with those obtained for the other brines. As in deionized water and pure NaCl, the corrosion rate decreases when silica saturation is approached, but the reaction does not cease. The data after silica saturation were used to calculate upper limiting, i. e. time-independent corrosion rates. The long-term data indicate that a transport process through the growing surface layer may become rate controlling, and that the rate may further decrease after silica saturation.

Sodium removal from brines

Abstract: A method for removing 99% of the sodium ions from a natural or industrial brine containing dissolved salts of metals of Group 1A of the periodic chart and in which brine sodium ions are not the predominant metal ions by contacting the brine at pH 11 to 12 with an ion exchanger selected from crystalline antimonic acid and polyantimonic acid, and removing from contact with the ion exchanger the brine with greater than 99% of the sodium ions removed.

Miscible gas enhanced oil recovery method using oil-brine compatible pre-formed foam

Abstract: Oil recovery from a petroleum reservoir using a miscible gas, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen or methane is enhanced by injecting a preformed stable foam into the reservoir. The foam composition is formed by an effective amount of an alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS) capable of forming a foam with water having a salt content similar to that in the reservoir and the miscible gas. Preferably, the alpha olefin sulfonates have from 8 to 24 carbon atoms. In a preferred form the AOS has on average a carbon content of less than about 12 carbon atoms in higher salt content brines and less than about 12 carbon atoms in lower salt content brines. Most preferably, in brines having a salt concentration of at least 10 weight percent, the AOS has on average about 10 carbon atoms; in brines having a salt concentration of from 2 to 10 weight percent the AOS has on average about 12 carbon atoms; and in brines having less than 2 weight percent salt and AOS has on average about 14 carbon atoms.

Osmotic and Ionic Regulation of Two Brine Fly Species (Diptera: Ephydridae) from a Saline Hot Spring

Abstract: The brine fly Paracoenia calida Mathis is known only from the hot (source temperature = 54 C) saline (22 ppt) waters of Wilbur Hot Springs, Colusa Co., California. To investigate whether the high salinity is responsible for the endemic distribution of P. calida, I measured its hemolymph osmotic and ionic (sodium, chloride, potassium) concentrations and salinity tolerance (50% lethal exposure) of larvae exposed to a range of salinities (0-102 ppt) and water temperatures (15-40 C). Results were compared to similar measurements made on a co-inhabitant of P. calida, the geographically widespread brine fly Ephydra goedeni Wirth. In hypertonic waters (380-1,900 mM sodium chloride; 22-102 ppt) both species maintained their hemolymph hypoosmotic at concentrations between 150 and 350 mM NaCl regardless of water temperature. In hypotonic waters (0 and 25 mM NaC1), both species regulated their hemolymph hyperosmotic at 100 mM NaC1 regardless of water temperature. In contrast to their similar patterns ofosmoregulatio...

Process for manufacturing alkali hydroxide, chlorine and hydrogen by electrolysis of an aqueous alkali chloride solution in a membrane cell

Abstract: Alkali hydroxide, chlorine and hydrogen are produced from an aqueous alkali chloride solution by membrane electrolysis. A high-NaCl solid salt, which contains impurities, is dissolved in water in a salt dissolver. Precipitating chemicals are added to the salt solution to precipitate the impurities. The resulting mixture is fed to a thickener, from which precipitates and clarified raw brine are separately withdrawn. The clarified raw brine from the thickener is divided at a ratio between 2:1 and 20:1 into first and second partial streams. The larger first partial stream is mixed with the salt solution and the precipitating chemicals before entering the thickener and the resulting mixture is fed to the thickener. The second partial stream of the clarified raw brine is fed through a fine purifier to the electrolytic cell. Spent brine from the electrolytic cell is fed to the salt dissolver.

Scale-free process for purifying concentrated alkali metal halide brines containing sulfate ions as an impurity

Abstract: A process for reducing sulfate ion concentrations in an alkali metal halide brine to be electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell comprises feeding the alkali metal halide brines to a reaction zone containing a slurry of gypsum crystals having a concentration of at least 5 weight percent of solids to form a brine-containing slurry. An aqueous solution of a brine soluble calcium salt is admixed with the brine-containing slurry in an amount sufficient to reduce the sulfate ion concentration to a desired level. The brine-containing slurry is agitated at a pumping velocity of at least about 1.0 meters per second to release solution supersaturation by gypsum crystal formation. A desulfated alkali metal halide brine having a reduced sulfate ion concentration is passed from the reaction zone to a settling zone, the residence time in the reaction zone being at least 30 minutes, the settling zone residence time based on rise rate to prevent crystal carryover being at least 10 feet per hour, and the desulfated alkali metal halide brine recovered.

Thermo-hygrostatic refrigerators

Abstract: A thermo-hygrostatic refrigerator has a cabinet defining a storage room for cooling and storing food materials therein, a refrigeration unit composed of a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and other refrigeration systems, a brine tank storing brine therein and including the evaporator on the bottom thereof, an accumulator connected to the outlet side of the evaporator and having at least one portion immersed in the brine, a cooler mounted within the storage room and operatively connected to the outlet side of the evaporator and having at least one portion immersed in the brine, a cooler mounted within the storage room and operatively connected to the brine tank to circulate the brine therethrough to cool the interior of the storage room, and a sensing device mounted within the brine tank for monitoring presence of brine circulation.

Sulfate impurities from deicing salt and durability of portland cement mortar

Abstract: Research on the topic of calcium sulfate impurities in deicing salts adversely affecting the durability of portland cement mortar is covered in this paper. Natural rock salt may contain as much as 4.0 percent calcium sulfate. When combined with chloride solutions the solubility of calcium sulfate increases by as much as 3.5 times; hence, the calcium sulfate impurities contained in rock salt brine become highly detrimental, causing attack on cement mortar samples. These impurities can collect in pavement joints and cracks, reaching high concentrations through evaporation and the repeated use of deicing salts. Such a destructive mechanism may account for premature field failure of pavements that passed durability tests in the laboratory. Durability studies using brines containing differing amounts of gypsum in proportion to the sulfates occurring in natural rock salts have been conducted. To model field conditions, samples were concurrently subjected to brines and rapid freeze-thaw testing. Deterioration proved so rapid that testing was stopped at 88 cycles. Tensile tests showed strength losses up to 40 percent for samples subjected to brine solutions containing gypsum impurities. Mercury intrusion porosimetry showed significant losses in pore volume for the treated samples as compared to samples frozen and thawed in water only. X-ray diffraction tests discovered increased amounts of ettringite and Friedel's salt, a tricalcium aluminate chloride hydrate.

Process for the separation and recovery of boron compounds from a geothermal brine

Abstract: "PROCESS FOR THE SEPARATION AND RECOVERY OF BORONCOMPOUNDS FROM A GEOTHERMAL BRINE" Abstract Boron compounds are separated and recovered from a geothermal brine, which additionally contains inorganic salts, such as sodium and potassium chlorides and sulphates, by means of a process comprising the following process steps:a) pre-concentration of the geothermal brine by expansion up to room pressure, to to a pressure lower than room pressure;b) concentration of the pre-concentrated brine, coming from the (a) step, by means of an osmotic treatment against a concentrated aqueos solution of recycled inorganic salts;c) treatment of crystallization of the concentrated brine, coming from the (b) step, with the separation of the solid inorganic salts from an aqueous solution of boron compounds;d) recycle of the inorganic salts separated in the (c) step, to the (b) step of osmosis, in the form of a concentrated aqueous solution; and e) recovery of boron compounds from the relevant aqueous solution obtained in the (c) step.