FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for treating petroleum or natural gas,
a petroleum or a natural gas obtainable by such method, a method for preparing an
addition agent for petroleum or natural gas and an addition agent for petroleum or
natural gas obtainable by such method.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Sulfur and sulfur-containing compounds in crude oil result in degradation of oil
quality (API gravity, viscosity, salts, bottom sediments, and water).
[0003] Such sulfur-containing compounds, particularly sulfides, and especially soluble sulfides
(H
2S, HS
-, S
2-, or combinations thereof), frequently detected in petroleum and oil field brines
as a consequence of the activities of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) pose serious
problems due to their toxicity, odor, corrosive nature, and potential for well bore
plugging. Current treatment technologies for sulfide removal include physical/chemical
methods such as stripping with steam or flue gas, air oxidation, and precipitation.
However, microbial treatment may be a more efficient and cost-effective alternative
for reducing sulfide levels.
[0004] In order to remove sulfur-containing products from crude oil, naphtha and derivatives,
attempts have been made long since to find microbiological procedures. E.g., as can
be seen in a comprehensive paper published in 1978 by Malik (ref. (1) at the end of
the present specification),
Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, Arthrobacter sp
., Pseudomonas sp.,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter sp.,
Rhizobium sp. were researched.
[0005] EP 0 409 314 A1 discloses a stable, single-phased solution of water-in-oil microemulsions that contain
microorganisms and/or parts thereof are described. They are obtained by adding to
crude oil and/or at least one product of the refining of same an aqueous concentrated
solution of microorganisms and/or parts thereof, in such a way that said aqueous solution
is solubilized in crude oil or the refined product and that the blend thus obtained
has the form of a stable, single-phased solution.
[0006] GB 2 303 127 A discloses a process for oxidation of sulfide compounds in brines, oil and/or gases
by contact with a bacterial culture preferably containing a
Campylobacter species. The brine, oil or gas may also contain a nitrate.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a method for treating petroleum,
petroleum fractions or natural gas in order to reduce sulfur, particularly sulfides.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] This objective is solved by a method according to claim 1 for treating petroleum,
a petroleum fraction or natural gas. In further aspects, laid down in further independent
claims, the invention also provides with a petroleum or a natural gas, obtainable
by such method, a method for preparing an addition agent for petroleum, petroleum
fractions or natural gas, wherein the addition agent can be used for (treating) petroleum,
a petroleum fraction, or natural gas, particularly for reducing sulfur or sulfur compounds,
and an addition agent for petroleum or natural gas which is obtainable by such method.
[0009] The present invention provides with a method (also called process) for treating,
particularly for reducing sulfur and sulfur compounds in petroleum, a petroleum fraction,
or natural gas, the process comprising:
Adding
- a) a first component which is selected from material, particularly roots, of a plant
of the genus Glycyrrhiza, and/or an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and
- b) a second component which is selected from a plant material or -ingredient of a
plant of the family Elaeocarpaceae,
to the petroleum, petroleum fraction, or natural gas.
[0010] This invention may be called a chemo-biological process, or a fermentation process,
for treating petroleum (also called crude oil), petroleum fractions and natural gas.
[0011] In petroleum and petroleum fractions the invention, in general or specific embodiments,
leads to one or more of the following results for the petroleum and/or petroleum fractions:
- reduces sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB)
- reduces sulfur and sulfur compounds
- lowers particularly the H2S concentration, preferably to harmless levels (<10 ppm),
or even substantially eliminates H2S
- reduces salts
- reduces heavy metals content
- increases API gravity, either in well reservoirs or in processing facilities (upstream
or downstream)
- decreases viscosity
- increases energy density of petroleum or petroleum fractions
- generates raffinates with high API gravity, that are, inter alia, environment-friendly
- leads to decrease of corrosion in processing facilities and application apparatus,
e.g. gas turbines
- decreases corrosion, e.g. in pipelines and tanks, particularly microbially influenced
corrosion (MIC)
- prevents or reduces biofouling
[0012] In natural gas, the invention, in general or specific embodiments, leads to one or
more of the following results:
- reduces sulfur (sweetens sour gas). Sulfur or sulfur compounds particularly precipitate
from the gas
- increases the heat rate
- decreases the specific gravity
- increases volume
- lowers the H2S concentration, preferably to harmless levels (<10 ppm)
- decreases corrosion in pipelines or storage tanks
[0013] The invention, in general or specific embodiments, provides with one or more of the
following benefits:
- is suitable for oil well intervention and increases production volume
- increases refinery process gain of the petroleum and/or the petroleum fractions and
increases the whole efficiency, particularly the production rate and light/medium
fraction yields, of the refinery plant
- reduces transportation energy needs and reduces crude oil shipping costs
- reduces equipment mechanical failure due to cold and hot corrosion
- facilitates the concept of 'anti-degradation' and 'anti-depletion' of crude oil global
reserves
- direct production of petroleum raffinates with high API gravity
- can be used as a clean fuel for combustion engines as a more viable energy source
that decreases fuel consumption and reduces emissions
- reduces the environmental impact in terms of emissions and greenhouse gases of petroleum
or natural gas production, processing and product consumption through its efficiency
increases and purity
[0014] Exemplary and non-limiting petroleum fractions the method can be applied to are liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), gasoline (petrol), naphtha, kerosene,
diesel fuel, fuel oils, lubricating oils, paraffin wax, asphalt, heavy fuel oils,
tar, bitumen.
[0015] The process can be applied upstream in subterranean reservoirs and at surficial recovery
plants as well as at downstream in refining and processing facilities.
[0016] The process can be applied to the treatment of petroleum or a petroleum fraction,
particularly bitumen, that is comprised by/in oil sand. The process of the invention
can be used to treat oil sand. Oil sands, also known as tar sands or crude bitumen,
or more technically bituminous sands, are a type of petroleum deposit. Oil sands may
be either loose sands or partially consolidated sandstone containing a naturally occurring
mixture of sand, clay, and water, saturated with a dense and viscous form of petroleum
technically referred to as bitumen.
[0017] The process can be applied to the treatment of heavy fuel oil or sludge that results
from heavy fuel oil. Particularly heavy fuel oil or sludge that is comprised in fuel
tanks, for example of ships, in (industrial) furnaces or in (industrial) combustion
plants. If applied in this manner, the process can help to liquefy heavy fuel oil
residues, particularly sludge. The process can, as alternative, be used to refine
heavy fuel oil.
[0018] The present invention also provides with a petroleum, a petroleum fraction, or a
natural gas, obtainable by or obtained by above-said method or, as a further or additional
definition, comprising, as additives above-mentioned first and second components.
[0019] The invention also provides with a method for preparing an addition agent for petroleum,
a petroleum fraction, or natural gas, the method comprising:
Mixing
- a first component which is selected from material, particularly roots, of a plant
of the genus Glycyrrhiza, and/or an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and
- a second component which is selected from a plant material or -ingredient of a plant
of the family Elaeocarpaceae,
[0020] The present invention also provides with an addition agent for petroleum, a petroleum
fraction, or natural gas, obtainable by or obtained by above-said method or, as a
further or additional definition, comprising said first and second components.
[0021] The addition agent may be used in above-mentioned method for treating petroleum,
a petroleum fraction, or natural gas.
[0022] In a more general aspect, the present invention also provides with a method for treating
petroleum, a petroleum fraction, or natural gas, the process comprising:
adding a component which is selected from material, particularly roots, of a plant
of the genus
Glycyrrhiza, and/or an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, to the petroleum, petroleum fraction, or
natural gas. Here, only the above-mentioned first component is added.
[0023] In a further general aspect, the present invention also provides with a method for
treating petroleum, a petroleum fraction, or natural gas, the process comprising:
adding a component which is selected from a plant material or -ingredient of a plant
of the family Elaeocarpaceae, to the petroleum, petroleum fraction, or natural gas.
Here, only the above-mentioned second component is added.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Any numbering of components, such as "first component" and "second component" is
intended to distinguish components from each other and name components by kind of
abbreviation. Such numbering is not intended to mean a sequence of adding, or using.
[0025] In embodiments of this invention a hydrocarbon or a hydrocarbon carrying one or more
substituents or functional groups may be used or employed. A hydrocarbon is a compound
consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon. A hydrocarbon and a hydrocarbon carrying
or comprising one or more substituents or functional groups may in this invention
also in summary called a "hydrocarbon" or "a hydrocarbon, which may be substituted".
So, if the term "hydrocarbon" is used in this description for sake of abbreviation,
a hydrocarbon carrying one or more substituents or functional groups is encompassed,
even if possible substitution is not explicitly mentioned. A hydrocarbon carrying
one or more substituents is also called "substituted hydrocarbon".
[0026] The hydrocarbon can be selected from one or more of an aliphatic hyrocarbon and an
aromatic hydrocarbon.
[0027] An aliphatic hydrocarbon carrying one or more substituents may be an alcohol. An
alcohol is in one more specific embodiment an aliphatic alcohol, preferably a C1 -
C10 alcohol, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol or pentanol, wherein all
isomers thereof are encompassed. A mixture of two or more different alcohols may be
used. All this may apply to all embodiments of this invention where alcohol is used
or mentioned.
[0028] An aromatic hydrocarbon in the present invention may comprise, or be selected from,
benzene, toluene, xylene, and any mixture of one or more thereof. This may apply to
all embodiments of this invention where aromatic hydrocarbon is used or mentioned.
[0029] The liquid hydrocarbon is preferably not a triglyceride or not a vegetable oil.
[0030] The term or state "liquid" particularly refers to liquid state at usual temperature
for performing the methods of the invention, particularly at room temperature, even
more particularly at 20°C or at least 20°C.
First component:
[0031] The first component is selected from
- material, particularly roots, of a plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza, and/or
- an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF).
[0032] The material, particularly roots, of a plant of the genus
Glycyrrhiza, is in a specific embodiment material, particularly roots, from
Glycyrrhiza glabra. Glycyrrhiza is known to live in symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (also abbreviated
as AMF, also called Glomeromycota). The material, particularly roots, used in the
invention may comprise AMF, preferably in symbiotic relationship.
[0033] Specific examples of the plant of the genus
Glycyrrhiza are
Glycyrrhiza acanthocarpa
Glycyrrhiza aspera
Glycyrrhiza astragalina
Glycyrrhiza bucharica
Glycyrrhiza echinata
Glycyrrhiza eglandulosa
Glycyrrhiza foetida
Glycyrrhiza foetidissima
Glycyrrhiza glabra L., particularly the varieties Glycyrrhiza glabra var. glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra glandulifera,
Glycyrrhiza gontscharovii
Glycyrrhiza iconica
Glycyrrhiza inflata
Glycyrrhiza korshinskyi
Glycyrrhiza squamulosa
Glycyrrhiza lepidota
Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora
Glycyrrhiza triphylla (syn. Meristotropsis triphylla)
Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Glycyrrhiza yunnanensis
[0034] Any combination of one or more of these plants of the genus
Glycyrrhiza, particularly Glycyrrhiza glabra, with one or more AMF, particularly AMF mentioned herein, such as AMF from the genus
Glomus, the genus
Acaulospora, Glomus mossae or
Acaulospora laevis, may be employed.
[0035] The material of a plant of the genus
Glycyrrhiza may be any material, like whole plants or plant parts, such as stems, leaves, roots,
and any mixture of plant parts. In a beneficial embodiment the material is roots.
The material may be processed material, for example by drying, milling, grinding,
comminuting, or a combination thereof. The material may alternatively or additionally
be suspended and/or soaked in a liquid, particularly, and without limitation, a liquid
hydrocarbon, which may be substituted, preferably an alcohol, such as ethanol, propanol,
ethanol, and/or a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon, which may be substituted. The aromatic
hydrocarbon may be toluene or a xylene. A liquid hydrocarbon mixture may be used,
such as kerosene.
[0036] AMF may be provided by any source. AMF may be provided in isolated form. AMF may
be suspended and/or soaked in a liquid, particularly, and without limitation, a liquid
hydrocarbon, which may be substituted, preferably a liquid alcohol and/or a liquid
aromatic hydrocarbon, which may be substituted. The aromatic hydrocarbon may be toluene
or a xylene. A liquid hydrocarbon mixture may be used, such as kerosene.
[0037] In one embodiment, the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is selected from the genus
Glomus and/or the genus
Acaulospora, and particularly selected from
Glomus mossae or
Acaulospora laevis. Such fungi and methods for obtaining them are described in
Yadav et. al, Agric Res. (2013), 2(1):43-47, which is incorporated by reference in this description.
[0038] AMF that could be employed in the invention are AMF from following genera:
Acaulospora, Ambispora, Archaeospora, Diversispora, Entrophospora, Funneliformis,
Geosiphon, Gigaspora, Glomus, Claroideoglomus, Otospora, Pacispora, Paraglomus, Racocetra,
Redeckera, Rhizophagus, Scutellospora, Sclerocystis.
Second component:
[0040] The second component can be selected from a plant material or -ingredient of a plant
of the family
Elaeocarpaceae.
[0041] In the second component, the plant may be a plant of the genus
Elaeocarpus.
[0042] In the second component the plant may be a plant of the species
Elaeocarpus hygrophilus.
[0043] The term "plant material or -ingredient" may encompass any part of a plant, such
as fruits, leaves, roots, or stems. The plant ingredient may be any ingredient that
is present in the plant or gained from a plant, for example, and without limitation,
by pressing or extraction. Exemplary plant ingredients are such as oil or juice, without
limitation, for example oil or extract from fruits, such as oil or juice.
[0044] The plant material may comprise one or more of the following substances:
- pigments
- triglycerides
- fatty acids
- glucosides
- akinetes,
either singly or in any combination or sub-combination thereof.
[0045] The plant material or -ingredient may be processed material, for example obtained
by drying, milling, grinding, comminuting, extracting a plant or plant part, or a
combination thereof. The plant material or -ingredient may alternatively or additionally
be suspended, dissolved, emulsified and/or soaked in a liquid, particularly, and without
limitation, a liquid hydrocarbon, which may be substituted, preferably a liquid aromatic
hydrocarbon, which may be substituted. The aromatic hydrocarbon may be toluene or
a xylene. A liquid hydrocarbon mixture may be used such as kerosene.
[0046] The plant material or -ingredient in a further embodiment comprises, which particularly
may be combined with the previous embodiment, a compound belonging to the class of
phenylethanoids particularly a tyrosol ester of elenolic acid, which may be further
hydroxylated or and glycosylated. Particularly suitable compounds are selected from
10-hydroxyoleuropein, ligstroside, 10-hydroxyligstroside, Oleocanthal and Oleuropein
((4S,5E,6S)-4-[2-[2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethoxy]-2-oxoethyl]-5-ethylidene-6-[[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-2-tetrahydropyranyl]oxy]-4H-pyran-3-carboxylic
acid, methyl ester). Such compounds are believed to be harmful to SRB. Such compound(s)
are preferably contained in the plant material or -ingredient, if it is olive oil.
[0047] In one embodiment, the plant material or -ingredient is a plant oil or a plant extract,
particularly a leave or fruit extract.
[0048] The first and second component may be added sequentially to the petroleum, petroleum
fraction, or natural gas, or at the same time. In a beneficial embodiment, the first
and second component are mixed with each other and then allowed to stand before they
are added to the petroleum, a petroleum fraction, or natural gas. An addition agent
may be prepared from the first and second component according to a method of the invention
for preparing an addition agent, and this addition agent added to the petroleum, a
petroleum fraction, or natural gas.
[0049] The term mixing in this invention comprises any kind of mixing, or adding a first
matter to a second, matter, or vice versa. The term mixing does not necessarily require,
but may encompass, agitation, such as stirring.
[0050] Without wishing to be bound by theory and without limitation of the scope of the
invention, it is believed that the first component and the second component undergo
a reaction and/or association with each other, which can for example be of chemical
and/or biological nature. A biological reaction may for example be formation of a
composite organism. A reaction or association may change the character of the isolated
components. The present invention encompasses also methods and products wherein such
reaction and/or association of the first and second component has or may have occurred.
The present invention encompasses also methods and products, particularly a petroleum,
petroleum fraction, or a natural gas, or an addition agent, wherein such reaction
and/or association of the first and second component has or may have occurred or wherein
any kind of product of such reaction and/or association is formed, or contained.
[0051] In one embodiment of the method for treating petroleum, petroleum fraction, or natural
gas, adding the first and the second component is done in following steps:
- adding the second component to the petroleum, petroleum fraction, or natural gas,
- allowing the petroleum, petroleum fraction, or natural gas to stand, for example for
a residence time in a discontinuous or continuous process.
- adding a mixture of the first and the second component the petroleum, petroleum fraction,
or natural gas.
[0052] In this embodiment, the petroleum, petroleum fraction, or natural gas is in a first
or previous step treated with the second component alone, without the first component.
Concentrations in the second component in this previous step may differ from concentrations
in the second component in the step when the first component is also added. API gravity
may already be increased and sulfur content and/or salt content be reduced in advance,
before the treatment with a mixture of first and second component is done. It is believed
that the so called previous step of adding the second component is harmful to SRB.
[0053] In another embodiment of the method of the invention, the first component and second
component that are added to the petroleum, petroleum fraction, or natural gas, which
is to be treated, are comprised in a first (also called: previous) petroleum, first
(also called: previous) petroleum fraction, or first (also called: previous) natural
gas, wherein the first petroleum, first petroleum fraction, or first natural gas is
added to the petroleum, petroleum fraction, or natural gas, which is to be treated.
In this embodiment, the first or previous petroleum/petroleum fraction/natural gas
can be a petroleum/petroleum fraction/natural gas that was treated by a method of
the invention earlier.
[0054] In one embodiment of the method for treating petroleum, a petroleum fraction, or
natural gas, the method comprises adding a further component to the petroleum, petroleum
fraction, or natural gas which, wherein the further component is selected from a biocide,
at least one amine, at least one or quaternary ammonium compound, or a mixture thereof.
This step is preferably done before the first and second component are added, or before
a second component is added solely according to the previously mentioned embodiment.
After adding said further component, the petroleum, petroleum fraction, or natural
gas may be allowed to stand. So, the method for treating petroleum, petroleum fraction,
or natural gas may comprise following steps in following order:
- adding the further component to the petroleum, petroleum fraction, or natural gas,
selected from a biocide, at least one amine, at least one or quaternary ammonium compound,
or a mixture thereof,
- allowing the petroleum, petroleum fraction, or natural gas to stand,
- optionally adding the second component to the petroleum or petroleum fraction,
- optionally allowing the petroleum or petroleum fraction to stand,
- adding a mixture of the first and the second component to the petroleum, petroleum
fraction, or natural gas.
[0055] The expression "allowing to stand" encompasses standing (or waiting) without agitation
or with agitation.
[0056] The expression "allowing to stand" encompasses continuous, discontinuous and batch
processes. In a continuous process, the time over which a matter is allowed to stand
is the residence time, particularly an average residence time, for example a residence
time in a tank reactor or tube reactor.
[0057] The amine or quaternary ammonium compound is in one embodiment water-soluble.
[0058] The biocide may be selected from any biocide which is harmful to SRB. A beneficial
biocide is glutaraldehyde.
[0059] The further component which is selected from a biocide, at least one amine, at least
one or quaternary ammonium compound, or a mixture thereof, is preferably used in aqueous
media. So, the further component is preferably present in aqueous media, e.g. as solution,
emulsion or suspension, and added in this state to the petroleum, petroleum fraction,
or natural gas. Using aqueous media leads to at least partial extraction of SRB, particularly
inactivated SRB, from the petroleum, petroleum fraction, or natural gas.
[0060] A petroleum or petroleum fraction treated according to the method of the invention
is a product showing one or more of the following properties:
- high API gravity (API = American Petroleum Institute), particularly higher than 35
API at 59 °Fahrenheit
- low sulfur content, particularly less than 0.5 %
- low salt content, particularly less than 10 PTB (pounds per thousand barrels).
- product corresponds to a light sweet petroleum quality
- generate raffinates with high API gravity
- the product can be directly used, for example in combustion engines
[0061] A natural gas treated according to the method of the invention is a product showing
one or more of the following properties:
- reduced specific gravity due to H2S extraction
- increased heating value due to cleaning and sweetening
- reduced corrosiveness of the treated natural gas
[0062] A feedstock of petroleum, petroleum fraction, or natural gas, or a portion of said
feedstock may be treated in discontinuous or continuous manner. The method for treatment
is preferably a continuous method.
[0063] In another embodiment, the product of the method for treatment is blended with further
petroleum, a further petroleum fraction, which was not treated according to the method.
Such blending may reduce API gravity, raise sulfur content and raise salt content,
but by choosing a suitable blending ratio, these parameters may be set in a desired
and still beneficial range.
[0064] So, the method of the invention for treatment of petroleum, a petroleum fraction
may further comprise:
- adding the petroleum, or the petroleum fraction, that was treated by adding the first
component and the second component to a further petroleum, or a further petroleum
fraction, that has not yet been treated by the method, particularly in order to reduce
sulfur and sulfur compounds in the further petroleum, or the further petroleum fraction,
- optionally repeating the previous step once or more, thereby treating a still further
petroleum or petroleum fraction, that has not been treated before.
[0065] By this method, it is possible to reach also in the further one or more of the benefits
that were described for the method earlier, e.g. reducing sulfur and sulfur compounds,
increasing API gravity etc., also in the further petroleum (fraction). In this embodiment,
the product of the treatment can be used for further treatment of further petroleum(fraction)
in order to reach benefits of the treatment. So it is not strictly necessary to prepare
addition agent of the invention to perform the method. Using addition agent is one
alternative of the method for treatment. The other alternative is using the product
of the method for continuing the method for treatment of further petroleum (fraction).
[0066] This can be continued as often as desired, by optionally
- repeating above step of addition once or more, thereby treating a still further petroleum
or petroleum fraction, that has not been treated before. A scheme of such repeated
method, performed in several generations of treatment can be illustrated as follows:
- 1) Treatment of petroleum (fraction) (1st generation) with first and second component.
- 2) Obtaining treated petroleum (fraction) (product of 1st generation). The product of 1st generation comprises first and second component, and/or a product formed from the
first and second component.
- 3) Treatment of petroleum (fraction) (2nd generation) with product of 1st generation
- 4) Obtaining treated petroleum (fraction) (product of 2nd generation). The product of 2nd generation comprises first and second component, and/or a product formed from the
first and second component.
- 5) repeating 3) and 4) for as many further generations as desired. Here, treating
with the product of a previous generation or with a product of any earlier generation
can be done.
[0067] In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises:
adding a hydrocyrabon, which may be substituted, particularly an alcohol or a liquid
aromatic hydrocarbon, to the petroleum, or the petroleum fraction, that was treated
by adding the first component and the second component (which is called a product
of the method).
[0068] The product of the method can be stored for further purpose, e.g. for later treatment
of further petroleum (fraction) which is still to be treated. It has been shown, that
adding a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon, which may be substituted, promotes the effect
of the product when it is used for treatment of the further petroleum, or the further
petroleum fraction. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed, that liquid
aromatic hydrocarbon, which may be substituted, serves as a substrate for maintenance,
growth and/or proliferation of a biological complex which is formed by the first and
the second component. Such maintenance, growth and/or proliferation helps in possible
further treatment of further petroleum (fractions). The liquid aromatic hydrocarbon,
which may be substituted, may be a pure liquid aromatic hydrocarbon or comprised in
a petroleum fraction that is not a fraction which is to be treated for any purpose
of the method of the invention, e.g. for reducing sulfur and sulfur compounds. Particularly,
the liquid aromatic hydrocarbon may be comprised in a diesel fuel. So, diesel fuel
may be added to the petroleum, or the petroleum fraction, that was treated by adding
the first component and the second component.
[0069] In one embodiment, the method comprises:
Adding a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon, which may be substituted, to the petroleum,
or the petroleum fraction, that was treated by adding the first component and the
second component, and then adding this mixture to a further petroleum, or the further
petroleum fraction, that has not been treated. The effect of adding liquid aromatic
hdrocarbon was already mentioned before: It has been shown, that adding a liquid aromatic
hydrocarbon, which may be substituted, promotes the effect of the product when it
is used for treatment of the further petroleum, or the further petroleum fraction.
As in the embodiment above, the liquid aromatic hydrocarbon may be a pure liquid aromatic
hydrocarbon or comprised in a petroleum fraction that is not a fraction which is to
be treated for any purpose of the method of the invention, e.g. for reducing sulfur
and sulfur compounds. Particularly, the liquid aromatic hydrocarbon may be comprised
in a diesel fuel. So, diesel fuel may be added to the petroleum, or the petroleum
fraction, that was already treated by adding the first component and the second component,
before it is added to the further petroleum, or the further petroleum fraction, that
has not been treated.
[0070] In a further embodiment, the method of treatment comprises:
washing the petroleum, or the petroleum fraction, after it was treated by adding the
first component and the second component, with an aqueous liquid phase. Such washing
is intended for, and has the effect of, removing or at least decreasing sulfur and
sulfur compounds from/in the treated petroleum (fraction). For example, H2S in the
petroleum may be converted to sulfur or other sulfur compound which may precipitate
or remain in some extend in the treated petroleum (fraction). Such sulfur or other
sulfur compound can be removed by washing from the petroleum (fraction). The aqueous
phase can consist of water, or comprise water, or be based on water (>50 vol% water
in the aqueous liquid phase). Washing can be done at room temperature, particularly
20-25°C, or at increased temperature, for example at 30-60°C. The aqueous liquid phase
may comprise binding agents to bind sulfur or sulfur compounds, if desired. Suitable
binding agents are hydroxides, such as NaOH.
[0071] In a further aspect, the invention provides with a production method for an oil product,
comprising
- I) diverting a portion of a feedstock of petroleum or petroleum fraction,
- II) treating said portion of the feedstock according to the method for treating petroleum,
or a petroleum fraction, as described above,
- III) blending the product obtained in II) with the remaining part of the feedstock
which was not treated according to the method for treating petroleum, or a petroleum
fraction.
[0072] This production method may be a continuous method which can be applied upstream in
subterranean reservoirs and at surficial recovery plants as well as at downstream
in refining and processing facilities.
[0073] The production method may comprise one or more of following steps
- diverting the portion of the feedstock to an oil/water separator and separating water
- heating up of the separated oil stream
Addition agent:
[0074] The following description relates to further aspects of an above-mentioned (cf. SUMMARY
OF THE INVENTION) method for preparing an addition agent for petroleum, petroleum
fraction, or natural gas.
[0075] The addition agent comprises above-disclosed first component which is selected from
material, particularly roots, of a plant of the genus
Glycyrrhiza, and/or an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and above-disclosed second component which
is selected from of a plant material or -ingredient of a plant of the family
Elaeocarpaceae, according to its general and specific embodiments.
[0076] The first and/or second components may already comprise a liquid component.
[0077] Alternately or additionally, at least one liquid compound may be added in order to
prepare the addition agent. Such liquid compound may in one embodiment be selected
from a liquid hydrocarbon, which may be substituted. The liquid, optionally substituted,
hydrocarbon may be a liquid alcohol and/or a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon, such as
Benzene, Toluene or a Xylene. A liquid hydrocarbon mixture may be used such as kerosene.
Such liquid compound can be comprised in the addition agent.
[0078] Such liquid compound can be comprised in the addition agent. The addition agent may
comprise at least one liquid hydrocarbon, which may be substituted. The liquid, optionally
substituted, hydrocarbon may be a liquid alcohol and/or a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon,
such as Benzene, Toluene or a Xylene. A liquid hydrocarbon mixture may be used such
as kerosene.
[0079] In one embodiment, the first and second component are exposed to light during mixing
and/or after mixing. The light is preferably visible light, which may be composed
from one or more wave-lengths. The light may be light from a white light source or
daylight. In one embodiment, the light is daylight. Exposure to light may also be
done when mixing further components and/or after mixing of further components.
[0080] In one embodiment, the method comprises, during mixing of the first and second component
and/or after mixing the first and second component, performing following sequence
of steps a) and b), in any order (i.e. a), b), or b), a))
- a) exposing the mixture to a first illuminance for a first period of time,
- b) exposing the mixture to a second illuminance for a second period of time, wherein
the first illuminance in step a) is higher than the second illuminance in step b).
[0081] The method optionally comprises,
- repeating the sequence of steps a) and b) at least once, wherein the values of first
illuminance and second illuminance may vary from initial or previous values, under
the condition that the first illuminance is higher than the second illuminance, and
wherein the first period of time and the second period of time may vary from an initial
or previous first/second period of time. This is to say that illuminations and periods
of time may change in one or more of the repetitions of steps a) and b), as long as
the first illuminance in step a) is higher than the second illuminance in step b).
[0082] The embodiment with repetition may particularly mean following sequence
a), b), a), b), a), b)...., or
b), a), b) a), b), a) ......
[0083] The first period of time in step a) and the second period of time in step b) may
be the same or different. The first period of time in step a) and/or the second period
of time in step b) may be at least 0.5 hours or at least 1 hour, preferably at least
2 hours. Steps a) and b) may preferably be done for up to 48 hours or 72 hours, wherein
these upper limits can be combined, in any combination, with any of the lower limits
given before.
[0084] Illumination may be done with light. The light is preferably visible light, which
may be composed from one or more wave-lengths. The light may be light from a white
light source or daylight.
[0085] The feature that the first illuminance in step a) is higher than the second illuminance
in step b) can mean that the difference in illuminance between a) and b) is at least
10 Lux, preferably at least 100 Lux, even more preferably at least 500 Lux, still
more preferably at least 1000 Lux. The difference may be at most 450000 Lux.
[0086] Illumincance in step a) may be more than 10 Lux, or at least 100 Lux, preferably
at least 500 Lux, more preferably at least 1000 Lux, even more preferably at least
5000 Lux. An upper limit that can be combined with any of the lower limits, in any
combination, may be 100000 Lux, or 200000 Lux, or 450000 Lux.
[0087] In step b), illuminance may be at most 10 Lux, more preferably at most 1 Lux, even
more preferably at most 0.1 Lux, still more preferably at most 0.01 Lux. A lower limit
that could be combined mit any of the upper limits, in any combination, may be 0.001
Lux, or 0.0001 Lux, or 0.00001 Lux, or 0 Lux (zero).
[0088] In one embodiment, the method for producing the addition agent comprises mixing,
or adding, a chalconoid compound as a further component. The term chalconoid compound
comprises chalcone and derivatives of chalcone (1,3-Diphenylprop-2-en-1-one), such
as substituted chalcones, preferably substituted at one of the aromatic rings. Typical,
but non-limiting substituents are hydroxy, alkoxy, particularly methoxy or ethoxy,
halogen or alkenyl. A specific example is 2, 4, 4' trimethoxy chalcone.
[0089] In one embodiment, the method for producing the addition agent comprises mixing,
or adding plant material from the family
Asteraceae or
Costaceae, particularly from genus
Saussurea, particularly
Saussurea costus, or from the genus
Costus as a further component. Reference is made is this regard to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costus
and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saussurea_costus, which are incorporated by reference
in its entirety. This plant material may be treated, particularly soaked, in liquid
hydrocarbon, which may be substituted, preferably a liquid alcohol and/or a liquid
aromatic hydrocarbon.
[0090] Mixing of the components may be done sequentially, in step-wise manner. In still
a further embodiment an intermediate mixture is allowed to stand after each mixing
step, i.e. after addition of any component. Standing time may be at least 1 hour,
preferably, at least 2 hours, or at least 4 hours, or at least 6 hours, or at least
8 hours, or 8 to 16 hours, or 10 to 12 hours.
[0091] In a more specific embodiment of the method for preparing an addition agent, mixing
of the first and second component is done by performing the following steps
- i) mixing the first component and at least one first liquid compound to prepare a
first liquid composition,
- ii) mixing the second component and at least one second liquid compound, to prepare
a second liquid composition,
- iii) mixing the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition, to obtain
a mixture of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition.
[0092] The first and the second liquid compound may be the same or different. The first
and the second liquid compound may be a liquid hydrocarbon, which may be substituted,
preferably a liquid alcohol and/or a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon. The alcohol is in
one specific embodiment an aliphatic alcohol, preferably a C1 - C10 alcohol, such
as methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol or pentanol, wherein all isomers thereof are
encompassed. The liquid aromatic hydrocarbon may be selected from toluene, xylene,
kerosene.
[0093] Step i) may further comprise adding one or more alcohols, if mentioned first liquid
compound is not an alcohol.
[0094] Step i) may be done by sequentially adding portions of material, particularly roots,
of a plant of the genus
Glycyrrhiza to a volume of the first liquid compound in sequential steps and allowing to stand
for 1 hour, preferably, at least 2 hours, or at least 4 hours, or at least 6 hours,
or at least 8 hours, or 8 to 16 hours, or 10 to 12 hours, between each step.
[0095] The first liquid composition and/or the second liquid composition may be allowed
to stand for at least 1 hour, preferably, at least 2 hours, or at least 4 hours, or
at least 6 hours, or at least 8 hours, or 8 to 16 hours, or 10 to 12 hours, before
mixing of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition.
[0096] The material, particularly roots, of a plant of the genus
Glycyrrhiza may be suspended and/or soaked in the first liquid compound.
[0097] In one embodiment, the method comprises
performing following sequence of steps a) and b), in any order
- a) exposing the first liquid composition to a first illuminance for a first period
of time,
- b) exposing the first liquid composition to a second illuminance for a second period
of time,
wherein the first illuminance in step a) is higher than the second illuminance in
step b),
and optionally repeating the sequence of steps a) and b) at least once,
and/or
performing following sequence of steps a') and b'), in any order
a') exposing the second liquid composition to a first illuminance for a first period
of time,
b') exposing the second liquid composition to a second illuminance for a second period
of time,
wherein the first illuminance in step a') is higher than the second illuminance in
step b'),
and optionally repeating the sequence of steps a') and b') at least once,
and/or
performing following sequence of steps a") and b"), in any order
a") exposing the mixture of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition
to a first illuminance for a first period of time,
b") exposing the mixture of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition
to a second illuminance for a second period of time,
wherein the first illuminance in step a") is higher than the second illuminance in
step b"),
and optionally repeating the sequence of steps a") and b") at least once.
[0098] For this process it is referred to the Illumincance and time values and ranges indicated
above which could applied here in similar manner.
[0099] First and second illuminance are intended to designate a difference in illuminance
when first and second illuminance are compared.
However, it is possible that first illumincances in a), a'), and a") are (partially
or wholly) the same or (partially or wholly) different. It is possible that second
illumincances in b), b'), and b") are (partially or wholly) the same or (partially
or wholly) different.
[0100] Illumination may be done with light. The light is preferably visible light, which
may be composed from one or more wave-lengths. The light may be light from a white
light source or daylight.
[0101] The feature that the first illuminance in step a), a') or a") is higher than the
second illuminance in step b), b') or b") can mean that the difference in illuminance
between any of a)/b), a')/b'), or a")/b"), is at least 10 Lux, preferably at least
100 Lux, even more preferably at least 500 Lux, still more preferably at least 1000
Lux. The difference may be at most 450000 Lux. The differences in a)/b), a')/b'),
or a")/b"), may be partially or wholly different.
[0102] Illumincance in step a), a') or a") may be more than 10 Lux, or at least 100 Lux,
preferably at least 500 Lux, more preferably at least 1000 Lux, even more preferably
at least 5000 Lux. An upper limit that can be combined with any of the lower limits,
in any combination, may be 100000 Lux, or 200000 Lux, or 450000 Lux.
[0103] Illumincance in step b), b') or b") may be at most 10 Lux, more preferably at most
1 Lux, even more preferably at most 0.1 Lux, still more preferably at most 0.01 Lux.
A lower limit that could be combined mit any of the upper limits, in any combination,
may be 0.001 Lux, or 0.0001 Lux, or 0.00001 Lux, or 0 Lux (zero).
[0104] The periods of time in steps a) and/or b) may be (partially or wholly) the same or
(partially or wholly) different. The periods of time in steps a') and/or b') may be
(partially or wholly) the same or (partially or wholly) different. The periods of
time in steps a") and/or b") may be (partially or wholly) the same or (partially or
wholly) different.
[0105] First periods of time in a), a'), and a") may be (partially or wholly) the same or
(partially or wholly) different.
Second periods of time in b), b'), and b") may be (partially or wholly) the same or
(partially or wholly) different.
[0106] In other words, with respect to the period of time, "first" and "second" only indicate
other periods of time, but do not say anything about their length.
[0107] Any first period of time in step a), a') or a") may be at least 0.5 hours or 1 hour,
preferably at least 2 hours. Upper limits are up to 48 hours or 72 hours, wherein
these upper limits can be combined, in any combination, with any of the lower limits
given before.
[0108] Any second period of time in step b), b') or b") may be at least 0.5 hours or 1 hour,
preferably at least 2 hours. Upper limits are up to 48 hours or 72 hours, wherein
these upper limits can be combined, in any combination, with any of the lower limits
given before.
[0109] When repeating the sequence of steps a) and b), and/or a') and b'), and/or a") and
b") at least once, the values of first illuminance and second illuminance may vary
from initial or previous values, under the condition that the first illuminance is
higher than the second illuminance.
[0110] When repeating the sequence of steps a) and b), and/or a') and b'), and/or a") and
b"), the first period of time and the second period of time may vary from an initial
or previous first/second period of time.
[0111] When repeating the sequence of steps a) and b), and/or a') and b'), and/or a") and
b"), first Illuminance and second illuminance may vary from initial or previous values,
under the condition that the first illuminance is higher than the second illuminance.
[0112] This is to say that illuminations and periods of time may change in one or more of
the repetitions of steps a) and b), and/or a') and b'), and/or a") and b"), as long
as the first illuminance in step a), a') or a") is higher than the second illuminance
in step b), b') or b").
[0113] The present invention is also directed to an independent (i.e. independent from aforedescribed
method) method for preparing an addition agent for petroleum, petroleum fraction,
or natural gas, the method comprising
mixing
- a first component which is selected from material, particularly roots, of a plant
of the genus Glycyrrhiza, and/or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and
- a second component which is selected from a plant material or -ingredient of a plant
of the family Elaeocarpaceae and
wherein mixing is done by performing the following steps
- i) mixing the first component and at least one first liquid compound to prepare a
first liquid composition,
- ii) mixing the second component and at least one second liquid compound, to prepare
a second liquid composition,
- iii) mixing the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition, to obtain
a mixture of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition.
[0114] In this method, same specific embodiments may apply as in a method for preparing
an addition agent which was described before.
[0115] In one embodiment, the methods for producing the addition agent comprises mixing,
or adding, a hydrocarbon, which may be substituted, preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon,
such as Toluene or a Xylene, or an alcohol, as a further component.
[0116] In one embodiment, the methods of the invention for producing the addition agent
comprises mixing, or adding, one or more alcohols as a further component. The alcohol
is in one more specific embodiment an aliphatic alcohol, preferably a C1 - C10 alcohol,
such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol or pentanol, wherein all isomers thereof
are encompassed.
[0117] In one embodiment, the methods for producing the addition agent comprises mixing,
or adding, a reverse demulsifier and/or a flocculant, as a further component.
[0118] In one embodiment, the mixture of the first component and the second component, or
of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition, or generally the
product of any of the methods, is allowed to stand after mixing the components, or
after mixing the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition. The first
and the second component are in a beneficial embodiment brought into contact before
adding them to a petroleum, petroleum fraction or natural gas, in order to form the
so-called addition agent. Even more beneficially, the mixture of first and second
component, and further components, if present, is allowed to stand before it is added
to the petroleum, petroleum fraction or natural gas.
[0119] In a specific embodiment, the mixture of the first component and the second component,
or of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition, or generally
the product of any of the methods is allowed to stand for at least 1 hour, preferably,
at least 2 hours, or at least 4 hours, or at least 6 hours, or at least 8 hours, or
8 to 16 hours, or 10 to 12 hours, after mixing the components or liquid compositions
comprising the components.
[0120] The present invention relates, in a further aspect also to the use of a mixture of
- a) a first component which is selected from material, particularly roots, of a plant
of the genus Glycyrrhiza, and/or an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and
- b) a second component which is selected from of a plant material or -ingredient of
a plant of the family Elaeocarpaceae,
for treatment of petroleum, petroleum fraction or natural gas.
[0121] The present invention relates, in a further aspect also to the use of a component
which is selected from material, particularly roots, of a plant of the genus
Glycyrrhiza, and/or an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, for treatment of petroleum, petroleum fraction
or natural gas. This aspect relates to the use of the first component only.
[0122] The present invention relates, in a further aspect also to the use of a component
which is selected from of a plant material or -ingredient of a plant of the family
Elaeocarpaceae, for treatment of petroleum, petroleum fraction or natural gas. This aspect relates
to the use of the second component only.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0123]
- Fig. 1
- shows a schematic flow diagram of a process of the invention for the treatment of
a subterranean petroleum reservoir;
- Fig. 2
- shows a schematic flow diagram of a process of the invention for the treatment of
petroleum and its fractions in surficial recovery plants and downstream refining and
processing facilities;
- Fig. 3
- shows a schematic flow diagram of a process of the invention for the treatment of
a subterranean natural gas reservoir;
- Fig. 4
- shows a schematic flow diagram of a process of the invention for the treatment of
natural gas in downstream refining and processing facilities;
EXAMPLES
Example 1: Preparation of an addition agent of the invention
First component:
[0124] Any part of Licorice is mixed with an alcohol, such as ethanol, or an aromatic, preferably
toluene or xylene, for example in a ratio of 25/75 (vol/vol) or specifically by following
procedure.
[0125] Preparation of maceration of "
Glycyrrhiza glabra/licorice"
- A. Soak 2000 g of licorice in 435 g of suitable aromatic solvent such as Xylenes C8H10 (about 500 ml).
- B. Soaking is encountered in ten steps at every step soak 200 g of licorice with the
same volume amount of Xylenes.
- C. The reaction time is 10-14 hours between every step.
Total reaction time = 10-14 hours x 10 = 100 - 140 h.
[0126] The mixture is placed into light and dark (preferably, but not a must, natural light)
as follows.
Day 1: Dark 8h/Light 16h
Day 2: Dark 10h/Light 14h
Day 3: Dark 12h/Light 12h
Second component:
[0127] Any part of the plant, preferably the fluid (oil) pressed from the fruits, of Elaeocarpus
hygrophilus is mixed with an alcohol, preferably ethanol, or an aromatic, preferably
toluene or xylene, in a ratio of 25/75 (vol/vol).
[0128] The mixture is placed into light and dark (preferably, but not a must, natural light)
as follows.
Day 1: Dark 8h/Light 16h
Day 2: Dark 10h/Light 14h
Day 3: Dark 12h/Light 12h
[0129] Then the first and the second component are mixed 1:1. The mixture is placed into
light and dark (preferably, but not a must, natural light) as follows.
Day 1: Dark 6h/Light 18h
Day 2: Dark 8h/Light 16h
Day 3: Dark 10h/Light 14h
Day 4: Dark 12h/Light 12h
Day 5: Dark 14h/Light 10h
Day 6: Dark 16h/Light 8h
Day 7: Dark 18h/Light 6h
Day 8: Dark 20h/Light 4h
Day 9: Dark 22h/Light 2h
Day 10: Dark 24h/Light 0h
[0130] For following examples see also the list of reference symbols as enclosed.
Example 2: Treatment of a subterranean petroleum reservoir
[0131] A specific embodiment of the process is the treatment of a subterranean petroleum
reservoir RV (Fig. 1) via downhole injection. The treatment solutions are prepared
in the vessels PV110, PV120 and PV130. PV110 mixes an ingredient of a plant of the
species
Elaeocarpus hygrophilus (such as extracted oil from fruits) (CF110) with kerosene (SF110), PV120 mixes biocide
(glutaraldehyde, NovaCide 1125™ by Nova Star LP), and amine/quaternary ammonium compound
(one or more of corrosion inhibitors Nova Star NS-1435™, NS-1442™, NS-1471™, NS-2129™,
NS-1445™ by Nova Star LP) (CF120) with water (SF120) and PV130 mixes the additive
produced in example 1, supra (CF130)-with kerosene (SF130). PV130 then feeds the fermentor
PV140. The actual treatment is done in two stages:
- 1. Batch sequential injection with shut-in wellhead.
- First, the extractor treatment solution from PV120 in concentrations of around 2 %
and 5 % respectively, is pumped into the downhole DH with high pressure pumps where
it is injected into the reservoir RV sequentially via injection tubing IT.
- The reaction interval time is about 12 hours after each injection; this initial cycle
consists of four steps and can be repeated as required based on sample laboratory
analysis results.
- Second, the reactor treatment solution from PV110 in concentration of around 20 %
is pumped into the downhole DH with high pressure pumps where it is injected into
the reservoir RV via injection tubing IT.
- This stage inhibits SRB growth and reduces their bioactivity. H2S and sulfur are reduced
by about 50 % at this stage as the sulfur content in crude oil is proportional to
the SRB colony population within crude oil.
- 2. Continuous partial injection with flowing well.
- A portion of the production crude oil stream (5 % to 15 %) is forwarded to fermentor
vessel PV140 for treatment by adding around 10 % of a chemo-biological fermentation
solution with ca. 16 % concentration.
- The typical fermentation time in PV140 is about 72 hours.
- The fermented product from PV140 is pumped into the downhole DH with high pressure
pumps where it is injected into the reservoir RV via injection tubing IT continuously
to improve the crude oil stream flow through the production tubing PT as required.
- This stage develops the energetic biological anti-degradation reactions in the reservoir
RV formation that enhance the hydrocarbon chains, increase API gravity, decrease viscosity,
and reduce sulfur contents and H2S concentration by about 90 %.
[0132] The quantity of treatment solutions to be injected and number of cycles is determined
specifically for each well as it depends on various factors, e.g. the composition
of the crude oil, the production volume and treatments targets. The initial bio-reaction
retention time in the reservoir RV is minimum 24 hours.
[0133] The embodiment of the invention according to Fig. 1 particularly reduces sulfur,
salts and heavy metals content, lowers the H2S concentration to harmless levels (<10
ppm), increases API gravity and decreases viscosity in the product PR.
Example 3: Treatment of petroleum or petroleum fractions in surficial recovery plants
and downstream refining and processing facilities
[0134] Another specific embodiment of the process is the treatment of petroleum and petroleum
fractions (Fig. 2) in surficial recovery plants and downstream refining and processing
facilities. The treatment solutions are prepared in the vessels PV240, P250 and PV290.
PV240 mixes an ingredient of a plant of the species
Elaeocarpus hygrophilus (such as extracted oil from fruits) (CF210) with kerosene (SF210), PV250 mixes biocide
and amine (products as in example 2 supra) (CF220) with water (SF220) and PV290 mixes
the addition agent produced in example 1, supra (CF230)-with kerosene (SF230). PV290
then feeds the fermentor PV260. The actual treatment is done as follows:
- A feed stock FS portion (ca. 20 %) from the production manifold or storage facility
is routed into PV210 for separation of gas and water (water is extracted via drain
DR) from the crude oil by gravity segregation.
- The separated crude oil stream is heated in HE210 to ca. 80 Celsius before being forwarded
to extractor PV220.
- The heated crude oil stream in PV220 is injected sequentially with extractor treatment
solution (around 20 % of the heated crude oil quantity) from PV250 in concentrations
of around 2 % and 5 %, respectively.
- The reaction interval time is about 12 hours after each injection; this initial cycle
consists of four steps and can be repeated as required based on sample laboratory
analysis results.
- The extracted SRB in the bottom water (sludge) of PV220 are removed via the blowdown
BD at the end of each reaction cycle.
- When the reaction is complete, the downstream product is forwarded to reactor PV230.
- Here it is injected with reactor treatment solution from PV240 (around 5 - 10 % of
the intermediate product volume) in concentration of around 20 %.
- The bio-reaction time in reactor PV230 is about 12 hours (without water draining).
- When the reaction is complete, the downstream product is forwarded to fermentor PV260.
- Here it is injected with a chemo-biological fermentation solution from PV290 (around
15 % of the intermediate product volume) in concentration of around 16 %.
- The typical fermentation time in PV260 is about 72 hours.
- The fermentation process gain in PV260 in terms of volume of downstream product is
in the range of 30 % to 50 %.
- When the reaction is complete, the fermented product is forwarded to product mixer
PV270 or it may be used directly, e.g., as a high energy, clean fuel for combustion
engines or turbines in conjunction with fuel injection system modification accommodating
for the higher calorific value of these raffinates RA.
- In PV270, the fermented product is mixed with the remaining 80 % of feedstock FS.
- The bio-reactivity of the fermented oil in PV270 is highly efficient and dynamic.
The energy flow to increase the Gibbs energy of the hydrocarbons (their calorific
value) happens on the account of the complete inhibition of SRB, utilizing its stored
energy (even from its decomposed dead cells) in the anabolism of the new hydrocarbon
chains.
- The typical reaction time in PV270 is about 72 hours.
- When the reaction is complete, the finished product is forwarded to PV280, ready for
shipment.
- A portion of the finished product PR from product tank PV280 may serve as makeup for
the fermentor PV260 as required.
- The fermentor PV260 can be composed of one or more physical vessels to shorten cycle
times, e.g. one in reaction complete state, one in makeup state and one in fermented
product delivery state.
[0135] Feedstock and treatment parameters are listed in the table below.
Reference Point |
Measurements |
API Gravity |
Sulfur, % |
Viscosity, mm2/s |
|
Feedstock FS, untreated |
16 |
2.1 |
80 |
|
Fermenter Inlet |
25 |
1.2 |
35 |
|
Fermenter Outlet (Raffinates RA) |
35 |
0.5 |
14 |
|
Finished Product (Product PR) |
39 |
0.20 |
4 |
|
[0136] So called raffinates RA corresponds to a light sweet petroleum quality. Product PR
corresponds to an ultralight sweet petroleum quality.
[0137] The benefits of the embodiment of Fig. 2 are comparable to Fig. 1, i.e. one or more
of above-mentioned benefits can be reached. Moreover, it generates high energy, clean
raffinates RA.
[0138] The quantity of treatment solutions to be injected and number of cycles is determined
specifically for each application as it depends on various factors, e.g. the composition
of the crude oil, the production volume and treatments targets.
Example 4: Treatment of sour natural gas in a subterranean natural gas reservoir
[0139] Fig. 3 shows a natural gas reservoir RV. Fermentor Solution mixer PV310 mixes the
addition agent produced in example 1, supra (CF310)-with methanol (SF310). The mix
is fed into the natural gas reservoir RV via injection tubing IT. Treated (i.e. sweetened)
natural gas is obtained as a product PR from the production tubing PT.
Example 5: Treatment of natural gas in downstream refining and processing facilities
[0140] In Fig. 4, fermentor solution mixer PV410 mixes the product produced in example 1,
supra (CF410)-with methanol (SF410). The mix is fed into the pipeline between feedstock
FS and separator PV420 with the liquids (black water and condensate) extracted via
drain DR. So, the natural gas from the feedstock FS is treated during flowing through
the pipeline. Moreover, the mix from PV410 is also fed into the separator PV420 itself
to treat natural gas in the separator. Solutions of biocide and amine treatment can
be applied in addition to the above-described procedure.
[0141] The embodiments in Fig. 3 and 4 reduce sulfur (sweeten sour gas), increase the heat
rate, decreases the specific gravity and lowers the H
2S concentration to harmless levels (< 10 ppm).
[0142] It has to be emphasized that above examples illustrate the essence of the invention.
The details, such as amounts and concentrations may vary from application to application
(e.g. kind of feedstock, treatment target, man-made plant or natural reservoir) without
leaving the scope and idea of the invention.
Example 6: Treatment of oil sand
[0143] Oil sand, as mined, was placed into a vessel.
[0144] In the next step, addition agent of the invention, as prepared in example 1, was
added to the vessel. The process was accelerated by stirring or tumbling.
[0145] After a retention time of 1 h, for which the above mixture is allowed to stand, easy
accessible hydrocarbons (>50%) were separated from the non-organic solids and transformed
into crude oil-like product.
[0146] The obtained crude oil-like product was siphoned off. Hot water (>80°C) was added
in order to accelerate the transformation of the remaining solidified hydrocarbons
into crude oil-like product. This transformation needed about 24 h. The process was
accelerated by stirring or tumbling.
[0147] Remaining non-organic solids were completely stripped of hydrocarbons. After the
clean crude oil-like product has been siphoned off, the wash water could be recirculated,
possibly after some treatment, if required (e.g. sulfates extraction).
LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0148]
Fig. 1:
- IT:
- Injection Tubing
- PT:
- Production Tubing
- PR:
- Product
- DH:
- Downhole
- RV:
- Reservoir
- PV110:
- Reactor Solution Mixer
- PV120:
- Extractor Solution Mixer
- PV130:
- Fermentor Solution Mixer
- PV140:
- Fermentor
- CF110:
- Reactor Chemicals Feed
- CF120:
- Extractor Chemicals Feed
- CF130:
- Fermentor Chemicals Feed
- SF110:
- Reactor Solvent Feed
- SF120:
- Extractor Solvent Feed
- SF130:
- Fermentor Solvent Feed
Fig. 2:
- FS:
- Feedstock
- PR:
- Product
- DR:
- Drain
- BD:
- Blowdown
- RA:
- Raffinates
- PV210:
- Separator
- HE210:
- Heater
- PV220:
- Extractor
- PV230:
- Reactor
- PV240:
- Reactor Solution Mixer
- PV250:
- Extractor Solution Mixer
- PV260:
- Fermentor
- PV270:
- Product Mixer
- PV280:
- Product Tank
- PV290:
- Fermentor Solution Mixer
- CF210:
- Reactor Chemicals Feed
- CF220:
- Extractor Chemicals Feed
- CF230:
- Fermentor Chemicals Feed
- SF210:
- Reactor Solvent Feed
- SF220:
- Extractor Solvent Feed
- SF230:
- Fermentor Solvent Feed
Fig. 3:
- IT:
- Injection Tubing
- PT:
- Production Tubing
- PR:
- Product
- DH:
- Downhole
- RV:
- Reservoir
- PV310:
- Fermentor Solution Mixer
- CF310:
- Fermentor Chemicals Feed
- SF310:
- Fermentor Solvent Feed
Fig. 4:
- FS:
- Feedstock
- PR:
- Product
- DR:
- Drain
- PV410:
- Fermentor Solution Mixer
- PV420:
- Separator
- CF410:
- Fermentor Chemicals Feed
- SF410:
- Fermentor Solvent Feed