The present application concerns in-situ intrusive probe systems and methods. The probe systems described herein can be installed flush to a hydrocarbon containing structure, such as a pipeline, vessel, or other piping system carrying crude, gas or sour products. The probe systems include hydrogen induced cracking (HIC)-resistant microstructure such that as atomic hydrogen permeates the probe surface, the probe captures recombined hydrogen gas. The pressure of the resultant hydrogen gas buildup is measured and predictions as to the HIC activity of that area can be made.

A process for converting a first hydrocarbon feed stream to one or more liquid transportation fuels in a petroleum refinery where the feed stream is analyzed by at least one analytical method to produce data that is transformed to wavelet coefficients data. A pattern recognition algorithm is trained to recognize subtle features in the wavelet coefficients data that are associated with an attribute of the feed stream. The trained pattern recognition algorithm then rapidly classifies potential hydrocarbon feed streams as a member of either a first group or a second group where the second group comprises hydrocarbon feed streams where the attribute or chemical characteristic at or above a predetermined threshold value. This classification allows rapid decisions to be made regarding utilization of the feedstock in the refinery that may include altering at least one variable in the operation of the refinery.

A process for converting a first hydrocarbon feed stream to one or more liquid transportation fuels in a petroleum refinery where the feed stream is analyzed by at least one analytical method to produce data that is transformed to wavelet coefficients data. A pattern recognition algorithm is trained to recognize subtle features in the wavelet coefficients data that are associated with an attribute of the feed stream. The trained pattern recognition algorithm then rapidly classifies potential hydrocarbon feed streams as a member of either a first group or a second group where the second group comprises hydrocarbon feed streams where the attribute or chemical characteristic at or above a predetermined threshold value. This classification allows rapid decisions to be made regarding utilization of the feedstock in the refinery that may include altering at least one variable in the operation of the refinery.

A process for producing liquid transportation fuels in a petroleum refinery while preventing or minimizing corrosion of refinery process equipment. Spectral data selected from mid-infrared spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, or both is obtained and converted to wavelets coefficients data. A pattern recognition genetic algorithm is then trained to recognize subtle features in the wavelet coefficients data to allow classification of crude samples into one of two groups based on corrosion propensity. One of several actions is taken depending upon the measured corrosion propensity of the potential feed stock in order to prevent or minimize corrosion while producing one or more liquid hydrocarbon fuels.

A process for producing liquid transportation fuels in a petroleum refinery while preventing or minimizing corrosion of refinery process equipment. Spectral data selected from mid-infrared spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, or both is obtained and converted to wavelets coefficients data. A pattern recognition genetic algorithm is then trained to recognize subtle features in the wavelet coefficients data to allow classification of crude samples into one of two groups based on corrosion propensity. One of several actions is taken depending upon the measured corrosion propensity of the potential feed stock in order to prevent or minimize corrosion while producing one or more liquid hydrocarbon fuels.

Provide is a distillation tower management system, a distillation tower state analysis method, and a distillation tower management method that are capable of predicting abnormality in distillation towers before the abnormality becomes apparent and capable of taking preventive actions. The distillation tower management system includes a measurement unit 10 that is at least one selected from the group consisting of a pressure measurement unit 11, a temperature measurement unit 12 and a chlorine measurement unit 13, an operation data unit 20 for producing operation data containing measurement data measured with the measurement unit 10, an analysis unit 30 for analyzing the state of a distillation tower 103 from the operation data and producing analysis data regarding the state of the distillation tower 103, and a control unit 40 for producing, based on the analysis data, control data regarding a differential pressure-eliminating agent that is added to the distillation tower 103.

In chemical processes for cracking hydrocarbons, reactors are subject to coking During the decoke process carburization of the metal substrate can occur, negatively impacting reactor life. Decokes are also costly due to down-time where costs are incurred without production of commercial products. Reducing the frequency of decokes provides an opportunity to reduce the financial impacts of downtimes. A start-up procedure is described herein that limits initial coke deposition, leading to a reduced tendency for carburization of the metal substrate, improving reactor life, and more importantly, extending reactor run length.

Disclosed are extraction solvents used in compositions and methods to refine synthetic feedstocks derived from plastic. Methods of refining plastic-derived synthetic feedstocks are also provided. For example, a method of refining a plastic-derived synthetic feedstock composition may include adding an extraction solvent to a synthetic feedstock composition derived from plastic pyrolyis to provide an extract phase and a raffinate phase, wherein the extraction solvent includes a polar organic extraction solvent immiscible in the synthetic feedstock. The methods may also include separating the raffinate phase from the extract phase to obtain a refined synthetic feedstock.

The present invention reduces viscosity of highly viscous materials before entering a pump inlet by applying radio-frequency heating to the volume of material in a cage of rods that serve as electrodes surrounding a perforated inlet conduit. Applications include heavy hydrocarbonaceous materials such as tar and pitch in reservoirs, and sludge accumulating within oil storage tanks, ships, and barges. A mixer can be added to aid the process.

The present invention reduces viscosity of highly viscous materials before entering a pump inlet by applying radio-frequency heating to the volume of material in a cage of rods that serve as electrodes surrounding a perforated inlet conduit. Applications include heavy hydrocarbonaceous materials such as tar and pitch in reservoirs, and sludge accumulating within oil storage tanks, ships, and barges. A mixer can be added to aid the process.