METHODS FOR REDUCING THE VISCOSITY OF A LIQUID & INCREASING LIGHT HYDROCARBON FRACTIONS

Abstract

The subject of this patent application relates generally to industrial converting of liquids using acoustic mechanical vibrations (resonance excitation) with or without a magnetic source to influence viscosity, and more particularly to methods for reducing the viscosity of a liquid, improving fractionation efficiency, blending of liquids, liquids and solids and its effects upon a H2O mixed with hydrocarbon liquid.

Description

BACKGROUND

Much of the crude oil that is being pumped out of the earth is classified into different grades. The value of these grades is propionate to the amount of lighter fractions (lower boiling point fractions) produced in distillation, e.g. propane, butane, gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, as well as other fractions from the heavier oil. However, the value of the heavier oil that produce few of these lighter fractions, such as heavy oil, fuel oil, rectification residues and other known fractions (higher boiling point fractions) can be considered to be of a lower value.

Heavy crude oil is very difficult to transport to the final customer, e.g. through pipelines, rail cars, trucks and other means of transportation. etc. Heavy crude oil or extra heavy crude oil is oil that is highly viscous, and cannot easily flow from production wells under normal reservoir conditions. It is referred to as “heavy” because its density or specific gravity is higher than that of light crude oil. Heavy crude oil has been defined as any liquid petroleum with an API gravity less than 20°. This includes bitumen, crude bitumen or asphalt, which is not to be confused with asphalt concrete. The largest reserves of crude bitumen or asphalt are found in the Canadian province of Alberta in the Athabasca Oil Sands. These heavy oils have a viscosity similar to that of cold molasses.

Physical properties that differ between heavy crude oils and lighter grades include higher viscosity and specific gravity, as well as heavier molecular composition. In 2010, the World Energy Council (“WEC”) defined extra heavy oil as crude oil having a gravity of less than 10° and a reservoir viscosity of over 10,000 centipoises. When reservoir viscosity measurements are not available, extra-heavy oil is considered by the WEC to have a lower limit of 4° API (i.e., with density greater than 1000 kg/m³ or, equivalently, a specific gravity greater than 1 and a reservoir viscosity of more than 10,000 centipoises) Heavy oils and asphalt are dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs). The method herein is also applicable to hydrocarbon liquids and hydrocarbon containing liquids with density lower than water.

In some instances, when the viscosity of the oil is so thick that it does not flow easily, for example, when put into a pipeline. This can result in a requirement that the oil be treated by cutting it with solutions that can be expensive and environmentally damaging to produce. For instance, to create diluted bitumen, also known as DilBit, which generally includes bitumen diluted with naphtha. Other forms of diluted bitumen include syncrude, which is bitumen upgraded to synthetic crude or synbit, which is synthetic crude blended with bitumen. Additionally, to reduce viscosity, the pipeline can be heated or the oil can be shipped through another means, for instance, in a tanker truck, heated railway car, or other energy consuming means of transportation. Each of these adds cost to the production of the oil, which is reflected in higher operating costs, plus indirectly creating more environmentally damaging processes, for producers. Additionally, during the refining process of oil, among the fractions that can be separated out include those that are sticky, darkly colored, even black, and highly viscous. Among these are rectification residues, refined bitumen and/or asphalt.

The distillation process tends to be heat intensive and can be environmentally challenging as heavy oil feed stock can require more processing to create the lighter distillation cuts of value. To distill heavy crude oil, crude oil blends and vacuum residuum, atmospheric bottoms and other fractions of heavy crude oil can use a large amount of energy, and therefore, can result in high CO₂ emissions. This is especially relevant in the use of visbreakers and/or delayed coker units which extract lighter cuts from the heaviest cuts from atmospheric and vacuum distillation. The visbreakers and delayed coker units run at high pressures and high temperatures (like a reactor); which again creates an environmentally challenging environment.

The blending industry continues to create new blends that meet different specifications for commercial requirements, like low sulphur maritime fuels (IMO2020). However, the blending industry continues to have issues with the molecular separation of the final blended fuels. To determine a fuel blend, factors that are commonly evaluated include stability, which is commonly dealt with through the addition of fuel additives. These additives tends to be expensive and can be challenging when trying to identify an environmentally friendly fuel blend.

The exploration and production of heavy crude oil, crude oil, bitumen, crude bitumen or asphalt can involve a process of extraction and cleaning which involves large amount of H₂O. This is used as steam in stimulating flow below the surface, or in mining from the physical source of reservoir, sand, rock or other mineral, using for example, Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage, (SAGD). This oil water mix then has to go through a process of H₂O removal. The H₂O that is removed usually has a small amount of hydrocarbon still within it. This then needs to be extracted through expensive filters or via settling ponds. This is a resource heavy, environmentally damaging and expensive process.

Methods are known that disclose techniques for reducing: (i) viscosity; (i), converting a proportion of the higher boiling components of crude oil (e.g. heavy oil, fuel oil, etc. components); or, (iii) petroleum residues to lower boiling point components (e.g. propane, butane, gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, etc. components). Several of these methods use resonance excitation of the crude oil, petroleum residues, hydrocarbon liquid, mineral oils, hydrocarbon solid and liquid blends, hydrocarbon H₂O blended liquid, by subjecting them to acoustic mechanical vibrations.

Thus, there is a need to provide a device and a method that can condition a liquid comprised of large molecules, such as heavy oil, recombining its molecular structure so that it has a lower viscosity to help the liquid to flow better, improve molecular stability and increase the distillation of lighter boiling point fractions. Additionally, it can help to reduce energy usage and CO₂ emissions that occur during the fractionation and production of diluents and solvents, as well as being able to separate the hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon polluted H₂O in order to reduce energy usage, expensive filtering processes and the reduced use of settling ponds.

Further, there is a need for methods for converting hydrocarbon-containing liquids, such as crude oil or petroleum residuum, hydrocarbon solid and liquid blends, H₂O mixed with hydrocarbon liquid, by use of a low intensity acoustic mechanical vibration sources with, or without, solid state magnets. There is also a need for a device and a process to make it possible to reduce viscosity, increase the percentage output of more-valuable lighter hydrocarbons, blending stability, and separate hydrocarbons from H₂O. A device and a process described herein is to help improve and refine the invention and create a commercially viable solution to the prior art that is described within this document.

In our view, their needs to be an alternative way of implementing this technology, that keeps the process to a simple industrial implementation, reliable results, ultrasound contained, cost effective, environmentally (ESG) beneficial, to implement without creating a “cracked” molecular structure in crude oil, petroleum residuum, liquid blending, solid and liquid blending, or hydrocarbon blended with H₂O etc. being converted.

The present invention allows to reduce the viscosity, increase the proportion of low boiling point components, plus stability in the treated crude product by destabilizing complex structural units (CSU) in the crude dispersion system of crude oil, components of crude, or mixtures thereof or components of crude such as petroleum residuum, with acoustic mechanical vibrations and with or without solid state magnetic flux fields of low intensity.

SUMMARY OF THE DEVICE AND METHOD

In an aspect, a device and a method are disclosed to process one or more liquids to reduce their viscosity, specific gravity, density, stability and to improve distillation properties. Among the liquids that can be processed using the device and a method are a heavy hydrocarbon crude oil. In another aspect, following the application of an acoustic mechanical vibration, including a resonance excitation, with or without a solid state magnetic flux field, an upgraded hydrocarbon liquid can be produced. In a further aspect, the invention also comprises a method and a procedure for converting one or more heavy hydrocarbon crude oils to produce a lighter hydrocarbon crude oil. In an aspect, the invention also comprises a method and a procedure for (i) converting a pre-blended liquid; (ii) mixing two or more liquids; (iii) mixing two or more liquids that comprise a hydrocarbon, (iv) mixing two or more liquids that comprise a hydrocarbon solid; (v) processing a hydrocarbon to produce a hydrocarbon liquid with improved characteristics; as well as, (vi) separating the hydrocarbon from a liquid that comprise a hydrocarbon and H₂O blend.

In an aspect, the present invention solves the problems described above by providing methods for reducing the viscosity of a liquid, increasing the percentage of lower boiling point fractions in distillation and separation of hydrocarbons from H₂O.

In another aspect, a device and method are disclosed to process one liquid comprising a blend of two or more liquids, wherein the blending occurred prior to administration of the one pre-blended liquid to the device or mix two or more liquids to reduce their viscosity, specific gravity or density .

In another aspect, the device and method can also take a heavy fuel oil and following treatment, produce a lighter fuel oil.

In an aspect, the invention and inventive process also allows to condition a heavy crude oil, and following a process to improve its density, viscosity and other transportation and qualitative properties.

In an aspect, the invention and inventive process comprises a method and procedure for converting a pre-blended liquid, mixing two or more liquids of natural hydrocarbon liquid as well as converting hydrocarbon liquid to produce a hydrocarbon liquid with improved characteristics, whether for transportation or fractional processing.

In an aspect the invention and inventive process comprises a method and procedure for mixing hydrocarbon liquids with solids to help improve stability, viscosity and distillation improvements below 350° C. In an aspect the invention and inventive process also comprises a method and procedure for mixing two or more liquids as well as producing a lighter fuel oil from a heavy fuel oil.

In an aspect the invention and inventive process can also influence hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon H₂O solution blend resulting in a stratified liquid.

Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of aspects of the invention, areas of deployment, and results from field trials.

Objects of the invention are achieved by the method for treating a crude oil and/or components of the crude, and/or components of the crude mixed with H₂O according to claim 1 and through the use of the device according to claim 46.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES IN APPENDIX

FIG. 1 depicts a simple schematic drawing of the arts process.

FIG. 2 depicts a primary mechanical components of the HE-ART Converter device.

FIG. 3 depicts a working wheel (rotor) section and inside cavity/stator section.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the casing of HE-ART Converter device and magnets.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the HE-ART Converter device and magnets.

FIG. 6 depicts a working wheel (rotor) inside cavity, openings and dimensions.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the HE-ART Converter device, piping and magnets.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the HE-ART Converter device piping equipment.

FIG. 9 depicts the inventions usage in a refinery environment (upgrading)

FIG. 10 depicts the inventions usage in a E&P environment (upgrading & viscosity)

FIG. 11 depicts the inventions usage in a hydrocarbon life cycle.

FIG. 12 depicts the results of a 902 cst at 10° C., DilBit test.

FIG. 13 depicts the results of a 26553 cst at 10° C., DilBit test.

FIG. 14 depicts the results of a 41.7 cst at 50° C., Mazut/Naphtha test.

FIG. 15 depicts the results of a 1842 cst at 50° C., Bitumen/Gasoline test.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a method using resonance excitation of a liquid with, or without, solid state magnetic influence of low intensity, including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, through the use of an oscillatory exposure of a liquid, including, without limitation, one liquid or a mixture of two or more liquids, for deconstructive recombination of their chemical bonds at a molecular level to facilitate a relatively lower viscosity, increasing the percentage of lower boiling point fractions in distillation, stability of the blended liquid, and the influence of hydrocarbons in H₂O, by the action using acoustic mechanical vibrations (resonance excitation, ultrasonic oscillations) with, or without a solid state magnetic flux field of low intensity. The contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Furthermore, the methods disclosed herein, are in at least one embodiment carried out, using an acoustic mechanical device, also known as a “HE-ART Converter Device” similar to that taught in Nikolai Selivanov, EP1260266 “Hydrogen Activator Device”. Thus, any reference made herein to exemplary devices or structural components, including those disclosed herein, are intended to be referring to said HE-ART Converter Device/Devices and/or structural components described in EP1260266, PCT/RU2002/000220 and EP0667386 in at least one embodiment. This HE-ART Converter device subjects the flow of liquid to be treated to acoustic mechanical vibrations which gives out a low frequency to activate specific molecular structures. The addition of solid state magnets, as discussed in David Glass U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,872, creates a magnetic flux field that allows the liquids molecular structure to redistribute and stabilize in an ordered manner, so presenting the processed liquid to further processes to enhance upgrading, such as our ‘Thermal Maturity Period’, (ART-TMP) process.

Through the use of the methods disclosed herein, in combination with such a ‘HE-ART Converter Device’, and in another embodiment, in combination with solid state magnets , a liquid, such as heavy oil, hydrocarbon liquid, rectification residues, hydrocarbon H₂O blended liquid, etc., could be transformed such that the liquid that is converted in an acoustic mechanical excitation device (HE-ART Converter Device), with or without passing through a solid state magnetic flux field: is made to flow better by reducing the viscosity; increasing its stability of the liquid; and or increase the yield of more valuable light hydrocarbons within the processed hydrocarbon based oil fraction obtained during the refinement and/or distillation of the liquid; and allow for the transport of the liquid or its fraction through a pipeline, rail car, ship etc.; or extract hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon H₂O blend. In at least this saves money, time, environmental footprint and effort. This same HE-ART Converter Device and process is also capable of using resonance excitation to process one or mix two or more liquids, including two or more different fractions obtained during distillation or from waste oil, rectification residues or different types of oil obtained from different sources, or blend hydrocarbon solids with one or more liquids, and separate one or more hydrocarbon liquids from H₂O.

For example, a heavy oil with a cutter, known as DilBit in Canada; (cutter is also known as diluent, which can be a less viscous fraction of oil obtained through the refining of a crude oil e.g. a gas condensate, naphthenes cut, gasoil cut or other light hydrocarbon cut and/or liquid). See FIGS. 12 & 13 for a representative Canadian DilBit results.

Hydrocarbon Molecular Composition

In an embodiment, oil is comprised of at least one of the following hydrocarbon molecules: alkanes (paraffins), naphthenes, aromatics and/or asphaltics. The concentration of each can vary, but alkanes generally comprise between 15% to 60% of an oil; naphthenes comprise generally comprise between 30% to 60% of an oil; aromatics comprise between 3% to 30% of an oil and the remainder is asphaltics. For example, in Canadian DilBit, there can be on average a high asphaltine (14%) content.

Design—The Acoustic Mechanical Excitation Device (HE-ART Converter Device)

In an embodiment, the resonance excitation occurs through the transfer of the energy created by acoustic mechanical vibrations (ultrasound oscillations), by, without limitation, a source (rotor) placed into a liquid that is capable of operating on one of the basic low frequencies.

In an embodiment, this can include a device through which the liquid is moving that places the liquid in direct contact or the proximal location of the device capable of creating energy by acoustic mechanical vibrations. Through the use of such a resonance excitation, the viscosity of a liquid, including without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil is reduced. The distillation of lower boiling point components, naphtha, gasoline, diesel, without limitation, percentage volume is increased. Hydrocarbon polluted H₂O is processed so as to create separation of each fraction, without limitation, a hydrocarbon liquid, or solid, is blended with another liquid is molecularly stabilized, without limitation. In an embodiment, a basic frequency abides by the common relationship:

For Hydrogen Conversion (4-64 kHz)

• • FN=F1N^−1/2, where N>=1—the selected integer;
  • F1=63.992420 [kHz]—the basic hydrogen oscillation frequency at N=1.

For Carbon Activation (1-8 kHz)

• FN=F1N^−1/2, where N>=1—the selected integer;
• Fi=7.99905 NF^−1/2 [kHz]—the basic carbon oscillation frequencies at N=1

In another embodiment, a method for resonant excitation of a single liquid or a mixture of two or more liquids is administered through the excitation of the hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquids with a rotary hydrodynamic source.

In another embodiment, a method for resonant excitation of a mixture of two or more liquids, including H₂O, is administered through the excitation of the hydrogen liquid with a rotary hydrodynamic source.

In an embodiment, a hydrodynamic source uses acoustic mechanical vibration. In a further embodiment, the acoustic mechanical vibrations are effectuated on a single liquid, or two or more liquids into a cavity of a rotor, (FIG. 2, no 2 and FIG. 3, no 3).

In a further embodiment the mechanical oscillations are effectuated on a single liquid, or two or more liquids (FIG. 2, no 1) by moving the liquid through a/or a number of solid state magnetic flux field/fields (FIG. 4 no 14, FIG. 5, no 14, and FIG. 7, no 14), into a cavity of a rotor, (FIG. 2, no 4 and FIG. 3, no 3). The liquid is accelerated by an inner impeller, inside the rotor, (FIG. 2, no 1FIG. 3, no 4) comprised of a set of backwards curved (aero foiled) centrifugal blades, that rotates inside a single stator (FIG. 3, no 2).

In this embodiment, one, two or more liquids are discharged thorough a series of outlet openings that are evenly spread on the peripheral circumference of the rotor (FIG. 2, no5, FIG. 3, no 1&5, FIG. 6, no H, Plane A), into an annular chamber created by the stator coaxial wall and the peripheral circumference of the rotor (FIG. 2 no 3 and FIG. 3, no 2&3).

In a further embodiment (FIG. 3, no 1&5, FIG. 6, no H, Plane A), the outlet openings are not evenly spread. In another embodiment the openings are the same size. In a further embodiment, the openings are of two or more different sizes. In a still further embodiment, two or more openings are of the same size, while one or more openings are of a different size.

In an embodiment (FIG. 3, no 1&5, FIG. 6, no H, Plane A), at least two or more openings are of the same size. In another embodiment, at least two or more openings are of the same size and one or more openings are of a different size. In an embodiment, at least three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty or more openings are of the same size. In an embodiment, at least three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty or more openings are of a different size.

In another embodiment, the single liquid, or two or more liquids, liquid and solids blends by moving the liquid into a cavity of a rotor, accelerated by an inner impeller comprised of a set of backwards curved (aero foiled) centrifugal blades (FIG. 3, no 4), that rotates inside a single stator coaxial wall (FIG. 3, no2), or two stator coaxial walls or three stator coaxial walls, or four stator coaxial walls, or five stator coaxial walls.

Overview of the Acoustic Mechanical Device (HE-ART Converter)

Design—Rotor & Stator (FIG. 3 & FIG. 6)

In an embodiment, a device for resonant excitation of liquids, including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, bitumen and DilBit, is effectuated with the use of a rotary hydrodynamic source of acoustic mechanical vibrations.

In an embodiment, and without limitation, a rotary hydrodynamic source of acoustic mechanical vibrations includes, without limitation, a rotor (4), a shaft resting on bearings and/or at least one rotor installed on the shaft, wherein, the rotor includes, without limitation, a disc (rotor) with a peripheral annular wall (1) having a series of outlet openings for a liquid, (5) including, without limitation, a hydrogen-bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, a hydrocarbon liquid mixed with a solid or a bitumen and DilBit, that are evenly spaced along the circumference; a stator, having, without limitation, a wall coaxial to the rotor (91); an intake opening (90) for the supply of a liquid, including, without limitation, a hydrogen bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil and Hydrocarbon blended with H₂O, that is capable of communicating with a cavity of the rotor; a discharge opening for outflow of a liquid, including, without limitation, a hydrogen bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, a hydrocarbon liquid mixed with a solid or a bitumen or DilBit and Hydrocarbon blended with H₂O; an annular chamber formed by the coaxial wall of the stator and/or peripheral annular wall of the rotor and communicating with the discharge opening of the stator, and a means for driving the rotor with a preset rotation frequency, such that the value of the external radius of the peripheral annular wall of the rotor constitutes:

• • R=2.8477729^n−2/30.10 4 [mm], where n=14.651908 F 3[r.p.m.]—the rotation frequency of the rotor;
  • F=63.992420 N−½ [kHz]—the basic frequency of resonant excitation;
  • N>=1−the selected integer,While the value of the internal radius of the coaxial wall of the stator constitutes
  • R 1=R+B S(2.pi.)−1 [mm],

where B>=1—the selected integer;

• • S=7.2973531 [mm]—the pitch of outlet openings of the rotor along the circumference of the radius R.

In an embodiment, the converting of one or a mixture of two or more liquids is affected, at least in part, by the relationship set forth in the following formula:

• • n R=1.16141 F, where n[1/s]—the rotation frequency of the rotor;
  • R [m]—the radius of the peripheral annual surface of the rotor.

Design Rotor—Number of Outlets for Liquid Discharged (FIG. 3, no 5, & FIG. 6, no 5)

In an embodiment, the number of outlet openings through which the liquid is discharged following excitation can vary, but can be at least 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 245, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400 or more openings. In a further embodiment, the number of outlet openings through which the liquid is discharged following excitation are no more than 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 245, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400 or more openings. However the ideal amount is between 120 and 360.

Design Rotor—The Pitch of the Outlet Openings (FIG. 6, plane A)

In an embodiment, the pitch of the outlet openings is determined based on the number of outlet openings.

Design Rotor—The Pitch of the Outlet Openings is Equal to the Width of the Opening (FIG. 6, plane A)

In another embodiment, the pitch of the outlet openings is equal to the width of an opening.

Design Rotor—The Radial Extent of an Outlet Openings (FIG. 6)

In an embodiment, the radial extent of an outlet opening of a rotor of a device is made multiple to the value S(2.pi.)−1, as seen on the equation on page 9.

In a further embodiment, a schematic view of the outlet openings is depicted in FIG. 6. The outlet openings (FIG. 6, no 5) are evenly spread on the peripheral circumference (FIG. 6, no R) of the rotor (FIG. 6, no 1). The spacing between the outlet openings (FIG. 6, no 5) can in an embodiment equal the length H and set an angle to the annular wall (FIG. 6, angle α) that can comprise from 1° to 179°.

In an embodiment, the radial extent of an outlet opening of a rotor is made equal to the value S(2.pi.)−1, on page 9.

Design Rotor—The Annular Opening Angle (FIG. 6)

In another embodiment the annular openings are set at an angle of 1° to 179° to the rotor annular wall. In a further embodiment, the annular openings are set an angle of at least 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 7-5°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, 120°, 125°, 130°, 135°, 140°, 145°, 150°, 155°, 160°, 165°, 170°, 175° or 179° to the rotor annular wall.

In another embodiment, the annular openings are set an angle of at no more than 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 7-5°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, 120°, 125°, 130°, 135°, 140°, 145°, 150°, 155°, 160°, 165°, 170°, 175° or 179° to the rotor annular wall.

In a further embodiment, the annular openings are set an angle of about 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 7-5°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, 120°, 125°, 130°, 135°, 140°, 145°, 150°, 155°, 160°, 165°, 170°, 175° or 179° to the rotor annular wall.

HE-ART Converter Device Auxiliary Equipment (FIG. 8)

Equipment—Electrical Motor, Piping and VFD's

In an embodiment, a device to mix/blend a liquid, including, without limitation a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, hydrocarbon liquid and solid blend, bitumen or DilBit, includes, without limitation, a 30 Hz or 75 Hz frequency electric motor; a variable frequency drive for adjustment of the rotation speed of the electric motor; a feed supply line to the HE-ART Converter Device, including, without limitation, a primary line; and one or more auxiliary lines for supply of the required amount of liquids and a/or a number of recirculation lines between liquid discharge and untreated liquid supply line and/or a blend discharge line that runs from the device.

Equipment—Valves, Meters and Gauges, Plus an Additional Pump or Pumps (FIG. 8)

In an embodiment, each line is equipped, without limitation, with a frequency monitor, pressure meter or pressure gauge; a thermocouple or temperature gauge; a flow meter; a viscosity meter; a mass meter; a density meter; a primary flow shut off valve; an automatic or manual driven flow adjustment valve; and/or an additional pump/pumps to facilitate the flow of a liquid through the device.

Equipment—Manual and Automated Control Based Off Liquid Composition

In an embodiment, a device is automated so that it can adjust automatically to changes in the composition of the liquid that is run through it. For instance, if the liquid is a heavy fuel oil, as the composition of the fuel oil changes, the device is adjusted automatically to take into account the change in the composition of the fuel oil. This adjustment can be done manually or through the use of software on a computer as set forth herein, including through the use of an Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Equipment—Skid Frame and Solid Base Construction

In an embodiment to reduce vibration and mitigate any art induced frequency transfer throughout the physical system, other than in the precise areas that we create in the acoustic mechanical device (HE-ART Converter) and with or without in areas of solid state magnetic flux treatment, the device is fixed on a custom fabricated skid frame.

Equipment—Solid Base Construction

In another embodiment to reduce vibration and mitigate any art induced frequency transfer throughout the physical system, other than in the precise areas that we create in the acoustic mechanical device (HE-ART Converter) and with or without in areas of solid state magnetic flux treatment, the a device is fixed on a solid surface, including, without limitation, a hard wood floor, a tile floor, a concrete floor, an asphalt floor, a dirt floor, a ceramic floor, a vinyl floor and/or any other floor that is capable of supporting the device.

Equipment—Isolation Kits

In another embodiment to reduce vibration and mitigate any art induced frequency transfer throughout the physical system, other than in the precise areas that we create in the acoustic mechanical device (HE-ART Converter) and with or without in areas of solid state magnetic flux treatment, isolation kits are installed on all flanges and nuts. These nylon sleeves, gaskets and O-ring seals, prevents the metal making contact with a flange, thus preventing frequency moving throughout the connected piping. This helps keep the low frequency effect in the location that it is created and not system wide.

Equipment—Fixed Onto Movable Transportation

In an embodiment to reduce vibration and mitigate any art induced frequency transfer throughout the physical system, other than in the precise areas that we create in the acoustic 440 mechanical device (HE-ART Converter) and with or without in areas of solid state magnetic flux treatment, the a device is fixed on a vehicle that is able to move, including, without limitation, a truck, a trailer, a plane, a boat, including, without limitation, a barge, a tanker and/or a super tanker, oil rig and sea floor.

Equipment—Gasket Material (FIG. 2)

In an embodiment, the primary mechanical components of the HE-ART Converter device are those that are set forth in FIG. 2. As depicted in FIG. 2, in one embodiment a liquid, including an oil, further including a heavy oil such as a paraffin wax, hydrogen blended liquid with a solid, bitumen, DilBit or a hydrocarbon blended with H₂O, flows through a pipe or other form of a tube that attaches to the device, which can be any shape that is able to connect with the inlet opening (FIG. 2. no12 & 13) of the device, connected through a leak proof prominent packing and an additional gasket/gaskets, which in one embodiment is a gasket containing copper, zinc or other materials of a natural mineral origin.

Equipment—Liquefied Gas Compressor

In this embodiment, a liquefied gas supply line is without limitation, equipped with a compressor.

Equipment—Liquefied Gas Sensors, Meters, Valves (FIG. 8)

In an embodiment, a blend discharge line through which a blended liquid flows is equipped with a gas flow meter; frequency monitor, a pressure meter or pressure gauge; a thermocouple or temperature gauge; a flow meter; a viscosity meter; a mass meter; a density meter; a primary flow shut off valve; an automatic or manual driven flow adjustment valve; and/or an additional pump to facilitate the flow of a liquid through the HE-ART Converter Device.

Controlling the Process and Effect

Process Control—Rotation Frequency

In an embodiment, the control of the rotation frequency of a rotor is manifested through a device, wherein the rotation frequency is adjusted to take into consideration such elements as, and without limitation, the viscosity, the pour point, flash point, the asphaltene, including bitumen and wax content, including the paraffin content, H₂O content, hydrocarbon solid content and/or the flow temperature.

In a further embodiment, the control of the rotation frequency of a rotor is manifested through a device wherein the rotation frequency is adjusted to take into consideration such elements as, and without limitation, the chemical composition and/or rheology of the liquid. This may include without limitation, using an in line viscosity meter, density meter, chemical composition meter, and/or any other metering device that allows to assess the chemical composition and/or rheology and other properties of the crude oil, liquid, liquid solid blend, hydrocarbon mixed with H₂O.

In an embodiment, a mechanism for driving a rotor comprises a system for controlling the rotation frequency of the rotor, wherein, the deviation of rotation is at least 0.1%, ˜0.2%, ˜0.3%, ˜0.4%, ˜0.5%, ˜0.6%, ˜0.7%, ˜0.8%, ˜0.9%, ˜1%, ˜2%, ˜3%, ˜4%, ˜5%, ˜6%, ˜7%, ˜8%, ˜9%, ˜10%, ˜11%, ˜12%, ˜13%, ˜14%, ˜15%, ˜16, ˜17%, ˜18%, ˜19%, ˜20%, ˜21%, ˜22%, ˜23%, ˜24%, ˜25%, ˜26%, ˜27%, ˜28%, ˜29%, ˜30%, ˜35%, ˜40%, ˜45% or ˜50% from the calculated value thereof.

In an embodiment, a control of the rotation frequency of a rotor is manifested through a device, wherein the device includes, without limitation a computer and/or a mechanical device, either of which is able to control the rotation frequency of a rotor.

In an embodiment, a computer includes a program to control the rotation frequency of a rotor. In an embodiment, and without limitation, the program is a software program.

In an embodiment, the software program is able to make adjustments to the regulation of one or more aspect of the rotation frequency of a rotor by controlling the revolutions per minute (RPM).

In another embodiment, the software program includes an AI (Artificial Intelligence) that is able to continually monitor the adjustments to the regulation of one or more aspect of the rotation frequency of a rotor via RPM.

In a further embodiment, the AI is able to continually learn such that it is able to continually monitor the adjustments to the regulation of one or more aspect of the rotation frequency of a rotor.

In another embodiment, a software program regulates all aspects of the rotation frequency of a rotor.

In another embodiment, a software program regulates some, but not all aspects of the rotation frequency of a rotor.

In an embodiment, a software program adjusts the rotation frequency of a rotor based on the density of a liquid, including, without limitation, a hydrogen-bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, without limitation, hydrocarbon liquid blended with a solid, a bitumen or DilBit, without limitation, a H₂O blended with Hydrocarbon material.

In an embodiment, the flow may be adjusted and the proportion of the liquids being blended may be adjusted taking into consideration such elements as viscosity, and other factors that can affect viscosity. In an embodiment, the flow may be adjusted in real time based on the viscosity of the blended liquid to ensure that the blended liquid is of a desired viscosity.

In one embodiment, this desired viscosity is known to one of skill in the art, but at a minimum, is a viscosity that allows for the reasonable flow of the blended liquid through a pipeline with minimal additional assistance, such as heating the pipeline or requiring the addition of further liquids to further dilute the blended liquid.

HE-ART Converter Device Conversion Process Description (FIG. 2, FIG. 3)

The conversion of the liquid into the device starts at the inlet opening (FIG. 2, no 12), which is located in casing (FIG. 2, no 2) of the device. The liquid continues to flow into the device, entering the cavity where the resonance excitation of the liquid occurs. Within the cavity of the device in FIG. 3, are located the curved blades (FIG. 2, no 1, FIG. 3, no 4), also called the rotor of the device (FIG. 2, no 1, FIG. 3, no 1), that create the resonance energy that is transferred to the liquid. The rotor of the device (FIG. 3, no 1) is accelerated by the impeller (inside the rotor) comprised of a backward curved aero foiled blades (FIG. 3, no 4). The liquid then exits the cavity through a set of outlet openings (FIG. 3, no 5), into an annular chamber (FIG. 2, no 3, FIG. 3, no 3) created by the coaxial wall of the stator casing (FIG. 3, R1) the peripheral circumference of the rotor (FIG. 3, R). Then the liquid then exits the device through the single annular discharge stator channel (FIG. 2, no 6) and the discharge pipe (FIG. 2, no 13) into a pipe or other form of tube connected with the discharge pipe through a leak proof prominent packing and an additional gasket containing copper, zinc or other materials of natural mineral origin. As further depicted in FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the device is driven by an electric motor (FIG. 2, no 10) transferring the torque to the shaft (FIG. 2, no 7) through a flexible coupling (FIG. 2, no 11). The shaft rests on at least one bearing (FIG. 2, no 8). The liquid is prevented from leaking form the device onto the rotor side through the use a mechanical seal or multiple seals (FIG. 2, no 9).

Solid State Magnetic Flux Field Influence & Process (FIG. 7, FIG. 4, FIG. 5)

As discussed in prior art, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,128,043A and 6,056,872A, the magnetic influence allows the magnetic field to move the particles in a predictable direction. The benefits of using solid state magnetic flux field/fields gives our art the basis for helping the organic liquid to flow better and present itself to the acoustic mechanical vibrations in a more organized molecular structure, therefore helping to induce a stronger resonance excitation on the liquid presented. The technique is also employed after resonance excitation, this helps in maintaining order and stability in the molecular rheology.

The use of solid state magnets (magnetic flux fields) also helps in stopping clogging of piping from natural buildup of heavier molecules, hence helping the flow of liquid, and reducing corrosion. In hydrocarbon liquid, its movement through piping is usually susceptible to scaling, corrosion, and algae, because of the large amount of high mineral content. Many hydrocarbon liquid deposits are high in paraffin, causing heavy ‘paraffining’ of the pumps and tubing, eventually stopping the flow of hydrocarbon fluid.

Process—Solid State Magnets Pole Alignment

In one embodiment, the solid state magnets are set around the casing of the HE-ART Converter Device (FIG. 4, no 14, FIG. 5 no 14 and FIG. 7) and prior to resonance excitation converting and on the exit piping as shown in (FIG. 7, FIG. 5, no 14). Where by our solid state magnets are used with the alignment of the South Pole magnetic flux being the most effective at effecting the molecular structure of the converted liquids.

Process—Solid State Magnets Prior to Resonance Excitation

In one embodiment, the solid state magnets are set around the casing of the HE-ART Converter device (FIG. 4, no 14, FIG. 5 no 14 and FIG. 7) and prior to resonance excitation converting and on the exit piping (FIG. 7, FIG. 5, no 14).

Process—Solid State Magnets on Outer Casing of HE-ART Converter Device

In an embodiment, the front view of the casing of the device is depicted in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the resonant excitation and flow of material can be improved through the use of a number of solid state magnets (FIG. 4, no14, FIG. 5, no 14 and FIG. 7). These solid state magnets can be set around the HE-ART Converter casing, pre-processed liquid pipe casing, exit processed pipe casing and recirculation pipe casing .

Process—Solid State Magnets Prior to Resonance Excitation

In another embodiment, the position of the solid state magnets can be set around the casing in different patterns that can vary depending on the extent of stability in the magnetic flux field that is required to obtain the desired reduction in viscosity, increase in lower boiling point fractionation hydrocarbon products or separation of hydrocarbon in a liquid/liquids passing through the HE-ART Converter device.

Process—Solid State Magnets on the HE-ART Converter Device Piping

In another embodiment, the side view of the HE-ART Converter casing of the device is depicted in FIG. 7 and FIG. 5. The solid state magnets (FIG. 7, FIG. 5, no 14) are situated on the inlet pipe (FIG. 5, no 12) and at the inlet point (FIG. 5, no 14), on the casing (FIG. 5, no 2), on the outlet pipe prior to recirculation, if needed (FIG. 7).

Process—Solid State Magnets Improving the RPM and Torque Transfer

In an embodiment, aligning the solid state magnets (FIG. 5, no 14) in this manner can improve the stability of the acoustic mechanical oscillations at a desired frequency (F) and improve the torque transfer of the electric motor (FIG. 5, no 10) to the shaft (FIG. 5, no 7) that is supported by at 595 least one bearing (FIG. 5, no 8) through the flexible coupling (FIG. 5, no 11).

Process—Magnetic Flux Field (FIG. 2)

In one embodiment, a liquid prior to this opening FIG. 2 no12, a heavy oil such as a paraffin wax, bitumen, DilBit or a hydrocarbon blended with H₂O will pass through a solid state magnetic flux field before entering the inlet opening (FIG. 2, no12).

Process—Resonant Excitation on Exit from HE-ART Converter Device with Solid State Magnetic Flux Field Influence

In an embodiment, following prior to converting and after the discharge of the converted liquid or a mixture of two or more liquids from the annular chamber and after passing through a solid state magnetic flux field/fields, the resonant excitation of the converting of one or mixture of two or more liquids is increased. In an embodiment, the increase in the resonant energy for the mixture of two or more liquids is at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, at least 30%, at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least 40%, at least 41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, at least 45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, at least 50%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or at least 100% greater than the resonant energy of the two or more liquids prior to entering the annular chamber.

Liquid Conversion Process (FIG. 8 and FIG. 2)

Process Rotor—Number of Rotors

In another embodiment, the converted material may be recycled through at least one acoustic mechanical vibration device's rotor (HE-ART Converter) in one enclosed structural unit or in separate units attached to each other through connecting processed flow piping, or in parallel or series with , at least two rotors, at least three rotors, at least four rotors, at least five rotors, at least six rotors, at least seven rotors, at least eight rotors, at least nine rotors, at least then rotors, at least eleven rotors, at least twelve rotors, at least thirteen rotors, at least thirteen rotors, at least fourteen rotors, at least fifteen rotors, at least sixteen rotors, at least seventeen rotors, at least eighteen rotors, at least nineteen rotors, at least twenty rotors. or more rotors.

Process—Liquid Mixed with Recirculated Material (FIG. 2)

In one embodiment a liquid prior to this opening FIG. 2, no12, a heavy oil such as a paraffin wax, bitumen, DilBit or a hydrocarbon blended with H₂O may mix with recirculated processed material before entering the inlet opening (FIG. 2, no 12).

Process—Mixed with Recirculated Material and or a Lighter Hydrocarbon Liquid Prior to Converting. (FIG. 2)

In another embodiment prior to this opening FIG. 2, no 12, a heavy oil such as a paraffin wax, bitumen, DilBit or a hydrocarbon blended with H₂O may mix with recirculated processed material before entering the inlet opening and a lighter hydrocarbon liquid, such as Naphtha, diesel etc prior to the opening (FIG. 2, no 12).

Process—Liquid and Solid Mixed with Recirculated Material and or a Lighter Hydrocarbon Liquid Prior to Converting. (FIG. 2)

In another embodiment prior to this opening FIG. 2, no 12, a heavy oil such as a paraffin wax, bitumen, DilBit , Hydrocarbon solids or a hydrocarbon blended with H₂O may mix with recirculated processed material before entering the inlet opening and a lighter hydrocarbon liquid, such as Naphtha, diesel etc prior to the opening (FIG. 2, no 12).

Process—On One or Multiple Liquids

In another embodiment, a device capable of creating a low frequency resonance excitation which can convert one or a mixture two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more liquids.

Process—Multiple Liquids can Mix Evenly

In a further embodiment, a device capable of creating a low frequency resonance excitation which can mix two or more liquids evenly.

Process—On Multiple Liquids can Blend Multiple Liquids

In an embodiment, a device capable of creating a resonance excitation can process one or mix two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more liquids evenly and the liquids stay evenly mixed (stable) for a period of time after the mixing occurs. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more liquids stay evenly mixed (stable) for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, 14 days, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks, 6 weeks, 7 weeks, 8 weeks, 9 weeks, 10 weeks, 11 weeks, 12 weeks, 13 weeks, 14 weeks, 15 weeks, 16 weeks, 17 weeks, 18 weeks, 19 weeks, 20 weeks, 21 weeks, 22 weeks, 23 weeks, 24 weeks, 25 weeks, 26 weeks, 27 weeks, 28 weeks, 29 weeks, 30 weeks, 31 weeks, 32 weeks, 33 weeks, 34 weeks, 35 weeks, 36 weeks, 37 weeks, 38 weeks, 39 weeks, 40 weeks, 41 weeks, 42 weeks, 43 weeks, 44 weeks, 45 weeks, 46 weeks, 47 weeks, 48 weeks, 49 weeks, 50 weeks, 51 weeks, 52 weeks, 13 months, 14 months, 15 months, 16 months, 17 months, 18 months, 19 months, 20 months, 21 months, 22 months, 23 months, 24 months, 25 months, 26 months, 27 months, 28 months, 29 months, 30 months, 31 months, 32 months, 33 months, 34 months, 35 months, 36 months, or more. In our tests we have proved stability.

Carbon Activator

n Ri=9.29128 Fi, where n[1/s]—the rotation frequency of the working wheel; R [m]—the radius of the peripheral annular surface of the working wheel.

Recirculation Technique Optionality

Process Recirculation—Percentage of Converted Material that is Recirculated

In another embodiment, through the methods disclosed herein, a combination of recycling of the acoustic mechanical vibration (ultrasound oscillations , resonance excitation) converted material on its own or also passing through a solid state magnetic flux field, can be recycled through one or more recirculation lines. The placing of the recirculation line can be placed directly after the mechanical ultrasound device (HE-ART Converter), similar to that taught in PCT/RU92/00195 & PCT/RU92/00194 (Kladov recirculation line) or further downstream of the acoustic mechanical device (HE-ART Converter), either in an open mode, where by 100% of the converted material passes out of our system into the clients desired operational system, or a recycled mode. Where by the amount of converted liquid can be recycled at least 0%, at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, at least 30%, at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least 40%, at least 41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, at least 45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, at least 50%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or at least 100%, of the converted flow. However, the ideal recirculation flow is between 18% and 50%, depending on the type of liquid being converted.

This optional recirculation of the resonance excited converted flow into the inflow of the acoustic mechanical device (HE-ART Converter Device) for repeated treatment, in order to further optimize the reorganizing of the molecular bonds within the liquid. The process of recycling the converted flow of treated liquid causes growth and stabilization of the acoustic mechanical effect. This phenomenon has been described with the previous art as being associated with the process of relaxation of the absorbed energy of the resonating frequency of the intermolecular links between molecules resonating from the molecular liquid structure within the acoustic mechanical vibrations (HE-ART Converter Device) treatment chamber. The relaxation phase where by the recycled material helps to strengthen and stabilize the low frequency, leading to an increase in the process of breakup of solvation molecular shells and paramagnetic cores of the converted molecules. The use of recycled processed material is not always necessary, this will always depend on the type and quality of the untreated liquid being converted.

Examples of recirculation and non-recirculated liquid results are shown in FIGS. 12, 13, 14 & 15

Process Recirculation—Number Passes of Recirculated Material

In another embodiment, the processed material can be recirculated a number of time to improve the effect of acoustic mechanical vibration frequency. This can be at least once, least twice, at least three times, at least four times, at least five times, at least six times, at least seven times, at least eight times, at least nine times, at least ten times, at least eleven times, at least twelve times, at least thirteen times, at least fourteen times, at least fifteen times, at least sixteen times, at least seventeen times, at least eighteen times, at least nineteen times, at least twenty times, twenty one times, twenty two times, twenty three times, twenty four times, twenty five times, twenty six times, twenty seven times, twenty eight times, twenty nine times, thirty times, or more times.

Process Recirculation—The Amount of Time You Recirculate Converted Material

In another embodiment, the converted material can be recirculated for a period of time to improve the effect of acoustic mechanical vibration frequency. This can be at least 1 minute, at least 2 minutes, at least 3 minutes, at least 4 minutes, at least 5 minutes, at least 6 minutes, at least 7 minutes, at least 8 minutes, at least 9 minutes, at least 10 minutes, at least 12 minutes, at least 13 minutes, at least 14 minutes, at least 15 minutes, least 16 minutes, at least 17 minutes, at least 18 minutes, at least 19 minutes, at least 20 minutes, at least 21 minutes, at least 22 minutes, at least 23 minutes, at least 24 minutes, at least 25 minutes, at least 26 minutes, at least 27 minutes, at least 28 minutes, at least 29 minutes, at least 30 minutes, at least 31 minutes, at least 32 minutes, at least 33 minutes, at least 34 minutes, at least 35 minutes, at least 36 minutes, at least 37 minutes, at least 38 minutes, at least 39 minutes, at least 40 minutes, at least 41 minutes, at least 42 minutes, at least 43 minutes, at least 44 minutes, at least 45 minutes, at least 46 minutes, at least 47 minutes, at least 48 minutes, at least 49 minutes, at least 50 minutes, at least 51 minutes, at least 52 minutes, at least 53 minutes, at least 54 minutes, at least 55 minutes, at least 56 minutes, at least 57 minutes, at least 58 minutes, at least 59 minutes, at least 1 hour, at least 1 hour, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours. The period of the recirculation is for no more than zero to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours. The period of recirculation is for at least zero to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours.

Commercial Process—HE-ART Converter Device Example (FIG. 1)

In an embodiment, a process flow diagram is provided that sets forth the steps involved in the preconditioning of one, two or more liquids is depicted in FIG. 1. As depicted in FIG. 1, Steps 1-16 are set forth. In one embodiment, these steps entail;

• • FIG. 1, no 1—The pre-converting and buffering of a heavy oil, herein referred to as a heavier hydrogen bonded stream in a storage tank; pre-converting may include without limitations pre blending the heavy oil with a lighter stream (FIG. 1, no 2C), pre blending heavy oil or fractional residuum or a hydrocarbon solids with a lighter stream, which still leaves the resulting liquid for converting as heavy hydrocarbon stream.
  • FIG. 1, no L1—Diluent, which is herein referred to as a lighter hydrogen bonded stream in a storage tank;
  • FIG. 1, no 2C—The lighter hydrocarbon stream can be pre blended in a heavier stream in tank 1 (FIG. 1, no 1)
  • FIG. 1, no 1A—The heavier hydrogen bonded stream passes through a temperature induction device to heat and/or cool of the heavier hydrogen bonded stream;
  • FIG. 1, no 2B—The flow through the whole unified system is controlled using a number of controllers that control the speed of the mixture of a heavier hydrogen bonded stream and a lighter hydrogen bonded stream and the pressure exerted on the mixture as it passes through the device;
  • FIG. 1, no 1C—The heavier hydrogen bonded stream passes through a feed pump for the heavier hydrogen bonded stream that is equipped with a device for controlling the speed and the supply of pressure;
  • FIG. 1, no 1D—The heavier hydrogen bonded stream then passes through a filtering element;
  • FIG. 1, no 1E—The heavier hydrogen bonded stream next passes through a metering station that evaluates the rate of flow, the temperature, the pressure and the viscosity of heavier hydrogen bonded stream;
  • FIG. 1, no 3A—One or both blended stream/streams pass through a solid state magnetic flux field/fields.
  • FIG. 1, no 2 & 3B—HE-ART Converter Device—The heavier hydrogen bonded stream and a lighter hydrogen bonded stream are mixed and begin to pass through the device as described in an embodiment for FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 herein; the heavier hydrogen bonded stream and a lighter hydrogen bonded stream may be pre-blended before entering FIG. 1, no 1A, from tank 1, and fed to the device in a unified stream of the main supply line.
  • FIG. 1, no 2A—The HE-ART Converter Device is controlled by a relationship between RPM and frequency, density, viscosity, chemical composition etc.
  • FIG. 1, no 3C—The flow of processed material after passing through the HE-ART Converter Device is passed through another solid state magnet/magnets creating a magnetic flux field.
  • FIG. 1, no 4—The flow of converted material can be recirculated back into the main line between 0% and 100%, if deemed beneficial to create the desired outcome.
  • FIG. 1, no 2C—As the mixture of a heavier hydrogen bonded stream and a lighter hydrogen bonded stream pass through the HE-ART Converter Device, they pass through a temperature induction device that is able to heat and/or cool the mixture;
  • FIG. 1, no 5—After passing through the HE-ART Converter Device, the mixture of a heavier hydrogen bonded stream and a lighter hydrogen bonded stream is then stored. This part of the upgrading process we call the ‘Thermal Maturity Period’ (ART-TMP). This ART-TMP period of the storage combined with heat can be for up to 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 40 minutes, 45 minutes, 50 minutes, 55 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours. The period of the storage is for no more than zero to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours. The period of the storage is for at least zero to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours. The storage of the converted liquid following passage through the HE-ART Converter Device is at a temperature that ranges from ambient or room or outside temperature to one hundred degrees centigrade. This may take place in the general product line, which has a higher volume, velocity and capacity than the device discharge line, thus acting as a reservoir for completion of the resonance excitation process and effects.
  • FIG. 1, no 6—After a period of time in storage (ART-TMP), which can be in a storage tank, a static tank, a tanker car or truck, a pipe, a pipeline or other means of storage of the converted liquid, the mixture of a heavier hydrogen bonded stream and a lighter hydrogen bonded stream can then be tested for upgrading effects. These effects could be , viscosity improvement, distillation improvements, pour point improvement, stability, hydrocarbon separation from H₂O, to name but a few upgrading improvements by using the HE-ART Converter Device. When meeting upgrading targets, the mixture is transferred out of the tank or existing pipeline infrastructure. The mixture of a heavier hydrogen bonded stream and a lighter hydrogen bonded stream can be transferred to a tanker truck, a tanker rail car, a pipeline or other means of transferring the converted liquid from the site where the liquid was processed by the HE-ART Converter Device and process to another site, which in an embodiment is in a different location or at the converting location.

Blending Technique

In an embodiment, a method and a HE-ART Converter Device may be used to convert a liquid or blend two (or more) liquids including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, and further including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, hydrocarbon liquid blended with a solid, DilBit or bitumen, blended into a liquid containing a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur bond, or a liquid and/or a liquefied hydrogen containing a gas. This technique has to be employed initially for all upgrading improvements without limitation: viscosity, fractionation and effects upon hydrocarbon mixed with H₂O etc.

Blending—Physical Starting Procedure for Blending Liquids

In an embodiment, a method to use a HE-ART Converter Device to blend a liquid, including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, and further including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, or mix/blend two or more different liquids, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid, includes, but is not limited to the following steps: initiating a method to close a shutoff valve; followed by draining the system of air; establishing a flow through the device of a liquid, including, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid and further including, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen; use of a flow meter to record the flow of a liquid; wherein a cutter is added to the liquid through a cutter line; wherein, a flow meter is used to establish a desired ratio between a cutter and a liquid; and the flow of the liquid and the cutter is modulated through the use of a viscometer, a density meter and/or a mass meter; wherein the viscosity readings are monitored to achieve the desired blend ratio of a liquid and a cutter.

Blending—Ratio for Liquids

In an embodiment, a method and a HE-ART Converter Device are suitable for blending two or more streams to produce fuel oils of all standard grades.

In a further embodiment, use of the device for molecular blending results in an upgraded liquid, including, without limitation a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy feedstock, wherein the liquid is diluted with a liquid of lower density or specific gravity, including, a light feedstock, wherein, without limitation, the ratio of a heavy feedstock and a lighter feedstock can be mixed in any proportion. The ratio of a heavy feedstock to a lighter feedstock is 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, 11:1, 12:1, 13:1, 14:1, 15:1, 16:1, 17:1, 18:1, 19:1, 20:1, 2:3, 3:2, 2:5, 5:2, 2:7, 7:2, 2:9, 9:2, 2:11, 11:2, 2:13, 13:2, 2:15, 15:2, 2:17, 17:2, 870 2:19, 19:2, 3:5, 5:3, 3:7 7:3, 3:8, 8:3, 3:10, 10:3, 3:11, 11:3, 2:13, 13:3, 3:14, 14:3, 3:16, 16:3, 3:17, 17:3, 3:19, 19:3, 4:5, 5:4, 4:7, 7:4, 4:9, 9:4, 4:10, 10:4, 4:11, 11:4, 4:13, 13:4, 4:14, 14:4, 4:15, 15:4, 4:17, 17:4, 4:18, 18:4, 4:19, 19:4, 5:7, 7:5, 5:8, 8;5, 5:9, 9:5, 5:11, 11:5, 5:12, 12:5, 5:13, 13:5, 5:14, 14:5, 5:16, 16:5, 5:17, 17:5, 5:18, 18:5, 5:19, 19:5 or other ratio.

Blending—Resonant Excitation on Exit from HE-ART Converter Device

In an embodiment, following the discharge of a converted liquid or a mixture of two or more liquids from the rotor chamber, the resonant excitation of the converting of one or mixture of two or more liquids is increased. In an embodiment, the increase in the resonant energy for the mixture of two or more liquids is at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, at least 30%, at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least 40%, at least 41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, at least 45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, at least 50%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or at least 100% greater than the resonant energy of the two or more liquids prior to entering the annular chamber.

Blending—Liquid Designations for Fuel Oils

In an embodiment, a liquid includes, without limitation, fuel oils Nr. 1 thru 6; MGO, MDO, IFO, MFO, HFO, IFO 380, IFO 180, LS380, LS180, LSMGO, ULSMGO, RMA 30, RMB 30, RMD 80, RME 180, RMF 180, RMG 380, RMH 380, RMK 380, RMH 700, RMK 700, IMO2020.

Blending—Liquid Specifications for Liquid Cutters

In an embodiment, a blended liquid consists of, without limitation, ATB, VTB, distillate slurry, distillate cutters, rectification distillates, light oil cutters, shale oil cutters, and liquefied gas cutters.

Blending—Liquid Types of Base Liquids as Targets for Stability Improvements

In an embodiment, a liquid includes, without limitation, bitumen, condensate, DilBit, treater blend DilBit, dilsynbit, diluent, neatbit, railbit, synbit, standard DilBit, lightened DilBit, enhanced DilBit, emulsion, conventional oil light, conventional oil medium, conventional oil heavy, sweet oil, sour oil, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid, or other liquid for which the methods and devices disclosed herein are capable of blending and stability improvements.

Blending—Liquid Blend Percentage Based Desired Target Grade

In an embodiment, the blend proportions may vary depending on the desired grade of fuel oil, including, without limitation, a quantity of light cutter that comprises no more than 1%, no more than 2%, no more than 3%, no more than 4%, no more than 5%, no more than 6%, no more than 7%, no more than 8%, no more than 9%, no more than 10%, no more than 11%, no more than 12%, no more than 13%, no more than 14%, no more than 15%, no more than 16%, no more than 17%, no more than 18%, no more than 19%, no more than 20%, no more than 21%, no more than 22%, no more than 23%, no more than 24%, no more than 25%, no more than 26%, no more than 27%, no more than 28%, no more than 29%, no more than 30%, no more than 31%, no more than 32%, no more than 33%, no more than 34%, no more than 35%, no more than 36%, no more than 37%, no more than 38%, no more than 39%, no more than 40%, no more than 41%, no more than 42%, no more than 43%, no more than 44%, no more than 45%, no more than 46%, no more than 47%, no more than 48%, no more than 49%, no more than 50%, no more than 51%, no more than 52%, no more than 53%, no more than 54%, no more than 55%, no more than 56%, no more than 57%, no more than 58%, no more than 59%, no more than 60%, no more than 61%, no more than 62%, no more than 63%, no more than 64%, no more than 65%, no more than 66%, no more than 67%, no more than 68%, no more than 69%, no more than 70%, no more than 71%, no more than 72%, no more than 73%, no more than 74%, no more than 75%, no more than 76%, no more than 77%, no more than 78%, no more than 79%, no more than 80%, no more than 81%, no more than 82%, no more than 83%, no more than 84%, no more than 85%, no more than 86%, no more than 87%, no more than 88%, no more than 89%, no more than 90%, no more than 91%, no more than 92%, no more than 93%, no more than 94%, no more than 95% or no more than 96% compared to conventional blending and mixing methods that do not utilize a HE-ART Converter Device, including, without limitation, a device that blends using acoustic mechanical energy or resonance excitation.

Viscosity Reduction Technique (FIG. 1 and FIG. 10)

In an embodiment, a method and a device are capable, without limitation, of converting one or blending a mixture of two or more liquids, including without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, and further, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, a hydrocarbon liquid blended with a solid, DilBit or a bitumen with a diluent, including, without limitation, a light cutter stock, such as, without limitation, a diluent, or solvent, which is a light hydrocarbon to reduce the viscosity and specific gravity of the crude oil being processed. Including, but not limited to a straight run diesel distillate, a straight run kerosene distillate, a straight run naphtha distillate, a straight run distillate slurry, an oil product slurry, a liquefied hydrogen containing gas, a gas condensate and/or a lighter or high API crude, including, but not limited to, a shale oil, a light high API crude oils, other crude oils, including, without limitation, a crude oil that is lighter than a liquid into which a diluent is added, including a crude oil, a hydrocarbon solid and a hydrocarbon blended H₂O liquid.

Viscosity—Ratio for Liquids

In a further embodiment, use of a device results in a reduction of viscosity of a liquid, including, without limitation a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur—bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy feedstock, wherein the liquid is diluted with a liquid of lower density or specific gravity, including, a light feedstock, wherein, without limitation, the ratio of a heavy feedstock and a lighter feedstock can be mixed in any proportion. The ratio of a heavy feedstock to a lighter feedstock is 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, 11:1, 12:1, 13:1, 14:1, 15:1, 16:1, 17:1, 18:1, 19:1, 20:1, 2:3, 3:2, 2:5, 5:2, 2:7, 7:2, 2:9, 9:2, 2:11, 11:2, 2:13, 13:2, 2:15, 15:2, 2:17, 17:2, 2:19, 19:2, 3:5, 5:3, 3:7 7:3, 3:8, 8:3, 3:10, 10:3, 3:11, 11:3, 2:13, 13:3, 3:14, 14:3, 3:16, 16:3, 3:17, 17:3, 3:19, 19:3, 4:5, 5:4, 4:7, 7:4, 4:9, 9:4, 4:10, 10:4, 4:11, 11:4, 4:13, 13:4, 4:14, 14:4, 4:15, 15:4, 4:17, 17:4, 4:18, 18:4, 4:19, 19:4, 5:7, 7:5, 5:8, 8;5, 5:9, 9:5, 5:11, 11:5, 5:12, 12:5, 5:13, 13:5, 5:14, 14:5, 5:16, 16:5, 5:17, 17:5, 5:18, 18:5, 5:19, 19:5 or other ratio.

Viscosity—Liquid Types of Base Liquids as Targets for Viscosity Reduction

In an embodiment, a liquid includes, without limitation, bitumen, condensate, DilBit, treater blend DilBit, dilsynbit, diluent, neatbit, railbit, synbit, standard DilBit, lightened DilBit, enhanced DilBit, emulsion, conventional oil light, conventional oil medium, conventional oil heavy, sweet oil, sour oil, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid, or other liquid and solids for which the methods and devices disclosed herein are capable of reducing the viscosity.

Viscosity—Thermal Maturity Period (ART-TMP) Temperature.

In one embodiment, after passing through the HE-ART Converter Device, the mixture of a heavier hydrogen bonded stream and a lighter hydrogen bonded stream is then stored, which the process is termed the ‘Thermal Maturity Period’ (ART-TMP). The temperature of this processed material should be maintained at a minimum of the HE-ART Converter Device exit temperature. This thermal temperature should be at least 1° C., at least 2° C., at least 3° C., at least 4° C., at least 5° C., at least 6° C., at least 7° C., at least 8° C., at least 9° C., at least 10° C., at least 11° C., at least 12° C., at least 13° C., at least 14° C., at least 15° C., at least 16° C., at least 17° C., at least 18° C., at least 19° C., at least 20° C., at least 21° C., at least 22° C., at least 23° C., at least 24° C., at least 25° C., at least 26° C., at least 27° C., at least 28° C., at least 29° C., at least 30° C., at least 31° C., at least 32° C., at least 33° C., at least 34° C., at least 35° C., at least 36° C., at least 37° C., at least 38° C., at least 39° C., at least 40° C., at least 41° C., at least 42° C., at least 43° C., at least 44° C., at least 45° C., at least 46° C., at least 47° C., at least 48° C., at least 49° C., at least 50° C., at least 51° C., at least 52° C., at least 53° C., at least 54° C., at least 55° C., at least 56° C., at least 57° C., at least 58° C., at least 59° C., at least 60° C., at least 61° C., at least 62° C., at least 63° C., at least 64° C., at least 65° C., at least 66° C., at least 67° C., at least 68° C., at least 69° C., at least 70° C., at least 71° C., at least 72° C., at least 73° C., at least 74° C., at least 75° C., at least 76° C., at least 77° C., at least 78° C., at least 79° C., at least 80° C., at least 81° C., at least 82° C., at least 83° C., at least 84° C., at least 85° C., at least 86° C., at least 87° C., at least 88° C., at least 89° C., at least 90° C., at least 91° C., at least 92° C., at least 93° C., at least 94° C., at least 95° C., at least 96° C., at least 97° C., at least 98° C., at least 99° C., or a maximum of 100° C.

Viscosity—Thermal Maturity Period (ART-TMP) Time.

In one embodiment, after passing through the HE-ART Converter Device, the mixture of a heavier hydrogen bonded stream and a lighter hydrogen bonded stream is then stored, which the process is termed the ‘Thermal Maturity Period’ (ART-TMP). The period of the storage combined with heat can be for up to 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 40 minutes, 45 minutes, 50 minutes, 55 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours. The period of the storage is for no more than zero to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours. The period of the storage is for at least zero to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours. The storage of the mixture following passage through the HE-ART Converter device is at a temperature that ranges from ambient or room or outside temperature to a specific temperature below one hundred degrees centigrade. This may take place in the general product line, which has a higher volume, velocity and capacity than the device discharge line, thus acting as a reservoir for completion of the resonance excitation process and effects.

Viscosity—Viscosity Reduction Percentage

In a further embodiment, through converting of a liquid using a device, including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, wherein, the converting reduces the viscosity of a liquid, including, without limitation, a hydrogen-bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a processed high paraffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid is reduced by at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, at least 30%, at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least 40%, at least 41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, at least 45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, at least 50%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or at least 100%.

Viscosity—Liquid Cutter Blending Percentage Reduction Based on Target Viscosity

In an embodiment, the amount of a cutter that is added to a liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil, and further, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid that is run through a device is reduced by at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, at least 30%, at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least 40%, at least 41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, at least 45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, at least 50%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% as compared to the amount of cutter used when a device is not utilized.

Viscosity—Pour Point Reduction

In another embodiment, the pour point of a liquid, including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid is reduced by at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, at least 30%, at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least 40%, at least 41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, at least 45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, at least 50%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or at least 100%.

Fractionation Technique (FIG. 1 and FIG. 9)

In an embodiment, a method and a device are capable, without limitation, of converting one or blending a mixture of two or more liquids, including without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, and further, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, hydrocarbon liquid blended with a solid, DilBit or a bitumen with a diluent, including, without limitation, a light cutter stock, such as, without limitation, a diluent, or solvent, which is a light hydrocarbon to improve the distillation of lighter cuts below 350 deg C. The hydrocarbon liquid being processed, including, but not limited to a straight run diesel distillate, a straight run kerosene distillate, a straight run naphtha distillate, a straight run distillate slurry, an oil product slurry, a liquefied hydrogen containing gas, a gas condensate and/or a lighter or high API crude, including, but not limited to, a shale oil, a light high API crude oils, other crude oils, including, without limitation, a crude oil that is lighter than a liquid into which a diluent is added, including a crude oil, a hydrocarbon liquid blended with a solid, or a bitumen, DilBit and a hydrocarbon blended H₂O liquid.

Fractionation—Unit Equipment

In an embodiment, the invention includes, without limitation, a plant to fractionate a liquid, including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, and further including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid by way of distillation, comprising: interconnecting by pipelines a feeding pump; at least one fractionating tower; and a pre-installed HE-ART Converter Device for the preliminary treatment of liquid, wherein the HE-ART Converter Device for the preliminary treatment of liquid effects resonant excitation of a liquid and the acoustic mechanical device, HE-ART Converter, is sequentially installed between the outlet of the feeding pump and the inlet of the fractionating tower.

In an embodiment, an inlet of a device for resonant excitation of a liquid including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, and further including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid is connected to an inlet of a fractionating tower through a shut-off-control element.

In another embodiment, a loop of a partial return into a fractionating tower of a residual fraction, comprises, without limitation, a feeding pump and a heating device sequentially interconnected by a pipeline, wherein, and without limitation, into the loop of a partial return of a residual fraction there is sequentially installed a second HE-ART Converter Device for resonant excitation of the liquid including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, and further including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid.

Fractionation—Process

In an embodiment, a fractionation process of a liquid, including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, and further including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid by way of distillation, comprising, without limitation, a preliminary treatment of the liquid with the help of a HE-ART Converter Device, including, without limitation, a pre-installed rotary hydrodynamic source of acoustic mechanical oscillations, followed by, without limitation, the supply of the preliminarily converted liquid into a fractionating tower and the outflow of distilled and residual fractions.

In a further embodiment, a fractionation process includes a diversion of part of a general flow of a liquid that is to be fractionated, wherein the diverted part of a general flow is subjected to a preliminary converted treatment with a HE-ART Converter Device, following which the diverted converted flow and a non-diverted flow are combined prior to feeding the combined liquid into a fractionating tower.

In a further embodiment, a fractionation process includes a diversion of part of a general flow of a liquid that is to be fractionated, wherein the diverted part of a general flow is subjected to a preliminary conversion treatment with a HE-ART Converter Device and the non-diverted flow is also subjected to a preliminary treatment with a HE-ART Converter Device, wherein, without limitation the diverted flow and non-diverted flow are subject to the same preliminary conversion treatment or are subjected to a different preliminary treatment, following which the diverted converted flow and a non-diverted converted flow are combined prior to feeding the combined liquid into a fractionating tower.

Fractionation—Improving % of Target Cut in Distillation

In an embodiment, if the target cut is blended into the heavier main stream we have observed that this lighter stream will increase in percentage on return to the fractionation tower. The amount of target cut blended into the main stream should be least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25% of the total processed liquid.

Fractionation—Process liquid Blending Percentages

In an embodiment, a partial flow amounts to at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, at least 30%, at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least 40%, at least 41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, at least 45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, at least 50%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or more of the full flow.

Fractionation—Distillation Improvement of Lights Below 350 Deg C.

In an embodiment, the increase of lights below 350 deg C. is at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, at least 30%, at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least 40%, at least 41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, at least 45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, at least 50%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or more of the full flow.

H₂O Separation Technique

EP0667386 and RU2060785C1 discusses in depth the influence of acoustic mechanical vibrations on H₂O mixed with hydrocarbon, and either how to blend it into the hydrocarbon.

However, have found that when employing the HE-ART Converter process, the hydrocarbon and other mineral elements have separated and formed into stratified layers.

Process H₂O—Acoustic Mechanical Treatment

In an embodiment, the invention includes, without limitation, H₂O amounts to be at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, at least 30%, at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least 40%, at least 41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, at least 45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, at least 50%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, of the H₂O liquid hydrocarbon mix.

Process H₂O—Acoustic Mechanical Treatment and Environmental Cleaning Unit

In an embodiment, the invention includes, without limitation, a plant to separate hydrocarbon from H₂O, including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, and further including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid, by way of separation, comprising: interconnecting by pipelines a feeding pump; at least one separation tank; and a pre-installed acoustic mechanical device (HE-ART Converter device) for the preliminary treatment of liquid, wherein the device for the preliminary treatment of liquid effects resonant excitation of a liquid and the acoustic mechanical device (HE-ART Converter) is sequentially installed between the outlet of the feeding pump and the inlet of the separation tank/tanks.

Patents/Patent Applications Incorporated by Reference

The following patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety: EP0667386, WO/1994/010261, WO/1994/009894, RU2149886, EP1260266, WO/2003/093398, WO/2003/92884, WO/2011/127512, WO/2002/093398, US 2018/0355260, US 2018/0355261, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,128,043, 6,056,872, 4,210,535, 4,367,143, 4,153,559, 5,227,683, 5,269,916, 5,637,226, 5,161,512, 4,568,901, 4,146,479, 4,372,852, 4,605,498, 5,122,277, 5,030,344, 5,024,759, EP1233049, RU2215775, US/2008/0156701, WO/2011/086522, EP0667386, WO/1994/010261, WO/1994/009894, RU2060785C1, WO/2011/086522 and RU14022000.

INDUSTRIAL USES

VISCOSITY REDUCTION EXAMPLES (FIG. 11)

Example 1—Reduction of Viscosity on a Waterborne Vessel

A device of the invention is manufactured and fixed onto a river or ocean going vessel. The vessel is in the harbor and is brought in close proximity of the jetty, pier, terminal or other type of dock, or to another vessel of the same size, smaller size or bigger size. A pipe providing heavy oil, including but not limited to high paraffinic crude oil, heavy fuel oil, long residue, including but not limited to flexible pipe, pipe equipped with a CAM-lock, coming from the shore or the other vessel is connected to a tube that is attached to a pipe that leads into the device; another pipe providing a diluent including but not limited to straight run diesel or gasoil, kerosene, naphtha, gas condensate, shale oil, vacuum gasoil, diesel fuel, kerosene fuel, MGO, including but not limited to flexible pipe, pipe equipped with a CAM-lock, coming from the shore or the other vessel is connected to the a tube that is attached to a pipe that leads into the device.

A second flexible pipe is attached to a pipe that is attached to the device and which receives the outflow of a liquid put through the device. The second flexible pipe is then attached to a connection on the same vessel as the invention, the second vessel, or on the shore, wherein the connection is attached to a pipe that leads into an empty tank. Following the setup of the device with the jetty, pier, terminal or other type of dock or the second vessel, a heavy oil and a cutter are pumped from the jetty, pier, terminal or other type of dock or the second vessel into the HE-ART Converter Device. The HE-ART Converter Device is activated and as a result, the heavy oil and the cutter are recombined in a way that results in an oil product that has a reduced viscosity and/or density. The heavy oil is pumped from the device into the empty tank on the same vessel as the invention, the second vessel, or on the shore. The number of cutter streams may be 1, 2, 3 or more. However, it must be noted that for distillation, stability improvements, no heating is needed. However, for viscosity improvements, heating via the ART-TMP process will need to be employed.

Example 2—Reduction of Viscosity on a Sled

A HE-ART Converter device of the invention is manufactured and fixed onto a sled at an oil field. Following collection of a heavy oil, including but not limited to high paraffinic crude oil, bitumen or DilBit, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid, but prior to it being put into a pipeline, the heavy oil is pumped through the HE-ART Converter Device directly, or blended with a cutter. Through the use of the HE-ART Converter Device, the amount of cutter used is reduced to reach desired viscosity targets after using the ART-TMP finishing process.

Tank Farm Blending (FIG. 10)

Example 1—Tank Farm

A HE-ART Converter Device/Devices of the invention are installed on a fixed base where by it is connected to a tank of hydrocarbon based liquid or hydrocarbon liquid solid blend, destined for general sale. Or the liquid is passed through the technology pre blended with an appropriate lighter cut and/or a solid hydrocarbon, (like Gas Oil and or waste Coal) and placed in a heated tank to settle for a period (or on permanent recirculation for a period of time) before being sold as commercial fuel. Or the liquid is passed through the HE-ART Converter technology and ART-TMP process, and if possible back into the same heated tank and left to settle for a period (or on permanent recirculation for a period of time in a heated tank). The results are expected to show, increased lighter fractions below 350 deg^C, increased calorific value, lower viscosity, improved pour point, and better stability of converted liquid.

FRACTIONATION EXAMPLES (FIG. 9)

Example 1—Tank Farm Blending

The HE-ART Converter Device/Devices of the invention are installed on a fixed base where by it is connected to a tank of hydrocarbon based liquid or hydrocarbon liquid solid blend (such as vacuum residue and/or coal solids) destined for the fractionation tower. This liquid is passed through the technology and blended with a specific target cut (like diesel) and either recirculated immediately back into the atmospheric of vacuum tower etc or placed in a heated tank to settle for a period (or on permanent recirculation for a period of time) before entering the fractionation process. The results will be that the lighter fraction below 350 deg^C will increase in volume, especially the target cut that was blended into the liquid prior to fractionation.

Example 3—Atmospheric Distillation

A HE-ART Converter process/Device/Devices of the invention are installed on a fixed base where by it is connected to the atmospheric tower. The HE-ART Converter process/Device/Devices take a proportion of the tower bottoms and blend with a cutter such as Gas oil, heavy or light kerosene, heavy naphtha. This is then fed back into the atmospheric tower to create more lighter distillates below 350 deg^C. This will also increase the target cuts that are a reflection of the cutter that was blended into the heavier stream (tower bottoms).

Example 3—Vacuum Distillation

A HE-ART Converter process/Device/Devices of the invention are installed on a fixed base where by it is connected to the atmospheric tower. The HE-ART Converter process/Device Devices, take up to proportion of the vacuum tower bottoms and blend this with a cutter such as Heavy Vacuum Gas Oil (HVGO) or Light Vacuum Gas Oil (LVGO). This is then fed back into the fractionation process to create more lighter distillates below 350 deg^C. This will also increase the target cuts that are a reflection of the cutter that was blended into the heavier stream (tower bottoms).

Aspects of the Claims

Aspects of the Present Specification may also be Described as Follows:

1. A method for reducing the viscosity of an at least one liquid, molecular stability of a liquid, and increasing light hydrocarbon fractions using a device configured for resonance excitation of said at least one liquid, the method comprising the steps of: closing a shutoff valve of the HE-ART Converter Device; draining the device of air; establishing a flow through the device of the at least one liquid; recording the flow of said liquid using a flow meter of the device; potentially, but not always necessary, diluting the at least one liquid with a further liquid of relatively lower density by mixing said liquids using resonance excitation; if cutter is needed, establishing a desired ratio between said liquids using the flow meter; modulating the flow of said liquids, or liquid, using at least one of a viscometer, a density meter, and a mass meter of the HE-ART Converter Device; monitoring the viscosity of said liquids, or liquid, to achieve a desired blend ratio thereof; and performing a fractioning process on said liquids.

2 The method according to embodiment 1, further comprising the step of passing through a magnetic flux field produced by solid state magnets (of same, or different strengths or different sizes), one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more times.

3. The method according to embodiment 1&2, further comprising the step of maintaining an even mixture of at least one liquid for an appropriate period of time.

4. The method according to embodiments 1-3, wherein the step of establishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of at least one liquid comprises the step of establishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of an at least one hydrogen-bonded liquid.

5. The method according to embodiments 1-4, wherein the step of establishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of at least one hydrogen-bonded liquid comprises the step of establishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of a heavy fuel oil.

6. The method according to embodiments 1-5, wherein the step of establishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of a heavy fuel oil comprises the step of establishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of a high paraffinic crude oil.

7. The method according to embodiments 1-6, wherein the step of performing a fractioning process comprises the steps of: diverting a portion of a general flow of said liquid to be subjected to a preliminary conversion treatment with resonance excitation through a HE-ART Converter Device; combining the diverted portion and non-diverted portion of the general flow of said liquid; and feeding the combined liquid into a fractioning tower device.

8. The method according to embodiments 1-7, further comprising the step of subjecting the non-diverted portion of the general flow to a preliminary conversion treatment with resonance excitation.

9. The method according to embodiments 1-8, further comprising the steps of: returning a portion of a residual fraction from the fractioning tower back into said fractioning tower; and subjecting said returned residual fraction to a preliminary conversion treatment with resonance excitation through a HE-ART Converter Device.

10. The method according to embodiments 1-9, wherein the step of diluting at least one liquid comprises the step of adding a cutter to the at least one liquid through a cutter line of the HE-ART Converter Device.

11. The method according to embodiments 1-10, wherein the step of adding a cutter to the at least one liquid comprises the step of adding a light hydrocarbon to the at least one liquid to reduce the viscosity and specific gravity of the at least one liquid.

12. The method according to embodiments 1-11, wherein the step of mixing the liquids using resonance excitation, with or without solid state magnets, comprises the steps of: moving the liquids into a cavity of a rotor that rotates inside a stator of the HE-ART Converter Device; and discharging the liquids through a series of outlet openings provided along a peripheral circumference of the rotor, into an annular chamber formed by a coaxial wall (stator) and the peripheral circumference of the rotor, at which point the resonant excitation of the mixture of liquids is converted.

13. The method according to embodiments 1-12, further comprising the step of controlling the rotation frequency of the rotor based on at least one of the liquids viscosity, the pour point of the liquids, flash point of the liquids, the asphaltene and wax content of the liquids, the paraffin content of the liquids, the flow temperature of the liquids, the chemical composition of the liquids, the revolutions per minute of the motor, and the rheology of the liquids.

14. A method for reducing the viscosity of a liquid and increasing light hydrocarbon fractions of an at least one liquid using a device configured for resonance excitation, with or without solid state magnets, of at least one liquid. The method comprising the steps of: establishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of the at least one liquid; recording the flow of said liquid using a flow meter; diluting at least one liquid with a further liquid of relatively lower density by mixing said liquids using resonance excitation with or without solid state magnets; establishing a desired ratio between said liquids using the flow meter; modulating the flow of said liquids using at least one of a viscometer, a density meter, and a mass meter of the HE-ART Converter Device; monitoring the viscosity of said liquids to achieve a desired blend ratio thereof; diverting a portion of a general flow of said liquid to be subjected to a preliminary converted treatment with resonance excitation, with or without solid state magnets; combining the diverted converted portion and non-diverted portion of the general flow of said liquid; and feeding the combined liquid into a fractioning tower downstream of the HE-ART Converter Device.

15. A method for increasing light hydrocarbon fractions of a heavy fuel oil using a device configured for resonance excitation, with or without solid state magnets, of said oil, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of the fuel oil; recording the flow of the fuel oil using a flow meter of the HE-ART Converter Device; diluting the fuel oil with a light hydrocarbon liquid of relatively lower density by mixing the fuel oil and hydrocarbon liquid using resonance excitation, with or without solid state magnets; establishing a desired ratio between said liquids using the flow meter; modulating the flow of said liquids using at least one of a viscometer, a density meter, and a mass meter of the device; monitoring the viscosity of said liquids to achieve a desired blend ratio thereof; diverting a portion of a general flow of said liquid to be subjected to a preliminary conversion treatment with resonance excitation; combining the diverted portion and non-diverted portion of the general flow of said liquid; and feeding the combined liquid into a fractioning tower downstream of the HE-ART Converter Device.

16. A method for reducing the viscosity liquid and increasing light hydrocarbon fractions of a heavy fuel oil using a device configured for resonance excitation, with or without solid state magnets, of said oil, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of the hydrocarbon liquid, or; recording the flow of the fuel oil using a flow meter of the device; diluting the fuel oil with a light hydrocarbon liquid of relatively lower density by mixing the fuel oil and hydrocarbon liquid using resonance excitation, with or without solid state magnets; establishing a desired ratio between said liquids using the flow meter; modulating the flow of said liquids using at least one of a viscometer, a density meter, and a mass meter of the device; monitoring the viscosity of said liquids to achieve a desired blend ratio thereof; a portion of a general flow of said liquid to be subjected to a preliminary conversion treatment with resonance excitation, with or without solid state magnets; combining the diverted portion and non-diverted portion of the general flow of said liquid; and diverting the processed liquid through the ART-TMP process, whereby it will go through a period of heat and time to effect the viscosity reduction process.

17. The method according to embodiments 1-2, wherein the step of establishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of hydrocarbon liquid blended with H₂O, where by the Hydrocarbon liquid is separated from the H₂O.

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described.

Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the present invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the present invention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other group members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in the present specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about” means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate numerical value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of a numerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if it were individually recited herein.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the present invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the transition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s). Embodiments of the present invention so claimed are inherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced and identified in the present specification are individually and expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the compositions and methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the present invention. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents is based on the information available to the applicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.

It should be understood that the logic code, programs, modules, processes, methods, and the order in which the respective elements of each method are performed are purely exemplary. Depending on the implementation, they may be performed in any order or in parallel, unless indicated otherwise in the present disclosure.

While aspects of the invention have been described with reference to at least one exemplary embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here, that the inventor(s) believe that the claimed subject matter is the invention.

Claims

1. A method for reducing the viscosity and increasing light hydrocarbon fractions using acoustic mechanical vibrations and a magnetic flux field of a first liquid using a device that is capable of producing a resonance excitation of said liquid, the method comprising the steps of: a. closing a shutoff valve of the device;b. draining the device of air;c. establishing a flow through the device of the first liquid;d. recording the flow of the first liquid using a flow meter of the device.e. converting the first liquid using resonance excitation;f. establishing if the converted material should be recirculated, and to what percentage, back into the first and or second liquid mix for a multiple exposure to resonance excitation.g. If the first liquid needs additional cutter liquid, mixing the first liquid with one or more other liquids which have a lower viscosity;h. producing a preferred viscosity by determining an optimal ratio between the first liquid and the one or more other liquids using a flow meter;i. modulating the flow of said liquids using at least one of a viscometer, a density meter, or a mass meter; and,j. monitoring the viscosity of said liquids to achieve a preferred blend ratio thereof; and performing a fractioning process on said liquids.k. placing the processed liquid through a heating system and into a reciprocal, selected from a heated tank, heated pipeline and/or a heated tanker for a period of curing time to effect the viscosity improvement.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more liquids mixed with the first liquid are of a lower density than the first liquid.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more liquids constitute a diluent.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first liquid is bitumen, paraffin wax or other heavy oil.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first liquid comprises a mixture of two or more other liquids or liquids mixed with solids.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first liquid is DilBit or a heavy hydrocarbon liquid.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of heating the first liquid.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first liquid is heated to a temperature equal to or above the Initial Boiling Point of the first liquid;

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the inlet pressure of the first liquid is maintained at a minimum of 1 bar (or 14.504 psi) and not higher than 10 bar (or 145.038 psi).

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the discharge pressure of an at least one liquid is maintained at a pressure equal to at least the suction pressure.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the pressure does not exceed 10 bar (145.038 PSI) above the suction pressure.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the first liquid is a hydrogen-bonded liquid.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the hydrogen-bonded liquid is a heavy fuel oil.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first liquid is a high paraffinic crude oil.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the first liquid is a Bitumen, DilBit, Dilsynbit, Neatbit, Railbit, Synbit, Treater Blend DilBit, standard DilBit, lightened Dilbit, enhanced DilBit, emulsion, conventional light oil, conventional oil medium, convention oil heavy, sweet oil, sour oil, hydrocarbon liquid blended with coal, hydrocarbon mixed with H2O.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the fractioning process comprises: a. diverting a portion of a general flow of the first liquid and treating the first liquid to resonance excitation;b. establishing if the converted material should be recirculated, and to what percentage, back into the first and or second liquid mix for a multiple exposure to resonance excitation.c. combining the diverted portion of the converted first liquid and a non-diverted portion of the general flow of said, first liquid; and,d. feeding the combined liquid into a fractioning tower.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the non-diverted portion of the general flow is also treated with resonance excitation.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the steps of: a. returning a portion of a residual fraction from the fractioning tower back into the fractioning tower; andb. subjecting the returned residual fraction to a preliminary conversion treatment with resonance excitation.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of diluting the first liquid comprises the addition of a diluent to the first liquid, and further wherein, the diluent is provided through a separate line in the device.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first liquid is mixed with one or more other liquids, wherein the one or more other liquids are a light hydrocarbon, and further wherein, the addition of the one or more other liquids reduces the viscosity and/or specific gravity of the first liquid.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the first liquid is mixed with a condensate, and further wherein, the addition of the condensate reduces one or more of the viscosity or specific gravity of the first liquid.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the first liquid is mixed with a Hydrocarbon Diluent, and further wherein, the addition of the Hydrocarbon Diluent reduces one or more of the viscosity or specific gravity of the first liquid.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the mixing of the first liquid and the one or more other liquids is done using resonance excitation generated by an electric motor producing 2950-2999 RPM.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein the mixing of the first liquid and the one or more other liquids is done using a resonance excitation generating a frequency between 1 kHz-64 kHz

25. The method of claim 1, wherein the mixing of the first liquid and the one or more other liquids are passed through a solid state magnetic flux field of no less than: Coercive force: 12.3 kOe, 955 KA/mg; Magnetic induction: 13.0-13.2 kG; Magnetic energy: 40-42 MG-Oe, 318-342 KJ/m3.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein the mixing of the first liquid and the one or more other liquids using an electric motor to produce the basic frequency of resonance excitation.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the first liquid is reduced by: a. moving the first liquid and one or more other liquids into a cavity of a rotor, accelerated by an inner impeller comprised of a set of backwards curved, aero foiled centrifugal blades, that rotates inside a single walled stator of the device; andb. discharging the liquids through a series of outlet openings provided along a peripheral circumference of the rotor, into an annular chamber formed by a coaxial wall (stator) and the peripheral circumference of the rotor, at which point the resonant excitation of the mixture of liquids is converted.

28. The method of claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the first liquid is reduced using resonance excitation, with or without solid state magnetic influence by: a. moving the first liquid and one or more other liquids into a cavity of a rotor, accelerated by an inner impeller comprised of a set of backwards curved, aero foiled centrifugal blades, that rotates inside a stator of the device; andb. discharging the liquids through a series of outlet openings provided along a peripheral circumference of the rotor, into an annular chamber formed by a coaxial wall (stator) and the peripheral circumference of the rotor, at which point the resonant excitation of the mixture of liquids is affected.c. Passing the pre and post processed liquid through a solid state magnetic flux field.d. Putting the processed liquid into a heated environment for a period of time.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of controlling the rotation frequency of the rotor is based one or more of the following factors, the viscosity of the first and one or more other liquids, the pour point, flash point of the first and one or more other liquids, the asphaltene and wax content of the first and one or more other liquids, the paraffin content of the first and one or more other liquids, the flow temperature of the first and one or more other liquids, the chemical composition of the first and one or more other liquids, and the rheology of the first and one or more other liquids.

30. The method of claim 1, wherein the first liquid is maintained in a heated storage vessel following resonance excitation with or without solid state magnetic influence, further wherein, the resonance excitation, with or without solid state magnetic influence, was for a time period of no less than 1 minute and no more than 10 hours following the exposure of the first liquid to the resonance excitation. This heat and time process is known as ART-TMP, or a “Thermal Maturing Period”.

31. The method of claim 29,wherein the first liquid is maintained in a general product pipe line, which can store the first liquid following exposure of the first liquid to the resonance excitation, with or without solid state magnetic influence.

32. The method of claim 1, wherein at least a portion, between 1%-100%, of the first liquid is diverted, recirculated back into the preprocessed inflow into the device following the exit of the first liquid from the device.

33. The method of claim 23, wherein the rotation frequency (RPM) of the rotor is determined based on at least one of, the viscosity of the first liquid and/or the one or more liquids, the pour point the first liquid and/or the one or more liquids, flash point of the first liquid and/or the one or more liquids, the asphaltene and wax content of the first liquid and/or the one or more liquids, the paraffin content of the first liquid and/or the one or more liquids, the flow temperature of the first liquid and/or the one or more liquids, the chemical composition of the first liquid and/or the one or more liquids, the frequency of the rotor in the HE-ART Converter Device, and the rheology of the first liquid and/or the one or more liquids.

34. The method of claim 1 wherein a flow through the device of the first liquid and/or the one or more liquids comprises the step of installing solid state magnets on the casing of the device configured for resonance excitation.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the solid state magnets are installed on the inlet flange of the device configured for resonance excitation.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the solid state magnets are installed on the discharge flange of the device configured for resonance excitation.

37. The method of claim 34, wherein the solid state magnets are installed on the diluent line of the device configured for resonance excitation.

38. The method of claim 32, wherein the solid state magnets are installed on the recirculation line of the device configured for resonance excitation.

39. The method of claim 28, wherein the heating of the first liquid occurs once and further wherein, the first liquid is heated to a temperature of 30° C.-99° C. to complete the process of resonant excitation of an at least one liquid.

40. The method of claim 1 wherein the flow one of the first liquid is mediated through the installation on the device of additional gaskets that are comprised of one or more of copper, zinc or other materials of natural mineral origin on the intake flange of the device, and further wherein the additional gaskets are configured for resonance excitation.

41. The method of claim 28, wherein the pre-installation of the additional gaskets that are comprised of one or more of copper, zinc or other materials of natural mineral origin on the discharge flange of the device and further wherein the additional gaskets are configured for resonance excitation.

42. The method of claim 28, wherein the pre-installation of insulation kits on all bolts and flanges.

43. These are comprised of nylon sleeves, natural gaskets and O-ring seals so as to reduce frequency travel along the process flow piping.

43. A method for increasing the molecular stability and increasing light hydrocarbon fractions using acoustic mechanical vibrations and a solid state magnetic flux field of the first liquid using a device configured for resonance excitation of said first liquid, the method comprising the steps of: a. establishing a flow through the device of the first liquid;b. recording the flow of the first liquid using a flow meter of the device;c. diluting the first liquid with a one or more other liquids of relatively lower density wherein the first liquid and the one or more other liquids are mixed using resonance excitation;d. establishing a desired ratio between the first liquid and the one or more other liquids using the flow meter;e. modulating the flow of the first liquid and the one or more other liquids using at least one or more of, a viscometer, a density meter, or a mass meter;f. monitoring the viscosity of the first liquid and the one or more other liquids to achieve a desired blend ratio of the first liquid and the one or more other liquids;g. recirculating a portion of a general flow of the first liquid and the one or more other liquids that is subjected to a preliminary treatment with resonance excitation;h. combining the diverted portion and non-diverted portion of the general flow of the first liquid and the one or more other liquids; andi. feeding the combined first liquid and the one or more other liquids into a fractioning tower.

44. A method for reducing the viscosity and increasing light hydrocarbon fractions using acoustic mechanical vibrations and a solid state magnetic flux field of a heavy fuel oil using a device configured for resonance excitation of said heavy fuel oil, the method comprising the steps of: a. establishing a flow through the device of the heavy fuel oil;b. recording the flow of the heavy fuel oil using a flow meter;c. diluting the heavy fuel oil with a light hydrocarbon liquid of relatively lower density by mixing the heavy fuel oil and hydrocarbon liquid using resonance excitation;d. establishing a desired ratio between said liquids using the flow meter;e. modulating the flow of said liquids using at least one of, a viscometer, a density meter, and a mass meter;f. monitoring the viscosity of said liquids to achieve a desired blend ratio thereof;g. recirculating a portion of a general flow of said liquid to be subjected to a preliminary treatment with resonance excitation;h. combining the diverted portion and non-diverted portion of the general flow of said liquid; andi. feeding the combined liquid into a fractioning tower.

45. A method for separating hydrocarbon material from H2O using a device configured for resonance excitation of said Hydrocarbon polluted H2O, the method comprising the steps of: a. establishing a flow through the device of the Hydrocarbon and H2O mixed liquid;b. Establishing the need for diverting a portion of the resonance excitation processed material or allowing all the processed material to go to point e.c. diverting a portion of a general flow of said liquid to be subjected to a preliminary treatment with resonance excitation;d. combining the diverted portion and non-diverted portion of the general flow of said liquid; ande. feeding the combined processed liquid into settling tank for a period of time between 1 hr and 48 hrs.f. After the settling period completes. Using industry standard techniques, extract each stratified liquid separately.

46. A method for reducing the viscosity and increasing light hydrocarbon fractions using acoustic mechanical vibrations and a solid state magnetic flux field of a heavy fuel oil using a device configured for resonance excitation of said heavy fuel oil, the method comprising the steps of: j. establishing a flow through the device of the heavy hydrocarbon liquid;k. recording the flow of the heavy hydrocarbon liquid using a flow meter;l. diluting the heavy hydrocarbon liquid oil with a light hydrocarbon liquid of relatively lower density by mixing the heavy hydrocarbon liquid and lighter hydrocarbon liquid using resonance excitation with or without solid state magnetic flux influence;m. establishing a desired ratio between said liquids using the flow meter;n. modulating the flow of said liquids using at least one of, a viscometer, a density meter, and a mass meter;o. monitoring the viscosity of said liquids to achieve a desired blend ratio thereof;p. recirculating a portion of a general flow of said liquid to be subjected to a preliminary treatment with resonance excitation;q. combining the diverted portion and non-diverted portion of the general flow of said liquid; andr. placing the processed material into a heated environment for a period of time to effect the lowering of viscosity.