Chevron U.s.a. Inc.

Deyuan Kong

Cesar Ovalles

Toni Zhang Miao

Thomas Hoelen

Roopa Kamath

Gunther Hans Dieckmann

Michael Moir

Ajit Ramachandra Pradhan

John Bryan Trenery, Jr

Rachel Ellen Mohler

Robert Neil Trotter

Cory James McDaniel

Schaun Malcolm Smith

Hydrocarbons concentrations are determined in drilling cuttings samples by generating a model for predicting hydrocarbons concentrations. Methods include dividing multiple samples removed from drilling fluid into two one set analyzed using a retort, and another set analyzed using a handheld NIR spectrometer to obtain NIR diffuse reflectance data. PLS analysis is used to correlate the retort data with the diffuse reflectance data to generate a calibration model. The model is validated with samples having unknown hydrocarbons concentration. The model is used to predict the hydrocarbons concentration for samples removed from drilling fluid taken from the rig site using the spectrometer to obtain diffuse reflectance data. During measurements, each sample contains 0.1 to 10 wt % moisture and each sample is in a clear container pressed against the spectrometer window such that the IR source from the handheld device can pass to the drilled solids sample within the clear container without opening the clear container.

Method for determining hydrocarbon concentration in drilled solids using near infrared spectroscopy

Contaminant-containing soil can be remediated by subjecting the soil to microwave irradiation to heat the soil to a combustion temperature of from 150&#xb0; C. to 1200&#xb0; C. to initiate combustion. A target amount of the contaminant in the soil is destroyed. An oxidizer gas can be flowed through the soil using a gas blower and at least one gas injection line and controlled at a rate such that a self-sustaining smoldering combustion front is formed that moves through the soil. A microwave absorber additive can be added to the soil to accelerate the heating of the soil. At least one waveguide connected to a source of microwave energy directs microwaves into the soil.

Systems and methods for thermal treatment of contaminated material

Disclosed is a method for generating a site specific model for predicting TPH concentration in soil. The method includes dividing a plurality of soil samples taken from a field site into two sets of samples. One set is analyzed using GC-FID, and the other set is analyzed using a handheld FTIR spectrometer with an ATR window to obtain FTIR-ATR absorbance data. Partial least squares regression analysis is used to correlate the GC-FID TPH concentration data with the absorbance data to generate a calibration model. The model is validated with soil samples having unknown TPH concentration. The model is used to predict the TPH concentration of soil samples taken from the field site analyzed using the handheld Fourier transform-infrared spectrometer to obtain FTIR-ATR absorbance data for the soil samples. During all absorbance measurements, each of the soil samples has a moisture content of 1 to 30 wt % and each sample is pressed against the ATR window with sufficient pressure to ensure intimate contact between the sample and the window.

Method for predicting total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration in soils

The present invention is directed to a method for irradiating of solids containing petroleum or petroleum derived compounds (PPDCs), such as soils, oily sludge, drill cuttings, sediments, and non-commercial petroleum industry products, with electron beams in order to physically and/or chemically alter the composition of the PPDCs. The method includes the step of separating PPDC gas and liquids in the presence of a gas driver. Optionally, the method includes the steps of treating off-gases and applying one or more amendments to PPCD-impacted solid material pre-irradiation, post-irradiation, or during electron beam irradiation.

Method for soil treatment

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San Ramon, CA, United States of America

Deyuan Kong