EA043985B1 - DEVICE FOR HYDROCARBON CONVERSION - Google Patents

Description

Cross reference to related application

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/660694, entitled EFFICIENT CIRCUIT IN PULSED ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE PROCESSING, filed April 20, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of technology

The invention generally relates to a high efficiency spark discharge electrical circuit for use in the industrial processing of heavy liquid hydrocarbons into lighter products.

State of the art

The oil and gas industry can be divided into three chronological sectors: oil and gas production, intermediate and downstream. The oil and gas sector includes the exploration and production sector. It covers the exploration, production and extraction of crude oil and/or natural gas from underground or subsea deposits. It also covers the process of drilling and operating wells to extract and bring crude oil and crude gas to the surface. Exploration involves conducting geological and geophysical surveys, searching for potential underground or subsea crude oil and natural gas deposits, obtaining leases and drilling permits, and the entire drilling process.

The intermediate sector involves the transportation of crude oil or petroleum products, usually through pipelines, oil tankers, barges, trucks or rail. The final destination is oil refineries, which then begin sequential processing. The intermediate sector also includes the storage of these products, as well as any wholesale marketing activities. The intermediate sector may also include elements of oil and gas production and downstream processing due to its intermediate location. For example, the intermediate sector may include natural gas processing plants that purify raw natural gas and remove and produce elemental sulfur and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as end products.

Recently, due to rising crude oil prices, declining medium and light crude oil reserves, and the abundance of unconventional crude oils, the development of heavy crude oil and bitumen reserves has become significantly more favored. However, heavy crude oil and bitumen have many disadvantages that must be addressed both during their extraction and during transportation to refineries. Transporting heavy crude oil via pipeline is difficult due to its high density and viscosity (>1000 cP) and low mobility at reservoir temperatures. In addition, contaminants such as asphaltene deposits, heavy metals, sulfur and brine or salt make transportation and purification difficult using traditional petroleum refining methods. The presence of mineral solution or salt in heavy oil leads to pipeline corrosion. In some cases, this can lead to the formation of an emulsion, such as a mixture of oil and water, which makes transportation difficult. Due to the high molecular weight and high viscosity of heavy oil, large pressure drops along the pipeline are expected, making it expensive and energy intensive. In addition, asphaltene deposits clog the walls, reducing the cross-sectional area available for oil flow.

Therefore, additional processes can be performed to solve these problems and transport heavy oil. They include the following.

(1) Viscosity reduction, such as preheating heavy crude oil and bitumen and then heating the pipeline, mixing and diluting with light hydrocarbons or solvent. The viscosity of the mixed mixture is determined by the added thinner and its proportion. Diluting heavy oil requires two pipelines, one for oil and the other for diluents, which further increases costs.

(2) Emulsification due to the formation of oil in water.

(3) Reduction of drag/frictional resistance (e.g., pipeline lubrication through the use of annular flow, drag reducing additive).

(4) Partial in-situ upgrading of heavy oil to produce synthetic crude oil with improved viscosity, API gravity, and minimization of asphaltenes, sulfur and heavy metals.

Partial upgrading of heavy oil involves converting only part of the vacuum residue and producing synthetic crude oil (SCO) containing 5-25% of the residue. They can be developed at half the cost of a complete upgrade, but they are not implemented on an industrial scale due to the lack of technology, disadvantages associated with the stability and economic parameters of the SSN. However, in countries like Canada, huge reserves of heavy crude oil make partial upgrading a competitive option.

The downstream sector represents the final phase of the oil and gas industry. It includes crude oil refining and the processing and purification of raw natural gas. Marketing and distribution of products derived from crude oil and natural gas are also part of this sector. Products supplied to general consumers include gasoline or gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel, diesel fuel, heating oil, fuel oil, lubricants, paraffin, asphalt, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and a host of petrochemical products.

In the standard petroleum refining process, crude oil is desalted and subjected to atmospheric distillation, which separates it into fractions based on a range of boiling points. The atmospheric residue (AR) cutoff temperature is approximately 350-360°C. Fractions below these values are evaporated and separated, while the atmospheric distillation residue, containing longer carbon chains, requires further distillation under reduced pressure and high temperature. In this regard, a vacuum distillation process is carried out, which is important for the further upgrading of crude oil and extraction oils. The vacuum cut-off temperature (VO) is approximately 565°C.

However, despite the AO and BO treatments, refineries that process heavier crudes will still have a significant proportion of the incoming oil as residue (eg Lloydminster mixture residue is approximately 50% at 460°C). Therefore, cracking heavy oil requires several more processes. There are currently several methods available for cracking crude oil. Of these, thermal cracking is considered the most efficient and is widely used to convert higher molecular weight heavy hydrocarbons into lighter, lower molecular weight fractions.

The most commonly used cracking processes are hydrocracking, fluid catalytic cracking and delayed coker. While all of these cracking processes come with some advantages, they also have significant disadvantages. General advantages include the ability to produce a variety of fuels from light aviation kerosene to heavy fuel oil in large quantities.

However, a significant drawback of currently used methods for synthesizing lighter fuels from crude oil is the high financial costs associated with the implementation of the method. Both capital and operating costs are typically high for these methods. Additionally, due to economies of scale, all heat treatments are most effective only at high volume and surface area. It is estimated that the minimum efficient scale for a full-cycle refinery is approximately 200 thousand barrels per day (MBD) of crude oil capacity.

In particular, the existing method is implemented at high temperatures and pressures of the working environment and therefore requires special materials for the manufacture of chemical reactors and other special equipment. For example, reactors are usually made of special grades of alloy steel. Another factor adding to the enormous costs of these processes is hydrogen embrittlement and quality control. Hydrogen embrittlement is a process in which hydride-forming metals such as titanium, vanadium, zirconium, tantalum and niobium become brittle and fracture due to the incorporation and subsequent diffusion of hydrogen into the metal.

Operating conditions for a single stage hydrocracker are 348-427°C (660-800°F) with an increase of approximately 0.05-0.1°C (0.1-0.2°F) per day to compensate for loss of activity catalyst and pressure ranging from 8724 to 13790 kPa (1200-2000 psi). The fuel coker operates at 487-500°C (910-930°F) with a typical pressure of 103.4 kPa (15 psi). For a fluid catalytic cracking unit, a reactor and a regenerator are considered to be the main components of a fluid catalytic cracking unit. The reactor is at a temperature of approximately 535°C and a pressure of approximately 172.4 kPa (25 psi), while the catalyst regenerator operates at a temperature of approximately 715°C (1320°F) and a pressure of approximately 241.3 kPa (35 psi). Maintaining such working conditions is very expensive.

In addition, the capital cost of a reformer such as a hydrocracker is very high. It is estimated that a hydrocracker requires five times the capital cost of atmospheric distillation. For example, if a 100,000 barrels per day crude distillation unit costs approximately $90 million, a complexity factor 5 hydrocracker would cost $450 million to process the same volume of crude oil.

In addition, catalysts used in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes are very sensitive to the content of various impurities in crude oil. In particular, the presence of sulfur in crude oil leads to rapid degradation of the catalytic properties of the catalyst. Thus, pre-treatment (desulfurization) of raw materials is necessary, which increases the cost. In addition, nickel, vanadium, iron, copper and other contaminants present in FCC feedstocks have a detrimental effect on catalyst activity and productivity. Nickel and vanadium are especially unfavorable. In addition, removing a portion of the circulating catalyst as spent catalyst and replacing it with fresh catalyst to maintain the desired level of activity for the FCC technology increases the operating costs of the process.

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Plasma-chemical methods use various types of electrical discharges to create plasma. Such methods for cracking and reforming oil are described in various patents and publications. For example, US Patent Publication No. 2005/0121366 discloses a method and apparatus for reforming petroleum by passing an electrical discharge directly through a liquid. The disadvantage of this method is the short service life of the electrodes and the associated high probability of disruption of the ignition spark between these electrodes. Due to the high electrical resistance of oil, the distance between the electrodes should be minimal. For example, the distance may be approximately 1 mm. However, the interelectrode distance increases rapidly due to electrode erosion, resulting in system failure and/or failure. In addition, the use of such small gaps between electrodes allows only a very small volume of feed material to be processed at any given time.

US Pat. No. 5,626,726 describes a petroleum cracking process that uses a heterogeneous mixture of liquid hydrocarbon materials with various gases, such as arc plasma treatment. This method has the same disadvantages as the small discharge gap described above, and requires a special device for mixing gas with liquid, as well as the resulting heterogeneous suspension. Heating the mixture with a continuous arc discharge leads to significant energy losses, increased soot formation and low efficiency.

Russian patent No. 2452763 describes a method in which a spark discharge occurs in water, and the impact of the discharge is transmitted to a heterogeneous mixture of gas and liquid hydrocarbon or oil through a membrane. This increases the discharge gap between the electrodes, which increases the service life of the electrode, but reduces the effectiveness of the spark discharge on hydrocarbon or oil. This occurs because, for the most part, direct contact of the plasma discharge with the hydrocarbon medium is excluded. In addition, the already complex design using a high voltage pulse generator is further complicated by the use of a device for preparing a heterogeneous mixture and a device for separating the treated medium from the water in which a spark discharge is created.

US Pat. No. 7,931,785 describes processes that have high efficiency in converting heavy oil into light hydrocarbon fractions. In these methods, a heterogeneous oil and gas environment is exposed to an electron beam and a completely non-self-sustaining electrical discharge. However, the practical use of the proposed method is problematic, since in addition to a complex system for preparing a heterogeneous mixture, an electron accelerator with a device for outputting the electron beam of the accelerator vacuum chamber in a high-pressure gas-liquid mixture is required. An electron accelerator is a complex technical device that significantly increases both capital and operating costs. In addition, any use of a beam of fast electrons is accompanied by bremsstrahlung X-ray radiation. Thus, the entire device requires appropriate biological containment, which further increases costs.

Plasma reactors can be added as refinery upgrade methods for all feedstocks. Implementing such reactors in a refinery process rather than in a heavy oil field process offers a simple and step-by-step development plan compared to field implementation. This is mainly due to the fact that the oil that must pass through these reactors in refineries has already undergone a number of pre-treatments such as dehydration, desalting and atmospheric distillation. Consequently, overall processing will be significantly simpler compared to field sales. The refinery can supply mains voltage and carrier gases without the additional need to include them in the upgrading process. In addition, these reactors will not have to meet the stringent piping requirements for viscosity, density, olefin content and oil stability required in the field. From the refinery's point of view, these conditions will increase the production of the required distillates and reduce the load on cokers and hydrocrackers, thus eliminating bottlenecks in the process chain.

Disclosure of the Invention

In one aspect, there is provided an efficient electrical device for generating periodic spark discharges for the chemical conversion of hydrocarbons or other feedstock; wherein the device consists of a current-controlled circuit that rectifies a standard line input (including, but not limited to, 120 VAC 60 Hz, 240 VAC 60 Hz) into a high voltage DC output (e.g., 50 kV). The DC output may be applied to two or more electrodes within the two-phase mixture in the treatment reactor.

In another aspect, the apparatus includes an oil processing reactor for receiving a two-phase mixture of gas and liquid. The mixture may include a hydrocarbon that needs to be converted. The apparatus may include a multi-electrode spark circuit for converting hydrocarbons, wherein the spark circuit exposes the electrodes to a two-phase mixture in an oil processing reactor. At least one high voltage rectifier circuit may be operably coupled

- 3 043985 with spark discharge circuit. The apparatus may be configured to provide a power-controlled input signal to a spark circuit to generate spark discharges at the electrodes.

In various embodiments of the invention, the rectifier circuit may be configured to generate a high DC voltage from a low voltage AC input.

In some embodiments, the rectifier circuit may include at least one Cockcroft-Walton generator (CWG).

In various embodiments of the invention, the rectifier circuit may operate in parallel with the step-up transformer. A step-up transformer can be connected to a single-phase line input. The line input may be at least one of a 120 VAC 60 Hz input and a 240 VAC 60 Hz input.

In some embodiments, a single step-up transformer supplies multiple spark gaps in parallel.

In some embodiments, the device may have multiple transformers and multiple spark gaps, with one transformer for each spark gap and complete electrical separation of each spark gap circuit.

In some embodiments, the rectifier circuit includes a CWG.

In some embodiments, a step-up transformer may be connected to a multiphase line input to separate the multiphase AC input voltages and couple one or more complete CWG transformer settings to each input.

In some embodiments, the rectifier circuit includes a half-wave, single-stage CWG.

In some embodiments, the rectifier circuit includes a multi-stage CWG.

In some embodiments, the rectifier circuit includes a full wave CWG.

In some embodiments, the capacitance of at least one of the capacitors in the rectifier circuit affects the pulse energy for spark discharges.

In some embodiments, the rectifier circuit operates in parallel with a first power supply and a second power supply operating in conjunction with the first power supply. The first power supply can convert a standard AC line input to a low voltage DC output. The second power supply can convert a low voltage DC input voltage to a high voltage AC output voltage of any frequency.

In some embodiments, the rectifier circuit is configured to have an output capacitance in the range of 1 pF to 1 nF, potentially taking advantage of any inherent parasitic capacitance in the circuit. In various embodiments of the invention, the rectifier circuit may have an output capacitance in the range of 10 to 50 pF. In some versions, the rectifier circuit can have an output capacitance ranging from 5 to 200 pF. In other embodiments, the rectifier circuit may have an output capacitance of less than 1 pF or greater than 1 nF.

In some embodiments, the device is configured to produce a voltage in the range of 3 kV to 50 kV. In various embodiments of the invention, the device can be configured to generate a voltage in the range of 30 to 40 kV. In some versions the device can be configured to generate voltages from 20 to 60 kV. In some embodiments, the device may be configured to generate a voltage in the range of 10 to 100 kV. In other embodiments of the invention, the device may be configured to generate a voltage of less than 3 kV or greater than 100 kV.

In another aspect, the apparatus model includes a treatment reactor for receiving the mixture to be treated. The device may include at least one multi-electrode spark circuit, wherein the at least one spark circuit is implemented in a treatment reactor by exposing two spark gap electrodes to the mixture. The apparatus may also include at least one high voltage generator operably coupled to the at least one spark circuit. The generator may be arranged to provide a controlled power input to the at least one spark circuit to generate spark discharges at the electrodes.

In some embodiments, the generator is a Cockcroft-Walton generator (CWG) effectively coupled to a spark circuit. The CWG may be configured to operate in series with a step-up transformer.

In some embodiments, the device is configured to disinfect at least one of food or water.

In another aspect, a hydrocarbon conversion device includes a discharge chamber that contains a plurality of electrodes spaced apart. The device may include a discharge circuit configured to create a discharge between the electrodes. The device may also include an inlet for transporting hydrocarbon material into the discharge chamber such that the hydrocarbon material reaches a gap between the electrodes, and an outlet for transporting a hydrocarbon fraction from the discharge chamber, wherein the hydrocarbon fraction is formed after discharge between the electrodes, while while the hydrocarbon material is in the gap. The voltage multiplier may be configured to provide a current-controlled input signal to the discharge circuit when electrical pulses are applied to the hydrocarbon material through the electrodes.

In some embodiments, the voltage multiplier is a Cockcroft-Walton generator.

In some embodiments, the Cockcroft-Walton generator is a single-stage Cockcroft-Walton generator.

In some embodiments, the Cockcroft-Walton generator is a multi-stage Cockcroft-Walton generator.

In some embodiments, the Cockcroft-Walton oscillator is a half-wave Cockcroft-Walton oscillator.

In some embodiments, the Cockcroft-Walton oscillator is a full-wave Cockcroft-Walton oscillator.

In some embodiments, the Cockcroft-Walton generator is configured to generate high-voltage capacitor discharge pulses for converting hydrocarbons.

In some embodiments, the device further includes a step-up transformer.

In some embodiments, the device is powered by a high voltage alternating current source.

In some embodiments, the voltage multiplier is a first voltage multiplier, and the device further includes a second voltage multiplier arranged to operate in parallel with the first voltage multiplier.

In some embodiments, the device further includes a step-up transformer operably coupled to both the first voltage multiplier and the second voltage multiplier. The first and second voltage multipliers may be operatively coupled to a single step-up transformer.

In some embodiments, the device is powered using direct line power input.

In another aspect, a hydrocarbon conversion apparatus may include a discharge chamber, an inlet for transporting hydrocarbon material into the discharge chamber, and an outlet for transporting a hydrocarbon fraction from the discharge chamber. The device may include a number of voltage multipliers operating in parallel. Voltage multipliers may be configured to apply electrical pulses to the hydrocarbon material in the discharge chamber to convert the hydrocarbons. Electrical pulses can be supplied through a discharge circuit with a current controlled input signal.

In some embodiments, the array of voltage multipliers are Cockcroft-Walton generators.

In some embodiments, a number of voltage multipliers operate in parallel from a single step-up transformer.

In another aspect, a method for converting hydrocarbons includes transporting hydrocarbon material through an inlet into a discharge chamber. The method may also include using one or more Cockcroft-Walton generators to apply high voltage electrical capacitor discharge pulses to the hydrocarbon material in the discharge chamber to convert the hydrocarbons. The pulses can be supplied through a two-electrode spark circuit equipped with a current-controlled input signal. The method may further include transporting a hydrocarbon fraction from the discharge chamber through the outlet.

In some embodiments, the use of one or more Cockcroft-Walton generators includes the use of a corresponding number of voltage multipliers operating in parallel.

In some embodiments, Cockcroft-Walton generators are part of a device that is powered by a step-up transformer using direct line input.

In another aspect, the system comprises a single-stage half-wave Cockcroft-Walton generator used to generate high-voltage capacitor discharge pulses for hydrocarbon conversion, which is powered from a step-up transformer using direct line input.

In another aspect, the system comprises a set of single-stage half-wave Cockcroft-Walton generators operating in parallel from a single step-up transformer using

- 5 043985 direct input of mains power for use in hydrocarbon conversion.

In another aspect, the system includes a single-stage full-wave Cockroft-Walton generator used to generate high-voltage capacitor discharge pulses for hydrocarbon conversion, which is powered from a step-up transformer using direct line input.

In another aspect, the system comprises a set of single-stage full-wave Cockcroft-Walton generators operated in parallel from a single step-up transformer using direct line input for hydrocarbon conversion applications.

In another aspect, the system includes a multi-stage half-wave Cockcroft-Walton generator used to generate high-voltage capacitor discharge pulses for hydrocarbon conversion, which is powered from a step-up transformer using direct line input.

In another aspect, the system comprises a set of multi-stage Cockcroft-Walton half-wave generators operated in parallel from a single step-up transformer using direct line input for hydrocarbon conversion applications.

In another aspect, the system comprises a multi-stage half-wave Cockcroft-Walton generator used to generate high-voltage capacitor discharge pulses for hydrocarbon conversion, which is powered from a step-up transformer using a high voltage alternating current source.

In another aspect, the system includes a set of multi-stage Cockcroft-Walton half-wave generators operating in parallel from a single step-up transformer using a high-voltage AC power supply for hydrocarbon conversion applications.

Brief description of drawings

In fig. 1A-1D are model drawings for various versions of a resistor-capacitor (RC) spark discharge circuit using a voltage-regulated (FIGS. 1A, 1C) or current-regulated (FIGS. 1B, 1D) power supply, which is ideal (1A, 1B ) or non-ideal (1C, 1D). The dotted line in the diagrams of Figs. 1C and 1D indicate the internal components of a non-ideal power supply.

In fig. 2A and 2B provide examples of circuit efficiency as a function of the internal power supply capacitance Ci and ballast resistance Rb for non-ideal voltage (2A) and current (2B) regulated cases.

In fig. 3A-3H show examples of comparison of response times at constant voltage (3A-3D) and constant current (3E-3H) for RC circuits.

In fig. 4A and 4B provide examples of constant voltage (4A) and constant current (4V) efficiency and pulse frequency for RC circuits.

In fig. Figure 5 shows representative efficiency versus input power values for constant current and constant voltage RC circuits. Circuit charging efficiency (^ = P _O ut /PT) is shown as a function of average input power for an RC spark circuit using either voltage (7 Constantv) or current (^Constanti) controlled options (C _e =200 pF, %= Yu ΜΩ and 14=20 kV.)

In fig. 6A and 6B provide examples of efficiency versus resistance at constant input power for constant voltage (6A) and constant current (6V) RC circuits.

In fig. 7 is a representative circuit diagram of an example of a two-stage half-wave Cockcroft-Walton oscillator with an ac output Vi and a dc output Vo.

FIG. 8 is a representative schematic diagram of the T+4CWG equipment for powering the four spark gaps with associated diagnostic elements connected to the rightmost spark gap. For the experimental data presented in this specification, C1=110 pF, Cq=0.57 mF and Rq=22.3 ΜΩ.

In fig. 9A-9D show example graphs of pulse energy scatter as a function of breakdown voltage for each of four spark gaps operating in parallel (see Example 1), with an average distance between spark gaps of 5 mm.

In fig. Figure 10 shows example voltage curves for V _g and Vq (as defined in FIG. 7) used to calculate the energy of individual pulses as ^P ^{ulse _} ^ Cq AVq · V _b .

In fig. Figure 11 shows an example plot of wall power versus the number of parallel CWG installations corresponding to the data sets detailed in Table. 3.

In fig. 12A-12D show selected graphs generated from the tabular data in Table 1. 3.

In fig. 13 is an example plot of total useful output power (Pout+Pprobei+PRo) as a function of wall power for the circuit of FIG. 8. The slope of the linear fitting line reflects the differential efficiency of the entire circuit.

In fig. Figure 14 shows an example of a circuit drawing for a full-wave single-stage generator

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Cockcroft-U Alton.

In fig. 15A and 15B are graphs of pulse energy dispersion as a function of breakdown voltage for the circuit shown in FIG. 14 supplying an approximately 5 mm gap (15A) and an approximately 1 mm gap (15V) (see example 2). Comp. from fig. 9. C1=70 pF, Cq=0.57 mF and Rq=22.3 ΜΩ.

In fig. 16 is an example plot of total useful output power (Pout+Pprobei+PRQ) as a function of wall power for the circuit shown in FIG. 8. The slope of the linear fitting line reflects the differential efficiency of the entire circuit. Comp. from fig. 13.

In fig. 17 is a circuit drawing for an example of a half-wave two-stage Cockcroft-Walton generator.

In fig. Figure 18 shows an example of a diagram of two two-stage Cockcroft-Walton generators operating in parallel from one step-up transformer.

In fig. 19A and 19B provide a general example of how any possible spark discharge circuit could be implemented in an oil processing reactor (19A), along with a variant of such an embodiment that uses a single stage CWG paired with an AC power supply to supply spark discharge energy (19B ).

Detailed description

The invention relates to the field of processing liquids containing molecules of heavy hydrocarbons into lighter liquid and/or gaseous fractions. The invention can be used for cracking liquid heavy oil into lighter hydrocarbon fractions using a carrier gas stream introduced into liquid heavy oil to form a mixture, followed by ionization of the mixture by an electrical discharge. The invention can be successfully used to achieve efficient processing of heavy oil.

In one aspect, a method is provided for cracking liquid hydrocarbon materials into light hydrocarbon fractions using a spark discharge. The method includes passing liquid hydrocarbon material through a discharge chamber into an interelectrode gap within the discharge chamber, where the interelectrode gap is formed between two or more electrodes spaced apart from each other. The method further includes injecting a carrier gas into the liquid hydrocarbon material as it enters the interelectrode gap, thereby forming a gas-liquid hydrocarbon mixture. The electrodes include one or more positive electrodes and one or more negative electrodes, the negative electrodes being connected to a capacitor. The capacitor is charged to a voltage equal to or greater than the breakdown voltage of the carrier gas in the interelectrode discharge gap. When a gas-liquid hydrocarbon mixture is formed, it is exposed to a current between the electrodes with a voltage sufficient to cause a spark discharge. The method also includes the extraction of light hydrocarbon fractions formed as a result of the action of a pulsed spark discharge on a gas-liquid hydrocarbon mixture. In some embodiments, plasma discharges may be used to partially upgrade crude oil prior to processing in a refinery. Plasma discharges can be generated in a device that has a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit with a spark gap parallel to the capacitor. In different versions, the power source used can be either a voltage source (Fig. 1A) or a current source (Fig. 1B). The symbol system used in these diagrams is presented below in table. 1, and the circuit equations applicable to the constant voltage and constant current scenarios are presented in Table 1 below. 2. As used herein, the term constant current refers to controlled current levels whereby the current is maintained at a substantially constant level or is otherwise relatively limited in its variability by one or more circuit elements.

Table 1

Meaning Symbol Resistor resistance R Capacitor capacity WITH Supply voltage V Power supply current I Power supply power P=IV Breakdown voltage of spark gap _Vbr Circuit efficiency (converting energy into spark) Η Energy per spark gap pulse Eper pulse Spark gap pulse frequency fpulses

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table 2

Constant pressure D.C Efficiency ... Eput __ _ ^η ~Ё~ 27 ¹¹ ~ ~ 2nd + Pulse repetition rate • „ ⁷ fpulses ~ 7} 77 Energy on pulse & per pulse ~ U? P'&'g pulse/ _2br Average power input = W/Y Voltage at R = UC? A = III Power used R P _i = I/ = PR Voltage at WITH 14 = 7 (1 - AA) = % Turn on C Рс = ( ¹ ~~ g~ ^£/gc ) ^ ^р ' ^с Current , = /

For purposes of discussion, corresponding to FIG. 3-5, it is assumed that the circuit elements are maintained constant, namely that C = 200 pF, R = 10 ΜΩ and V _br = 20 kV (set gap, etc.). In addition, the average power will be considered to be set as equal as possible (ie when V and I do not change). This condition also makes the pulse frequency equal for both circuits, since the energy per pulse is the same for both circuits ( ^av S ⁼ Eper pulse fpulses).

Representative timing characteristics for the circuits in FIGS. 1 are shown in Fig. 3 for two pulses. In these examples, the constant voltage circuit has exponential behavior in which the current drops as the capacitor charges. In a DC circuit there is a linearly increasing voltage for both the capacitor and the power supply, biased towards each other due to the constant voltage drop across the resistor. The instantaneous power of each element is shown in Fig. 3D and 3H, where rupture is observed during discharge. In a constant voltage circuit, a resistor decreases power, while a capacitor has a more complex behavior: the power first increases and then decreases. A constant current circuit has constant instantaneous power across the resistor due to the constant current and linear power drop across the capacitor.

The effectiveness of representative circuits can be seen in Fig. 4 and 5, where the maximum efficiency for a constant voltage circuit is shown as 50%. This occurs when the voltage is set exactly to the breakdown voltage. This means that a significant portion of the energy entering the system (i.e. 50% or more) will be burned by the resistor. However, the maximum efficiency for a constant current circuit is shown to be 100% as the current approaches zero. Such efficiency can only be achieved when the voltage drop across the resistor is minimized to almost zero (also achievable with R tending to 0).

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the pulse frequency is proportional to the input power. Since current and power input are proportional in a DC circuit, an increase in current causes a proportional increase in power. In a constant voltage circuit, this behavior is not linear, but rather logarithmic.

As a comment to fig. 6, the resistance changes while keeping other circuit elements constant, namely C = 200 pF, V _br = 20 kV and P _avg = 12.43 W. This average input power supplied from the power supply is the same average input power as the time-vs. plots (see Fig. 3), resulting in a pulse frequency of 310.7 Hz for both circuits. As a result, the power supply voltage also changes to maintain a constant power input. As the resistance decreases, the efficiency approaches a maximum value, which is only 50% in a constant voltage circuit, but is 100% in a constant current circuit.

External parameters (eg, spark chemistry considerations, bubble dynamics, etc.) influence the optimal pulse energy, breakdown voltage, and pulse frequency. This is due to the fact that in these concepts the energy in a pulse depends only on the capacitance and

- 8 043985 breakdown voltage, which affect the nature of the discharge and, consequently, the chemical composition of the oil. The frequency of the pulses may be dependent in part on the oil flow rate, as well as bubble dynamics and other factors, so that a more uniform treatment of the oil can be achieved. In general, if the frequency is too low, less oil may be processed, while excessive frequency may mean that the oil may be over-processed and poorly mixed. When the breakdown voltage, capacitance, and frequency are given by external parameters, the average power can be determined, which determines the voltage or current required by the power supply. This leaves resistance as a parameter for circuit selection. In typical constant voltage circuits, the choice of resistance depends on the choice of power supply voltage, as can be seen from the dependence of the pulse frequency on the value of resistance (see, for example, Fig. 6), however in a typical constant current circuit, resistance only affects efficiency, so the choice of resistance does not depends on the power supplied to the spark gap.

Real power supplies are not ideal because they have internal resistance and output capacitance. However, in various embodiments of the invention, once designed, the system will not have variable power and, therefore, the design can be made to specify optimal conditions that will not differ so much from the ideal design. Moreover, in various embodiments of the invention, the current source can be obtained using a voltage source with a very low output capacitance that behaves more like a current source.

In various embodiments of the invention, as suggested by the above analysis, the preferred circuit choice would be a DC power supply, regardless of plasma condition parameters. In such embodiments, the choice of a constant current source may provide the highest efficiency of the two options discussed herein. Those. while a constant voltage system has a theoretical maximum efficiency of 50% in the above representations, constant current systems can have much higher efficiency, theoretically approaching 100%. Some analysis of idealized circuits for a power supply may reduce efficiency slightly, but a constant current supply with higher theoretical efficiency may be preferable. Therefore, in various embodiments of the invention, high electrical efficiencies are possible when operating the high-voltage charging capacitor spark discharge circuit in constant current mode compared to constant voltage operation. In some embodiments, a high voltage plasma generator that operates at standard available line power (eg, 60 Hz, 120 to 480 VAC) can achieve efficiency of, for example, 70% or greater. As discussed below, various embodiments of the invention may specifically utilize a Cockcroft-Walton oscillator powered by a step-up transformer.

RC charging circuits with a ballast resistor and capacitor in series and a spark gap in parallel with the capacitor can be used to create spark discharges. For the reasons stated above, such a circuit may be more efficient when operating in constant current mode. However, the ballast resistor in this circuit may be a dissipative element with a power loss of A ^{= 1} K. Because of this, in some embodiments, the only way to increase the efficiency of this circuit without reducing the ballast resistance (needed to protect the power supply) is to maintain the charging current I (proportional to the pulse frequency) at a very low level. In addition, commercially available DC power supplies cannot be optimized for efficiency.

To solve such problems, some embodiments of the invention may use a Cockroft-Walton generator (CWG) as an alternative high-voltage DC spark circuit. Referring to FIG. 7, this circuit uses a combination of diodes and capacitors to rectify AC input to DC output at the high voltages required for petroleum refining (~30 kV). In some versions, single-stage circuits of this type (1 stage = 2 capacitors and 2 diodes) can be assembled in series as a larger multi-stage CWG to ramp up the output voltage according to the equation V = N K o pp, where Vpp is the double amplitude of the input AC voltage, N _stages represents the number of stages, Vo represents the DC output voltage. Since CWG has no dissipative elements, it can be quite efficient (ideally 100%). Major power losses can be caused by electrical heating of non-ideal diodes. In some embodiments, the high AC voltage input needed to power such a circuit can be provided by a step-up transformer connected directly to the line power, which also has no dissipative elements and is also generally quite efficient.

In various embodiments of the invention, such circuits can be modified to power multiple spark gaps in parallel. Such embodiments of the invention may

- 9 043985 be useful for applications that need to be extended. Connecting multiple parallel spark gaps to a single high voltage DC output may not produce the desired performance in certain situations because the output power may be unevenly distributed across the multiple gaps, potentially causing a spark to occur exclusively in one gap. However, in some embodiments of the invention, a circuit comprising multiple Cockcroft-Walton subcircuits, powered from, for example, a single AC input (as shown in FIG. 8), can be used to expand to multiple CWG-powered spark gaps, with a step-up transformer, configured to supply sufficient power.

An efficiency analysis of four parallel CWG-fed single-stage spark gaps will now be presented to illustrate the potential efficiency gains. In particular, the electrical efficiency of the circuit shown in FIG. 8, with one 120 V-12 kV AC transformer feeding four separate spark gap subcircuits of the Cockcroft-Walton Generator (T+4CWG). Although the efficiency analysis below applies to plasma power output in any type of environment, experiments were conducted using spark gaps in air with the intended application of spark gaps in an oil and gas mixture. Therefore, pairs of arrowheads (^ ^) in Fig. 8, 14, 17 and 19 should be considered as a general case: spark gap in an uncertain environment. The main independent variable for the experimental data presented in this section was the spark gap interval. Each spark gap was manually adjusted using a physical spacer so that all four gaps were as equal as possible before measurement. Spacings of 2.7 were tested; 3.2; 4.6; and 5.0 mm. In fig. 8, the rightmost CWG subcircuit includes additional circuitry around the spark gap. This is a pulse charger designed to calculate energy per pulse and average power output. This device was moved to each of the other three spark gaps between measurements, resulting in four similar data sets per session. Because four different spark gaps were tested for four parallel spark gaps, sixteen complete data sets were collected and analyzed (see Table 3).

The method for calculating efficiency depends on quantifying the average energy released into the plasma during the discharge. To achieve this, an electrical diagnostic method was developed to measure the total amount of charge moved per spark, shown as a subcircuit connected to the rightmost spark gap in FIG. 8. Based on the charge in the pulse, the energy in the pulse is calculated. This procedure for calculating the energy in a pulse works by recording the value of Vq (as defined in Fig. 7) immediately before and immediately after the spark occurs: ^{_ _} Vqbefore.

The energy per pulse can then be calculated as Epube - ^CQ-AVq-Vb, where _Vb is measured by taking the value of Vg (as defined in Fig. 7) before breakdown. This procedure was repeated for each spark during the one second measurement interval and the average E _pulse was calculated. In fig. Figure 9 shows plots of E _pulse as a function of Vb for one data set that fits very well to the quadratic function Epuise ^_ ^Cequiv Vb ² (using C _equiv as the least squares fitting parameter). C _equiv was found to have an average value of 240 pF across all data sets in this experiment, which is comparable to the case where two capacitors C1 in one CWG are connected in parallel for one spark, ^ ^equlv ~ Ci + Ci 220 pF. The average plasma output power Pout can then be calculated as P° ^ut Ep ^ulse favg, where favg is the average repetition rate of the spark generator radio pulses during the measurement interval.

The average values of _Pw , Pprobel and _PRq were also measured along with the Pout measurement calculated above to determine the efficiency. P _w was measured manually using a Kill-A-Watt wall power meter, and Pprobel and P _R q were determined using Pr ⁼ <V ² /R>. Before obtaining the voltage data used for pulse energy analysis, Pw was first measured for various loads (by varying the number of CWG subcircuits running in parallel, NCWG), as shown in FIG. 10. From this graph it is clear that the function ^- ^C^cwg) is strictly linear in each case with an average segment Pw= f(NcwG=0) = -19.0 W and an average slope dPw/dNcwc = -2.5 W /#. Assuming this relationship remains linear, the transformer will operate more efficiently when feeding more CWG units in parallel. Although this may not be economical for low power applications (eg P _w less than 50 W), exemplary embodiments of this circuit can be very useful for high power extended versions of the reactor (eg P w approximately 900 W). The above assumption also implies that each CWG installation receives from the transformer an average input power equal to dP _w /dN _CWG calculated by linear regression of the data shown in FIG. eleven.

Using the above data, the differential efficiency of the entire installation can be determined and calculated as ⁼ (Pout+Pprobei)/(dP _w /dNcwG), as shown in Table. 3 and in fig. 12.V

- 10 043985 in general CWG can be very efficient, losing power only due to the resistance of non-ideal diodes. The experiment discussed here demonstrated that nt _otal , _diff ⁼ ~68%, with the efficiency decreasing slightly for higher breakdown voltages (large gaps between chargers) due to increased current leakage through corona discharges into the surrounding air (which can be solved by e.g. sealing the circuit, minimizing exposed metal, etc.).

An alternative way to quantify the overall differential efficiency of a given installation is to plot the total power output ^ ^{out +} 4 ^ιο ®ι ⁺ ^ ^r q) as a function of the wall power input, as shown in FIG. 13. This graph, as you would expect, is strictly linear. The slope of the resulting line of correspondence, dP _out , _tot /dPw is equal to the differential efficiency of the entire installation and is 64.9%. This value agrees well with the overall differential efficiency values determined using (Pout+Pprobei)/(dP _w /NcwG) shown in Table. 3 below (which presents tabular experimental results) and FIG. 13.

Table 3

Nai m. about between ducks date Spacing limitation [mm] (dP _w /N cwg) [W] Vb.avg [kV] V bjnax [kV] Epulse,avg [mJ] favg [Hz] Pout [W] Pprobel [W] Prq [mW] T)total,diff ^- (Pout +P probel) / (dP _w /Ncwc) A March 4 2.7 2.09 10.6 13.5 15.6 87.6 1.37 0.116 1.4 71.1% IN March 4 2.7 2.09 10.8 14.9 12.6 92.2 1.26 0.113 1.3 65.8% WITH March 4 2.7 2.09 Yu, 1 12.1 12.5 105.7 1.32 0.092 1.7 67.8% D March 4 2.7 2.09 10.9 15.5 18.6 71.8 1.34 0.106 1.3 68.9% March 4 Wed. 2.7 2.09 10.9 14.0 14.8 89.3 1.32 0.107 1.4 68.4% A 5th of March 3.2 2.25 P,9 17.7 16.5 89.0 1.47 0.134 1.4 71.3% IN 5th of March 3.2 2.25 13.2 17.7 20.0 75.9 1.52 0.171 1.3 75.2% WITH 5th of March 3.2 2.25 12.0 16.1 16.0 94.4 1.51 0.133 1.6 73.1% D 5th of March 3.2 2.25 12.6 16.1 20.6 79.0 1.63 0.138 1.7 78.4% March 5 Wed. 3.2 2.25 12.4 16.9 18.3 84.6 1.53 0.144 1.5 74.5% A March, 6 4.6 2.86 15.5 20.5 20.5 52.2 1.65 0.240 1.2 66.1% IN March, 6 4.6 2.86 16.5 20.6 20.6 53.7 1.72 0.229 1.2 68.2% WITH March, 6 4.6 2.86 14.9 18.9 18.9 60.2 1.41 0.262 1.0 58.5% D March, 6 4.6 2.86 16.3 19.8 19.8 45.3 1.54 0.252 1.1 62.8% March 6 Wed. 4.6 2.86 15.8 20.0 30.3 52.8 1.58 0.246 1D 63.9% A March 7 5.0 2.61 15.6 21.2 21.2 48.1 1.49 0.277 1.0 67.6% IN March 7 5.0 2.61 17.2 21.3 21.3 40.9 1.35 0.324 0.8 64.2% WITH March 7 5.0 2.61 17.3 22.0 22.0 39.3 1.37 0.329 0.8 65.0% D March 7 5.0 2.61 17.0 20.2 20.2 39.3 1.48 0.292 1.0 68.0% March 7 Wed. 5.0 2.61 16.8 21.2 34.1 41.9 1.42 0.306 0.9 66.2%

An example of efficiency analysis for a full-wave spark gap powered by a CWG will now be presented. Similar power and energy per pulse measurements were made using a full-wave, single-stage Cockcroft-Walton oscillator (see FIG. 14) to determine efficiency. This typical circuit involves two connected Cockcroft-Walton subcircuits fed by inputs of opposite polarity from the same transformer, allowing a full AC cycle to be used to charge the capacitor. These results (FIGS. 15 and 16) are directly comparable to the results for the half-wave circuit shown in FIG. 9 and 13, showing that the difference in differential efficiency between the full-wave circuit (FIG. 14) and the half-wave circuit is negligible (<5%).

In typical alternative designs to those shown in FIGS. 8 and 14, the disclosed methods for generating high voltage pulses for use in hydrocarbon conversion cover all variations of the T+CWG circuit such as those depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18. Key design parameters include (1) the number of CWG-fed spark gaps operating in parallel from a single transformer;

(2) the number of stages (2 capacitors + 2 diodes) in each CWG (V _DC =N _stages V _pp ); and (3) full-wave or half-wave designs.

In various embodiments of the invention, any combination and variation of the above parameters may be used.

To create a cost-effective hydrocarbon conversion process, it is desirable to have an efficient electrical circuit. Such a circuit preferably loses a minimal portion of its input energy as heat (dissipative loss) or unwanted charge leakage (charge transfer loss), transferring the majority of its energy to the material between the two discharge electrodes through chemical processes. In the case of hydrocarbon conversion, for example, this material may be a two-phase combination of heavy hydrocarbons and a selected hydrogen donor gas (eg, H ₂ , CH ₄ ). In various embodiments, relatively low pulse energies (approximately 30 mJ or less) are used to target specific chemical reactions that will result in the desired conversion with minimal soot formation. In various embodiments of the invention, the circuit may also be relatively compact to facilitate implementation into a complete reactor system, and may have a self-relaying design to aid in expansion of the reactor system. With respect to efficiency, in some embodiments, a diminishing return effect can be expected while improving the electrical efficiency of the circuit. For example, an increase in efficiency from 30 to 50% can make a much greater contribution to the profitability of a hydrocarbon conversion process than an increase from 70 to 90%. For some embodiments discussed herein, it may be assumed that a suitable circuit efficiency would be approximately 60% or higher.

Returning to FIG. 1, a basic example of a circuit that can be used for this application is a simple RC circuit that uses a voltage-regulated (a) or current-regulated (b) DC source to charge a single high-voltage capacitor until the capacitor voltage exceeds the current breakdown voltage spark gap voltage and at this moment a spark occurs and the capacitor is leveled. A ballast resistor is usually placed in series with the DC source to reduce damage caused by sparking. A computational model of this circuit showed that when using a voltage-controlled power supply, the maximum possible energy efficiency achievable by changing the RC circuit is 50%, even within the limits of small ballast resistance and minimum overvoltage (Overvoltage - Vs - Vb, where VS is the constant supply voltage, V _b represents the breakdown voltage). However, in various embodiments using a current-regulated power supply, 100% energy efficiency can be achieved within the limits of both a small charging current (or low power input) and a small ballast resistance (see FIG. 5). This result is also valid for a non-ideal RC spark discharge circuit (Fig. 2).

In some embodiments, an RC circuit operating at these extremes to achieve maximum efficiency is not practical for the intended application because the pulse frequency is proportional to the charging current (as per ^{1b where} Is is the set charging current and C ₁ represents the charging capacity). Additionally, commercially available high-voltage, current-regulated power supplies are typically not optimized for efficiency. Nevertheless, this result has important implications for all possible high-efficiency circuits that operate by discharging energy stored in capacitors. In general, potentially complex spark discharge circuits can be thought of as having some equivalent capacitance that provides the energy for each spark, as well as some equivalent resistance that introduces dissipative losses. Therefore, based on the results of the above computational model, the current controlled version of any spark discharge circuit will be inherently more efficient than its voltage controlled counterpart. This also applies to power-limited circuits, which are almost current-limited when the voltage-controlled circuit reaches its power limit.

An example of a circuit configuration that meets the requirements of various applications is the CWG discussed above. This circuit rectifies the AC input using a ladder of high voltage diodes and capacitors to produce a high DC voltage output that can be connected directly to the spark gap (Fig. 7). In this case, the capacitors in this rectifier circuit constitute the total capacitance C _equiv discharged during

- 12 043985

E ^— —С V ² ____ _______________,-_____ g- _____________ _ “ ^equn ь >___ _______________ ____ time of spark release of energy b _spark , in accordance with ² where V _b represents the breakdown voltage (equal to the voltage accumulated in the entire rectifier subcircuit just before sparking). Ideally, the diodes and capacitors in this circuit have zero dissipative losses (due to electrical heating) and can therefore approach 100% efficiency. Additionally, in various CWG applications, the maximum possible pulse frequency is equal to the AC input drive frequency (e.g., 60 Hz when using a line input). When a circuit sparks at this frequency, with an average energy per pulse ^spark~~CV _b , p ₌ pf its average output power is limited according to ^out Consequently, the CWG circuit benefits from the above-mentioned advantages of controlled spark discharge circuits. current and power limitation. The experimental evidence presented in this specification supports this claim, showing that the differential efficiency of such a CWG spark discharge circuit exceeds 50%, which is not possible in a voltage controlled system. In some embodiments, multiple single-stage CWGs may be combined in parallel to further increase the final DC output voltage V _{out of} the resulting multi-stage ladder circuit in accordance with the relationship V _out stagedpp _; in? where N _stages represents the number of stages and V _pp , _in represents the peak-to-peak AC input voltage. For example, an ideal two-stage CWG operating at an input voltage of 10 kV AC (20 kV peak-to-peak) will produce an output voltage of 40 kV DC.

Although, in some embodiments, the Cockcroft-Walton ladder circuit can potentially be powered from a standard connection (e.g., 120 VAC), the number of CWG stages required to rectify this input to the high DC voltages required for hydrocarbon conversion (~30 kV), will be relatively large. For example, to convert 120 VAC to 30 kVDC, 125 stages (. ^N st _a ges -^out^p _P ,m) will be required without taking into account losses or short-term voltage drops. To solve this problem, a step-up voltage transformer can be used in various embodiments of the invention. Typically, from an AC input, a step-up transformer can generate a higher voltage (potentially kV) AC output with high efficiency (also due to the absence of elements that exhibit electrical heating). By using this kV AC output voltage from the transformer as the input to a CWG ladder circuit (T+CWG), approximately 30 kV DC can be achieved using significantly fewer CWG stages than direct line input, while maintaining high efficiency. This concept implies a parameter space of possible T+CWG configurations with different transformer turning ratios and CWG stage numbers. Also worth noting is the alternative full-wave Cockcroft-Walton oscillator configuration (Fig. 14), which can be used so that both positive and negative polarity peaks contribute to charge transfer, but requires a transformer with dual outputs of opposite polarity.

In various embodiments, a T+CWG configuration consisting of one step-up transformer and one CWG ladder circuit feeding one spark gap is capable of being expanded using a single T+CWG circuit to supply multiple spark gaps. However, simply connecting one CWG to multiple spark gaps will not work well across different applications; such a system could cause a spark in the spark gap at the lowest breakdown voltage. In some embodiments, a T+CWG circuit configuration that solves this problem consists of a single step-up transformer feeding multiple CWG ladders (1 CWG ladder per spark gap). Each CWG in this configuration (T+NCWG) provides an independent high-voltage DC output without requiring its own dedicated transformer, and can supply a single spark gap without being affected by the breakdown voltages of other spark gaps in the same circuit. In general, step-up transformers operate more efficiently toward their power limit, so a relatively powerful transformer (e.g., approximately 1 kW) can potentially power several hundred CWG spark gaps simultaneously (approximately 2 W per spark gap) from direct mains input. Additionally, in various versions, a three-phase line input can also be used to power this circuit (previous discussions focused on single-phase line input). Using a three-phase input, it is possible to create a three-transformer system using the above circuit, with one transformer connected to each of the three input phases, resulting in three T+NCWG circuits operating simultaneously with a phase delay of one-third of one cycle. Additionally, in some embodiments, due to the relative simplicity and compactness of the CWG ladder circuit (2 capacitors and 2 diodes, which can be contained within the confining volume

- 13 043985

1.5 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches), the complete circuit can be easily implemented in a complete reactor system and easily expandable (one CWG ladder circuit per spark gap).

The T+NCWG circuit provides a variety of possible spark circuit implementations that are well suited for a variety of hydrocarbon conversion applications (efficiency, compactness, easy expansion, low pulse energy, output voltage greater than 30 kV DC, current controlled). However, in various alternative embodiments of the invention, other schemes may be used, as disclosed herein.

It should be noted that low output capacitance is an important characteristic of embodiments of the disclosed approach. Typical high-voltage power supplies have a relatively high output capacitance (eg, approximately 1 nF) to reduce fluctuations. However, nanofarad output capacitances may be too high for various chemical processing embodiments that may not be sensitive to circuit variations. In specific processing applications using pulsed electrical discharges, capacitance is of great importance. Capacitance has a linear effect on pulse energy, and low pulse energy at high voltage is an advantage for the plasmachemical process. Therefore, the total circuit capacitance (which depends on the total output capacitance of the power supply) must be minimized in some implementations. For example, a spark discharge generated by a 100 pF circuit across a gap with a breakdown voltage of 20 kV will have a pulse energy of 20 mJ. For some applications this may be sufficient, but theoretically it is possible to further reduce the energy per pulse by reducing the capacitance. This is typically done by selecting commercially available high voltage capacitors with lower capacitances, but it is also possible to create embodiments of this circuit (CWG or others) that use parasitic capacitance, which is typically on the order of tens of picofarads for circuits of this size.

In exemplary versions, the circuits discussed above can be used in pulsed plasma systems (eg, nanosecond spark discharges) for processing crude oil. The circuit charges the capacitor and then discharges the stored electrical energy through a spark gap into crude oil, where gas bubbles form. The spark breaks individual bonds in the crude oil, making some long carbon chains shorter. The disclosed approach can be used as a partial enhancement to improve the quality of crude oil (ie, it can be used to begin the process of refining crude oil and converting it into other useful products such as gasoline). The device can, for example, be used to reduce the viscosity of crude oil, making it easier to flow. As a result, less or perhaps no diluent will be needed for the oil to be placed in the pipeline and shipped, reducing the cost of crude oil.

Although the invention is focused on the conversion of hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof, the disclosed approach is also applicable to the processing of other compounds. In various embodiments of the invention, the disclosed systems and methods can be used to treat other mixtures and compounds, for example, to disinfect water and/or food products.

The term hydrocarbon material or mixture to be processed may refer to those hydrocarbon compounds and mixtures thereof that are fluid under atmospheric conditions. Liquid hydrocarbon materials can be liquids that do not necessarily have solid particles suspended therein. Liquid hydrocarbon materials may contain other conventional additives, including, but not limited to, flow improvers, antistatic agents, antioxidants, wax anti-sludge agents, corrosion inhibitors, ashless detergents, anti-knock agents, ignition improvers, degassers, rheodorants, pipeline drag reducers, lubricants, Cetane improvers, spark aids, valve seat protectors, synthetic or mineral oil carrier fluids and defoamers. Exemplary liquid hydrocarbon materials include, but are not limited to, mineral oil; petroleum products such as crude oil, gasoline, kerosene and fuel oil; straight and branched chain paraffinic hydrocarbons; cycloparaffin hydrocarbons; monoolefin hydrocarbons; diolefin hydrocarbons; alkene hydrocarbons; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene. If the liquid hydrocarbon material includes crude oil, the crude oil may contain hydrocarbons of a wide range of molecular weights and forms. For example, hydrocarbons may include, but are not limited to, paraffins, aromatics, naphthenes, cycloalkanes, alkenes, diolefins and alkynes. Hydrocarbons can be characterized by the total number of carbon atoms (C) and/or the number of single (C-C), double (C=C) or triple (C=C) bonds between the carbon atoms. Due to the variety of compounds present in crude oil, this feedstock is well suited for the described process. It can be used to quickly produce light fractions such as gasoline and kerosene, or heavier fractions such as diesel fuel and fuel oil. Hundreds of different hydrocarbon molecules in crude oil can be converted using this technology's processes into components that can be used as fuels, lubricants and as feedstocks in other petrochemical processes.

Without being limited by theory, in any of the foregoing processes or embodiments of the invention, liquid hydrocarbon materials with a high carbon content can be broken down into molecules with a lower carbon content to produce hydrocarbon fractions that are on average lighter (in both molecular weight and boiling point) ) than the heavier liquid hydrocarbon materials in the feedstock. Again, without being limited by theory, it is believed that the splitting of heavy molecules occurs due to the breaking of C-C bonds. For these molecules, the energy required to break a C-C bond is approximately 261.9 kJ/mol. This amount of energy is significantly less than the energy required to break a C-H bond (364.5 kJ/mol).

Free radicals from hydrocarbons attract hydrogen atoms. Thus, the process can use a carrier gas that serves as a source of hydrogen atom. Suitable carrier gases may include, but are not limited to, gases containing hydrogen atoms. Exemplary carrier gases may include, but are not limited to, hydrogen, methane, natural gas and other hydrocarbon gases. In any of the above embodiments, a mixture of such illustrative carrier gases may be used.

If the process is to be performed continuously, the various stages or steps of the process may occur simultaneously or sequentially such that liquid hydrocarbon material is continuously fed into the discharge chamber as hydrocarbon product fractions exit the chamber.

As stated above, typical processes may involve creating a spark discharge plasma in a gas stream in the interelectrode discharge gap. The breakdown voltage of the carrier gas will be less than the breakdown voltage of the liquid; accordingly, the use of a gas jet at the same voltage level can be used to create a longer discharge gap. Increasing the interelectrode discharge gap while simultaneously reducing the corrosive effect of the process on the electrodes increases the area of direct contact between the plasma discharge and the liquid hydrocarbon material being processed. Without being limited to any particular theory, it is believed that when the discharge plasma contacts liquid hydrocarbon material in the interelectrode discharge gap, the liquid hydrocarbon material can quickly heat up and evaporate to form steam. Thus, molecules of liquid hydrocarbon material can mix with molecules of the carrier gas and plasma particles formed in them. Plasma electrons can collide with hydrocarbon molecules, thereby breaking them into smaller molecules that have one unsaturated bond and are essentially free radicals, i.e. fragments of molecules that have a free bond. Free radicals can also arise from the direct interaction of fast-moving electrons with liquid walls formed around a plasma channel installed between the electrodes.

As noted above, various carrier gases known in the art can be used in the processes and devices of the present technology. Examples of carrier gases include, but are not limited to, helium, neon, argon, xenon, and hydrogen (H ₂ ), among other gases. In some embodiments, the carrier gas is a hydrogen-containing gas, such as, but not limited to, water, steam, pure hydrogen, methane, natural gas, or other hydrocarbon gases. Mixtures of any two or more such hydrogen-containing gases may be used in any of the described embodiments. Additionally, non-hydrogen gases such as helium, neon, argon and xenon can be used either as diluent gases for any of the hydrogen-containing gases, or they can be used with liquid hydrocarbon materials, allowing free radicals to terminate with each other instead of a hydrogen atom from the carrier gas. From the point of view of the energy required to form one free hydrogen atom, in order to select a suitable carrier gas, one can compare the dissociation energy of various carrier gases or hydrogen-containing gases. For example, approximately 432 kJ/mol may be required to break the bond between hydrogen atoms in a H2 molecule. For water vapor, the energy required to release a hydrogen atom is approximately 495 kJ/mol, while it may require approximately 364.5 kJ/mol to remove a hydrogen atom from a hydrocarbon molecule such as methane.

In some embodiments, the carrier gas is methane. Using methane or natural gas is advantageous not only in terms of the energy required to break the bonds, but also because of its relatively low cost. The use of methane ensures that C-H bonds are broken to form a hydrogen radical and a methyl radical, each of which can combine with larger hydrocarbon radicals in the completion stage. In some embodiments, the carrier gas is methane or a mixture of methane and an inert gas such as helium, argon, neon, or xenon.

Various types of electrical discharges can be used to create plasma in a gas jet. These discharges can be either continuous or pulsed. For example, in some embodiments of the invention it is effective to use continuous discharges, such as an arc discharge or a glow discharge. However, the use of this type of discharge for cracking heavy hydrocarbons may be limited by the fact that heating the gaseous medium with direct current can cause

- 15 043985 lead to an undesirable increase in temperature inside the discharge chamber. This increase in temperature can lead to increased coking and soot formation. In addition, when using a continuous discharge, the products of the hydrocarbon fraction can be continuously exposed to the discharge until they leave the plasma. In contrast, the use of a pulsed discharge, especially a pulsed spark discharge, may be desirable for the purpose of producing light hydrocarbon fractions from heavy oil fractions, since the interval between pulses may allow the formation of free radicals to cease and allow time for the light hydrocarbon product to escape from the plasma.

In another aspect, a device is provided for converting a liquid hydrocarbon medium into a product of hydrocarbon fractions. The device may include a discharge chamber for housing elements that provide a spark discharge that causes conversion. The discharge chamber, and thus the apparatus, may include an inlet configured to transport liquid hydrocarbon material into the discharge chamber, an outlet configured to transport hydrocarbon product from the discharge chamber, a negative electrode having a first end and a second end, and a positive electrode having a first end and a second end. In the discharge chamber, the first end of the negative electrode may be located at a distance from the first end of the positive electrode, wherein the distance determines the interelectrode discharge gap. To provide a method of mixing liquid hydrocarbon material with a carrier gas as described above, the discharge chamber may also include a gas jet arranged to introduce the carrier gas adjacent the discharge gap. In other words, the carrier gas can be injected into the liquid hydrocarbon material during or just before injection into the discharge gap. The second end of the negative electrode and the second end of the positive electrode may be connected to a capacitor, and a power supply configured to generate a spark discharge in the interelectrode discharge gap may be provided.

In the discharge chamber, a spark discharge can be formed in the interelectrode discharge gap when the voltage (V) applied to the electrodes is equal to or exceeds the breakdown voltage ( _Vb ) of the interelectrode gap. A spark discharge can be initiated by free electrons, which usually appear at the positive electrode as a result of field emission or other electron emission processes. Free electrons can be accelerated in an electric field spanning the gap, and a spark plasma channel can be created when the gas in the gap is ionized. After the spark discharge channel is formed, the discharge current can flow through the plasma. The voltage inside the plasma channel (Vd) can be lower than the breakdown voltage ( _Vb ). An arc discharge can occur if the power supply is sufficient to ensure that the current in the discharge channel flows continuously. Plasma heating can also occur in a spark discharge. However, the temperature can be controlled not only by regulating the discharge current, but also by controlling the duration of the discharge. In some embodiments, as a result of the formation of a plasma channel in the gas, the temperature of the gas can reach several thousand °C.

Alternatively, another power circuit can be used to generate the spark discharge. In some embodiments, a number of different pulse generators may be used to ignite the spark discharges. For example, a circuit may be used that discharges the precharge storage capacitor under load. The parameters of the pulse voltage at the load are determined by the storage capacity, as well as by the parameters of the entire discharge circuit. Energy losses will depend on the characteristics of the discharge circuit, in particular the losses in the switch.

In some embodiments of the present technology, the spark switch can be used directly as a load, i.e. plasma reactor, thereby reducing energy losses in the discharge circuit. In addition, a storage capacitor can be connected in parallel with the spark gap in a circuit with minimal inductance. Gap breakdown can occur when the voltage across the storage capacitor reaches the breakdown voltage, and energy input into the plasma spark can occur during capacitor discharge. Consequently, energy losses in the circuit are low.

According to various embodiments, the positive and negative electrodes may be in the form of planar electrodes, either in the form of a sheet, blade, or flat lead, and/or in the form of a tube (ie, cannulated). A cannulated electrode is a hollow electrode through which a carrier gas can be introduced into a liquid hydrocarbon material in the interelectrode gap. In this way, the cannulated electrode can serve as a channel for the carrier gas. If the negative electrode is cannulated, the cannula passage may have a radius of curvature at the tube opening. The height or length of the discharge electrode is usually measured from the base, which is the attachment point, to the top. In some embodiments, the ratio of the radius of curvature to the height or length of the cathode may be greater than about 10.

As noted above, the interelectrode discharge gap, i.e. the distance between the electrodes affects the efficiency of the process. The interelectrode discharge gap is a part that

- 16 043985 can be optimized, for example, based on the specific hydrocarbon material supplied to the discharge chamber, the carrier gas introduced and the applied voltage and/or current. However, some ranges for the interelectrode discharge gap can be set. For example, in any of the above embodiments, the interelectrode discharge gap may range from about 1-3 mm to about 100 mm. This may include an interelectrode discharge gap of about 3 mm to about 20 mm, when using an operating voltage of 30-50 kV the optimal gap length will be from 8 to 12 mm. The negative electrode and positive electrode may protrude into the discharge chamber.

As noted, the storage capacitor can be charged to a voltage equal to or greater than the breakdown voltage of the carrier gas such that a spark discharge occurs. In some embodiments, a discharge occurs between the positive electrode and a carrier gas near the first end of the positive electrode. In some embodiments, the discharge is continuous. In other embodiments, the discharge is pulsed. In some embodiments, the rate of electrical discharge is controlled by the amount of resistance in the charging circuit of the storage capacitor.

A power source may be connected to the entire system to provide energy to initiate the discharge. In some embodiments, the device described herein may use a DC source with an operating voltage of 15-25 kV. The power source may depend on the number of gaps for processing the hydrocarbon liquid, their length, pulse repetition rate, liquid flow through the reactor, gas flow through each gap, etc. An example device that uses 12 gaps would include a reactor that uses 3.5 mm long gaps, 100 pF capacitors, an operating voltage of 18 kV, and a pulse repetition rate of 5 Hz. The power supply consumption can range from 1 to 2 W, while the plasma can absorb approximately 0.97 W of power directly from the discharge. The remaining energy can be dissipated in the charging system capacitors.

Embodiments of the devices and processes generally described above may be better understood with reference to the following examples, which are in no way intended to limit the devices or processes described above.

Examples

Example 1. T+4CWG: Step-up transformer (P _max =900 W) feeding four (4) half-wave CWGs in parallel through four (4) discharge gaps with the same breakdown voltage.

To demonstrate the above-mentioned capability of setting up a T+CWG to efficiently power multiple spark gaps from a single line input, the circuit shown in FIG. 8 was performed and evaluated using a diagnostic pulse energy measurement method to calculate efficiency. By quantifying the charge transferred during a single spark using the subcircuit shown in the fourth spark gap in FIG. 8, it is possible to estimate the pulse energy for individual cases of sparking. This method was used to obtain pulse energy and frequency statistics (Fig. 12), from which the average energy output was calculated. Taking into account the power calculations for the diagnostic equipment (high voltage probe, charge sensing subcircuit) as well as the differential power output from the transformer ^cwg (where P _w is the wall power input and N _CWG is the number of CWG spark discharge circuits operating in parallel), the value of the differential P -P -P _ ¹ out probe ¹ RQ of the circuit efficiency in Fig. 5 was defined as (dP _w IdN _CWG ), where ^out E _pu ise,av _g fav _g ,

V ² V ²

P _ gap,avg p _ avg probe ^r RQ r ^probe and ^probe These results are summarized in table. 3 and are presented in Fig. 12. Average value of differential efficiency nA = 68.3%. An alternative definition of differential _ d(P _out +P _probe +P _RQ ) bv ^- lp ' efficiency for this circuit is ^a · which represents a gradual increase in useful output power for a gradual increase in input power. The above data (detailed in Table 3) is sufficient to construct a graph of ° ^{ut probe R} Q versus P _W , as shown in FIG. 13. This graph is strictly linear and nB can be calculated by finding the average slope of these data using linear regression. This leads to a differential efficiency value of n _B = 64.9%, which is in good agreement with the calculation of n _A when taking into account experimental uncertainty. Based on these efficiency calculations, it can be concluded that the present scheme satisfies the above requirements and will be sufficient if used for hydrogen conversion in the above manner.

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Example 2. T+CWG(FW): step-up transformer (P _max =900 W) feeding full-wave CWG across the spark gap.

Similar to the experiment detailed in Example 1, an efficiency analysis was conducted for a system with a single full-wave CWG spark gap in air to compare the efficiencies between full-wave and half-wave T+CWG designs. The results of this analysis (FIGS. 15 and 16) are directly comparable to the results for the half-wave circuit shown in FIG. 9 and J(P _out +P _probe +P _RQ ) .

О в /!]> ⁹ using the definition of differential efficiency ^ai w differential efficiency nB= 70.9% was calculated for the case of full-wave T+CWG. This result shows that the difference in differential efficiency between the full-wave circuit (Fig. 14) and the half-wave circuit is negligible (<5%).

The invention is further defined by the following embodiments.

Embodiment A. An apparatus comprising: a petroleum processing reactor for receiving a two-phase mixture of gas and liquid, wherein the mixture includes a hydrocarbon to be converted;

a multi-electrode spark circuit for converting hydrocarbons, the spark circuit having two or more spark gap electrodes in contact with the two-phase mixture in the oil processing reactor; and at least one high voltage rectifier circuit operatively coupled to the spark circuit, wherein the device is configured to provide a controlled power input signal to the spark circuit to generate sparks at the electrodes.

Embodiment B. The apparatus of Embodiment A, wherein the rectifier circuit is configured to generate a higher DC voltage from a lower voltage AC input.

Embodiment C. The apparatus of Embodiment A or B, wherein the rectifier circuit includes at least one Cockcroft-Walton generator (CWG).

Embodiment D. The apparatus of any one of embodiments A to C, wherein the rectifier circuit operates in parallel with the step-up transformer.

Embodiment E. The apparatus of any one of embodiments A-D, wherein the line input is at least one of a 120 VAC 60 Hz input and a 240 VAC 60 Hz input.

Embodiment F. The apparatus of any one of embodiments A through E, wherein a single step-up transformer supplies multiple spark gaps in parallel.

Embodiment G. An apparatus as in any one of embodiments A-F having multiple transformers and multiple spark gaps, with one transformer for each spark gap and complete electrical separation of each spark gap circuit.

Embodiment H. The apparatus of any one of embodiments A-G, wherein the rectifier circuit includes a CWG and wherein a step-up transformer is connected to a multi-phase line input to separate the multi-phase AC input voltages and couple one or more complete CWG transformer devices to each input.

Embodiment I. The device according to any one of embodiments A-H, wherein the rectifier circuit includes a half-wave single-stage CWG.

Embodiment J. The apparatus of any one of embodiments A-I, wherein the rectifier circuit includes a multi-stage CWG.

Embodiment K. The apparatus of any one of embodiments A-J, wherein the rectifier circuit includes a full-wave CWG.

Embodiment L. The apparatus of any one of embodiments A-K, wherein the capacitance of at least one of the capacitors in the rectifier circuit influences the pulse energy for the spark discharges.

Embodiment M. The apparatus of any one of Embodiments A-L, wherein the rectifier circuit operates in parallel with a first power supply and a second power supply operating in conjunction with the first power supply, wherein the first power supply converts a standard AC line input to low-voltage direct current at output, wherein the second power supply converts the low voltage DC input into a high voltage AC output of any frequency.

Embodiment N. The apparatus of any one of embodiments A-M, wherein the rectifier circuit is configured to have an output capacitance in the range of 1 pF to 1 nF, potentially utilizing any inherent parasitic capacitance in the circuit.

Embodiment O. The apparatus of any one of embodiments A-N, wherein the apparatus is configured to generate a voltage in the range of 3 kV to 50 kV.

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Embodiment P: A device comprising a treatment reactor for receiving a mixture to be treated;

at least one multi-electrode spark circuit, wherein the at least one spark circuit is implemented in the treatment reactor by exposing two spark gap electrodes to the mixture; and at least one high voltage generator operably coupled to the at least one spark circuit, the generator being configured to provide a current controlled input signal to the at least one spark circuit to generate sparks at the electrodes.

Embodiment Q. The apparatus of Embodiment P, wherein the generator is a Cockcroft-Walton generator (CWG) operably coupled to a spark circuit, the CWG being operable in parallel with a step-up transformer.

Embodiment R. A device according to embodiment P or Q, configured to disinfect at least one of food or water.

Embodiment S: A device for converting hydrocarbons, comprising: a discharge chamber having two or more electrodes separated by a space;

a discharge circuit configured to create a discharge between the electrodes;

an inlet for supplying hydrocarbon material into the discharge chamber so that the hydrocarbon material reaches the gap between the electrodes;

an outlet for transporting a hydrocarbon fraction from the discharge chamber, the hydrocarbon fraction being formed after discharge through the electrodes while the hydrocarbon material is in the gap; and a voltage multiplier configured to provide a current-controlled input signal to the discharge circuit when electrical pulses are applied to the hydrocarbon material through the electrodes.

Embodiment T. The apparatus of Embodiment S, wherein the voltage multiplier is a Cockcroft-Walton generator.

Embodiment U. The apparatus of Embodiment S or T, wherein the Cockcroft-Walton generator is a single-stage Cockcroft-Walton generator.

Embodiment V. The apparatus of any one of embodiments S-U, wherein the Cockcroft-Walton generator is a multi-stage Cockcroft-Walton generator.

Embodiment W. The apparatus of any one of embodiments S-V, wherein the Cockcroft-Walton oscillator is a half-wave Cockcroft-Walton oscillator.

Embodiment X. The apparatus of any one of embodiments S-W, wherein the Cockcroft-Walton oscillator is a full-wave Cockcroft-Walton oscillator.

Embodiment Y. The apparatus of any one of embodiments S-X, wherein the Cockcroft-Walton generator is configured to generate high-voltage capacitor discharge pulses for converting hydrocarbons.

Embodiment Z. The apparatus of any one of embodiments S-Y, further including a step-up transformer.

Embodiment AA. The apparatus of any one of embodiments S-Z, wherein the apparatus is powered using a high voltage alternating current source.

Embodiment of BB. The apparatus of any one of the S-AA embodiments, wherein the voltage multiplier is a first voltage multiplier, and wherein the apparatus further includes a second voltage multiplier configured to operate in parallel with the first voltage multiplier.

SS embodiment. The apparatus of any one of the S-BB embodiments, further including a step-up transformer operatively coupled to both the first voltage multiplier and the second voltage multiplier, wherein the first and second voltage multipliers are operably coupled to the same step-up transformer.

Embodiment DD. The apparatus of any one of the S-CC embodiments, wherein the apparatus is powered using direct linear input power.

Embodiment EE. A device for converting hydrocarbons containing

a) discharge chamber;

b) an inlet for supplying hydrocarbon material into the discharge chamber;

c) an outlet for transporting the hydrocarbon fraction from the discharge chamber; And

e) a series of voltage multipliers operating in parallel, the series of voltage multipliers being configured to apply electrical pulses to the hydrocarbon material in the hydrocarbon conversion discharge chamber, the electrical pulses being applied by means of a discharge circuit provided with a controlled input current.

Embodiment FF. The apparatus of embodiment EE, wherein the plurality of voltage multipliers are Cockcroft-Walton generators.

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Embodiment GG. An apparatus according to embodiment EE or FF, in which multiple voltage multipliers operate in parallel from a single step-up transformer.

NN embodiment. A method for converting hydrocarbons, comprising

a) feeding hydrocarbon material through the inlet port into the discharge chamber;

b) using one or more Cockroft-Walton generators to apply high-voltage electrical capacitor discharge pulses to hydrocarbon material in a hydrocarbon conversion discharge chamber, the pulses being applied through a two-electrode spark circuit provided with a current-controlled input signal; And

c) exit of the hydrocarbon fraction from the discharge chamber through the outlet hole.

Embodiment II. The method according to an LV embodiment, wherein the use of one or more Cockcroft-Walton generators includes the use of a plurality of voltage multipliers operating in parallel.

Embodiment JJ. The method of embodiment LV or II, wherein the Cockcroft-Walton generators are part of a device that is powered by a step-up transformer using direct line input.

Embodiment KK. A system comprising a single-stage half-wave Cockcroft-Walton generator used to generate high-voltage capacitor discharge pulses for hydrocarbon conversion, fed from a step-up transformer using direct line input.

Embodiment LL. A system comprising a set of single-stage half-wave Cockcroft-Walton generators operated in parallel from a single step-up transformer using direct mains input for use in hydrocarbon conversion.

MM embodiment. A system comprising a single-stage full-wave Cockcroft-Walton generator used to generate high-voltage capacitor discharge pulses for hydrocarbon conversion, fed from a step-up transformer using direct line input.

Embodiment NN. A system comprising a set of single-stage full-wave Cockcroft-Walton generators operating in parallel from a single step-up transformer with direct mains input for use in hydrocarbon conversion.

OO embodiment. A system comprising a multi-stage half-wave Cockcroft-Walton generator used to generate high-voltage capacitor discharge pulses for hydrocarbon conversion, fed from a step-up transformer using direct line input.

Embodiment PP. A system comprising a set of multi-stage Cockcroft-Walton half-wave generators operating in parallel from a single step-up transformer with direct mains input for use in hydrocarbon conversion.

Embodiment QQ. A system comprising a multi-stage half-wave Cockcroft-Walton generator used to generate high-voltage capacitor discharge pulses for hydrocarbon conversion, fed from a step-up transformer using a high voltage alternating current source.

Embodiment RR. A system comprising a set of multi-stage Cockcroft-Walton half-wave generators operating in parallel from a single step-up transformer using a high-voltage AC power supply for use in hydrocarbon conversion.

In the context of the present invention, unless otherwise indicated, one means one or more.

As used herein, the term will roughly be understood by those skilled in the art and will vary to some extent depending on the context in which it is used. If there are uses of the limits that are not clear to those skilled in the art, given the context in which it is used, approximately will mean up to plus or minus 10% of the specific value.

All publications, patent applications, issued patents and other documents referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference as if each individual publication, patent application, issued patent or other document were specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference throughout. completeness. Definitions contained in the text incorporated by reference are excluded to the extent that they conflict with the definitions herein.

The embodiments illustratively described herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms containing, including, containing, etc. should be construed broadly and without limitation. Furthermore, the terms and expressions used herein are intended to be descriptive and not limiting, and it is not intended by the use of such terms and expressions to exclude any

Claims (17)

or equivalents of the functions or parts thereof shown and described, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claimed technology. In addition, the phrase consisting essentially of should be understood to include those elements that are specifically enumerated and those additional elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed technology. The phrase consisting of excludes any unspecified element. The present invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments described in this application, which are intended to illustrate various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent structures, devices and processes included within the scope of the invention, in addition to those listed herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. It is intended that such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present invention shall be limited only by the terms of the appended claims together with the full scope of equivalent circuits to which such claims are entitled. It should be understood that this description is not limited to specific processes, reagents, compound compositions or biological systems, which, of course, may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is intended to describe specific embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting thereof. Moreover, if features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is therefore also described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also include any and all possible sub-ranges and combinations thereof. Any range listed can easily be recognized as sufficiently descriptive to allow the same range to be broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed here can easily be broken down into a lower third, a middle third, and an upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art, all terms such as up to, at least greater than, less than, and the like include the number indicated and refer to ranges that may subsequently be broken down into subranges as described above. Finally, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, the range includes each individual element. While certain embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications thereto may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the technology in its broader aspects as defined in the following claims. CLAIM 1. A device for converting hydrocarbons, comprising a reactor for treating oil to produce a two-phase mixture of gas and liquid, in which the mixture includes a hydrocarbon to be converted; a multi-electrode spark circuit for converting hydrocarbons, the spark circuit having spark gap electrodes defining a plurality of spark gaps contacting the two-phase mixture in the oil processing reactor; and at least one high-voltage rectifier circuit operatively coupled to the spark discharge circuit, wherein the rectifier circuit is configured to provide a current-controlled input signal to the spark discharge circuit to generate discharge sparks at the electrodes forming the spark discharge gaps, wherein the rectifier circuit is configured to the ability to generate a higher DC voltage from a lower voltage AC input using a Cockcroft-Walton subcircuit for each of a plurality of spark gaps, the Cockcroft-Walton subcircuits being powered in parallel by a step-up transformer so as to distribute the power output evenly among the plurality of spark gaps discharge gaps and prevent the occurrence of a spark solely in one spark discharge gap, and the step-up transformer is configured to supply power sufficient for the conversion of hydrocarbons. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rectifier circuit is configured to generate a higher DC voltage from a lower voltage AC input without a resistive element. - 21 043985 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the step-up transformer is configured to supply pulse energy low enough to minimize soot formation. 4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the step-up transformer is connected to a single-phase linear input. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the line input is at least one of a 120 VAC 60 Hz input and a 240 VAC 60 Hz input. 6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that one step-up transformer supplies multiple spark gaps in parallel. 7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a plurality of step-up transformers with one transformer for each spark gap and with complete electrical separation of each spark gap circuit. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the step-up transformer is connected to the multi-phase line input so as to separate the multi-phase AC input voltages and connect one or more complete CWG transformer settings to each input. 9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rectifier circuit includes a half-wave, single-stage CWG. 10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rectifier circuit includes a multi-stage CWG. 11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rectifier circuit includes a full-wave CWG. 12. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the capacitance of at least one of the capacitors in the rectifier circuit affects the pulse energy for spark discharges. 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rectifier circuit operates in parallel with a first power supply and a second power supply operating in conjunction with the first power supply, wherein the first power supply converts a standard AC line input to a low voltage DC output, wherein This second power supply converts the low voltage DC input into a high voltage AC output of any frequency. 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the rectifier circuit is configured to have an output capacitance in the range of 1 pF to 1 nF, potentially utilizing any inherent parasitic capacitance in the circuit. 15. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is designed to generate voltage in the range from 3 to 50 kV. 16. A device for converting hydrocarbons, comprising a processing reactor for receiving the mixture to be processed; at least one multi-electrode spark circuit comprising spark gap electrodes defining a plurality of spark gaps exposed to the mixture in the treatment reactor, the at least one multi-electrode spark circuit comprising a Cockcroft-Walton sub-circuit for each of the plurality of spark gaps; and at least one high-voltage generator operatively coupled to the at least one spark circuit, wherein the generator is configured to provide a current-controlled input signal to the at least one spark circuit to generate sparks at a plurality of spark gaps, the high voltage the generator is configured to use a combination of diodes and capacitors to convert an AC input to a DC output and supply the Cockcroft-Walton subcircuits in parallel so as to evenly distribute the power output among a plurality of spark gaps and prevent a spark from occurring solely in one spark gap, wherein the high-voltage generator is configured to supply sufficient power to convert hydrocarbons in the treatment reactor. 17. A device for converting hydrocarbons, containing a discharge chamber with electrodes that form a plurality of spark discharge gaps; a discharge circuit configured to create discharges between electrodes forming a plurality of discharge gaps; an inlet for supplying hydrocarbon material into the discharge chamber such that the hydrocarbon material reaches a plurality of spark discharge gaps between the electrodes; an outlet for exiting a hydrocarbon fraction from the discharge chamber, the hydrocarbon fraction being formed after the discharges pass through the electrodes, while the hydrocarbon material is located in a plurality of spark discharge gaps; and a voltage multiplier configured to provide a current-controlled input signal to the discharge circuit when electrical pulses are applied to the hydrocarbon material through -