Abstract: A product of reduced sulfur content is produced from an olefin-containing hydrocarbon feedstock which includes sulfur-containing impurities. The feedstock is contacted with an olefin-modification catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions which are effective to produce an intermediate product which has a reduced amount of olefinic unsaturation relative to that of the feedstock as measured by bromine number. The intermediate product is then contacted with a hydrodesulfurization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under conditions which are effective to convert at least a portion of its sulfur-containing impurities to hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: A product of reduced sulfur content is produced from an olefin-containing hydrocarbon feedstock which includes sulfur-containing impurities. The feedstock is contacted with an olefin-modification catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions which are effective to produce an intermediate product which has a reduced amount of olefinic unsaturation relative to that of the feedstock as measured by bromine number. The intermediate product is then separated into fractions of different volatility, and the lowest boiling fraction is contacted with a hydrodesulfurization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under conditions which are effective to convert at least a portion of its sulfur-containing impurities to hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and rejuvenating an at least partially spent de-NOx catalyst comprising a porous ceramic metal oxide material containing a vanadium oxide and coated on a metal support by cleaning the catalyst with an oxalic acid solution and by contacting the catalyst with a vanadium compound solution.

Abstract: A particularly useful process which includes the steps of providing a feedstream comprising methanol, a soluble condensation promoting component capable of activating a heterogeneous acidic catalyst and a source of formaldehyde formed by conversion of methanol in the presence of a catalyst comprising copper and zinc, and heating this feedstream with the heterogeneous acidic catalyst in a catalytic distillation column to convert methanol and formaldehyde present to methylal and higher polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers and to separate the methylal from the higher polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers is disclosed. Advantageously, methylal and higher polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers are formed and separated in a catalytic distillation column. By including within the column a section containing an anion exchange resin, an essentially acid-free product is obtained.

Abstract: A multi-stage compressor, including a system for the injection of a cooling liquid into at least a portion of the compressor stages to increase the efficiency of the multi-stage compressor by reducing the temperature of the compressed gas produced in the multi-stage compressor. A cleaning solution may also be injected through nozzles used for the injection of the cooling liquid.

Abstract: A particularly useful process which includes the steps of providing a feedstream comprising providing a source of formaldehyde formed by conversion of dimethyl ether in the presence of a catalyst comprising tungsten oxide; and (i) heating the feedstream with the heterogeneous acidic catalyst in a catalytic distillation column to convert methanol and formaldehyde present to methylal and higher polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers and to separate the methylal from the higher polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers is disclosed, and/or (ii) contacting the source of formaldehyde and a predominately dimethyl ether feedstream with a heterogeneous, condensation promoting catalyst capable of hydrating dimethyl ether under conditions of reaction sufficient to form an effluent comprising water, methanol, formaldehyde, dimethyl ether, and polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers is disclosed. Unreacted dimethyl ether is recovered from the effluent and recycled to the formation of polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the life of a thermowell tube positioned in a hot gas duct to contain a thermocouple capable of measuring the temperature of a hot gas in the duct.

Abstract: Oxygenated organic compounds exhibiting the desired combination of advantageous properties have structures represented by the formula CH3 E (CH2O)x (CHO)y E′ where E is selected from the group consisting of CH3O— and CH3CH2O—, E′ is selected from the group consisting of —CH3 and —CH2CH3, x is a number from 0 to about 10, y is number from 0 to about 10 such that the sum (x+y) is at least 2. Economical processes are disclosed for production of a mixture of oxygenated organic compounds which are suitable components for blending into fuel having improved qualities for use in compression ignition internal combustion engines (diesel engines).

Abstract: A method for preparing a catalyst having one or more noble metals disposed in a relatively homogeneous distribution on a base which includes an inorganic refractory binder and a zeolite. The method provides for uniformly depositing noble metals on the base after it is formed, without unnecessarily displacing desirable nonframework cations, such as sodium, from the zeolite.

Abstract: A method for converting a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock to a lower boiling temperature product is described which comprises suspending metal sulfide particles and oxide particles in a reaction zone including hydrogen and the hydrocarbonaceous feedstock at hydrocracking conditions. The metal sulfide particles and the oxide particles are introduced into the reaction zone through particle precursor fluids which precipitate upon heating to form the particles. The metal sulfide particles contain sulfidable transition metals. The oxide particles contain oxidizable elements such as magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorous, calcium, scandium, titanium, gallium, germanium, zirconium, cerium, and mixtures thereof and are not hydrogenation catalysts under the reactor conditions. The oxide particles resist being chemically reduced by reducing agents in the reaction zone. Surprisingly, the presence of the oxide particles is associated with a significant reduction of coke production in the reaction zone.

Abstract: A particularly useful process which includes the steps of providing a feedstream comprising a soluble condensation promoting component capable of activating a heterogeneous acidic catalyst and a source of formaldehyde formed by conversion of dimethyl ether in the presence of a catalyst comprising silver as an essential catalyst component; and heating the feedstream with the heterogeneous acidic catalyst in a catalytic distillation column to convert methanol and formaldehyde present to methylal and higher polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers and to separate the methylal from the higher polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers is disclosed. Advantageously, methylal and higher polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers are formed and separated in a catalytic distillation column.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method for collecting and recycling a petroleum by-product such as hydrocarbon residue from crude oil. The apparatus comprises a container having a top, bottom, and sides, an internal heating element, an inlet element, an outlet element, a pump connector, and optionally a plug element for an auxiliary connector. The present invention further provides a method for recycling waxy hydrocarbon residue from crude oil. The method comprises providing the container of the present invention; filling the container with a sufficient amount of the waxy hydrocarbon residue; heating the waxy hydrocarbon residue in the container in order to produce a liquefied hydrocarbon residue; pumping the liquefied hydrocarbon residue out of the container through the pump connector and into a separate storage vessel; and, recycling the liquefied hydrocarbon residue into a usable oil refinery product.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing water entering a dispenser from collecting in the containment pan. This method utilizes a shield or barrier placed inside the dispenser above the containment pan. The material used to form the barrier is insoluble in water but soluble in the hydrocarbons typically found in a dispensing system.