Abstract: Reformulated gasoline (RFG) testing recently required by EPA involves measuring sulfur, olefin, aromatic contents, Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP), and benzene, distillation properties, plus total air pollutants (TAPs), volatile organic carbon (VOC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Measuring driveability, although not required, is desirable. All of these tests can be conducted by spectrometer, preferably in the IR range, more preferably in the NIR range, and most preferably by a single instrument operating at high-correlation wavelengths. Importantly, VOC, TAP, NOx, and RVP may be correlated to IR absorbance at certain bands. Statistical methods including PLS, MLR, PCR, and neural networks can be used and derivatives of first, particularly second, or other orders can be used. Results can be displayed on a single screen.

Abstract: A plural zone plant form converting a carbon source to synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen is disclosed. The carbon source which can consist of coal, automobile tires, or hazardous organic wastes, such as chlorinated biphenyls, polyhaloginated organics, organometallics, organic polymers, and the like is dissolved in a molten bath which can comprise iron in an oxygen deficient zone at one pressure and reacted with water, an oxygen source, or mixtures thereof in at least one other zone at higher temperatures and pressures from that present in the first zone. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, two zones, the first and the second, are at different vertical heights and circulation from one zone to the other occurs as a result of differences in density between the molten bath in the lower zone compared to that in the upper zone.

Abstract: Mineral lubricant base oils (e.g., neutral oils) can be added to asphalt composition to improve low temperature properties at low addition rates (e.g., oil 1-5%). Rerefined oils (boiling above about 177.degree. C. (350.degree. F.)) have the same properties as virgin mineral lubricant base oils, but most rerefined oils are too dark in color to be used as lube oil base stocks. Their use in asphalt would be ideal as color is not a problem and they are much cheaper in cost than virgin base oils. This can permit disposing of rerefined motor oil. The resulting asphalt compositions exhibit important improvements in low temperature properties, resistance to thermal cracking and expanded useful temperature range.

Abstract: A Fourier-Transform Raman spectrometer was used to collect the Raman spectra of (208) commercial petroleum fuels. The individual motor and research octane numbers (MON and RON, respectively) were determined experimentally using the industry standard ASTM knock engine method. Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression analysis can be used to build regression models which correlate the Raman spectra (175) of the fuels with the experimentally determined values for MON, RON, and pump octane number (the average of MON and RON) of the fuels. Each of the models was validated using leave-one-out validation. The standard errors of validation (SEV) are 0.415, 0.535, and 0.410 octane numbers for MON, RON, and pump octane number, respectively. By comparing the standard error of validation to the standard deviation for the experimentally determined octane numbers, it is evident that the accuracy of the Raman determined values is limited by the accuracy of the training set used in creating the models.

Abstract: A distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) diode laser is used as excitation source for fiber optic Raman spectroscopy utilizing charge coupled device (CCD) detection and an image-corrected spectrograph. The DBR diode laser is superior to index guided diode lasers (Fabry-Perot) for elimination of mode hopping, elimination of frequency hysteresis as a function of both temperature and current changes, and reduction in laser broadband emission. These advantages allow the DBR laser to be used in industrial process control applications which are too demanding for index guided diode lasers.

Abstract: Two or more (preferably three) simple single-chamber crucibles contain molten metal and are successively fed hydrocarbon feed to produce hydrogen, then fed oxygen-containing gas to produce CO, then fed hydrocarbon again, etc. Their operation is controlled by a swing valving sequence which connects the crucibles to a hydrogen header when they are producing hydrogen and to a CO header when they are producing CO, and possibly to a vent (or to the CO header) during the transition between H.sub.2 production and CO production (see FIG. 2). Each crucible (FIGS. 3, 4) preferably is in a pressure-tight steel housing, uses segmented refractories for simplicity in construction and reduction of thermal expansion effects and has an inlet lance (sparging tube) for feeding hydrocarbon and an outlet which emits product gases. Both inlet and outlet are preferably located in the head of each crucible. Swing valves are preferably located downstream of product heat-exchangers for lower temperature operation.

Abstract: Compression of soft subsoils to support loads such as roadways, widened roadways, etc. with conventionally accomplished product piling surcharge onto the subsoils for a time long enough to compress them. The speed and undesirable compression (which often causes interference with aquifers) can be avoided by installing isolation slabs supported at or near the grade of the subsoil by caps resting on piles driven to sufficient depths to support the intended load. Fill can then be placed on the isolating slabs without the undesirable compression of the subsoil.

Abstract: In this combination process, solvent deasphalting (SDA) concentrates metals in the bottoms product which can be blended to asphalt as a product or for sending to the Calderon or similar process and outputs a high carbon (4+ concarbon) feed which is readily cracked to valuable transportation fuels by an RCC.RTM. cracking unit (or a conventional FCC with catalyst cooler and oxygen to the regenerator so that it acts as an RCC). The Rose process can be used instead of SDA to save utilities. By this invention, heavy crude can be converted to valuable transportation fuels and asphalt product, and catalyst make-up can be sharply reduced in the RCC or FCC unit because metals (asphaltenes and porphyrins) are removed before cracking. Novel asphalt compositions and blending are also disclosed. Asphalt from the SDA can preferably be blended with lube plant extract (or other aromatic extract) to produce specific asphalts meeting new SHRP specifications for paving.

Abstract: In addition to analysis in the infrared spectra of hydrocarbon group types, it has now been found that certain hydrocarbon species, including preferably aromatic species such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and alkyl benzenes such as ethyl benzene, can be determined by measuring absorption in certain selected wavelengths in the infrared spectra, then manipulating the data, e.g., preferably by taking the first or higher derivative, and applying statistical techniques, preferably multiple linear regression (MLR) to provide an output signal indicative of the concentration of the particular specie. The output signal can be used to control refinery and chemical processes, e.g., reforming, catalytic cracking, alkylation and isomerization. In manufacturing reformulated fuels, government regulations can be complied with by utilizing the invention to blend fuels which have a maximum of benzene or other regulated components.

Abstract: Carbon fiber mat are embedded in a coating by first rolling on a coating of e.g. epoxy on the floor or wall, then applying sheets of fine carbon fibers, (optionally) removing the carbon fiber which is not adherent after the coating has dried, then applying one or more additional top coats of coating to additionally embed the carbon fibers. The result is an electrically conductive floor and/or wall coating system useful in antistatic rooms such as clean rooms, operating rooms, etc. Coatings can be sol vent based or waterborne urethanes, epoxies, alkyds, polyethylenes, acrylics, vinyls, vinyl acetates, esters, polyesters, sulfones, polysulfones, silicones, polysilicones and others. The preferred mats are carbon fiber "veils" or "paper" generally having a density of about 0.75 oz./square yard.

Abstract: Benzene and substituted aromatic hydrocarbons can be predicted within .+-.0.31% vol or better, using Raman NIR spectroscopy and multivariate analysis, with optional fiberoptics multistreaming, preferably with Partial Least Squares regression analysis. The resulting signal can be used to control concentration of such compounds in product to desired levels.

Abstract: In an improved molten metal hydrogen generation bath, baffles form a draft tube or chimney-effect near the center of the bath. Flow through the chimney is aided by maintaining a temperature differential favoring convection and, optionally, a differential pressure between the portions of the bath on either side of the baffle-chimney arrangement. Feed is added to the feed zone and oxygen is added to the oxidation zone, emitting H.sub.2 from the feed zone and CO from the oxidation zone. Baffles may be made simply of brick work or high temperature metal and can fit into existing refractory-lined molten metal vessels. Products can be mixed as syngas feed for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Additionally, the Boudouard endothermic reaction (CO.sub.2 +C.fwdarw.2CO) can be used to control temperatures by injecting CO in place of oxygen.

Abstract: An improved "magnetic hook"-promoted catalytic process, catalyst and method of manufacture for heavy hydrocarbon conversion, optionally in the presence of nickel and vanadium on the catalyst and in the feed stock to produce lighter molecular weight fractions, including more gasoline, lower olefins and higher isobutane than normally produced. This process is based on the discovery that two "magnetic hook" elements, namely manganese and chromium, previously employed as magnetic enhancement agents to facilitate removal of old catalyst, or to selectively retain expensive catalysts, can also themselves function as selective cracking catalysts, particularly when operating on feeds containing significant amounts of nickel and vanadium, and especially where economics require operating with high nickel- and vanadium-contaminated and containing catalysts.

Abstract: Optimized utilization of combinations of fluid catalyst magnetic separator, classifier, and/or attriter can be used to achieve lower catalyst cost, and better catalyst activity and selectivity through control of metal-on-catalyst, particle size and particle size distribution. This process is especially useful when processing high metal-containing feedstocks. This provides a catalyst recovery unit (RCU.TM.) ancillary to an FCC or similar unit.

Abstract: Producing carbon fiber precursors and carbonized fibers comprise by treating a thin film of catalytic pitch at elevated temperature conditions, treating the resulting heavy isotropic pitch by agitating with an inert gas under elevated temperature conditions to form a mesophase pitch, forming green fibers from said mesophase pitch, stabilizing and optionally carbonizing said green fibers to obtain the desired product.

Abstract: In this combination process, solvent deasphalting (SDA) concentrates metals in the bottoms product which can be blended to asphalt as a product or for sending to the Calderon or similar process and outputs a high carbon (4+ concarbon) feed which is readily cracked to valuable transportation fuels by an RCC.RTM. cracking unit (or a conventional FCC with catalyst cooler and oxygen to the regenerator so that it acts as an RCC). The Rose process can be used instead of SDA to save utilities. By this invention, heavy crude can be converted to valuable transportation fuels and asphalt product, and catalyst make-up can be sharply reduced in the RCC or FCC unit because metals (asphalteries and porphyrins) are removed before cracking. Novel asphalt compositions and blending are also disclosed. Asphalt from the SDA can preferably be blended with lube plant extract (or other aromatic extract) to produce specific asphalts meeting new SHRP specifications for paving.

Abstract: Oxygenated hydrocarbons can be predicted within .+-.0.2% wt or better, using Raman NIR spectroscopy and multivariate analysis, with optional fiberoptics multistreaming. The resulting signal can be used to control concentration of such compounds in product to desired levels.

Abstract: Novel compositions comprising asphalt, having improved durability, are disclosed, the compositions comprising or containing (a) from about 0.1 percent to about 5.0 percent of a metal hydrocarbyldithiophosphate, or mixture thereof, and (b) from about 0.1 percent to about 5.0 percent of an antioxidant butylated phenol, or mixture thereof, the ratio of (a) to (b) being from about 0.75:1 to about 4.0:1. A process of making such improved compositions is also described, as well as methods of utilizing such compositions.

Abstract: A plural-zone molten metal iron gasifier for converting feeds containing hydrogen and carbon, such as propane, solvent deasphalted pitch, etc., into substantially pure hydrogen and CO/CO.sub.2 streams under pressure by incorporating carbo into the molten metal in a first zone or vessel, then circulating the molten metal into contact with an oxygen-containing gas in a second zone or vessel. Preferably hydrogen is primarily produced in a third zone or vessel, and carbon oxides in a second zone or vessel. A one-meter diameter vessel can produce 20 million standard cubic feet per day of hydrogen at a pressure in the range 2 to 50 atm from methane using this invention.

Abstract: An improved catalytic process for heavy hydrocarbon conversion (usually but not necessarily in the presence of nickel and vanadium in the feedstock and on the catalyst) to produce lighter and selective molecular weight fractions. This process is specifically targeted as a means of retaining specialty high-valued, preferably microspherical additives (SHVA) which assist in attaining preferred conversion products such as gasoline, especially the recent gasolines meeting compositional requirements of "Reformulated Fuel".Selective magnetic retention of these high-cost specialty additives can be achieved by incorporating into them selective magnetic moieties, preferably manganese, the heavy rare earths and superparamagnetic iron. Selective retention is achieved by passing spent or regenerated catalyst containing small amounts of these SHVAs through a magnetic separator, and selectively recycling them back to the circulating catalyst.