Abstract: A process for reducing asphaltene content of crude oil and oil-containing materials to improve rheological properties of crude oils enhancing the water-extractabilities of sulphur and metals contained in them. The process employs the cold cracking effect of a binary acid solution containing, preferably, hydrochloric acid and oleic acid. The process is particularly applicable to the exploitation of heavy and ultra-heavy oil deposits, to oil recovery from oil-containing tar sand, shale or clay and to the cleaning of oil tanks, garments and clogged oil-pipelines.

Abstract: A process for removing S and Fe and to reclaim V, Ni and Co from coal or oil and their derivatives or from minerals. The process is based upon an oxidative extraction performed with hypochlorous acid (HClO) whose oxidizing power is generated and regulated "in situ". The process is particularly applicable to the recovery of V from residual flexi-coke and to the recovery of Ni from coal.

Abstract: A process for removing S and Fe and to reclaim V, Ni and Co from coal or oil and their derivatives or from minerals. The process is based upon an oxidative extraction performed with hypochlorous acid (HC10) whose oxidizing power is generated and regulated "in situ". The process is particularly applicable to the recovery of V from residual flexi-coke and to the recovery of Ni from coal.