Abstract: A method for producing synthesis gas from underground hydrocarbon deposits is described. Oxygen and water are reacted with the hydrocarbon deposit under conditions conducive to the production of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The method is applicable to oil reservoirs from which conventional production means are unable to recover additional oil practically, to viscous oil deposits from which production is limited, and to shale oil deposits.

Abstract: A method for producing synthesis gas from underground hydrocarbon deposits is described. Oxygen and water are reacted with the hydrocarbon deposit under conditions conducive to the production of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The method is applicable to oil reservoirs from which conventional production means are unable to recover additional oil practically, to viscous oil deposits from which production is limited, and to shale oil deposits.

Abstract: A ?-alumina catalyst support having improved attrition resistance produced by a method comprising the steps of treating a particulate ?-alumina material with an acidic aqueous solution comprising water and nitric acid and then, prior to adding any catalytic material thereto, calcining the treated ?-alumina.

Abstract: A method for reducing catalyst attrition losses in hydrocarbon synthesis processes conducted in high agitation reaction systems; a method of producing an attrition-resistant catalyst; a catalyst produced by such method; a method of producing an attrition-resistant catalyst support; and a catalyst support produced by such method. The inventive method of reducing catalyst attrition losses comprises the step of reacting a synthesis gas in a high agitation reaction system in the presence of a catalyst. In one aspect, the catalyst preferably comprises a &ggr;-alumina support including an amount of titanium effective for increasing the attrition resistance of the catalyst. In another aspect, the catalyst preferably comprises a &ggr;-alumina support which has been treated, after calcination, with an acidic, aqueous solution. The acidic aqueous solution preferably has a pH of not more than about 5.

Abstract: A catalyst support having improved attrition resistance and a catalyst produced therefrom. The catalyst support is produced by a method comprising the step of treating calcined &ggr;-alumina having no catalytic material added thereto with an acidic aqueous solution having an acidity level effective for increasing the attrition resistance of the calcined &ggr;-alumina.

Abstract: A highly active Fischer-Tropsch catalyst having increased thermal stability. The catalyst comprises a &ggr;-alumina support doped with an amount of lanthana oxide, barium oxide, or a combination thereof effective for increasing the thermal stability of the catalyst in a slurry bubble column reaction system while maintaining or increasing the activity of the catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

Abstract: A method for reducing catalyst attrition losses in hydrocarbon synthesis processes conducted in high agitation reaction systems; a method of producing an attrition-resistant catalyst; a catalyst produced by such method; a method of producing an attrition-resistant catalyst support; and a catalyst support produced by such method. The inventive method of reducing catalyst attrition losses comprises the step of reacting a synthesis gas in a high agitation reaction system in the presence of a catalyst. In one aspect, the catalyst preferably comprises a &ggr;-alumina support including an amount of titanium effective for increasing the attrition resistance of the catalyst. In another aspect, the catalyst preferably comprises a &ggr;-alumina support which has been treated, after calcination, with an acidic, aqueous solution. The acidic aqueous solution preferably has a pH of not more than about 5.

Abstract: A method of conducting hydrocarbon synthesis and a highly stable cobalt on alumina catalyst therefor. The inventive method comprises the step of reacting a synthesis gas in a slurry bubble column reactor in the presence of the catalyst. The catalyst comprises a &ggr;-alumina support doped with an amount of lanthana oxide, barium oxide, or a combination thereof effective for increasing the thermal stability of the catalyst in the slurry bubble column reacting system while maintaining or increasing the activity of the catalyst.

Abstract: Cobalt catalysts, and processes employing these inventive catalysts, for hydrocarbon synthesis. The inventive catalyst comprises cobalt on an alumina support and is not promoted with any noble or near noble metals. In one aspect of the invention, the alumina support preferably includes a dopant in an amount effective for increasing the activity of the inventive catalyst. The dopant is preferably a titanium dopant. In another aspect of the invention, the cobalt catalyst is preferably reduced in the presence of hydrogen at a water vapor partial pressure effective to increase the activity of the cobalt catalyst for hydrocarbon synthesis. The water vapor partial pressure is preferably in the range of from 0 to about 0.1 atmospheres.

Abstract: A method for reducing catalyst attrition losses in hydrocarbon synthesis processes conducted in high agitation reaction systems; a method of producing an attrition-resistant catalyst; a catalyst produced by such method; a method of producing an attrition-resistant catalyst support; and a catalyst support produced by such method. The inventive method of reducing catalyst attrition losses comprises the step of reacting a synthesis gas in a high agitation reaction system in the presence of a catalyst. In one aspect, the catalyst preferably comprises a &ggr;-alumina support including an amount of titanium effective for increasing the attrition resistance of the catalyst. In another aspect, the catalyst preferably comprises a &ggr;-alumina support which has been treated, after calcination, with an acidic, aqueous solution. The acidic aqueous solution preferably has a pH of not more than about 5.

Abstract: A method of conducting hydrocarbon synthesis and a highly stable cobalt on alumina catalyst therefor. The inventive method comprises the step of reacting a synthesis gas in a slurry bubble column reactor in the presence of the catalyst. The catalyst comprises a &ggr;-alumina support doped with an amount of lanthana oxide, barium oxide, or a combination thereof effective for increasing the thermal stability of the catalyst in the slurry bubble column reacting system while maintaining or increasing the activity of the catalyst.

Abstract: Cobalt catalysts, and processes employing these inventive catalysts, for hydrocarbon synthesis. The inventive catalyst comprises cobalt on an alumina support and is not promoted with any noble or near noble metals. In one aspect of the invention, the alumina support preferably includes a dopant in an amount effective for increasing the activity of the inventive catalyst. The dopant is preferably a titanium dopant. In another aspect of the invention, the cobalt catalyst is preferably reduced in the presence of hydrogen at a water vapor partial pressure effective to increase the activity of the cobalt catalyst for hydrocarbon synthesis. The water vapor partial pressure is preferably in the range of from 0 to about 0.1 atmospheres.

Abstract: Cobalt catalysts, and processes employing these inventive catalysts, for hydrocarbon synthesis. The inventive catalyst comprises cobalt on an alumina support and is not promoted with any noble or near noble metals. In one aspect of the invention, the alumina support preferably includes a dopant in an amount effective for increasing the activity of the inventive catalyst. The dopant is preferably a titanium dopant. In another aspect of the invention, the cobalt catalyst is preferably reduced in the presence of hydrogen at a water vapor partial pressure effective to increase the activity of the cobalt catalyst for hydrocarbon synthesis. The water vapor partial pressure is preferably in the range of from 0 to about 0.1 atmospheres.

Abstract: A process for hydrocarbon synthesis comprising the step of reacting a synthesis gas in the presence of a cobalt catalyst promoted with palladium.

Abstract: Processes and catalysts for conducting Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in a slurry bubble column reactor (SBCR). One aspect of the invention involves the use of cobalt catalysts without noble metal promotion in an SBCR. Another aspect involves using palladium promoted cobalt catalysts in an SBCR. Methods for preparing noble metal promoted catalysts via totally aqueous impregnation and procedures for producing attrition resistant catalysts are also provided.

Abstract: Integrating an absorption-desorption step, a Claus plant, and a catalytic hydrogen reactor in a recycle loop provides a gas-desulfuration plant that operates at a substantially zero emission level. Hydrogen sulfide is removed from industrial gas streams by absorption-desorption in a liquid absorbent. The resulting foul gas is then reacted with sulfur dioxide in a Claus reaction, i.e., the reaction of hydrogen sulfide with sulfur dioxide to form elemental sulfur and water. The tail gas from this Claus reaction is then passed through a catalytic hydrogenation reactor together with a supply of hydrogen to reduce the sulfur and sulfur compounds to hydrogen sulfide. The now reduced tail gas is then recycled back to the industrial gas, upstream of the absorption-desorption step.

Abstract: Nitrilotriacetonitrile (NTN) is produced in high yeilds from hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde and ammonia, or its equivalent as an ammonium salt of a strong acid, by utilization of a critical two-stage reaction sequence within a narrow dilution ratio and temperature range. The reaction sequence steps provide for a first mixture to be prepared comprising a mixture of the formaldehyde and ammonia. No external adjustment of the pH of this mixture is permitted. A second mixture is prepared comprised of the HCN in an aqueous solution and a strong mineral acid such as sulfuric acid for adjusting the pH of the mixture to about 1 or less. NTN is produced by combining the mixtures at a temperature of from about 55.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C. either by adding the formaldehyde/ammonia solution to the HCN/acid solution or vice versa. The ratios and dilution of the reactants is critical for good yields.

Abstract: A catalytic amount of ammonia or ammonium compounds are utilized to prevent deterioration of alkanolamines employed in gas sweetening processes. The ammonia is added either to the sour gas or the absorbing solution and acts to suppress thiocyanate .[.formation.]. .Iadd.accumulation .Iaddend.during absorption.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThis invention relates to gas purification and more particularly to gas purification by the removal of acid gases from industrial gas in an absorption/desorption process.2. Prior ArtThe term "gas sweetening" pertains to gas purification processes in which acid gases, particularly sulfurous gases are removed from industrial gases.Gas sweetening processes commonly utilize aqueous absorbing solutions into which the acid gases are scrubbed (absorbed) to be later stripped (desorbed) for possible further treatment. Desorbing is accomplished by heating the spent solution to expel the acid gases.