Abstract: In the delayed coking of a coking feedstock wherein the feedstock is continuously heated in a coking heater and introduced into a coke drum, the heater is operated to provide a coke drum temperature of from 415.degree. to 455.degree. C., and, after filling of the drum to the desired level, feedstock introduction is discontinued and the coke drum contents are heated at a temperature of 450.degree. C. to 500.degree. C., and which heating temperature is at least 10.degree. C. greater than the coking temperature, by passing a non-coking vapor through the contents of the drum to reduce the volatile combustible matter content to a value of 4% to 10% by weight and thereby reduce the CTE of the formed coke. The process is applicable to the production of needle coke from various kinds of feedstocks, in particular from a petroleum feedstock wherein the feedstock is initially treated by thermal soaking in the presence of sulfur, followed by thermal cracking to increase the aromaticity.

Abstract: A gravity settler comprised of a housing which encloses a plurality of conically shaped hollow members arranged in vertically spaced horizontally disposed layers, each of such layers containing a plurality of the conical members, with adjacent layers defining therebetween separate gravity settling compartments. Each of the compartments includes a feed inlet(s), overflow outlets for withdrawing clarified liquid and underflow outlets for withdrawing liquid containing solid.

Abstract: A gravity settler comprised of a housing which encloses a plurality of conically shaped hollow members arranged in vertically spaced horizontally disposed layers, each of such layers containing a plurality of the conical members, with adjacent layers defining therebetween separate gravity settling compartments. Each of the compartments includes a feed inlet(s), overflow outlets for withdrawing clarified liquid and underflow outlets for withdrawing liquid containing solid.

Abstract: The catalyst is withdrawn from a coal hydroliquefaction reactor while it is maintained on stream by withdrawing a portion of the catalyst, in a separate stream, dispersed in product from the liquefaction zone, with such withdrawn stream being further diluted with liquid recovered from the main product stream to reduce the catalyst concentration. The catalyst containing stream is introduced into the ash separation zone, wherein catalyst is recovered with the ash containing solids. Fresh catalyst is subsequently added to the liquefaction zone in a stream of the liquid recovered from the main product stream.