Abstract: A multistage process for producing ethers from lower aliphatic oxygenate feedstock, such as methanol. Feedstock is catalytically converted in a primary catalyst stage at elevated temperature in contact with zeolite catalyst to predominantly C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 lower olefins comprising isobutylene and isoamylene, by-product water and a minor amount of C.sub.6.sup.+ hydrocarbons, followed by fractionation of the C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 olefins to recover a C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 -rich recycle stream for further catalytic conversion in the primary stage. C.sub.4 -C.sub.5 olefins are passed to a second catalytic etherification stage for reaction of isoalkenes with methanol to produce methyl tertiary-butyl ether and methyl isoamylether. The second stage effluent may be fractionated to recover an ether product, C.sub.5.sup.+ hydrocarbon liquid product, and unreacted butenes.

Abstract: A process for removing metal from a metal-containing hydrocarbon oil such as a heavy crude is disclosed which comprises:(a) contacting a hydrocarbon oil phase containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of vanadium and nickel with an aqueous phase of dissolved phosphorous compound capable of forming a compound or a complex with said metal, said aqueous phase containing a substantial quantity of water relative to the amount of liquid hydrocarbon contacted therewith, said contacting resulting in the removal of a substantial quantity of the metal from the hydrocarbon oil phase to the aqueous phase; and,(b) separating the metal-containing aqueous phase from the demetalated hydrocarbon oil phase prior to subjecting the latter to downstream catalytic processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for atomizing a liquid hydrocarbon feed and injecting it into a reaction zone, such as a riser conversion zone or a dense fluid bed reactor of a fluid catalytic cracking unit, is disclosed. The hydrocarbon feed passes through a central passage with steam flowing concurrently in a concentrically aligned passage. By providing a flow restriction means in each hydrocarbon passage and each steam passage, substantially equal quantities of hydrocarbon and steam can be supplied to each of a plurality of hydrocarbon-steam nozzles so as to provide a uniform dispersion of small droplets of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) apparatus and process comprising a reactor riser zone, a primary and a secondary cyclones, connected in series to the riser zone, and a stripping zone. The riser zone, the primary and the secondary cyclones, and the stripping zone, are placed within a single reactor vessel. The primary cyclone is connected to the reactor riser zone by an enclosed conduit which prevents random post-riser thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons after they exit the reactor riser zone. The conduit contains a trickle valve, or other means, to accommodate sudden increased surges of flow of the hydrocarbons and catalyst mixture.

Abstract: A novel FCC method and apparatus, wherein a fresh hydrocarbon feed of relatively poor crackability is fed to one riser of a two riser system. The spent catalyst from the other of the two risers is fed to the inlet of the first riser to produce relatively mild cracking conditions. Improved total gasoline plus distillate yields are achieved. The novel two riser system facilitates heat balancing of the system.

Abstract: A fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) apparatus comprising a reactor riser zone, primary and secondary cyclones, connected in series to the riser zone, and a stripping zone. The riser zone, the primary and the secondary cyclones, and the stripping zone, are placed within a single reactor vessel. The primary cyclone is connected to the reactor riser zone by an enclosed conduit which prevents random post-thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons after they exit the reactor riser zone. The secondary cyclone is also connected to the primary cyclone by an enclosed conduit. Any one or both of the enclosed conduits contain a trickle valve to accommodate sudden increased surges of pressure and of flow of the hydrocarbons and catalyst mixture. The reactor riser zone is equipped with an opening which allows stripping gases, from the stripping zone, to enter the riser. The gases are subsequently conducted through the primary and secondary cyclones to the downstream fractionation means.

Abstract: A fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) apparatus and process comprising a reactor riser zone, a primary and a secondary cyclones, connected in series to the riser zone, and a stripping zone. The riser zone, the primary and the secondary cyclones, and the stripping zone, are placed within a single reactor vessel. The primary cyclone is connected to the reactor riser zone by an enclosed conduit which prevents random post-riser thermal cracking of the hydrocarbons after they exit the reactor riser zone. The conduit contains a trickle valve, or other means, to accommodate sudden increased surges of flow of the hydrocarbons and catalyst mixture.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for atomizing a liquid hydrocarbon feed and injecting it into a reaction zone, such as a riser conversion zone or a dense fluid bed reactor of a fluid catalytic cracking unit, is disclosed. The hydrocarbon feed passes through a central passage with steam flowing concurrently in a concentrically aligned passage. By providing a flow restriction means in each hydrocarbon passage and each steam passage, substantially equal quantities of hydrocarbon and steam can be supplied to each of a plurality of hydrocarbon-steam nozzles so as to provide a uniform dispersion of small droplets of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Process for reduction of sulfur oxides emissions to the atmosphere from FCC regenerators. Spent FCC cracking catalyst containing sulfur and coke deposits is stripped at 500.degree. to 700.degree. C. for 1 to 10 minutes with steam to remove at least a portion of said sulfur deposits from said catalyst prior to catalyst regeneration.

Abstract: An improved surge bin for a Lurgi-Ruhrgas process has baffles which promote uniform flow of feed material through the surge bin. Improved retorting of kerogen from oil shale is obtained. Stripping gas such as steam, is supplied to the surge bin. A separator has a large disengaging volume to remove entrained solid particles and improve the quality of the hydrocarbon product.

Abstract: A suspension of catalyst and gasiform material is separated by a catalyst particle concentrating means which discharges the catalyst into a steam stripping zone and transmits the separated gasiform material to a cyclone separator by means of a restricted passageway which minimizes the time the gasiform material is exposed to the catalytic reaction product temperature.