Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to an approach for extending forecasting models to various levels of granularity. The approach can include receiving a target level of granularity for distributing a forecast, performing forecast modeling at an aggregated level of granularity, and determining a distribution method to distribute results of the forecast model at the target level of granularity. The approach can improve performance over existing forecasting models with minimal overhead.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for two-stage solvent extraction of hydrocarbon products is disclosed. The process comprises passing a heavy hydrocarbon feed stream and a first fresh solvent to a first extraction column to generate a first overhead stream and a first bottom stream. The first overhead stream is passed to a first stripping column to generate a first product stream and a first stripped solvent stream. The first bottom stream is passed to a second extraction column to generate a second overhead stream and a second bottom stream. A second fresh solvent stream is passed to a second extraction column. The second overhead stream is passed to a second stripping column to generate a second product stream and a second stripped solvent stream. Passing the first stripped solvent stream and the second stripped solvent stream to a solvent recovery column and passing the second bottom stream to a pitch stripper.

Abstract: A method may include: introducing a fluid comprising a first immiscible phase and a second immiscible phase into a contacting vessel comprising multiple contact stages: flowing the fluid through a first fiber bundle disposed in the contacting vessel; separating at least a portion of the first immiscible phase from the second immiscible phase; and flowing the separated portion of the first immiscible phase through a second fiber bundle disposed in the contacting vessel.

Abstract: A method may include: introducing a fluid comprising a first immiscible phase and a second immiscible phase into a contacting vessel comprising multiple contact stages: flowing the fluid through a first fiber bundle disposed in the contacting vessel; separating at least a portion of the first immiscible phase from the second immiscible phase; and flowing the separated portion of the first immiscible phase through a second fiber bundle disposed in the contacting vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is a process and apparatus for conserving loss of heat while forming and crystallizing polymer particles in a liquid. The cooling liquid quenches the polymer during particle molding to facilitate shaping. The cooling liquid cools the polymer particles not below a temperature that allows adequate crystallization to occur. Cooling liquid is quickly switched with a warming liquid, so the temperature of the polymer is in the crystallization range and the heat of crystallization self-heats the polymer to a higher temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for increasing the intrinsic viscosity of a polymer. The apparatus includes a rotary kiln with internal walls for delaying progress of the polymer to the exit of the kiln to be subject to sufficient processing to obtain desirable intrinsic viscosity.

Abstract: A process for improving flow properties of crude may include processing a first crude stream, which may in turn include cracking the first crude stream with fresh catalyst to form a cracked stream and spent catalyst, and then mixed with an unprocessed second stream. The spent catalyst may be regenerated to form fresh catalyst, which may then be recycled. At least part of the cracked stream may be mixed with a second crude stream. A ratio of the second crude stream to the first crude stream may be between about 0.5:1 and about 9:1. A ratio of part of the cracked stream to add to the second crude stream may be selected to achieve a API gravity of at least about 18. The first crude stream may be heated and stripped before being cracked.