Abstract: There is provided a process for the production of anisotropic coke, the process comprising providing a purified coal product (PCP), wherein the PCP is in particulate form, and wherein at least about 90% by volume (% v) of the particles are no greater than about 100 ?m in diameter; wherein the PCP has an ash content of less than about 10% m and a water content of less than around 5% m. The PCP is combined with a feedstock oil, such as a decant oil, in order to create a combined solid-liquid blend, wherein the solid-liquid blend comprises at least around 0.1% m and at most around 50% m PCP. The solid-liquid blend is subjected to a temperature in excess of 400° C., typically as part of a delayed coker process, for a time period sufficient to induce formation of mesophase, and production of anisotropic coke. Improved yields of valuable needle coke can be obtained via the processes described.

Abstract: An oil-in-water emulsion comprising an asphalt and purified coal product (PCP) is provided, wherein the PCP is in particulate form, and wherein at least about 90% by volume (% v) of the particles are no greater than about 25 ?m in diameter; wherein the PCP has an ash content of less than about 10 wt %. Methods are also provided for the use of PCP as a stabilizing additive in the manufacture of asphalt containing emulsions.

Abstract: Methods for of processing an oxygen containing feedstock to an amine reacted liquid or solid phase with a different solubility, polarity and/or functionality may, in various embodiments, comprise steps of contacting the amine with an oxygen containing hydrocarbon with temperature to facilitate reactions to reduce the oxygen content and modulate the solubility, polarity and/or functionality of the products.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to the analysis of chemical compositions of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon blends. This method applies specifically to the problem of analyzing extremely complex hydrocarbon-containing mixtures when the number and diversity of molecules makes it impossible to realistically identify and quantify them individually in a reasonable timeframe and cost. The advantage to this method over prior art is the ability to separate and identify chemical constituents and solvent fractions based on their solvent-solubility characteristics, their high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) adsorption and desorption behaviors, and their interactions with stationary phases; and subsequently identify and quantify them at least partially using various combinations of non-destructive HPLC, destructive HPLC, and stand-alone detectors presently not routinely used for HPLC but reconfigured to obtain spectra on the fly.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to the analysis of chemical compositions of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon blends. This method applies specifically to the problem of analyzing extremely complex hydrocarbon-containing mixtures when the number and diversity of molecules makes it impossible to realistically identify and quantify them individually in a reasonable timeframe and cost. The advantage to this method over prior art is the ability to separate and identify chemical constituents and solvent fractions based on their solvent-solubility characteristics, their high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) adsorption and desorption behaviors, and their interactions with stationary phases; and subsequently identify and quantify them at least partially using various combinations of non-destructive HPLC, destructive HPLC, and stand-alone detectors presently not routinely used for HPLC but reconfigured to obtain spectra on the fly.

Abstract: Toluene-insoluble hydrocarbon-containing compounds are selectively separated from a hydrocarbon-containing feedstock containing at least 5 wt. % n-heptane insoluble hydrocarbon-containing materials, wherein at least 10 wt. % of the n-heptane insoluble hydrocarbon-containing materials are toluene insoluble hydrocarbon-containing materials, by contacting the hydrocarbon-containing feedstock with a porous silica adsorbent having a median pore size diameter of less than 180 ? at a temperature of from 120° C. to 300° C.