Abstract: A process is described for removing contaminants from thermally cracked waste oil, e.g. used motor oil. In the process the cracked waste oil is contacted with a solvent comprising methanol. The thermally cracked waste oil is then separated from the solvent whereby a substantial portion of the contaminants are removed into the solvent. Thereafter, the solvent is separated from the contaminants and recycled.

Abstract: A treatment of waste petroleum (60,70) is disclosed by decoupling association of the petroleum component to contaminants by solvent treatment (92,94) of the petroleum component, followed by ultrasonic treatment (59,71), separating the contaminants by extraction with a non-solvent (44,46) for the petroleum and solvent and then separating the petroleum. The washed petroleum is then distilled to remove solvent followed by hydroseparation and centrifugation to isolate the petroleum (67). The solids can be subjected to a hot fluid treatment in a toroidal dynamic bed (50) to free up the petroleum residues in the solid particles.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of organic sludges, the process comprising the steps of:(a) feeding dried sludge through a first reactor (16);(b) heating the dried sludge in the first reactor (16) in the absence of oxygen for the volatilisation of oil producing organic materials therein, resulting in gaseous products and sludge residue (char);(c) condensing oil from the gaseous products of the first reactor (16) in a condenser system (20);(d) reinjecting water free oil and/or non-condensable products, if any, into a second reactor (24);(e) transferring the sludge residue (char) from the first reactor (16) to the second reactor (24);(f) contacting the heated sludge residue from step (b) in the second reactor (24) with the oil and/or any non-condensable products of steps (c) and (d) in the absence of oxygen to allow the generation of clean products and a high quality oil product; and(g) removing the gaseous products from the second reactor (24).

Abstract: Gasses, water and solvents, major contaminants in used lubricating oils, can be removed from used lubricating oils at mild temperature conditions under vacuum. Apparatus in which the removal can take place includes a hollow vacuum separator vessel with a spray nozzle to spray an ultra fine spray of warm, used lubricating oil onto an angularly disposed thin film separator plate. In conjunction with the plate is a cooling device within the vacuum chamber. Cleaned oil can be passed from the bottom back into a holding tank, while water and solvents are drained out into a separate tank for safe disposal.

Abstract: An improved process for neutralization of acid tars employs a bulk neutralizing agent having a specific gravity greater than that of the acid tar to be neutralized. The bulk neutralizing agent, generally in excess of an amount sufficient to accomplish neutralizing, is spread on top of the acid tar. The neutralizing agent will then begin to sink into the tar. The sinking occurs at a slow rate which is a function of tar viscosity, tar specific gravity, neutralizing agent specific gravity, and temperature. As the neutralizing material sinks into the acidic tar it reacts with the acid neutralizing the tar in situ and depleting the neutralizing agent. Not only does the reaction increase the pH of the tar, it also produces a reaction product with improved physical properties which promotes ease in handling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for dechlorinating a spent lubricating oil fraction, optionally mixed with another hydrocarbon stock. Upstream of the recycling operation in refining the spent oil, the latter is subjected to a dechlorination operation at least partially by passing it on a bed of particles (6) of a composition which neutralizes by absorption and containing, as active compound capable of fixing the chlorine, at least one metal oxide and/or at least one metal hydroxide.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and plant for purifying spent oil, comprising dehydration, preferably by atmospheric distillation, directly followed by vacuum distillation producing a residue and at least one distilled oil fraction. The vacuum residue directly undergoes solvent extraction and the clarified oil obtained and the distilled oil fraction(s) undergo finishing hydrotreatment.

Abstract: The Corona Inception Voltage of insulating oils is increased by repetitive cycles of prestressing the oil with a voltage greater than the corona inception voltage, and either simultaneously or serially removing byproducts of corona by evacuation and heating the oil.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a low-sulfur fuel oil or gas from used oil and finely divided coal. After mixing, the coal/oil slurry is heated within a pressure vessel to a temperature of approximately 850.degree. F. and the pressure increased to approximately 1500 psi for a time period of more than one hour. A gaseous low-sulfur diesel fuel can be recovered from near the top of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: This procedure includes detecting and rejecting the used mineral motor oils containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) and/or polychlorinated triphenyls (PCT's) before filtering; before the decantation and/or distillation step, if necessary, submitting the used mineral motor oil to thermal shock treatment. In the recycling process, stabilizing the used mineral motor oils that normally contain heavy metals by adding to bitumen, using 0 to 15 percent of used mineral motor oil and a minimum of 85 percent bitumen for bituminous pavements and 1 to 20 percent of used mineral motor oils and a minimum of 80 percent bitumen for bitumen emulsions and paints. Also in the recycling process the used mineral motor oils are mixed with bitumen and paraffinic elastomers, stabilizing the heavy metals contained in the used mineral motor oils, getting usual bituminous pavements, self-draining bituminous pavements, sport pavements, etc. EPM EPDM or butyl rubber are used as paraffinic elastomers.

Abstract: An oil reclamation device includes an evaporator head and base both of heat conductive material and defining an evaporator chamber between them. An upwardly vertically extending heating element is disposed within the evaporator base for heating oil containing contaminants within the evaporator chamber by conduction and convection to evaporate light contaminants/liquids (e.g. water, fuel or antifreeze) in the oil. A vent extends from the evaporator chamber through the head, and an oil discharge conduit provides gravity discharge from the evaporator chamber and is formed in the base. An oil inlet conduit feeds oil from the head toward the evaporator chamber, preferably through a plurality of substantially evenly spaced passages formed in the head and flaring outwardly from the oil inlet conduit to the evaporator chamber to provide flow of oil in small, distinct, spaced streams to impact a portion of a generally annular frustoconical wall element extending upwardly form the base toward the head.

Abstract: A process for significantly decreasing the acid sludge settling time in waste oil recovery processes comprising the steps of heating used oil to a high temperature above 725 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling the heated oil, adding an oxidizing agent to the oil, allowing the acid sludge to settle within a period of approximately 24 to 72 hours, separating the acid-sludge-free oil from the acid sludge which settles out of solution as a result of addition of the oxidizing agent, and adding a polishing agent and separating the re-refined oil from the spent polishing agent. The spent polishing agent is recycled, and the acid sludge which settles out after oxidation is converted to either hard, oxidized asphalt or soft asphalt or asphalt products such as emulsions etc. The process produces a high quality re-refined oil rapidly and economically with no acid sludge disposal problem.

Abstract: A novel process and related apparatus for removing common contaminants from used motor oil. Propane, butane or similar solvent is mixed with the contaminated oil to form a solution. This solution is agitated and then given time to settle thus allowing gravitational separation of asphaltic pollutants. The solution is then percolated through a columned filter to remove heavy metallic contaminants and the solvent recovered by heating the solution.

Abstract: Waste lubricating oil, vegetable oil and animal fat are reprocessed into commercially usable diesel fuel and naphtha by thermocracking. A thermocracker unit is fired with sludge removed from the principal pool of oil or fat undergoing vaporization. The vapors are separated from liquids in a primary distillation tower with precisely controlled heating. Resultant vapors are partially condensed. Resultant liquids flow downward through a secondary distillation tower into a reboiler which is heated by a flue gas bypass with an auxiliary burner. Vapors leaving the secondary distillation tower are partially condensed and resultant fluids are passed to a light ends flash tank. Gases from the flash tank fuel the auxiliary burner. Liquids are collected and stored for selling as naphtha. Hot liquids are withdrawn from the reboiler and are immediately cooled to atmospheric conditions. Liquids within specification are stored in a diesel storage tank for further use and sale.

Abstract: A process for significantly decreasing the acid sludge settling time in waste oil recovery processes comprising the steps of heating used oil to a high temperature above 700 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling the heated oil, adding an oxidizing agent to the oil, allowing the acid sludge to settle within a period of approximately 24 to 72 hours, separating the acid-sludge-free oil from the acid sludge which settles out of solution as a result of addition of the oxidizing agent, and adding a polishing agent and separating the re-refined oil from the spent polishing agent. The process produces a high quality re-refined oil rapidly and economically.

Abstract: A method for recycling waste lubrication oil for use as fuel oil includes pumping new fuel oil from a source and monitoring the flow rate of the new fuel oil; pumping waste oil from a source through at least one filter and adjusting the flow rate of the waste oil according to the monitored flow rate of the new fuel oil and a preselected blend ratio; combining the filtered waste oil with the fuel oil in a static mixer; and dehydrating the blended oil prior to dispensation. An apparatus for performing the method includes a fuel pump fluidly coupled to a source of fuel oil and fluidly feeding a flow meter which is electrically coupled to a control circuit. A waste oil pump is fluidly coupled to a source of waste oil and to at least one depth media filter and is electrically coupled to the control circuit. The outputs of the flow meter and the depth media filter are fluidly coupled to a static mixer which is fluidly coupled to a coalescer.

Abstract: A process for converting the acid sludge produced by waste oil refineries into an intermediate sludge which can be used in the production of either soft, un-oxidized asphalt or hard, oxidized asphalt, and a process for converting the intermediate sludge into soft, un-oxidized asphalt. The process comprises contacting the entire surface area of acid sludge with a pH altering agent such as water or a solid base such as lime, caustic soda, or soda ash, to convert the acid sludge into a layer of liquid and a layer of intermediate sludge. Then the liquid layer is separated from the intermediate sludge layer, thereby producing an intermediate sludge having properties which make it suitable for use in asphalt production. To produce soft, un-oxidized asphalt, the intermediate sludge is heated to a temperature above the boiling point of water and held at that temperature long enough to remove all the aqueous components to create un-oxidized asphalt.

Abstract: A used lubricating oil comprising lube oil additives, including zinc dithiophosphate is reconstituted. Zinc dithiophosphate is thermally decomposed at a temperature of 400.degree. F. (204.degree. C.) to 1000.degree. F. (538.degree. C.) for a residence time of 10 to 120 minutes. The resulting oil is subjected to vacuum distillation. A zinc-free (i.e. ash free by ASTM D-482) oil is stabilized by catalytic hydrogenation or clay treating to produce a lubricating oil blending stock. About 5 to 25 vol % is recovered as a metal containing bottoms product, useful as asphalt extender. The process is carried out in the absence of chemical demetallizing.

Abstract: Lubricating basestock oil suitable for use as such or as blending oil is obtained by the low severity hydrotreatment of industrial circulating oils of the type employed in low severity lubricating applications, and which have been mildly degraded and are no longer suitable for use for their intended purpose.

Abstract: For the processing of waste oil, i.e. environmentally safe processing, a process and installation are used whereby the waste oil is preheated with the distillation gases and is then distilled itself by burning the distilled waste oil. The liquid and solid residues are exposed to the flame produced by the combustion of the distilled waste oil, while the gaseous residues are heated to over 1,200.degree. C. in a long-hold chamber constructed as a fume incinerator. In order to calcine the solid or burn the liquid residues, they are collected in the distillation chamber and transported via a rotating cylinder and a chute into the combustion chamber where they are then correspondingly calcined by the burner flame. In contrast, the gaseous residues are fed to a long-hold chamber, whereby the latter is a pipe system with a length of 75 m or more.

Abstract: Waste lubricating oil is reprocessed into commercially usable diesel fuel and naphtha by thermocracking. A thermocracker unit is fired with sludge removed from the principal pool of oil undergoing vaporization. The vapors are separated from liquids in a primary distillation tower with precisely controlled heating. Resultant vapors are partially condensed. Resultant liquids flow downward through a secondary distillation tower into a reboiler which is heated by a flue gas bypass with an auxiliary burner. Vapors leaving the secondary distillation tower are partially condensed and resultant fluids are passed to a light ends flash tank. Gases from the flash tank fuel the auxiliary burner. Liquids are collected and stored for selling as naphtha. Hot liquids are withdrawn from the reboiler and are immediately cooled to atmospheric conditions. Liquids within specification are stored in a diesel storage tank for further use and sale.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for hydrotreating an organic feedstock containing oxygen compounds and a halogen component by means of removing the oxygen compounds with an adsorbent and then contacting the resulting organic feedstock having a reduced concentration of oxygen compounds and a gaseous recycle stream containing hydrogen with a hydrogenation catalyst in a hydrogenation reaction zone to produce an anhydrous liquid stream comprising hydrogenated hydrocarbonaceous compounds having a reduced concentration of halogen and a hydrogen halide compound. The resulting effluent from the hydrogenation zone is optionally separated to produce a hydrogenated hydrocarbonaceous stream having a reduced level of halogen and an anhydrous stream comprising a hydrogen halide compound.

Abstract: A portable refinery including a refining vessel, a heater for providing heat to the refining vessel, dewatering devices, and a storage tank mounted on a skid which can be quickly and easily transported to a reservoir of petroleum or waste petroleum products to refine the petroleum or waste petroleum into diesel grade fuel at the reservoir.

Abstract: A used lubricating oil comprising lube oil additives, including zinc dithiophosphate is subjected to reclaiming. Zinc dithiophosphate is thermally decomposed at a temperature of 400.degree. F. (204.degree. C.) to 1000.degree. F. (538.degree. C.) for a residence time of 10 to 120 minutes. The resulting oil is subjected to vacuum distillation. A zinc-free (i.e. ash free by ASTM D-482) distillate oil is useful as marine diesel fuel. About 5 to 25 vol % is recovered as a metal containing bottoms product, useful as asphalt extender. The process is carried out in the absence of chemical demetallizing.

Abstract: A process for the production of high quality lube oil blending stock from atmospheric fractionation residue and waste lubricants by means of contacting the waste lubricant with a hot hydrogen-rich gaseous stream to increase the temperature of this feed stream to vaporize at least a portion of the distillable hydrocarbonaceous compounds thereby producing a distillable hydrocarbonaceous stream which is immediately hydrogenated in an integrated hydrogenation zone. The vaporization of the waste oil is also conducted in the presence of an asphalt residue which is produced in the integrated process. The resulting effluent from the integrated hydrogenation zone provides at least one high quality lube oil blending stock stream.

Abstract: A process for converting the acid sludge produced by waste oil refineries into an acid sludge intermediary which can be used in the production of asphaltic mixtures. The process includes contacting the entire surface area of acid sludge with a pH altering agent such as an aqueous inorganic liquid, and separating the liquid layer from the sludge layer, thereby producing an intermediate sludge having properties which make it suitable for use in asphalt production.

Abstract: Commercially valuable oil is recovered from refinery-produced, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act classified, hazardous waste oil sludges by a series of volatilizing and condensing steps (which may vary depending on the oil, water, and solids content of the sludge) resulting in the production of nonhazardous water and solid waste byproducts. A pumpable, low viscosity, high oil- and/or water-content sludge is first centrifuged to separate free oil and water. If the waste sludges are acidic or if nickel is present in the sludges in sufficient quantities so as to result in unacceptable levels in the TCLP leach filtrate, a base (such as calcium oxide) is admixed with the thick waste oil sludge, centrifuge solids, or other sludges low in oil and/or water content to render the sludges basic. The basic, admixed sludges are heated to volatilize the contained water and oil. Dry, friable, deoiled solids are recycled with the oily sludge feed to prevent material agglomeration and heat exchanger fouling.

Abstract: A feedstock comprising 10 to 15 wt % used motor oil is subjected to delayed coking to yield coke and distillate fractions.

Abstract: A process for the production of distillate hydrocarbon from atmospheric fractionation residue and waste lubricants by means of contacting the waste lubricant with a hot hydrogen-rich gaseous stream to increase the temperature of this feed stream to vaporize at least a portion of the distillable hydrocarbonaceous compounds thereby producing a distillable hydrocarbonaceous stream which is immediately hydrogenated in an integrated hydrogenation zone. The vaporization of the waste oil is also conducted in the presence of a vacuum fractionation residue which is produced in the integrated process. The resulting effluent from the integrated hydrogenation zone and a distillable hydrocarbon stream recovered from the atmospheric fraction residue is catalytically converted to produce lower molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds.

Abstract: A process for measuring and treating oil-water stable emulsions derived from crude oil desalters is provided. Emulsion volume is measured, the emulsion is withdrawn, blended with aromatic-rich hydrocarbon, heated and three phases--water, oil and solids--are separated by exposure to a force of at least 500 g.

Abstract: A process is described for purifying an oil-containing liquid to remove aqueous and solid impurities which comprises passing said liquid through a permeable inorganic membrane previously treated by contacting the membrane with an organic reactant selected from the group consisting of a phosphonic acid, a phosphinic acid, a monocarboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, a boronic acid, a phosphoric acid ester and a precursor which decomposes upon contact with said inorganic membrane to form one of said organic reactants whereby the treated membrane is capable of separating aqueous and solid impurities from hydrocarbons in the oil-containing liquid.

Abstract: A used lubricant oil recycling process is disclosed in which a used lubricating oil is injected to a delayed coker downstream of the coker furnace whereby the used oil is thermally cracked into hydrocarbon fuel products which are low in metal contaminants, sulfur and nitrogen. The used lubricant can be preheated in an independent heater to avoid a quenching effect of the process stream when added in an amount greater than about 3% by volume based on the entire volume of the feed.

Abstract: Used oils, especially used lube oils, after rough filtering are mixed with an aqueous solution of water glass and an aqueous solution of polyalkylene glycol while stirring at elevated temperature, the obtained mixture is allowed to settle, the settlings are separated, and water and light ends are removed from the oil phase by distillation. The thus obtained dry oil phase may be subjected to adsorptive filtering either direct or through a per se known treatment with dispersed sodium and may finally be fractionated by distillation.

Abstract: Substrates polluted with toxic substances are treated in-situ with solvated electrons prepared chemically or electrochemically. The process is useful in treating porous and nonporous substrates, such as earth, clay, sand, soils, concrete, asphalt, wood, brick, block and other masonry surfaces, including liquids such dielectric fluids contaminated with halogenated hydrocarbons without the usual separation procedures to provide substrates suitable for recycle having <1 ppm pollutant remaining.

Abstract: A method and system for handling polluted liquids with a mobile sewage vehicle, especially stratified oil products in a petrol or oil tank wherein the contents of the tank normally separates into horizontal layers of useless polluted liquid and fully useable liquid, respectively. The fractions of the polluted and useable liquid are respectively drawn into a sludge tank and an extra tank so that the extra tank receives an immediately reuseable product which may be returned to the petrol or oil tank. The selective filling of the sludge tank and extra tank is obtained by providing an arrangement for enabling an inspection of the suctioned liquid as the suctioned liquid enters the sludge tank and a valve device for facilitating the necessary switching operations.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for reprocessing contaminated oils, such as used crankcase oil from automobile engines, by thermal treatment, such as visbreaking, in the presence of other hydrocarbon feedstocks, followed by fractional distillation for the recovery of a gasoline fraction, a carboxylic acid fraction, a gas oil fraction containing chlorinated hydrocarbons and a high boiling bottoms fraction. The gas oil fraction is subjected to catalytic hydrocracking with the simultaneous destruction of chlorinated hydrocarbons. The resulting hydrocracked oils, after separation of hydrogen chloride, are free from chlorine compounds and other contaminants.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for the reprocessing of carbon containing wastes by pretreating the same thermally in the presence or absence of hydrogen, followed by hydrogenation of the pretreated material at elevated temperature and at least 200 bar hydrogen pressure.

Abstract: A tank is suspended in an enclosure and defines therebetween a chamber completely surrounding the tank. A fluid or air within the chamber is heated to create a thermal blanket and an oven-like condition completely around the tank to maintain the tank and used oil and coagulant within the tank at a substantially constant temperature for an extended period of time for settling of contaminants towards the bottom of the tank. Clean oil remaining at the top of the tank is removed for reuse. The invention is particularly useful for heavy users of lubricating oil such as railroads or shipping companies.

Abstract: Precipitation (conversion) of dissolved heavy metals in waste effluents is achieved with the addition and mixing of a solution of sodium polythiocarbonate with a solution containing dissolved heavy metals. The solution of sodium polythiocarbonate has been pH buffered to a pH of 12.5 or less in the manufacturing process. Precipitation of the dissolved heavy metals with the buffered sodium polythiocarbonate is complete by the formation of a stable, unleachable [as defined in 40 CFR 190.01, Part 261 Appendix II (Code of Federal Regulations)], extremely insoluble metallic polythiocarbonate particle.

Abstract: Process for re-refining spent lubeoils, wherein a lubeoil freed from water and sludge forming impurities is subjected to a pre-destillation at reduced pressure and with a short residence time of the oil in the distillation column and is subsequently subjected to film evaporation under vacuum, in one or more wiped-film evaporators wherein the overhead product obtained with the film evaporator is subjected to an after-treatment after condensation and the heavy bottom product (residue product) of at least one film evaporator is at least partially recycled to the entrance of said film evaporator.

Abstract: In the past, it has proven difficult to separate dirt and water from petroleum emulsions of the type found, e.g. in settling ponds. A relatively simple apparatus for effecting such separation includes a sifter or screening device for removing large solid impurities from the emulsion, a preheater for reducing the viscosity of the emulsion, a centrifuge or filter for separating most of the dirt particles from the emulsion, a settling tank for receiving the emulsion from the dirt separator, and an evaporator for separating most of the water from the petroleum. The dirt removed in the dirt separator with residual oil attached thereto is mixed with a fuel oil and burned to create the heat necessary to evaporate the water. The petroleum separated in the evaporator is cycled through the preheater for heating incoming dirty petroleum emulsion. The evaporator contains trays carrying a plurality of rows of tubes. The water-containing emulsion is fed into the uppermost tray into heat exchange contact with the tubes.

Abstract: Waste oil is treated in a tubular reactor having a length of up to and in excess of 2 km in a plurality of stages each of which involves heating the product to a different temperature and maintaining the product at a different pressure. The released fractions are evacuated from the path for the flow of waste oil and are immediately condensed and distilled to yield a variety of products from oil having a low boiling point to coke. One or more withdrawn fractions can be treated (for example, hydrogenated) in one or more discrete tubular reactors. The heating can involve raising the temperature of waste oil to several times the critical cracking temperature, and the regulation of pressure can involve a reduction of pressure to less than 1 mbar. The last stage of the reactor can be cleaned by abrasive particles, by vibration at high frequencies and/or by acceleration of the conveyed stream to an elevated speed.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for separating an organic material from a composition comprising said organic material intermixed with particulate solids, the process comprising advancing a light hydrocarbon fluid through said particulate solids at an effective rate to drive said organic material from said particulate solids.

Abstract: A process for treating a temperature-sensitive hydrocarbonaceous stream containing a non-distillable component and a distillable, hydrogenatable hydrocarbonaceous fraction to produce a selected hydrogenated distillable light hydrocarbonaceous product, a distillable heavy hydrocarbonaceous liquid product and a heavy product comprising the non-distillable component while minimizing thermal degradation of the temperature-sensitive hydrocarbonaceous stream which process comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the temperature-sensitive hydrocarbonaceous stream with a hot first hydrogen-rich gaseous stream having a temperature greater than the hydrocarbonaceous stream in a flash zone at flash conditions thereby increasing the temperature of the hydrocarbonaceous stream and vaporizing at least a portion thereof to provide a first hydrocarbonaceous vapor stream comprising hydrogen and a first heavy product stream comprising the non-distillable component; (b) condensing at least a protion of the first hydrocarbonaceous

Abstract: Substrates polluted with toxic substances are treated at their location of contamination, in-situ with solvated electrons prepared chemically or electrochemically. The process is useful in detoxifying inert, non-reducible solvents contaminated with chemically reducible substances.

Abstract: Asphaltenes are separated from hydrocarbon oil by bringing the oil into contact with formic acid or a water-soluble organic acid consisting of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and having at least two functional groups.

Abstract: Rerefined used oil supplies are treated on a continuous basis so as to clarify the flow and so as to neutralize oxidation product components such as carboxylic acids which remain within the oil stocks after they have been rerefined by upstream procedures. The process is carried out on a continuous basis, and the treatment includes utilizing very low quantities of strong base for each volume of rerefined used oil that is thus treated. The treatment process includes continuously vacuum distilling a continuous flow of used oil stock and strong base composition.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for converting toxic liquid waste materials containing harmful amounts of biologically difficult to degrade toxic waste materials containing organic halogen compounds, and which also may contain organically bound oxygen, nitrogen and/or sulfur, into an innocuous hydrocarbon stream. These waste materials together with hydrogen are passed over a hydrogenating catalyst at 250.degree.-400.degree. C. and under increased pressure. The effluent of this hydrogenolysis is cooled and separated into a non-toxic liquid hydrocarbon stream, a hydrogen halogenide, ammonia, and/or a hydrogen sulfide containing stream and a gaseous stream of light hydrocarbons and hydrogen. The waste material which contains 0.5-60 weight % halogen and possibly contains up to 10% sulfur and/or small amounts of nitrogen-containing compounds is conditioned and this conditioned stream is passed, together with hydrogen under a prssure of 30-80 bar and with a LHSV of 0.5-2.5 H.sup.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating liquid media, especially for the heating of used oil during its reprocessing by cracking distillation, includes at least one infrared irradiation element located in a vertical cracking vessel. The irradiation elements are separated from the oil to be heated by spaced infrared permeable tubes of quartz glass having cooled intermediate spaces therebetween. The spaced tubes allow the infrared energy to pass unobstracted into the vessel and the intermediate spaces therebetween prevent heat transfer by convection or conduction to the oil. The cracking of the used oil is thus carried out without the formation of undesirable deposits of bituminous substances within the vessel, and especially upon the irradiation elements.

Abstract: Low rank coals including lignite, brown and sub-bituminous coals, and peat containing unacceptably high quantities of water are dried and enriched in BTU content. The mined low rank coal is crushed to between about one-half inch and three inches in diameter and immersed in hot oil to dry the coal. The coal is then screened or centrifuged to remove excess oil and the resulted oil impregnated dried coal has a much higher BTU content. The dried high BTU low rank coal may be then powdered and utilized to form a coal-water liquid fuel.