Abstract: This invention relates to a process for sweetening a sour hydrocarbon fraction. The process involves two steps. In one step the mercaptans in the sour hydrocarbon fraction are reacted with hydrogen in the presence of a selective hydrogenolysis catalyst to selectively hydrogenolyse the tertiary mercaptans. In another step, the mercaptans are oxidized by reacting them with an oxidizing agent in the presence of oxidation catalyst and a basic component. The selective hydrogenolysis step and the oxidation step may be carried out in any order, i.e., either hydrogenolysis first followed by oxidation or vice versa.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating hydrocarbon streams by the catalyzed oxidation of mercaptans to disulfides. In the process, the hydrocarbon-containing stream is admixed with air and then passed through an oxidation zone. The oxidation zone effluent is decanted to remove an aqueous alkaline solution in a high pressure separation zone. It is then depressurized into a low pressure separator in which dissolved excess nitrogen and oxygen are substantially removed from the hydrocarbons. The treated hydrocarbons are then pressurized to force their flow into a low pressure product receiving facility. This sequence eliminates or minimizes the discharge of gaseous nitrogen and oxygen and hydrocarbon vapors in the storage facility, where they are pollution abatement problems and possible safety hazards.

Abstract: A process for recovering bitumen from oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions is disclosed wherein water soluble demulsifiers are used. These demulsifiers are branched water-soluble quaternary ammonium-containing polymers. To resolve the bituminous petroleum emulsions, the process is carried out between 25.degree. and 160.degree. C. wherein the demulsifier of the invention is contacted with the bituminous emulsion.