Abstract: A regeneration method for a liquefied gas thiol-removing alkaline solution comprising the following steps: performing an oxygenation reaction with respect to a liquefied gas thiol-removing alkaline solution and, at the same time, utilizing a high air-liquid condition to extract a disulfide and a polysulfide into a gas phase, thus completing the separation of the disulfide and the polysulfide from the alkaline solution, and implementing the regeneration of the liquefied gas thiol-removing alkaline solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of extraction of sulphur-containing compounds such as mercaptans, COS, H2S or CS2 from a hydrocarbon cut. This selective extraction is carried out by bringing the hydrocarbon cut in the liquid phase into contact with an alkaline solution, for example caustic soda. The process in accordance with the invention is an improved process for the regeneration of alkaline solution which can be used to reduce the quantity of alkaline solution necessary in the regeneration section.

Abstract: A continuous online process for rejuvenating whole stream of contaminated lean sulfolane in an extraction system is provided. A rejuvenator is installed in the solvent: circulation loop to remove the contaminants continuously to keep the solvent clean, effective and less corrosive. The rejuvenator includes a high pressure vessel with a removable cover and a round rack with vertical stainless steel tubes fitted in the high pressure vessel. A magnetic bar is placed in each stainless steel tube. A screen cylinder is installed outside the ring of stainless steel tubes. As the contaminated sulfolane is passed through the rejuvenator, the rejuvenator picks up contaminants. The rejuvenator can be dissembled to remove the contaminants periodically. The rejuvenator is simple in construction, reliable in operation, and low in operation and maintenance costs. With this rejuvenator, the extraction system operates at high efficiency and high capacity without the dreaded corrosion.

Abstract: A novel design of filters for removing iron rust particulates and other polymeric sludge from refinery and chemical process streams that are paramagnetic in nature is provided. The performance of these filters is greatly enhanced by the presence of the magnetic field induced by magnets. Basically, the filter comprises a high-pressure vessel with means to support the plurality of magnets in the form of bars or plates that are encased in stainless steel tubes or columns. Filters with various configurations are disclosed for accommodating the removal of contaminants from the process streams of different industries, with high efficiency for contaminants removal, simple construction, low operational and maintenance costs, and low hazardous operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing low-odor n-butane by catalytic hydrogenation of a feed mixture. The aim of the invention is to provide such a method, wherein the feed material, in addition to n-butane, n-butene and up to 1 mass % formic acid and/or up to 1 mass % pentanals and/or up to 0.5 mass % pentanols, also comprises carbon monoxide. The aim is achieved by treating the feed mixture in the temperature range of 15 to 120° C. with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide in the concentration range of 0.5 to 30 mass % and subsequently subjecting the feed mixture to the catalytic hydrogenation.

Abstract: A process for removing elemental sulfur from liquid hydrocarbon steams such as transportation fuel streams, e.g. gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and jet, by contacting such streams with an immiscible aqueous solution under static mixing conditions. The aqueous solution contains a caustic and an effective amount of a Group I or Group II metal sulfide or polysulfide. The elemental sulfur in the stream is converted to a polysulfide that is not soluble in the hydrocarbon stream but is soluble in the aqueous solution, thus resulting in a hydrocarbon product stream having a substantially lower level of elemental sulfur.

Abstract: A method of upgrading a heteroatom-containing hydrocarbon feed by removing heteroatom contaminants is disclosed. The method includes contacting the heteroatom-containing hydrocarbon feed with an oxidant to oxidize the heteroatoms, contacting the oxidized-heteroatom-containing hydrocarbon feed with caustic and a selectivity promoter, and removing the heteroatom contaminants from the heteroatom-containing hydrocarbon feed. The oxidant may be used in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: A process for converting feedstock into liquid hydrocarbon fuel condensate includes the steps of providing an unconventional feedstock for producing liquid hydrocarbon fuel, providing a heated heat transfer medium flowing through at least one thermal reaction zone under substantially carbon rejection process conditions and placing the feedstock onto the heated heat transfer medium flow so that the feedstock substantially rides on the flow surface of the heated heat transfer medium without substantially any mixing of the feedstock with the heat transfer medium, vaporizing at least a portion of the feedstock to form vapours while the feedstock is in the thermal reaction zones by heat transfer to the feedstock from the heat transfer medium and condensing the vapours into a liquid hydrocarbon fuel condensate.

Abstract: Reactive phosphorus species can be removed or transferred from a hydrocarbon phase to a water phase in an emulsion breaking process by using a composition that contains water-soluble hydroxyacids. Suitable water-soluble hydroxyacids include, but are not necessarily limited to glycolic acid, gluconic acid, C2-C4 alpha-hydroxy acids, poly-hydroxy carboxylic acids, thioglycolic acid, chloroacetic acid, polymeric forms of the above hydroxyacids, poly-glycolic esters, glycolate ethers, and ammonium salt and alkali metal salts of these hydroxyacids, and mixtures thereof. The composition may optionally include a mineral acid to reduce the pH of the desalter wash water. A solvent may be optionally included in the composition. The invention permits transfer of reactive phosphorus species into the aqueous phase with little or no hydrocarbon phase undercarry into the aqueous phase. The composition is particularly useful in treating crude oil emulsions, and in removing calcium and other metals therefrom.

Abstract: Metal hydride compounds, which are prepared by mixing together from about 1 to about 10 parts by molecular weight of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of silicon, aluminum, tin, and zinc; from about 1 to about 3 parts by molecular weight of an alkali metal hydroxide; and from about 5 to about 10 parts by molecular weight of water and allowing this mixture to stand for a time sufficient to form a metal hydride, can be used for making fuel additives, treating sour gas, enhancing oil refining, extracting oil from tar sands and shale, increasing production of hydrogen from a hydrogen plant, treating oil and gas wells to enhance production, eliminate PCBs, cleaning soil contaminated by hydrocarbons and/or heavy metals, controlling odors, cleaning polluting stack emissions, extracting edible and essential oils, and eliminating bacteria, fungicides, and parasites from vegetation.

Abstract: A method of reducing hydrolysis in a hydrocarbon stream comprising adding to a hydrocarbon stream containing a chloride compound which undergoes hydrolysis at elevated temperatures in the presence of water to form hydrochloric acid, an effective amount of a treating agent that is at least one overbased complex of a metal salt and an organic acid complexing agent, the treating agent being added to hydrocarbon stream when the stream is at a temperature below which any substantial hydrolysis of the chloride containing compound occurs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing naphthenic acid content of crude oils and its fractions in the essential absence of oxygen and in the presence of an aqueous base selected from Group IA and IIA hydroxides and ammonium hydroxide and mixtures thereof, a phase transfer agent that is a quaternary onium salt in amounts of from 10−5 to 10−1 at a temperature and pressure effective to produce a treated petroleum feed having a decreased naphthenic acid content and an aqueous phase containing naphthenate salts, phase transfer agent and base.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for deacidifying a crude oil system, said process comprising the steps of: a) contacting the crude oil system with a polar solvent, such that at least part of the organic acid present in the oil is extracted into the solvent as an extract phase, and b) separating said extract phase from the treated crude oil system of step a).

Abstract: The invention describes a method for decreasing the viscosity of crude oils and residuum utilizing a combination of acid and sonic treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of purifying hydrocarbon streams from metallic impurities which comprises passing the stream through media comprising alumina with relatively minor amounts of calcia and magnesia.

Abstract: Phosphates can be removed from a hydrocarbon stream by contacting said stream with a ceramic formed of a basic material which is insoluble in the hydrocarbon stream. A ceramic as used in this patent document is a solid solution formed by calcination of a compound. The removal of the organic acid is accomplished at temperatures ranging from 20.degree. C. to 400.degree. C., a preferred temperature is between 200.degree. C. and 370.degree. C. A hydrocarbon stream consists of C.sub.5 + hydrocarbons. The basic material can be made up of one or more alkaline earth oxides, alkaline earth compounds, alkaline metal compounds, group IIIA element compounds, group IVA element compounds, group VIA element compounds. Preferred alkaline earth oxides are sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, aluminum and silicon. The support for the basic material can be made from any inorganic oxide.

Abstract: Oxygenate impurities are removed from an organic chemical feed or stream by treatment with an aqueous reducing agent and aqueous base, accompanied by separation. An aqueous solution of reducing agent and an aqueous solution of base are typically introduced sequentially into the organic chemical stream, where they may react with any oxygenate impurities present. The reaction products of the oxygenate impurities and aqueous reducing agent and aqueous base are water soluble, and are typically removed in sequential fashion via any suitable separation means. For example, oxygenate impurities such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, and methyl formate may be removed from a propylene stream by treating the stream sequentially with aqueous sodium bisulfite and aqueous sodium hydroxide, accompanied by separation of the oxygenate impurity reaction products in coalescers.

Abstract: A method of removing hydrocarbons from soils contaminated with various hydrocarbons such as gasoline, diesel fuel, solvents, motor oil and crude oil. The process first screens the soil to remove oversized rocks and debris and to reduce the contaminated soil to uniformly sized particles. The soil particles are moved along a conveyor and first sprayed with an oxidizer diluted with ionized water and then sprayed with only ionized water. The washed particles are then vigorously mixed with their entrained oxidizer and ionized water in an auger mixer for several minutes to oxidize almost all of the remaining hydrocarbons. The washed and hydrocarbon-free soil is then moved by conveyor to a stockpile for storage, testing and drying.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for demetallating a petroleum stream by contacting a metals-containing petroleum feed in the presence of a base selected from Group IA and IIA hydroxides and carbonates and ammonium hydroxide and carbonates and mixtures thereof an oxygen containing gas and a phase transfer agent at a temperature of up to 180.degree. C. for a time sufficient to produce a treated petroleum feed having a decreased metals content. The invention provides a method for enhancing the value of petroleum feeds that traditionally have limited use in refineries due to their metals, e.g., Ni and V content.

Abstract: A method for upgrading an oil stream containing naphthenic acid and sulfur contaminants is described. In this method, an oil stream with naphthenic acid and sulfur contaminants is upgraded by the following steps. First, the oil stream is mixed with an alkaline earth metal oxide in an amount effective to convert substantially all of the naphthenic acid contaminants to non-acidic compounds and alkaline earth metal carbonate and also to convert substantially all of the sulfur contaminants to alkaline earth metal sulfide. Then, the mixture is heated under a pressure sufficient to prevent vaporization of the mixture to a temperature sufficient and for a time sufficient to react the naphthenic acid contaminants with the alkaline earth oxide to form the corresponding non-acidic compounds and alkaline earth carbonates. In the meantime, substantially all of the sulfur contaminants react with the alkaline earth oxide to form the alkaline earth sulfide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing the concentration of amines in hydrocarbon fluids and process streams by generating therein a nitrosating agent. The nitrosating agent will react with the amines to form innocuous by-products under refinery process conditions.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for reducing organic acids in petroleum feeds containing organic acids comprising: (a) thermally treating a petroleum feed containing organic acids in a thermal reaction zone comprising a plurality of stages in series, at a temperature and pressure sufficient to decompose at least a portion of said organic acids while sweeping said plurality of stages with an inert gas, to produce a volatile organic acid containing hydrocarbon fraction and a non-volatile hydrocarbon fraction; (b) treating said volatile hydrocarbon fraction to neutralize at least a portion of said organic acids therein and to produce a treated volatile hydrocarbon fraction; (c) collecting said non-volatile hydrocarbon fraction from said thermal reaction zone; and (d) blending said treated volatile hydrocarbon fraction of step (b) with said collected non-volatile hydrocarbon fraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous in-situ process for reducing the viscosity, corrosivity and density of heavy oils comprising the steps of (a) contacting a heavy oil with an aqueous alkaline earth, Group IIA metal hydroxide at a temperature of about 380.degree. to about 450.degree. C. for a time sufficient to form the corresponding alkaline earth metal sulfide, recovering the reduced sulfur feed and regenerating the alkaline metal hydroxide for recycle to treat additional feed. Beneficially, the process removes heteroatoms (sulfur and nitrogen).

Abstract: Acidic halides, especially chlorides, are removed from a dry fluid stream by contact with dry particles of solid caustic. The solid caustic particles are preferably non-porous, and disposed as a fluidized bed. Salts deposit on the surface of the caustic and are physically removed, preferably by attrition, to regenerate the surface of the solid caustic. An dry, slightly alkaline salt can be the only product of neutralization. Salt coated beds of solid caustic can also be regenerated for reuse by attrition removal of salt deposits.

Abstract: Acidic halides, especially chlorides, are removed from liquid hydrocarbons such as catalytic reformate by contact with solid caustic such as a bed of NaOH pellets covered with a thin film of brine. Hydration of reformate improves removal when large amounts of chlorides are present in reformate. Halides in liquid hydrocarbon are recovered as a brine phase, which can be only slightly alkaline. Hydration of reformate can be controlled based on pH of brine removed from the bed.

Abstract: Acidic halides, especially chlorides, are removed from dry liquid hydrocarbon streams such as catalytic reformate by contact with large particles of low surface area solid caustic such as a bed of NaOH pellets. Effective neutralization is achieved in a bed which is essentially free of any aqueous phase. Salt formed by the neutralization reaction deposit as solids on the surface of the solid caustic. A process for producing a low chloride, dry reformate product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition and method for improving the removal of corrosive contaminants from crude oil within the desalter in a petroleum refinery. An amine is added to the wash water or to the crude oil prior to processing in the desalter. The amine maximizes the yield of wash water removed from the desalter and substantially improves the removal of acid generating corrosive elements.The addition of the amine upstream of the desalter results in the removal of a significant amount of corrosive chlorides from the crude oil before it is passed through the fractionating unit and other refinery operations. Furthermore, the avoidance of adding metals and the assistance in removing other metals from the crude system aids in the reduction or elimination of downstream fouling and petroleum catalyst poisoning.

Abstract: A method of neutralizing chloride ions present in a hydrocarbon medium during processing in a petroleum refinery. Nitrilotriacetic acid or its salt form is injected into the crude charge upstream of the preheat unit. Chloride levels are reduced in this way without the deleterious effects which result from treatment with the conventionally used NaOH.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing mercury from contaminated liquid hydrocarbons (natural gas condensate) by contacting them with a dilute aqueous solution of alkali metal sulfide salt and recovering the treated liquid hydrocarbon. The addition of alkali metal hydroxide enhances the phase separation of hydrocarbon and aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process for separating finely divided petroleum cracking catlyst from a mixture of the finely divided catalyst particles with a high boiling refractory hydrocarbon oil by intimately contracting said mixture with a concentrated aqueous solution of a basic alkali metal compound at a temperature above 170.degree. F., the quantity of aqueous solution employed being substantially greater than the quantity of said mixture with which it is contracted.

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbons (natural gas condensate) are depleted of contaminating mercury by contacting them with a solution of an alkali polysulfide.

Abstract: A majority amount of a heavy hydrocarbon crude is reacted with a minor amount of brine, at supercritical temperature and pressure for the brine, for a predetermined period of time in order to upgrade and convert the heavy hydrocarbon crude into a lighter hydrocarbon crude of higher API gravity. The upgrading and conversion of a viscous heavy hydrocarbonaceous crude oil into lighter hydrocarbons is accomplished in a continuous reactor system and may be accomplished in a subterranean petroleum reservoir at supercritical temperature and pressure. The overall heat of reaction is neutral, i.e., neither exothermic nor endothermic. In order to provide the necessary temperature, heat is added to the system prior to the reaction. For an in situ application, a combustion operation may be utilized to provide the necessary temperature, and is initiated using an oxidizing gas injected through an injection well.

Abstract: A method of separating a hot hydrocarbonaceous stream having a temperature above the dew point of water and comprising hydrogen, vaporous hydrocarbonaceous compounds and an acidic inorganic compound which method comprises: (a) contacting the hot hydrocarbonaceous stream at a temperature above the dew point of water in a contacting zone with an aqueous alkaline solution in an amount sufficient to simultaneously neutralize the acidic inorganic compound and to cool the hot hydrocarbonaceous stream to a temperature below the dew point of water to produce a flowing stream comprising a hydrogen-rich gas, a liquid hydrocarbonaceous phase and an aqueous solution containing inorganic neutralization products; and (b) introducing the flowing stream produced in step (a) into a separation zone to gravitationally produce an aqueous phase containing inorganic neutralization products, a hydrogen-rich gaseous phase and a hydrocarbonaceous liquid phase.

Abstract: Arsenic is removed from shale oil by the addition of one or more basic materials to the shale oil.

Abstract: Nickel, aluminum and chlorine derivatives which remain dissolved in olefin oligomers, after oligomerization in the presence of a nickel, aluminum, and chlorine-containing catalysts, are removed by successive treatments with:(a) anhydrous ammonia,(b) an aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide, a treatment with an aqueous solution containing at least one hydroxy-acid or at least one alkali metal salt of said hydroxyacid being performed after treatment (a) and before or after or simultaneously with treatment (b), and preferably a treatment with oxygen or with an oxygen-containing gas being performed before or after treatments (a) and (b) or simultaneously with these treatments. Preferably, tartaric acid or an alkali metal tartrate is used.

Abstract: A process for hydrotreating carbonaceous materials is disclosed. The carbonaceous material is contacted with steam and with empirical hydrates of alkali metal hydrosulfides, monosulfides, or polysulfides. The process hydrocracks, hydrogenates, denitrogenates, demetallizes, and desulfurizes. In a preferred embodiment, hydrogen sulfide is co-fed to the reaction zone.

Abstract: A method for decreasing the foaming tendency of hydrocarbons, particularly lube basestocks, is disclosed. The method comprises passing the hydrocarbon through an adsorption zone having an adsorbent, preferably a basic adsorbent therein. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises passing the hydrocarbon feedstock through a regenerable multi-bed adsorption zone. The foaming tendency of the hydrocarbon exiting from the bed in service is monitored. The flow to each particular bed in service is discontinued and the bed regenerated when the foaming tendency of the hydrocarbon exiting from each particular bed exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of utilizing the energy of a high pressure condensate stream including passing steam at an elevated pressure in indirect heat exchange with a material to be heated, collecting a condensate product condensed from the steam of the heat exchange step at an elevated pressure, passing the condensate directly to a steam stripping step at essentially the same pressure at which the condensate was collected and reducing the pressure of the condensate while simultaneously contacting the condensate with a material to be stripped in the stripping step.

Abstract: A process for upgrading oils is disclosed, in which the oil to be upgraded is contacted with liquid phase water and free oxygen at an elevated temperature and at a pressure sufficient to maintain at least part of the water in the liquid phase.

Abstract: Slurryform products of coal liquefaction are treated with caustic soda in presence of H.sub.2 O in an inline static mixer and then the treated product is separated into a solids fraction and liquid fractions, including liquid hydrocarbons, by gravity settling preferably effected in a multiplate settling separator with a plurality of settling spacings.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon fraction containing diolefins and .alpha.-acetylenes are treated with an alkali amide to reduce the .alpha.-acetylene content.

Abstract: Processes for the simultaneous desulfurization and hydroconversion of heavy carbonaceous feeds, including various sulfur-containing heavy petroleum oils, are disclosed. These feeds are contacted with alkali metal hydroxides in a conversion zone, in the presence of added hydrogen, and at elevated temperatures, whereby the feeds are substantially desulfurized, while at the same time significant upgrading of these feedstocks is obtained as demonstrated by decreased Conradson carbon, increased API gravity, and the conversion of a substantial portion of the 1,050.degree. F+ portion of the feedstream. In addition, methods for the regeneration of alkali metal hydroxides from the alkali metal salts produced in the conversion zone are disclosed.