Abstract: A process for removing at least one contaminant from coal tar is described. The process involves extraction with an extraction agent or adsorption with an adsorbent. The extraction agent includes at least one of amphiphilic block copolymers, inclusion complexes of poly(methyl methacrylate) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, cyclodextrins, functionalized cyclodextrins, and cyclodextrin-functionalized polymers, and the adsorbent includes exfoliated graphite oxide, thermally exfoliated graphite oxide or intercalated graphite compounds.

Abstract: A process for treating a pitch fraction from coal tar is described. The pitch fraction is contacted with a solvent, an extraction agent, or an adsorbent to remove at least one contaminant, such as oxygenate compounds, nitrogen containing compounds, and sulfur containing compounds. The solvent can be an ionic liquid, the extraction agent can be at least one of amphiphilic block copolymers, cyclodextrins, functionalized cyclodextrins, and cyclodextrin-functionalized polymers, and the adsorbent can be exfoliated graphite oxide, thermally exfoliated graphite oxide or intercalated graphite compounds.

Abstract: Elimination of mercury contained in a hydrocarbon feed by: a) feed 1 is mixed with a hydrogen stream 14 and a gaseous fraction 13 originating from c), b) mixture 1a contacted with a catalyst to convert mercury compounds to elemental mercury producing an effluent containing elemental mercury 6, c) effluent containing elemental mercury is cooled to between 20° C. and 80° C., then, at 1.5 MPa and 3.5 MPa and between 20° C. and 80° C., separation 10 of said effluent containing the elemental mercury into a gaseous fraction 11 and a liquid fraction 15, at least a part of said gaseous fraction 11 being recycled to step a), d) fractionation 20 of liquid fraction 15 to produce a gaseous phase 42 and a liquid phase 21, and e) contacting at least a part of gaseous phase 42 with a mercury collection material 43.

Abstract: A crude oil feedstream is treated to remove or reduce the content of known undesired heteroatomic and polynuclear aromatic compounds containing nitrogen and sulfur by contacting the feedstream with one or more solid adsorbent materials selected from attapulgus clay, alumina, silica gel and activated carbon in a mixing vessel for a time that is sufficient to optimize the adsorption of the undesired compounds from the crude oil, subjecting the mixture to atmospheric flash distillation and then to vacuum flash distillation to recover presorbed boiling ranges of products having a lowered content of the undesired compounds, and preferably regenerating at least a portion of the solid adsorbent material for reuse in the process.

Abstract: A crude oil feedstream is treated to remove or reduce the content of undesired metal components including nickel and/or vanadium by contacting the feedstream with one or more solid adsorbent materials selected from attapulgus clay, alumina, silica gel and activated carbon in a mixing vessel for a time that is sufficient to optimize the adsorption of the undesired metal components from the crude oil, subjecting the mixture to atmospheric flash distillation and then to vacuum flash distillation to recover presorted boiling ranges of products having a lowered content of the undesired metal components, and preferably regenerating at least a portion of the solid adsorbent material for reuse in the process.

Abstract: A method of recovering unsupported fine catalyst from heavy oil comprises combining a slurry comprising unsupported fine catalyst in heavy oil with solvent to form a combined slurry-solvent stream. The combined slurry-solvent stream is filtered in a deoiling zone. A stream comprising unsupported fine catalyst and solvent is recovered from the deoiling zone. Unsupported fine catalyst is separated from the stream comprising unsupported fine catalyst and solvent. Filtering in the deoiling zone can comprise filtering the slurry and solvent through a cross-flow microfiltration unit, recovering a retentate stream of the cross-flow microfiltration unit, combining the retentate stream of the cross-flow microfiltration unit with solvent to form a combined retentate-solvent stream, and filtering the combined retentate-solvent stream through a cross-flow microfiltration unit.

Abstract: A method of recovering unsupported fine catalyst from heavy oil comprises combining a slurry comprising unsupported fine catalyst in heavy oil with solvent to form a combined slurry-solvent stream. The combined slurry-solvent stream is filtered in a deoiling zone. A stream comprising unsupported fine catalyst and solvent is recovered from the deoiling zone. Unsupported fine catalyst is separated from the stream comprising unsupported fine catalyst and solvent. The deoiling zone can comprise a membrane that is rapidly displaced in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A denitrification method is disclosed for removing nitrogen compounds from a hydrocarbon feed in which the feed is contacted with an adsorbent including an organic heterocyclic salt deposited on a porous support. Additionally, a method for hydrotreating a hydrocarbon feed which includes a hydroprocessing step is disclosed, wherein prior to hydroprocessing, the feed is contacted with an adsorbent including an organic heterocyclic salt deposited on a support. Additionally, a method for producing a lube oil which includes isomerization dewaxing of a base oil fraction is disclosed, wherein prior to the isomerization dewaxing step, the base oil fraction is contacted with an adsorbent including an organic heterocyclic salt deposited on a support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the desulfurization of a gasoline fraction with high recovery of olefins and reduced loss of Research Octane Number (RON). A petroleum fraction is contacted with hydrogen and a commercially available hydrodesulfurization catalyst under mild conditions with to remove a first portion of the sulfur present, and is then contacted with an adsorbent for the removal of additional sulfur.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the desulfurization of a gasoline fraction with high recovery of olefins and reduced loss of Research Octane Number (RON). A petroleum fraction is contacted with hydrogen and a commercially available hydrodesulfurization catalyst under mild conditions with to remove a first portion of the sulfur present, and is then contacted with an adsorbent for the removal of additional sulfur.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to removal of mercury from crude oil. Such removal relies on transferring mercury from a liquid hydrocarbon stream to a natural gas stream upon contacting the liquid hydrocarbon stream with the natural gas stream. Processing of the natural gas stream after used to strip the mercury from the liquid hydrocarbon stream removes the mercury from the natural gas stream.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing highly deleterious non-basic nitrogen compounds upstream from an acid catalyzed thiophene alkylation process using adsorbents capable of adsorbing the non-basic nitrogen compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for cooling fatty acid distillate from scrubbing section in a fats and oils refinery comprising cooling the fatty acid distillate by heat recovery in at least one heat-exchanging zone with refined oils having a temperature above about 50° C. heating the refined fats and oils to a temperature above about 70° C. The present invention relates further to a process for refining crude fats and oils, and refining plant for refining crude fats and oils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for removing polar molecule contaminants from a refinery stream in connection with the processing of hydrocarbon fluids, chemicals, whole crude oils, blends and fractions in refineries and chemical plants that include adding high surface energy and/or high surface area nanoparticle compounds to a refinery stream to remove the polar molecule contaminants.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing mercury from a liquid hydrocarbon stream by contacting the mercury-containing liquid hydrocarbon stream with ferrous halide at moderate temperatures and without preheating the liquid hydrocarbon stream, or subjecting the liquid hydrocarbon stream to a heat treating step, immediately prior to contact with the ferrous halide particles.

Abstract: A crude oil feedstream is treated to remove or reduce the content of known undesired heteroatomic and polynuclear aromatic compounds containing nitrogen and sulfur by contacting the feedstream with one or more solid adsorbent materials selected from attapulgus clay, alumina, silica gel and activated carbon in a mixing vessel for a time that is sufficient to optimize the adsorption of the undesired compounds from the crude oil, subjecting the mixture to atmospheric flash distillation and then to vacuum flash distillation to recover presorbed boiling ranges of products having a lowered content of the undesired compounds, and preferably regenerating at least a portion of the solid adsorbent material for reuse in the process.

Abstract: A process for producing gasoline having reduced sulfur content while maintaining or improving octane rating is provided. A gasoline fraction having a substantial amount of olefinic and sulfur compounds produced from fluidized catalytic cracking or coking is contacted first with an adsorbent to selectively remove alkylated thiophenic, benzothiophene, and alkylated benzothiophenic sulfur compounds. The adsorptively treated gasoline fraction is then introduced into a conventional hydrodesulphurizing catalyst bed with hydrogen for further removal of sulfur compounds. Adsorbent containing alkylated thiophenic, benzothiophene, and alkylated benzothiophenic compounds are regenerated through washing with a hydrocarbon solvent and subsequent drying-out by warming.

Abstract: A process to upgrade heavy oil and convert the heavy oil into lower boiling hydrocarbon products is provided. The process employs a catalyst slurry comprising catalyst particles with an average particle size ranging from 1 to 20 microns. In the upgrade process, spent slurry catalyst in heavy oil is generated as an effluent stream, which is subsequently recovered/separated from the heavy oil via a filtration assembly. The filtration assembly has a least a filtration unit employing at least a membrane for separating heavy oil from the catalyst particles. Valuable metals can be recovered from catalyst particles for subsequent re-use in a catalyst synthesis unit, generating a fresh slurry catalyst.

Abstract: A heavy oil reforming method which reforms a heavy oil to give a fuel suitable for a gas turbine, eliminates sulfur and vanadium, i.e., harmful components, from a heavy oil, and enables almost all the hydrocarbons in the heavy oil to be used in gas turbine combustion; an apparatus therefor; and a gas turbine power generation system using the reformed heavy oil as fuel is disclosed. The method includes reacting a heavy oil with supercritical water and then with a scavenger for sulfur and vanadium to eliminate sulfur and vanadium from the heavy oil.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the removal of nitrogen and sulfur containing impurities from high molecular weight petroleum feedstock obtained from fluid cracking catalyst or distillation zone of a petroleum treatment plant. The present process comprises first treating C12 and higher hydrocarbon petroleum feedstock having nitrogen and sulfur containing compounds therein with a porous, particulate adsorbent comprising a silica matrix having an effective amount of metal atoms therein to cause the adsorbent to have Lewis acidity of at least 500 ?mol/g and then treating the resultant feedstock to catalytic hydrodesulfurization to produce a hydrocarbon fuel having low sulfur and nitrogen content.

Abstract: Methods for removing organolead compounds from aqueous and non-aqueous organolead compositions. The methods of the present invention include: providing aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including organolead compounds; ozonating the organolead compositions with ozone, wherein the organolead compounds are oxidized producing insoluble lead oxide polymers; contacting the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including insoluble lead oxide polymers through activated carbon to remove the insoluble lead oxide polymers; filtering the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions including lead oxide polymers through at least one filtering means to remove the insoluble lead oxide polymers; and recovering the aqueous or non-aqueous compositions substantially free of organolead compounds and/or other unwanted contaminants or impurities.

Abstract: Mercury is removed from crude oils, natural gas condensates and other liquid hydrocarbons by first removing colloidal mercury and solids that contain adsorbed mercury and then treating the hydrocarbons with an organic or inorganic compound containing at least one sulfur atom reactive with mercury. The sulfur compound reacts with dissolved mercury that contaminates the hydrocarbons to form mercury-containing particulates that are then removed from the hydrocarbons to produce a purified product having a reduced mercury content. Preferably, the treating agent is an organic sulfur-containing compound such as a dithiocarbamate or sulfurized isobutylene.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a method for reducing the amount of sulfur in hydrocarbon streams comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a hydrocarbon stream comprising hydrocarbons and sulfur compounds with an adsorbent selective for adsorption of said sulfur compounds, under adsorption conditions capable of retaining said sulfur compounds on said adsorbent and obtaining an adsorption effluent comprising a desulfurized hydrocarbon stream, (b) collecting said desulfurized hydrocarbon stream, (c) desorbing said sulfur compounds from said adsorbent by passing a desorbent through said adsorbent under desorption conditions to obtain a desorption effluent comprising sulfur compounds and said desorbent, (d) treating said desorption effluent to remove said sulfur compounds from said desorption effluent and collecting a desulfurized desorbent effluent comprising desorbent.

Abstract: A catalyst which contains, in its active composition, from 0.05 to 1.0% by weight of at least one metal or compound of a metal of the 10th group of the Periodic Table of the Elements and from 0.05 to 1.0% by weight of at least one metal or compound of a metal of the 11th group of the Periodic Table of the Elements, with the weight ratio of the metal of the 11th group to the metal of the 10th group being from 0.95 to 1.05, and, as support, an SiO2 -containing catalyst support having a BET surface area of from 2 to 400 m2/g, wherein at least 20% of the total pore volume of the catalyst is made up by pores having a diameter greater than 100 nanometers, can be used in processes for removing alkynes, dienes and/or monounsaturated hydrocarbons from streams of materials.

Abstract: A process for the purification of a fluid stream containing a sulphur contaminant, such as hydrogen sulphide, and mercury, phosphine, stibine, and/or arsenic compounds as a second contaminant wherein said fluid stream is passed through a bed of a particulate absorbent containing a sulphide of a variable valency metal, especially copper, that is more electropositive than mercury, to remove said second contaminant and then the sulphur contaminant is removed from at least part of the effluent from that bed by passing that part of the effluent through a bed of a particulate sulphur absorbent comprising a compound selected from oxides, hydroxides, carbonates and basic carbonates of said variable valency metal is disclosed. The removal of the sulphur contaminant converts said variable valency metal compound to the corresponding sulphide. The resulting bed of variable valency metal sulphide is subsequently used for the removal of the second contaminant.

Abstract: The invention concerns a petroleum product and a process for the production of a petroleum product which can form part of a blend for an internal combustion engine fuel, the process comprisinga) hydrotreating a hydrocarbon feedstock at a partial pressure of hydrogen at the reactor outlet of about 0.5 MPa to about 6 MPa,b) separating a product (P) from step a) into a product (P1) with a final boiling point of about 300.degree. C. and a product (P2) with an initial boiling point greater than the final boiling point of product (P1),c) performing a liquid-liquid extraction with a solvent (S1), to produce an extract (E1) and a raffinate (R1) from product (P2),d) recovering solvent (S1) from raffinate (R1) to produce a product (Q1), depleted in solvent (S1), which has improved qualities and contains less than 500 ppm by weight of sulphur.

Abstract: A method for producing a process oil is provided in which an aromatic extract oil is added to a paraffinic rich feed to provide a blended feed. The blended feed is then extracted with an aromatic extraction solvent to yield a raffinate which subsequently is hydrotreated to provide a process oil.

Abstract: A process for the purification of a fluid stream containing a sulphur contaminant, such as hydrogen sulphide, and mercury, phosphine, stibine, and/or arsenic compounds as a second contaminant wherein said fluid stream is passed through a bed of a particulate absorbent containing a sulphide of a variable valency metal, especially copper, that is more electropositive than mercury, to remove said second contaminant and then the sulphur contaminant is removed from at least part of the effluent from that bed by passing that part of the effluent through a bed of a particulate sulphur absorbent comprising a compound selected from oxides, hydroxides, carbonates and basic carbonates of said variable valency metal is disclosed. The removal of the sulphur contaminant converts said variable valency metal compound to the corresponding sulphide. The resulting bed of variable valency metal sulphide is subsequently used for the removal of the second contaminant.

Abstract: A process for producing a high VI/low volatility lubricating oil basestock. The process comprises subjecting the raffinate from a solvent extraction step to a two step, single stage hydroconversion process wherein the first step involves severe hydroconversion of the raffinate followed by a cold hydrofinishing step.

Abstract: A process for producing a high VI/low volatility lubricating oil basestock. The process comprises subjecting the raffinate from a solvent extraction step to a two-step, single-stage hydroconversion process wherein the first step involves severe hydroconversion of the raffinate followed by a cold hydrofinishing step. The effluent from the cold hydrofinishing step is then catalytically dewaxed or in the alternative, solvent dewaxed followed by catalytic dewaxing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a petroleum product and a process for the production of a petroleum product which can form part of a blend for an internal combustion engine fuel, the process comprisinga) hydrotreating a hydrocarbon feedstock at a partial pressure of hydrogen at the reactor outlet of about 0.5 MPa to about 6 MPa,b) separating a product (P) from step a) into a product (P1) with a final boiling point of about 300.degree. C. and a product (P2) with an initial boiling point greater than the final boiling point of product (P1),c) performing a liquid-liquid extraction with a solvent (S1), to produce an extract (E1) and a raffinate (R1) from product (P2),d) recovering solvent (S1) from raffinate (R1) to produce a product (Q1), depleted in solvent (S1), which has improved qualities and contains less than 500 ppm by weight of sulphur.

Abstract: A method for producing a process oil is provided in which an aromatic extract oil is added to a napthenic rich feed. The combined feed is then hydrotreated in a first hydrotreating stage to convert at least a portion of sulfur and nitrogen in the feed to hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. After stripping the feed is subjected to a second hydrotreating stage to provide a process oil.

Abstract: A method for producing a process oil is provided in which an aromatic extract oil is added to a naphthenic rich feed to provide a blended feed. The blended feed is then extracted with an aromatic extract solvent to yield a raffinate which subsequently is hydrotreated to provide a process oil.

Abstract: Distillate or hydrotreated distillate effluent is separated into an aromatics rich permeate and an aromatics lean retentate by use of a permselective membrane with the aromatic rich permeate being sent to a hydrotreater, thereby increasing the quantity of reduced aromatics content product.

Abstract: Acidic halogens, especially chlorides, are removed from a dry gas stream by contact with dry particles of solid caustic. The solid caustic particles are preferably non-porous, and disposed in a bed with at least a 10% bed interstitial volume. Limiting halogen content in gas, and operating with a bone dry gas, ensures that salts deposit on the surface of the solid caustic without plugging the bed of solid caustic. Efficient halogen removal can be achieved even when treating a bone dry gas, one having less than 10 ppmv water vapor, at ambient temperature, without plugging the bed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the elimination of mercury from hydrocarbons by passage of the feedstock with hydrogen over a catalyst then bringing the product obtained into contact with a mercury retention bed, the catalyst comprising at least one element selected from the group constituted by iron, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, palladium, wherein at least 5% is in the sulphide state. Any arsenic present in the feedstock is also eliminated.In accordance with the invention, the catalyst is simultaneously presulphurated and reduced.The invention results in a considerable reduction in operation period and high retention efficiency at temperatures between 120.degree. C. and 250.degree. C. and in the presence of 0-1000 mg of sulphur/kg of feed.

Abstract: Acidic halides, especially chlorides, are removed from gas by contact with particles of solid caustic covered by aqueous and hydrocarbon phases, respectively. Effective neutralization is achieved without swelling or plugging the bed of solid caustic. Halides are removed as brine. Efficient caustic utilization is achieved by controlling water vapor levels in the gas based on pH of brine product.

Abstract: A process for separating solids from a fluid using at least one polymer and acoustic energy at or above cavitation is disclosed. The fluid containing the polymer is flowed into a vessel and acoustic energy is applied to the fluid at intensity sufficient to induce cavitation within the fluid. At least a portion of the solids are allowed to agglomerate in at least one position within the vessel. The agglomerated solids are then separated from the fluid.

Abstract: For removing mercury and any arsenic in hydrocarbon charges containing mercury and sulfur, the charge is contacted with an arsenic collecting material having catalytic properties ("catalyst") in hydrogen, the material containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, iron, palladium, and platinum; at least one metal selected from the group consisting of chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, and uranium; and an active phase carrier. Downstream of the catalyst or mixed therewith is a mercury collecting material containing a sulfide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, and silver or sulfur, and an active phase carrier.

Abstract: A method for the adsorptive purification of vegetable and/or mineral oils and fats works with a multi-stage counter flow process. At least a part of the solid phase leaving the first separating stage is mixed in batches or continuously with a part of the purified oil or fat leaving the last separating stage. The mash thereby obtained is fed to a subsequent filter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for treating hydrotreated naphtha which involves treating the naphtha over massive nickel catalyst followed by treating the naphtha over a metal oxide under conditions effective for removing impurities from said naphtha to result in substantially purified naphtha, wherein the metal oxide is selected from the group of metal oxides having a free energy of formation of sulfide which exceeds said free energy of formation of platinum sulfide, such as manganous oxide. In so doing, naphtha in the gas phase in the presence of hydrogen is passed over the manganous oxide at a temperature within the range of about 800.degree. F. and 1100.degree. F., a hydrogen to oil molar ratio between about 1:1 and 6:1, a whsv between about 2 and 8, and pressure between about 50 and 300 psig; and the naphtha in the liquid phase at a temperature between about 300.degree. F. and about 350.degree. F., and whsv less than about 5 is passed over the massive nickel.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for removing mercury from a liquid hydrocarbon feed material by (a) removing those components having a higher molecular weight than the desired hydrocarbon from the feed material, (b) removing water from the feed material, and thereafter (c) removing mercury from the feed material. Mercury can be removed to an extremely low concentration of 0.001 ppm or lower from a wide variety of liquid hydrocarbon feed materials containing either a relatively large amount or a trace amount of mercury.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing oil is provided. An oil fraction having hydrocarbons with an initial boiling point of about 200.degree. F. to about 1050.degree. F. is hydrotreated to reduce the nitrogen content of the oil fraction to be stabilized. Subsequently, condensed aromatic compounds are selectively extracted from the hydrotreated oil fraction to yield a stable oil fraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reprocessing, particularly the dehalogenation, of oil products which involves a) treating the oil product at temperatures up to about 150.degree. C. with an effective amount of an aqueous solution of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a strong acid, a salt of a weak base and a strong acid and precursors thereof; b) treating the oil product of step (a) at increased temperatures with at least one halogen binding agent; and c) separating water and/or the solids from the treated oil product of step (b).

Abstract: This invention provides a fixed bed of nonuniformly sized grade catalyst particles for hydrocracking or hydrodesulfurization. The graded particles are arranged with the largest particles in either the upstream or the downstream portion of the bed. In either case, when compared with the conventional bed of uniformly sized particles, the graded bed of this invention shows enhanced hydrocarbon conversion activity for heavy oils over a useful range of conversion. Such catalyst bed is particularly useful in moderate hydrocracking operating at less than 1000 psig (7000 kPa) pressure.

Abstract: Trace amounts of mercury and its compounds present in hydrocarbon oil can be removed selectively and efficiently by bringing the hydrocarbon oils containing mercury and its compounds into contact with a certain treating agent after having heated such oils. Since the hydrocarbon oil from which mercury and its compounds have been removed does not contain catalyst poisons, such a hydrocarbon oil can be used extensively for catalytic reaction processes such as hydrogenation.

Abstract: A process is provided for the pretreatment of heavy oil feeds to demetalate and remove coke precursors. Inert, sorbent material is utilized in a reaction zone to effect the contaminant removal and is cycled to a regeneration zone. The sorbent also adsorbs sulfur oxides produced in a regeneration zone which are then cycled back to the reaction zone, converted to hydrogen sulfide, and removed from the system. The preferred sorbent material is high surface area alumina, having an average surface area in the circulating inventory of greater than 100 m.sup.2 /g.

Abstract: A method of selective and efficient removal of mercury from a hydrocarbon oil comprising contacting said oil with a cupric and/or stannous compound forming a reaction system. The purified hydrocarbon oil can be readily separated from the reaction system. The purified hydrocarbon oil does not contain mercury or any other catalyst poisoning component and can, therefore, be used extensively in catalytic reactions typified by hydrogenation reaction.

Abstract: An improved process for the flexible production of high-quality gas oil from two crude gas oil feedstocks deriving from primary fractionation consisting of subjecting the heavy crude gas oil feedstock to catalytic dewaxing in the presence of hydrogen, adding a lighter crude gas oil feedstock to the actual effluent from the dewaxing stage and subjecting these feedstocks simultaneously to catalytic desulphurization.

Abstract: A chromatographic process able to separate para-xylene from C.sub.8 isomers and C.sub.9 aromatics. In the process, the para-xylene-containing feed mixture is contacted with an X or Y zeolite adsorbent having Group IA or IIA cations, e.g., barium and/or potassium, at exchangeable cationic sites. The para-xylene components are selectively adsorbed onto the adsorbent. The non-adsorbed feed is then removed from the adsorbent and the para-xylene recovered by desorption with tetralin. The C.sub.9 's and the other xylene isomers in the raffinate, can be separated from this heavy desorbent by fractionation of the raffinate and the desorbent recycled to the process.