Abstract: For producing basic oils and in particular very high quality oils, i.e. oils possessing a high viscosity index (VI), a low aromatics content, good UV stability and a low pour point, from oil cuts having an initial boiling point higher than 340° C., possibly with simultaneous production of middle distillates (in particular gasoils and kerosene) of very high quality, i.e. having a low aromatics content and a low pour point, the invention provides a flexible procedure for producing oils and middle distillates from a charge containing heteroatoms, i.e. containing more than 200 ppm by weight of nitrogen, and more than 500 ppm by weight of sulphur. The procedure comprises at least one hydrorefining stage, at least one stage of catalytic dewaxing on zeolite, and at least one hydrofinishing stage.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrocarbons from gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feed involving the steps of: i) partial oxidation conversion of the gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feed and oxygen containing gas at elevated temperature and pressure into synthesis gas; ii) catalytical conversion of synthesis gas of step i) using a cobalt based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst into a hydrocarbons comprising stream; iii) separating the hydrocarbons comprising stream of step ii) into a hydrocarbons product stream and a recycle stream; and, iv) removing carbon dioxide from the recycle stream and recycle of carbon dioxide depleted recycle stream to step i).

Abstract: In the refining of crude oil, hydroprocessing units such as hydrotreaters and hydrocrackers are used to remove impurities such as sulfur, nitrogen, and metals from the crude oil. They are also used to convert the feed into valuable products such as naphtha, jet fuel, kerosene and diesel. The current invention provides very high to total conversion of heavy oils to products in a single high-pressure loop, using multiple reaction stages. The second stage or subsequent stages may be a combination of co-current and counter-current operation. The benefits of this invention include conversion of feed to useful products at reduced operating pressures using lower catalyst volumes. Lower hydrogen consumption also results. A minimal amount of equipment is employed. Utility consumption is also minimized.

Abstract: First (210) and second (240) feedstocks are hydrotreated in an integrated hydrogenation plant (200) using a hot separator (230) that provides a vapor stream containing at least some of the hydrotreated first feedstock (210), wherein the second feedstock (240) is mixed with the vapor stream at a position downstream of the separator (240) and upstream of the a second hydrotreating (250) reactor to form a mixed second feedstock that is fed into the second hydrotreating reactor (250) to produce a ultra-low sulfur product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium-pressure hydrocracking process which uses a fresh hydrogen resource and a hydrosaturation catalyst with reduced metals of group VIB and/or group VIII as the active ingredients to selectively and deeply hydrosaturate jet fuel and/or diesel cuts derived in the medium-pressure hydrocracking process.

Abstract: At least two feedstocks (210A) (210B) with different boiling point ranges are hydrotreated in an integrated hydrogenation plant (200) using an interbed separator (240) that is fluidly coupled between two hydrogenation reactors (230A) (230B). Contemplated configurations and methods will significantly reduce construction and operating cost by integration of at least two hydrogenation processes of two different feedstocks into one process, and/or by providing process conditions that reduce use of catalyst in at least one of the reactors.

Abstract: A waxy hydrocarbon feed is catalytically treated with a dewaxing catalyst that has been selectively activated. The selective activation of the catalyst involves treating the catalyst with at least one oxygenate. The selectively activated catalyst can then be used to dewax waxy hydrocarbon to improve yield and product quality of the isomerate product.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing middle distillates from an effluent produced by a Fischer-Tropsch unit, comprising optional fractionation to obtain at least one heavy fraction with an initial boiling point in the range 120-200° C., said heavy fraction or said effluent optionally being hydrotreated, then bringing it into contact with a first amorphous hydrocracking/hydroisomerization catalyst that contains at least one noble group VIII metal, the effluent obtained is distilled, then the residual fraction boiling above the middle distillates and/or a portion of the middle distillates is brought into contact with a second amorphous hydrocracking/hydroisomerization catalyst containing at least one noble group VIII metal. The invention also concerns a unit.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for upgrading heavy oils using a slurry composition. The slurry composition is prepared in a series of steps, involving mixing a Group VIB metal oxide with aqueous ammonia to form an aqueous mixture and sulfiding the mixture to form a slurry. The slurry is then promoted with a Group VIII metal compound. Subsequent steps involve mixing the slurry with a hydrocarbon oil, and combining the resulting mixture with hydrogen gas (under conditions which maintain the water in a liquid phase) to produce the active slurry catalyst.

Abstract: An improved hydrocracking process of hydrocarbon charges, in two stages with an intermediate separation, in which the second-stage of hydrocracking is carried out in the presence of an added nitrogen content which is greater than 150 ppm by weight, preferably about 500 ppm by weight, and preferably in the presence of a Y zeolite catalyst, produces high yields of middle distillate.

Abstract: A process for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon feed. The hydrocarbon feed is first admixed with a hydrogen rich gas. The resultant process stream is then contacted with a hydrocracking catalyst. The resultant catalyst effluent process stream is separated into a gas phase stream and a liquid phase stream, and the gas phase stream is withdrawn. The liquid phase stream is admixed with a hydrogen rich gas, and the resultant process stream is contacted with a hydrocracking catalyst. The resultant catalyst effluent process stream is withdrawn and admixed with the previously obtained gas phase stream, and the resultant process stream is withdrawn.

Abstract: Fischer-Tropsch process for the conversion of carbon monoxide and hydrogen to C5+ hydrocarbon mixtures in which process use is made of Fischer-Tropsch catalyst particles and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst particles. The FCC catalyst can be a fresh FCC catalyst, or an equilibrium catalysts (E-cat).

Abstract: A novel crystalline aluminophosphate and metalloaluminophosphate of the molecular sieve type, denominated SSZ-51, is prepared by hydrothermal synthesis from reactive sources of aluminum and phosphorus, fluorine and an organic templating agent, 4-dimethylaminopyridine. SSZ-51 is useful in catalysts for, e.g., hydrocarbon conversion reactions.

Abstract: A process for the production of low sulfur hydrocarbonaceous products. The hydrocarbon feedstocks are processed in integrated desulfurization zone, hydrocracking and hydrogenation zones to produce ultra low sulfur diesel, low sulfur naphtha products and low sulfur heavy distillate.

Abstract: A catalytic hydrocracking process for the production of ultra low sulfur diesel wherein a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock is hydrocracked at elevated temperature and pressure to obtain conversion to diesel boiling range hydrocarbons. The resulting hydrocracking zone effluent is hydrogen stripped in a stripping zone maintained at essentially the same pressure as the hydrocracking zone to produce a first gaseous hydrocarbonaceous stream and a first liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream. The first gaseous hydrocarbonaceous stream containing diesel boiling range hydrocarbons is introduced into a desulfurization zone and subsequently partially condensed to produce a hydrogen-rich gaseous stream and a second liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream containing diesel boiling range hydrocarbons. The first liquid stream is separated to produce a third liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream containing diesel boiling range hydrocarbons which is also introduced into the desulfurization zone. An ultra low sulfur diesel product stream is recovered.

Abstract: A hydrocracking process to produce ultra low sulfur diesel by reacting a first hydrocarbon feedstock in a hydrocracking zone, introducing the hydrocracking zone effluent and a second hydrocarbon feedstock having a majority boiling at a temperature greater than 565° C. (1050° F.) into a first desulfurization zone, passing the first desulfurization zone effluent to a hot, high pressure vapor-liquid separator to recover a vaporous hydrocarbonaceous stream and a first liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream, introducing the vaporous hydrocarbonaceous stream and a third hydrocarbonaceous feedstock comprising diesel into a second desulfurization zone, passing the second desulfurization zone effluent to a cold vapor-liquid separator to provide a hydrogen-rich gaseous stream and a second liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream and passing the first and the second liquid hydrocarbonaceous streams to a fractionation zone to produce ultra low sulfur diesel.

Abstract: A method for processing a gasoline range hydrocarbon stream wherein a single reactor/distillation tower stream is fractionated into a light fraction and a heavy fraction, the light fraction is hydrodesulfurized, the heavy fraction is optionally hydrocracked and then hydrodesulfurized, and the light and heavy fractions are separately recovered.

Abstract: A waxy hydrocarbon feed is catalytically dewaxed with a catalyst that has been selectively activated. The selective activation of the catalyst involves contacting the dewaxing catalyst with a feed mixture containing waxy hydrocarbon and at least one oxygenate. The process results in improved catalyst performance resulting in improved yield of isomerate at equivalent pour.

Abstract: Process for the catalytic dewaxing of a hydrocarbon oil feed including waxy molecules and more than 500 ppmw of sulphur or sulphur containing compounds by contacting the oil feed under catalytic dewaxing conditions with a catalyst composition comprising at least a hydrogenation component, dealuminated aluminosilicate zeolite crystallites and a low acidity refractory oxide binder material which is essentially free of alumina.

Abstract: An integrated hydrocarbon conversion process for the production of low sulfur fuels utilizing a hydrocracking zone, a diesel hydrodesulfurization zone, a fluid catalytic cracking zone and a gasoline hydrodesulfurization zone. The hydrocracking zone is used to convert at least a portion of the feedstock into diesel boiling range hydrocarbons which are desulfurized in the first hydrodesulfurization zone. The unconverted feedstock is introduced into a fluid catalytic cracking zone to produce gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons which are desulfurized in a second hydrodesulfurization zone.

Abstract: A hydrocracking process wherein a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock and hydrogen is passed to a denitrification and desulfurization reaction zone and then directly to a hot, high pressure stripper utilizing a hot, hydrogen-rich stripping gas to produce a liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream which is passed to a hydrocracking zone. The resulting effluent from the hydrocracking zone is then directly passed to the hot, high pressure stripper. A vapor stream from the hot, high pressure stripper is passed to a post-treat hydrogenation reaction zone to saturate at least a portion of the aromatic compounds contained therein.

Abstract: A unit for hydrorefining of hydrocarbon crude oil comprising sulfur-containing compounds comprises first catalyst layer 33 and second catalyst layer 38, top space 34 for separating vapor component and liquid component, bottom space 36, and valve tray 35 that divides top space 34 and bottom space 36. Hydrogen released from hydrogen nozzle 40 placed in the bottom space is passed through liquid component that has accumulated in the valve tray and stripping of liquid components is performed. Hydrogen released from hydrogen nozzle 40 is again introduced, to second catalyst layer 38 as a cocurrent with the stripped liquid component. By stripping, it is possible to reduce the sulfur content, the nitrogen content and reduce the aromatic content of the hydrocarbon crude oil when compared to the conventional method. Since the hydrorefining unit has a simple structure, the unit can be easily made by modifying existing units.

Abstract: A process for producing a lubricating oil basestock having at least 90 wt. % saturates and a VI of at least 105 by selectively hydroconverting a raffinate from a solvent extraction zone in a two step hydroconversion zone followed by a hydrofinishing zone, and a lubricating oil basestock produced by said process.

Abstract: An integrated Fischer-Tropsch process having improved alcohol processing capability is provided. The integrated Fischer-Tropsch process includes, optionally, synthesis gas production, Fischer-Tropsch reaction, Fischer-Tropsch reaction product recovery and, optionally, separation, catalytic dehydration of primary and internal alcohols, and, optionally, hydro-processing.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a C4 stream for feeding to an alkylation process which reacts isobutane with butene to produce isooctane. The C4 stream is treated in a first distillation column reactor to remove dienes and mercaptans and separate out any C5's which might be present. The treated C4's are then fed to a second distillation column reactor that concurrently isomerizes 1-butene to 2-butene and splits the normal C4's from the iso C4's. The iso C4's are then fed to a third distillation column reactor where a portion of the isobutene is saturated to isobutane. The C4's from the isomerization/splitter are combined with the C4's from the hydrogenation unit and fed to a cold acid alkylation unit. The third distillation column may also oligomerize a portion of the isobutene to diisobutene in the upper end which is saturated in the bottom of the column to isooctane.

Abstract: A process for the production of very high quality base oils optionally with simultaneous production of high quality middle distillates comprises the stages for hydrotreatment, preferably hydrocracking, on Y or beta zeolite, and atmospheric distillation. The effluent is subjected to a catalytic dewaxing on the ZSM-48 catalyst. The process then comprises a hydrofinishing stage for hydrogenating the aromatic compounds, preferably on a catalyst that comprises at least one noble metal of group VIII, chlorine and fluorine, and the stages of atmospheric and vacuum distillation. The hydrofinishing stage is conducted at a temperature lower by 20-200° C. than the catalytic dewaxing stage.

Abstract: A process where the need to circulate hydrogen through the catalyst is eliminated. This is accomplished by mixing and/or flashing the hydrogen and the oil to be treated in the presence of a solvent or diluent in which the hydrogen solubility is “high” relative to the oil feed. The type and amount of diluent added, as well as the reactor conditions, can be set so that all of the hydrogen required in the hydroprocessing reactions is available in solution. The oil/diluent/hydrogen solution can then be fed to a plug flow reactor packed with catalyst where the oil and hydrogen react. No additional hydrogen is required, therefore, hydrogen recirculation is avoided and trickle bed operation of the reactor is avoided. Therefore, the large trickle bed reactors can be replaced by much smaller tubular reactor.

Abstract: A catalytic hydrocracking process wherein a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock and a liquid recycle stream is contacted with hydrogen in a hydrocracking reaction zone at elevated temperature and pressure to obtain conversion to lower boiling hydrocarbons. A liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream produced from the effluent of the hydrocracking reaction zone is fractionated in a first zone of a divided-wall fractionation zone to produce at least one liquid hydrocarbonaceous product stream and a liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream containing hydrocarbons boiling at a temperature in the boiling range of the feedstock and heavy polynuclear aromatic compounds. At least a portion of the liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream containing heavy polynuclear aromatic compounds is introduced into a second zone of the divided-wall fractionation zone to produce a stream rich in polynuclear aromatic compounds.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of one or more hydrocarbon fuel products boiling in the kero/diesel range from a stream of hydrocarbons produced in a Fischer-Tropsch process, in which process synthesis gas is converted into liquid hydrocarbons, at least a part of the hydrocarbons boiling above the kero/diesel range, having the following steps: (1) hydrocracking/hydroisomerizing at least a part of the Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbons stream at a conversion per pass of at most 80 wt % of the material boiling above 370° C. into material boiling below 370° C.; (2) separating the product stream obtained in step (1) into one or more light fractions boiling below the kero/diesel boiling range, one or more fractions boiling in the kero/diesel boiling range and a heavy fraction boiling above the kero/diesel boiling range; (3) hydrocracking/hydroisomerizing the major part of the heavy fraction obtained in step (2) at a conversion per pass of at most 80 wt % of the material boiling above 370° C.

Abstract: A process for hydroprocessing a hydrotreated liquid distillate stream to produce a stream exceptionally low in sulfur as well as aromatics. A hydrotreated distillate stream is further hydrotreated in a co-current reaction zone wherein the reaction product is passed to a separation drum wherein a vapor product is collected overhead and a liquid product is passed to a aromatics saturation zone countercurrent to the flow of hydrogen treat gas.

Abstract: Waxy hydrocarbon feedstocks are contacted with a hydrocracking catalyst and the effluent then contacted with an intermediate pore size molecular sieve hydroisomerization catalyst. The effluent from the hydroisomerization is fractionated to provide a heavy fraction and a middle distillate fuel. At least a portion of the heavy fraction is dewaxed to provide a high quality lubricant base oil with a high viscosity index and a low pour point.

Abstract: Waxy hydrocarbon feedstocks are contacted with a hydrocracking catalyst and the effluent then contacted with an intermediate pore size molecular sieve hydroisomerization catalyst. The effluent from the hydroisomerization is fractionated to provide a heavy fraction and a middle distillate fuel. A high quality lubricant base oil with a high viscosity index and a low pour point is isolated from the heavy fraction.

Abstract: A process to produce base oils through the use of fractionation, solvent extraction, dewaxing, and hydrofinishing

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-63 prepared using N-cyclodecyl-N-methyl-pyrrolidinium cation as a structure-directing agent, methods for synthesizing SSZ-63 and processes employing SSZ-63 in a catalyst.

Abstract: Olefins and alcohols present in Fischer-Tropsch light naphthas are converted to dialkyl ethers of the formula: R—O—R′ where R and R′ are each primarily non-tertiary alkyl groups of more than four carbon atoms, via hydration of the olefins to alcohols followed by dehydration of the alcohols. Ethers may also form by direct reaction of olefins and alcohols. The ethers are separated from the remaining paraffins in the naphtha by distillation and added in an amount of 1-25 wt. % to paraffinic mid-distillate fuel components obtained by hydrotreating a Fischer-Tropsch product. The properties of the distillate fuel components such as lubricity and seal swell are improved by the dialkyl ethers. The removal of olefins and alcohols from the naphthas reduces refining and lead to a more salable product.

Abstract: A process for producing distillate boiling range streams that are low in both sulfur and aromatics. A distillate feedstock is treated in a first hydrodesulfurization stage in the presence of a hydrogen-containing treat gas and a hydrodesulfurization catalyst, thereby resulting in partial desufurization of the stream. The partially desulfurized distillate stream is then treated in a second hydrodesulfurization stage, also in the presence of a hydrogen-containing treat gas and a hydrodesulfurization catalyst. The hydrogen-containing treat gas is cascaded from the next downstream reaction stage, which is an aromatics hydrogenation stage.

Abstract: A process for producing a premium Fischer-Tropsch diesel fuel which comprises (a) hydroprocessing a waxy Fischer-Tropsch feed to remove the oxygenates that are present in the feed, whereby a first Fischer-Tropsch intermediate product is produced with reduced olefins and oxygenates relative to the Fischer-Tropsch feed; (b) separating the first Fischer-Tropsch intermediate product in a separation zone into a heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction and a light Fischer-Tropsch fraction under controlled separation conditions; (c) hydroisomerizing the heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction to improve the cold flow properties of the heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction and recovering an isomerized heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction; (d) mixing the isomerized heavy Fischer-Tropsch fraction with at least a portion of the light Fischer-Tropsch fraction of (b); and (e) recovering from the blend a Fischer-Tropsch derived diesel product meeting a target value for at least one pre-selected specification for diesel fuel.

Abstract: A process for transforming a gas oil cut from a conversion process or from an aromatic crude is described, the aim of the process being to improve the cetane number of said cut. The process comprises at least one hydrogenation step in which said gas oil cut is passed, in the presence of hydrogen, over a catalyst comprising an amorphous mineral support, at least one compound of a group VIB metal, at least one compound of a non noble group VIII metal and at least phosphorous or a compound of phosphorous, the process then comprising a hydrocracking step in which the hydrogenated feed is passed, in the presence of hydrogen, over a catalyst comprising an acidic support, at least one compound of a group VIB metal and at least one compound of a non noble group VIII metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-64 prepared using a N-cyclobutylmethyl-N-ethylhexamethyleneiminium cation or N-cyclobutylmethyl-N-ethylheptamethyleneiminium cation structure directing agent, and processes employing SSZ-64 in a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium-pressure hydrocracking process which uses a fresh hydrogen resource and a hydrosaturation catalyst with reduced metals of group VIB and/or group VIII as the active ingredients to selectively and deeply hydrosaturate jet fuel and/or diesel cuts derived in the medium-pressure hydrocracking process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-65 prepared using 1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-cyclopropylmethyl]-1-ethyl-pyrrolidinium or 1-ethyl-1-(1-phenyl-cyclopropylmethyl)-pyrrolidinium cation as a structure-directing agent, methods for synthesizing SSZ-65 and processes employing SSZ-65 in a catalyst.

Abstract: With this invention, high conversion of heavy gas oils and the production of high quality products is possible in a single high-pressure loop with reaction stages operating at different pressure and conversion levels. The flexibility offered is great and will allow the refiner to avoid decrease in product quality while at the same time minimizing capital cost. Feeds with varying boiling ranges can be introduced at different sections of the process, thereby minimizing the consumption of hydrogen and further reducing capital investment.

Abstract: A catalyst for the hydrocracking of heavy oils contains iron and active carbon having an MCH conversion rate of 40-80%, a specific surface area of 600-1000 m2/g of, a pore volume of 0.5 to 1.4 cm3/g, 2-50 nanometers' mesopore volume of not less than 60% and an average pore diameter of 3-6 nanometers, the iron being carried on the active carbon in an amount of 1 to 20 wt. % to the active carbon. The hydrocracking process using the catalyst includes a first step of conducting hydrocracking at a temperature within the range of 360-450° C. at a hydrogen partial pressure of 2-14 MPaG and a second step of conducting hydrocracking at a temperature within the range of 400-480° C. at a hydrogen partial pressure of 2-18 MPaG, which can suppress the generation of coke and remove, in a high efficiency, heavy metals such as Ni and V, asphaltene, residual carbon, sulfur and nitrogen from the heavy oils.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for hydroprocessing vacuum gas oils and other feeds in order to produce unconverted oil suitable for use as base oil feed for white oils, Group III oils, and BMCI (Bureau of Mines Correlation Index) ethylene plant feed. Ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and light products are removed from the first stage at high pressure in order to produce a higher quality of unconverted oil that is suitable for Group III base oils.

Abstract: In the refining of crude oil, vacuum gas oil hydrotreaters and hydrocrackers are used to remove impurities such as sulfur, nitrogen, and metals from the crude oil. Typically, the middle distillate boiling material (boiling in the range from 250° F.-735° F.) from VGO hydrotreating or moderate severity hydrocrackers does not meet the smoke point, the cetane number or the aromatic specification. In most cases, this middle distillate is separately upgraded by a middle distillate hydrotreater or, alternatively, the middle distillate is blended into the general fuel oil pool or used as home heating oil. With this invention, the middle distillate is hydrotreated in the same high pressure loop as the vacuum gas oil hydrotreating reactor or the moderate severity hydrocracking reactor.

Abstract: The instant invention comprises a hydroprocessing method having at least two stages. The first stage employs a hydroprocessing catalyst which may contain hydrotreating catalyst, hydrocracking catalyst, or a combination of both. The second stage is limited to hydrocracking. Conversion in the second stage may be improved by the addition of multiple reaction zones for hydrocracking, with flash separation zones between the stages. Middle distillate yield is thereby increased and the volume of the recycle stream is reduced. This invention reduces the need for equipment which would normally be required for a large recycle stream.

Abstract: A process for producing oils with high viscosity indices from oil distillates or effluents from a conversion unit comprises the following steps: a) catalytic hydrotreatment of the feed in the presence of hydrogen and a non zeolitic catalyst; b) fractionation of at least a portion of the effluent from step a) or step d) described below to an oil residue; c) fractionation by thermal diffusion of at least a portion of the oil residue obtained from step b) into oil fractions with different compositions and viscosity indices. Step b) can be preceded by a step d) for hydrocracking the effluent obtained from step a) in the presence of hydrogen and a zeolitic catalyst.

Abstract: A process for preparing branched alkyl aromatic hydrocarbons, which process comprises contacting branched olefins with an aromatic hydrocarbon under alkylating conditions, which branched olefins have been obtained by a process which comprises dehydrogenating an isoparaffinic composition over a suitable catalyst which isoparaffinic composition has been obtained by hydrocracking and hydroisomerization of a paraffinic wax and which isoparaffinic composition comprises paraffins having a carbon number in the range of from 7 to 35, of which paraffins at least a portion of the molecules is branched, the average number of branches per paraffin molecule being at least 0.

Abstract: A process for preparing branched alkyl aromatic hydrocarbons, which process comprises contacting branched olefins with an aromatic hydrocarbon under alkylating conditions, which branched olefins have been obtained by a process which comprises dehydrogenating an isoparaffinic composition over a suitable catalyst which isoparaffinic composition has been obtained by hydrocracking and hydroisomerization of a paraffinic wax and which isoparaffinic composition comprises paraffins having a carbon number in the range of from 7 to 35, of which paraffins at least a portion of the molecules is branched, the average number of branches per paraffin molecule being at least 0.

Abstract: A novel process for forming hydrocarbon waxes from synthesis gas is disclosed. This invention teaches a process whereby a Fischer-Tropsch wax can be formulated such that the wax softness as defined by ASTM Standard Test Method for Needle Penetration of waxes (ASTM D-1321) can be adjusted to within a region most preferred for end use applications while simultaneously removing undesirable impurities, such as oxygenates (e.g., primary alcohols), olefins, and trace levels of aromatics. In a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, Fischer-Tropsch wax is formed from synthesis gas in a catalyzed reaction. The Fischer Tropsch wax is then subjected to a relatively mild hydroprocessing over a hydroisomerization catalyst under conditions such that essentially no boiling point conversion is obtained, but yet chemical conversions (e.g., hydrogenation and mild isomerization) occur yielding a high purity, hydrocarbon wax product of reduced hardness.