Abstract: In a process that involves use of a fluidized bed of solid particulate material wherein fluidization is obtained by passge of a gas through the bed, and the bed is stabilized by including discrete magnetizable particles in the bed and applying a substantially uniform magnetic field to the bed, temperature gradients that occur in the bed when the process in which the fluidized bed is used involves release or absorption of heat are reduced by periodically removing the magnetic field in a cyclical fashion. The period of magnetic field removal is long enough to destabilize the fluidized bed with respect to the positioning of fluidized particles so that the particles will move about in the bed, but the period of removal is not so long as to permit the unstabilized bed to exhibit a boiling or bubbling effect. The ratio of "on" time to "off" time is generally within the range of from about 4 to 1 to about 4000 to 1.

Abstract: An asphaltene concentrate characterized by its high softening point and by its high viscosity when in the liquid state is rendered into a pumpable form at ambient temperatures by conducting the asphaltene concentrate in liquid state directly from the precipitation zone at a high temperature, or from an intermediate heating zone wherein it attains a sufficiently high temperature, into a moving stream of water, whereupon the asphaltene concentrate immediately solidifies into lumpy or string-like particles. These particles are mixed with water and the mixture is subjected to a grinding operation which converts it to a thick suspension or semipaste which is thixotropic in nature and exhibits an apparent low viscosity at ambient temperatures, making it readily pumpable.

Abstract: The low temperature filterability of a petroleum middle distillate fuel, such as a heating oil or a diesel fuel is improved by adding to the fuel a synergistic combination of an N-aliphatic hydrocarbyl succinamic acid or derivative thereof with a dimer of an alpha olefin, with a polymer of such dimer, or with an alkylated aromatic compound such as an alkylated diphenyl or an alkylated diphenyl ether. The olefin dimers are of alpha olefins of from 16 to 40 carbon atoms. The alkyl groups on the alkylated aromatics are derived from C.sub.16 -C.sub.50 olefins or from dimers of C.sub.16 -C.sub.40 alpha-olefins. This invention is particularly advantageous in improviing the flow of a diesel fuel through a fine filter at low temperatures.

Abstract: Synthetic hydrocarbon lubricating oils with very low pour points and low viscosities are produced by polymerizing alpha-olefins of from 5 to 20, preferably 10 to 14 carbon atoms, at temperatures in the range of 300.degree. to 800.degree. F in the presence of an acidic catalyst of the crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite molecular sieve-type. The products are predominantly of the paraffinic and naphthenic hydrocarbon types. Aromaticity can be introduced by polymerizing the olefins in the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene. The products are useful as lubricants in arctic climates and in other applications where low pour points are required, such as for transformer oils.

Abstract: Undesirable haze that occurs in a distillate fuel, such as a diesel fuel, a jet fuel or a heating oil, as a result of emulsion formation with slight traces of water, is removed from the fuel by adding to and simply mixing with the fuel a small amount of an inorganic halide or nitrate of calcium, magnesium, cadmium, copper or nickel dissolved in a water-miscible, fuel-immiscible aliphatic monohydric or polyhydric alcohol or glycol ether.

Abstract: Metal in the molten state is transferred from one treating stage or zone to a succeeding stage or zone by gravity flow, the flow from one zone to the next being controlled by gas pressure, thus eliminating the need for valves, gates or similar moving parts. The process is particularly adapted to the treating of ferrous metal, more particularly to the making of steel. By providing sufficient zones in the series a continuous process can be run, starting with feed from a blast furnace, and conducting the material through alloying stages and a degassing stage and into a continuous casting zone.

Abstract: An asphaltene concentrate obtained by liquid hydrocarbon fractionation of an asphaltic residuum is blended with a petroleum fraction containing alkylated naphthenes and/or alkylated aromatics such as a vacuum distilled gas oil, a naphthene-aromatic fraction of a gas oil, or a solvent extract of a lubricating oil fraction, thereby producing a high quality paving composition.

Abstract: A lubricating grease having an exceptional ability to protect metal bearing surfaces against rusting or corrosion in the presence of salt water contains a synergistic combination of a lithium complex grease thickener, a quaternary ammonium nitrate and an amino imidazoline. The grease thickener is a complex of a lithium soap of a C.sub.12 to C.sub.

Abstract: Asphalt fractions unsuitable for use in paving formulations because of their inhomogeneity (as reflected by their inability to pass the Oliensis Spot Test) can be used to make homogeneous asphaltic compositions (which pass the Oliensis Spot Test) by combining them with a propane precipitated asphalt and/or petrolene fraction. The latter fractions must have a polar aromatic content of at least 20%. Optionally up to 10% vacuum gas oil can also be added to the compositions. These upgraded asphaltic compositions have a polar aromatic content of at least 30% and are useful in paving formulations.

Abstract: Disclosed are Schiff base derivatives of acylated aromatic hydrocarbons useful as oil soluble additives having pour point depressing and sludge dispersing properties.

Abstract: A multifunctional additive for an oil from the class consisting of gasoline, middle distillate fuels, and lubricating oils is prepared by the reaction of an aliphatic polyamine such as diethylene triamine, tetraethylene pentamine, and the like with the product that is obtained by the noncatalyzed air oxidation of a polyolefin or a halogenated polyolefin such as polyisobutylene or chlorinated polyisobutylene.