Abstract: This invention relates to secondary or tertiary recovery processes for the recovery of oil from subterranean oil-bearing reservoirs. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved method for the recovery of petroleum from underground reservoirs, which petroleum contains sulfonate surfactants and water and for a method of removing said sulfonate surfactants and water from petroleum produced from said recovery processes.

Abstract: High activity catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene and other .alpha.-olefins are made by contacting a soluble magnesium compound of the general formula Mg(OSiR.sub.3).sub.2, wherein each R is, independently, alkyl, alkoxy or aryl, with a titanium tetralkoxide (titanate) in a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon solution, followed by chlorination and precipitation by a suitable chlorinating agent. These catalysts show high activity for the polymerization of ethylene under slurry polymerization conditions.

Abstract: An improved sulfonate suitable for waterflooding is formed by sulfonating a blend of two alkyl aromatic feedstocks, one being a high molecular weight monoalkylbenzene while the second is a mixture of normal alkyl aromatic compounds such as monoalkyl benzenes, dialkylbenzenes, and diphenyl alkanes. This feedstock is either sulfonated after blending or before blending to provide a blended non-sulfonate/sulfonate ratio in the range of 0.10 to 0.25. The sulfonate effectiveness of this system increases as the non-sulfonate/sulfonate ratio increases.

Abstract: Internal olefins are subjected to metathesis closely coupled after an isomerization reaction to obtain desired molecular weight range linear olefins. Specific process steps and separation conditions are necessary to obtain the desired linear olefins.

Abstract: A method is provided for the production of ultrahigh molecular weight drag reducing substances and the like comprising:(a) preparing under an inert atmosphere a catalyst comprising: p1 (1) titanium halide of the general formula TiX.sub.m wherein m=2.5 to 4.0;(2) a co-catalyst of the formula AlR.sub.n X.sub.3-n where R is a hydrocarbon radical, X is a halogen or hydrogen and n is 2 or 3;(3) a phosphorous compound of the formula PR.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 or P(OR.sub.1) (OR.sub.2) (OR.sub.3) where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are, independently, aryl, alkyl, aralkyl, or alkaryl, containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms and placing the catalyst in contact with;(b) alpha-monoolefinic hydrocarbons from C.sub.2 -C.sub.30 under suitable temperature conditions to provide a hydrocarbon soluble ultrahigh molecular weight polymer, then ceasing polymerization at a polymer content level of 20% by weight or less, based on the total reaction mixture.

Abstract: A process for preparing aromatic-moiety-containing polymers having modified physical properties is disclosed. Briefly, the process comprises reacting in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst: (a) a suitable aromatic-moiety containing polymer resin and (b) a homopolymer of .omega.-halo-.alpha.-olefins, or co- or terpolymer of .omega.-halo-.alpha.-olefins with other .alpha.-olefins and/or ethylene.

Abstract: A method of purifying trioxane and other acetals by contacting them with an alkali metal and a phase transfer catalyst is described. Trioxane so purified is capable of being polymerized to high molecular weight.

Abstract: A titanium oxide/magnesium sulfate/magnesium oxide catalyst which is an ortho-selective methylation catalyst can be made to exhibit higher conversion and activity index for phenol methylation by the application of pressure. The pressure can be applied throughout the methylation period or can be applied for a short time at the beginning of the methylation period and then ceased, while higher activity continues. The pressure activation effects are assisted by the presence of phenol, methanol and/or water.

Abstract: A method is provided for the production of ultrahigh molecular weight drag reducing substances and the like comprising:(a) preparing under an inert atmosphere a catalyst comprising:(1) titanium halide of the general formula TiXm wherein m=2.5 to 4.0 and X is a halogen;(2) a co-catalyst such as an organo-aluminum or organo-aluminum halide of the formula AlR.sub.n X.sub.3-n where R is a hydrocarbon radical containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, X is a halogen and n is 2 or 3;(3) a monoether compound of the formula R.sub.1 OR.sub.2 where R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 are, independently, aryl, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, or alkaryl, each having up to 20 carbon atoms, and placing the catalyst in contact with;(b) alpha-monoolefinic hydrocarbons having from 2 to 30 carbon atoms under suitable temperature conditions to provide an ultrahigh molecular weight hydrocarbon soluble polymer, then(c) ceasing polymerization at a polymer content of 20% by weight or less, based on the total reaction mixture.

Abstract: Highly active, improved ethylene oxychlorination catalysts are prepared by forming alumina having specific pore volume characteristics and impregnating such alumina with an oxychlorination catalyst such as CuCl.sub.2. The improved catalysts of the present invention utilize an alumina carrier having a pore volume distribution such that substantially no pores are present which have diameters of less than 150 .ANG.ngstroms and the total alumina carrier has a surface area of at least 30 square meters per gram.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel hydrocarbon-insoluble poly-silyl esters and a method for forming these compounds utilizing carboxylic acid salts with silicon reagents in the presence of phase transfer catalysts.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the production of alcohols from carboxylic acids using the reaction of carboxylic acids with alcohols in the presence of hydrogen and carbon monoxide to form esters which are subsequently hydrogenated over a suitable hydrogenation catalyst. The invention is useful because the temperature and pressure conditions are reduced from current commercial processes while hydrogenation catalyst activity and lifetime are promoted by the removal of catalyst poisons such as water.

Abstract: A polymer-supported ethylene polymerization catalyst prepared by a method comprising (a) a polymer supported titanium-based catalyst consisting of(1) a polymer resin containing an amino borane reducing agent;(2) a titanium tetrahalide;(3) and a suitable organometallic and/or organic metallic co-catalyst.The polymers produced are resins of high density and melting point.

Abstract: This invention relates to "comb" polymers having high molecular weight and related structurally to polyoxymethylene, but having improved thermal stability. In addition, this invention relates to a method for preparing these high molecular weight "comb" polymers and teaches a process which exhibits reduced reactor fouling and produces a free-flowing powder. Generally the improved polymer is made by copolymerizing trioxane with polyanhydride or copolymerizing trioxane with copolymers of olefins and anhydrides. The improved polymer can optionally be reacted with agents known to react with terminal hydroxy groups to end-cap the polymer.

Abstract: Silyl esters of carboxylic acids, of the general formula ##STR1## are formed under mild conditions in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst when a silicon halide is contacted with a carboxylic acid salt wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon radical. Suitable phase transfer catalysts include quaternary ammonium salts, cryptates and crown ethers.

Abstract: Cresylic acid ethoxylation is catalyzed by basic compounds and salts of alkaline earth metals. Ethoxylates from such reactions have narrow ethylene oxide distributions, lower pour points and lower by-products as compared to alkali base catalyzed ethoxylation. Suitable catalysts include strontium-containing and barium-containing materials. The catalyst also includes co-catalyst combinations using these materials with one or more promoters including polyols, amines, amides, carboxylic acids and phenols. The co-catalyst combinations can be preformed prior to introduction into the reaction mixture.

Abstract: Methanol fuels are modified by the addition of materials which provide required lubricity and protection for engine parts while retaining compatability with the methanol fuel. Methanol fuel is methanol itself or any fuel containing a majority of methanol by volume. In addition, these additives help lubricate cylinder walls and decrease wear and corrosion.

Abstract: Novel magnesium disiloxide compounds and methods for their preparation are disclosed. The magnesium disiloxides so obtained are useful starting materials for the preparation of active catalysts for olefin polymerizations.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of supported Ziegler-Natta catalysts comprising the reduction of a transition metal compound with a magnesium containing reducing agent. The reducing agent is prepared in the presence of a magnesium chloride support utilizing an anhydrous and oxygen-free mixture of magnesium halide and magnesium metal, slurried in a hydrocarbon solvent. A halogenated hydrocarbon is added to activate the magnesium-containing reducing agent. Thereafter the transition metal compound is mixed with the slurry. The resulting solid is washed with a hydrocarbon solvent to eliminate residual transition metal compounds. The resulting washed solid is an active supported Ziegler-Natta olefin polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluation of shallow electrical anomalies to determine which are likely to be caused by seepage from a hydrocarbon reservoir at depth. The method involves geochemical lithological, and petrographic analyses of anomalous sediments to determine whether these sediments contain certain features characteristic of seepage-induced anomalies. These features include the following:(1) accumulations of seeped (non-indigenous) hydrocarbons;(2) accumulations of carbonate cements that have .delta..sup.13 C values between -10 and -58.degree./oo;(3) pyrite accumulations in a shallow, porous host rock where the pyrite is distributed within fractures or between original grains with a disseminated or cement-like texture, and where it is not associated with kerogen or coal and is not framboidal in morphology;(4) close proximity of said pyrite and carbonate accumulations; and(50 anomalous (high) induced polarization (I.P.