Abstract: Monosaccharides such as glucose solution are catalytically hydrogenated in fixed bed reaction process using a high activity nickel catalyst to produce at least about 98 W % conversion to sorbitol solution. The feedstream pH is controlled to between 7 and 13 by adding a basic solution such as sodium hydroxide. Reaction zone conditions are 500-2000 psig hydrogen partial pressure, 130.degree.-180.degree. C. temperature, and use a ratio of hydrogen gas/feed liquid within the range of 1000-5000. Feedstream liquid space velocity is within range of 0.5-3.5 Vf/Hr/Vc.

Abstract: A method of filtering a coal-derived liquid comprising; mixing the coal liquid with a filter aid material comprising metallic particles; filtering the thus-obtained mixture; subjecting the resulting filter cake material to partial combustion; and separating the metallic particles from the filter cake for reuse as filter aid.

Abstract: A process for conveniently transporting particulate coal and crude oil together as a slurry through a pipeline. The coal, having particle size of 20-350 mesh size range, is added to the oil in sufficient amount to form a transportable coal-oil slurry. The slurry is maintained at sufficient velocity and turbulence in the pipeline to prevent solids settling, and also at sufficient pressure, temperature, and time conditions to liquify at least 5 weight percent of the coal. Also, when the sulfur content of the coal used is less than the oil, the sulfur content of the delivered oil portion is reduced during its transit through the pipeline. At its destination, the oil portion can be separated from the slurry and passed to refining operations, while the coal along with some contained heavy oil can be either liquefied to produce hydrocarbon liquid fuel products, or burned as fuel in a power plant.

Abstract: This invention provides a process and system for the segregation of used catalyst contaminated by the extended processing of hydrocarbon feedstocks. It utilizes multi-stage fluidization and segregation of the catalyst in an upflowing liquid, and recovery of the less contaminated catalyst upper fraction for reuse. The recovery vessel comprises at least two concentric compartments, either or both of which may preferably be tapered so as to provide less cross-sectional area at the upper end of the catalyst bed for improved fluidization of the used catalyst. The used catalyst material is usually introduced into the annulus between the vessel walls, and the lower density less contaminated fraction is accumulated within the inner compartment, from which it is withdrawn for reuse.