Abstract: There is provided a process for shape selective xylene disproportionation that involves contacting a feedstream which includes xylene under conversion conditions, with a molecular sieve catalyst that has been surface modified. The xylene disproportionation process has a selectivity for pseudocumene of over 85%.

Abstract: There is provided a catalyst comprising ZSM-5, rhenium which is impregnated onto the catalyst, and a selectivating agent. The selectivating agent may be coke and/or a siliceous material. The catalyst is particularly useful for catalyzing toluene disproportionation reactions. Methods for making this catalyst and processes for using this catalyst in toluene disproportionation are also provided.

Abstract: It is disclosed that succinic acid and its derivatives that contain a branched aliphatic group on the 2 or alpha position of succinic acid form surfactants that exhibit a high order of or bioresistance to bacteriological degradation. Further, it has been discovered that these novel surfactants can be employed to prepare novel oil-in-water emulsions with lube oils such as mineral oil that are effective as cutting fluids for machining operations but provide an improved resistance to biodegradation to the cutting oil so formulated, without resorting to the inclusion of conventional biocides in the formulation. It has also been discovered that the bioresistance of the cutting fluid emulsion formulation can be further enhanced by using a branched aliphatic hydrocarbon oligomer or polymer as the lubricative component in the formulation. Cutting fluid emulsions so formulated are effective fluids in prolonging tool life and facilitating machining operations.

Abstract: An improved process for production of diisopropyl ether by conversion of hydrocarbon feedstock containing propene, propane and C.sub.2 -- light gas components. The overall process steps include, (optionally) prefractionating fresh feedstock containing propene, propane and C.sub.2 -- light gas components to provide a reactor feedstream rich in propene; contacting the feedstock and water in a catalytic reactor with acidic catalyst under olefin hydration and etherification conditions; and recovering from the catalytic reactor a liquid reactor effluent stream containing diisopropyl ether, isopropanol, water, unreacted propene, propane, oligomer and C.sub.2 -- light gas components. DIPE product containing C.sub.6 + oligomer is recovered by separating the liquid effluent stream in a stripper column, and extracting the DIPE-rich liquid with water. An improved separation process is employed for removing water to provide DIPE liquid product substantially free of water.

Abstract: A method for increasing the efficiency of xylene isomerization by using a two stage isomerization process. In the first stage of the process, a C.sub.9.sup.+ aromatics feedstock is subjected to ethylbenzene conversion and xylene isomerization. Non-C.sub.8 aromatics are removed from the effluent, which is then processed in a second stage of the process to remove para-xylene and isomerize the para-xylene depleted effluent. The effluent from the second stage isomerization unit is then recycled into the inlet of the second stage of the process and a slip stream from the para-xylene separator is recycled to the feedstock and to the effluent of the ethylbenzene conversion unit. In this way, the production of para-xylene is maximized. In a preferred embodiment, toluene is co-fed into the feedstock to minimize the loss of xylenes during the ethylbenzene conversion reaction.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for producing a high Viscosity Index lubricant having a VI of at least 125 from a waxy hydrocarbon feed having a wax content of at least 40 wt %. The process comprises catalytically dewaxing waxy paraffins present in the feed by isomerization in the presence of hydrogen and in the presence of a low acidity large pore zeolite isomerization catalyst. This catalyst has a ratio of SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, as synthesized, of at least 50:1, and an alpha value of not greater than 20, wherein the catalyst is prepared in the absence of boron. The catalyst further comprises a noble metal hydrogenation component. The feed may be hydrocracked prior to dewaxing with the large pore zeolite. The feed may be solvent dewaxed prior to isomerization. The effluent of the isomerization step may also be further dewaxed by either solvent or catalytic means in order to achieve target pour point.

Abstract: A low emission diesel fuel suitable for use in underground diesel-engined mining equipment comprises a straight run distillate fuel having an end point not greater than 300.degree. C. (about 660.degree. F.), a cetane number in the range of 55 to 60 a specific gravity not greater than 0.83 a sulfur content not greater than 0.1 wt percent and an aromatics content of 18 to 30 wt. percent. The T.sub.90 of the fuels is typically in the range of 255.degree. to 270.degree. C. (about 490.degree. F. to 525.degree. F.), with an initial boiling points typically in the range of 170.degree. to 190.degree. C. (about 340.degree. to 374.degree. F). Ten percent points (T.sub.10) are typically in the range from about 200.degree. to 220.degree. C. (about 390.degree. to 430.degree. F.). The API gravity of the fuel is at least 38 and is typically in the range of 38 to 42 and the specific gravity is typically in the range of 0.82 to 0.83.

Abstract: De-entrainment devices are provided for separating an entrained liquid from a vapor stream exiting a flash zone in a separation column. Methods for utilizing the de-entrainment devices are also provided. In one embodiment, the de-entrainment device of the present invention is embodied in a de-entrainment tray that has a tray deck and a plurality of risers extending vertically up from the tray deck. The risers are provided with devices for imparting rotational movement to the fluid stream, which have the vapor stream and entrained liquid, entering the riser. The rotational movement imparted to the fluid stream causes the liquid to separate from the vapor stream and to flow upward along the riser walls. The de-entrained liquid is then transported from above the separation tray back into the flash zone by way of a liquid downcomer. The vapor stream separates from the liquid within the riser and flows out of the riser upward through the column.

Abstract: A method of producing ethyl acetate by reacting acetic acid with ethylene in the presence of a solid acidic catalyst comprising a zeolite selected from the group consisting of MCM-22, MCM-49, MCM-56, ZSM-5 and zeolite-Beta.

Abstract: There is provided a high efficiency base synthesis process for shape selective production of pyridine and picoline products from ammonia and C.sub.1-5 carbonyl compounds. The process includes reacting ammonia and at least one C.sub.1-5 carbonyl reactant under suitable reaction conditions of temperature, pressure, and space velocity in the presence of a catalyst comprising a molecular sieve to produce a primary product comprising pyridine or picoline products and polyalkylpyridines or other higher molecular weight aromatic species, separating and collecting the pyridine or picoline products from the polyalkylpyridines or other higher molecular weight aromatic species, and circulating the polyalkylpyridines or other higher molecular weight aromatic species to the same or another catalyst under conversion conditions to yield additional pyridine or picoline products with substantially reduced amounts of polyalkylpyridines or other higher molecular weight aromatic species.

Abstract: A gas hydrate storage reservoir includes at least one insulated wall defining an opening and a sunlight permeable top covering the opening. A gas-tight, gas hydrate storage cavity is defined within the top and the wall(s). A cover element is provided to cover at least a portion of the top to prevent sunlight from passing through that portion of the top. The gas storage reservoir also includes devices for removing gas and water from the storage cavity. In use, when gas is desired by the user, the cover element is removed from at least a portion of the sunlight permeable top so that sunlight will pass through the top and into the storage reservoir. Heat energy from the sun warms the exposed gas hydrates, thereby forcing the hydrates to dissociate into gas and water. The gas is removed from the tank and transported to an appropriate location for use. When sunlight is unavailable or when additional gas is needed than that produced by dissociation via the sun, an external, auxiliary heater (e.g.

Abstract: A composition for passivating metal contaminants in catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons includes a non-layered, ultra-large pore crystalline material with at least one peak at a position greater than about 18 Angstrom Units d-spacing with a relative intensity of 100, and a benzene adsorption capacity of greater than about 15 grams benzene per 100 grams anhydrous crystal at 50 torr and 25.degree. C., and a metal passivator incorporated within the crystalline material. A method for passivating contaminating metals uses the composition during catalytic cracking as an additive or as a component of the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and a method for preparing ZSM-48 exhibiting an X-ray pattern having values as set forth in Table 1 of the specification. The method of the present invention includes (a) preparing a reaction mixture; and (b) maintaining the mixture under crystallization conditions until crystals of the ZSM-48 are formed. The mixture includes a source of silica, a source of trivalent metal oxide, an alkali metal oxide, ethylenediamine and water. The mixture, in terms of mole ratios of oxides, has the following composition ranges:SiO.sub.2 /Me.sub.2 O.sub.3 : 100 to 1500,M.sub.2/n O/SiO.sub.2 : 0 to 0.2,RN/SiO.sub.2 : 2.0 to 5.0,OH.sup.- /SiO.sub.2 : 0 to 0.3, andH.sub.2 O/SiO.sub.2 : 10 to 100,wherein Me is a trivalent metal, M is an alkali metal and RN is ethylenediamine.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing fluids from a production zone(s) by drilling and completing multiple laterals from primary wellbore. One or more pre-formed window units are provided in a casing string before it is cemented in the well. Each unit is comprised of a housing having an inlet and two outlets, one of which forms the pre-formed window. The axes of the two outlets forms a relatively small angle (e.g. from 1.degree. to about 10.degree., preferably 3.degree.) whereby a well string will follow a gently curved path as it exits through the window. A re-entry line from the surface can be attached to the housing so that a work-over string can be lowered into a selective lateral without having to shut-in production from the other laterals.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved process for conversion of H.sub.2 S to sulfur, using MOST(Mobil Offgas Sulfur Treatment) catalyst or sorbent. The sorbent is typically a magnesium-aluminate spinel, with oxidation promoters such as ceria and vanadia. H.sub.2 S from the feed gas is used to regenerate sulfated sorbent, simultaneously producing elemental sulfur which is then condensed out. The improvement involves recycling a portion of the effluent from a downstream burner to mix with the feed to the sorbent. Thus some of the stoichiometric oxygen required for conversion of H.sub.2 S to S is supplied in the form of SO.sub.2 by this pre-combustion step, instead of coming totally from the oxidized/sulfated solid sorbent. This can decrease the amount of sorbent required, as well as the frequency of regenerations, thus reducing process cost. The hot recycle gas also helps to heat the feed stream.

Abstract: Lubricant or fuel compositions comprising 1) an organo, ring-substituted diphenyl sulfide, e.g. a monoalkyldiphenyl sulfide; 2) a dispersant component comprising at least one polymer-substituted succinimide, succinamide and/or succinic acid ester in which the alcohol or phenol moiety of the ester group may optionally contain amide, imide or amine nitrogen functionality, or mixtures of said amide, imide and/or ester; and 3) a dithiophosphate, e.g., a zinc dithiophosphate. The compositions have superior antiwear and extreme pressure properties.

Abstract: A process for thermally and catalytically upgrading a heavy feed in a single riser reactor FCC unit is disclosed. A heavy feed is cracked in the base of the riser at higher than normal cracking temperatures for at least 1.0 seconds of vapor residence time, then quenched. Quenching with large amounts of quench, preferably downstream of the mid point of the riser, increases conversion as compared to use of the same amount of quench within one second. Small amounts of quench, near the riser outlet, crack heavy feed roughly as well as large amounts of quench, near the base of the riser. High velocity, atomizing quench nozzles reduce riser pressure and/or catalyst slip in downstream portions of the riser, further increasing gasoline selectivity and reducing coke yields.

Abstract: This application discloses a process for catalytically dewaxing a feedstock whereby the aging of the dewaxing catalyst is minimized. A variety of feedstocks which possess moderate levels of nitrogen and sulfur may be dewaxed in this invention. The feed is treated by a catalyst system comprising two catalysts acting in synergistic combination, a hydrotreating catalyst and a dewaxing catalyst. The hydrotreating catalyst is preferably loaded with noble metals and is capable of operating at higher than usual space velocities. The dewaxing catalyst is downstream of the hydrotreating catalyst. The dewaxing catalyst further comprises a constrained intermediate pore crystalline material which is loaded with a noble metal.

Abstract: A process for converting a heavy aromatics feed to lighter aromatic products, such as benzene and xylene, by reacting C.sub.9+ aromatic hydrocarbons and toluene or benzene under transalkylation reaction conditions, over a first catalyst composition including a zeolite having a constraint index ranging from 0.5 to 3 and a hydrogenation component and a second catalyst composition including an intermediate pore size zeolite having a constraint index ranging from 3 to 12 and a silica to alumina ratio of at least about 5, to produce a transalkylation reaction product containing benzene or toluene and xylene. The benzene or toluene from the reaction product can then be distilled to obtain a benzene or toluene product.

Abstract: Para-xylene is produced by toluene methylation by charging toluene and a methylating agent to a fluidized bed of catalyst at a rate sufficient to maintain the fluidized bed in a turbulent sub-transport flow regime, reacting the toluene with the methylating agent, and recovering para-xylene from the fluidized bed. The fluidizable catalyst is a microporous material having a Constraint Index of about 1 to about 12. The relative concentration of the catalyst particles having a major dimension of less than 40 microns is controlled at between about 5 and 35 weight percent. The catalyst particles have an apparent particle density of about 0.9 to 1.6 grams per cubic centimeter, a size range of about 1 to 150 microns, and average particle size of about 20 to 100 microns.