Abstract: A method and a system for separating solids from a solids-containing liquid feed is disclosed wherein ultrasonic energy is applied to a fouled separation element in situ in the separator unit associated with the element while the element is immersed in a liquid to effect removal therefrom of solids fouling the elements and wherein the separation element is backflushed with a backflush liquid.

Abstract: A tin-containing composition is provided, the composition having a tin Auger line transition wherein the ratio of the area of the M.sub.5 N.sub.4,5 N.sub.4,5 transition peak at 424.5 eV.+-.1 eV, having a 6 eV FWHM, to the area of M.sub.4 N.sub.4,5 N.sub.4,5 transition peak at 430.5 eV.+-.1 eV is at least 10 to 1. Additional such tin-containing compositions, including catalyst compositions are also provided as are methods for converting feedstock alkanes containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons using such catalyst compositions.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing oil is provided. An oil fraction having hydrocarbons with an initial boiling point of about 200.degree. F. to about 1050.degree. F. is hydrotreated to reduce the nitrogen content of the oil fraction to be stabilized. Subsequently, condensed aromatic compounds are selectively extracted from the hydrotreated oil fraction to yield a stable oil fraction.

Abstract: A method for converting a feedstock alkane containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms to a higher molecular weight hydrocarbon comprising contacting a feedstock with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalytic composition is disclosed. The catalytic composition includes a Group IA metal, a Group IIA metal and a third component, the precursor of which is a sol such as an aqueous suspension of a metal such as aluminum, silicon, titanium, zinc, zirconium, cadmium or tin with which the other components of the composition are thoroughly dispersed.

Abstract: A catalytic composition effective in the catalytic conversion of a feedstock alkane, such as methane, to a higher molecular weight hydrocarbon is disclosed. The composition includes a first component comprising a Group IA metal, a second component comprising a Group IIA metal, a third component, the precursor of which comprises a sol (an aqueous suspension of aluminum, silicon, titanium, zinc, zirconium, cadmium or tin) and a fourth component including a Group VIII metal, silver or a combination thereof, present in an amount effective to substantially increase the catalytic activity of the composition.In addition, methods of preparing such catalytic compositions and catalytic compositions prepared by such methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An oxidative coupling catalyst composition for converting methane to a higher hydrocarbon comprising a mixed oxide of: a) a Group IIIB metal selected from the group consisting of yttrium, scandium and lanthanum; b) a Group IIA metal selected from the group consisting of barium, calcium and strontium; and c) a Group IVA metal selected from the group consisting of tin, lead and germanium and wherein the cationic species are present in the approximate ratio of 1:0.5-3:2-4, respectively, and an improved process employing same.

Abstract: A method for converting methane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons wherein hot oxidative coupling reactor effluent is briefly contacted with a C.sub.2 to C.sub.20 alkane quench material to remove part of the heat contained in the raw reactor effluent, and is then further quenched by thermal quenching means to achieve a temperature which discourages retrograde reactions.

Abstract: A method for converting halocarbons, especially lower halocarbons like chloromethane, especially methyl chloride, to hydrocarbons, especially higher molecular weight hydrocarbons, wherein a reaction mixture including the halocarbons is contacted with a borosilicate-containing catalytic composition having a specified composition in terms of mole ratios of oxides and a specified X-ray diffraction pattern to form a product mixture of the desired hydrocarbon(s).

Abstract: A method for dedusting synthetic oil is disclosed. A feed of dust-laden synthetic oil is dissolved in a non-polar solvent of at least one alkane containing from 4 to 7 carbon atoms and aggregates of dust material are formed. The dissolved dust-laden synthetic oil is then gravitationally separated into a substantially dedusted stream in a dust-enriched stream including aggregates formed in the dissolution step. The dissolution and gravitational separation steps are conducted at a temperature and pressure greater than about 150.degree. F. and about ambient pressure and less than about the critical point temperature and pressure of the solvent and the aggregates provide acceptable settling and sludge compression rates. Methods for producing and dedusting oil from synthetic fuel stock are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for converting a feedstock alkane containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms to a higher molecular weight hydrocarbon comprising contacting a feedstock with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalytic composition is disclosed. The catalytic composition includes a Group IA metal, a Group IIA metal and a third component, the precursor of which is a sol such as an aqueous suspension of a metal such as aluminum, silicon, titanium, zinc, zirconium, cadmium or tin with which the other components of the composition are thoroughly dispersed.

Abstract: A tin-containing composition is provided, the composition having a tin Auger line transition wherein the ratio of the area of the M.sub.5 N.sub.4,5 N.sub.4,5 transition peak at 424.5 eV.+-.leV, having a 6 eV FWHM, to the area of M.sub.4 N.sub.4,5 N.sub.4,5 transition peak at 430.5 eV.+-.1eV is at least 10 to 1. Additional such tin-containing compositions, including catalyst compositions are also provided as are methods for converting feedstock alkanes containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons using such catalyst compositions.

Abstract: Catalysts containing a reducible compound on a silica-containing support are provided for the conversion of a lower molecular weight alkane to more valuable, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An oxidative coupling catalyst composition for converting methane to a higher hydrocarbon comprising a mixed oxide of: (a) a Group IIIB metal selected from the grouup consisting of yttrium, scandium and lanthanum; (b) a Group IIA metal selected from the group consisting of barium, calcium and strontium; and (c) a Group IVA metal selected from the group consisting of tin, lead and germanium and approximate ratio of 1:0.5-3:2-4, and an improved process employing same.

Abstract: A process for removing fines from a tar sands extract is provided. The tar sands extract is contacted with a specific solvent to form agglomerates and a substantial portion of the agglomerates are separated from the balance of the extract prior to any substantial attrition of the agglomerates.

Abstract: A process for reacting synthesis gas in the presence of a cadmium-containing catalyst to selectively produce isoparaffin hydrocarbons is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for converting a lower molecular weight alkane to synthesis gas to higher molecular weight materials in the presence of a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst is disclosed.