Abstract: A process for improving the fillet-forming capability of brazeable aluminum articles includes providing a brazeable aluminum article, having at least one surface; and contacting the surface with a dilute, aqueous solution of fluoridic compounds, for at least 5 seconds at a temperature ranging from about 150.degree. to 212.degree. F. to produce an oxide-free surface which can be readily brazed with a minimal drip loss.

Abstract: Can or lid stock and a method for its manufacture in which a low alloy content aluminum alloy is strip cast to form a hot strip cast feedstock, the hot feedstock is rapidly annealed and quenched rapidly to prevent substantial precipitation of alloying elements and then cold rolled. The can end and tab stock of the invention has strength and formability equal to higher alloy content aluminum alloy.

Abstract: An automotive space frame joining system. The joining system includes a pair of extruded aluminum alloy lineal hollow rectangular members, the first lineal member having a top end, a bottom end and two opposing sides, each opposing side including a plurality of substantially similar longitudinal grooves running from the bottom end towards the to end of the first lineal member, the second lineal member having a top and a bottom longitudinal surface, the bottom end of the first lineal member abutting the top lineal surface of the second lineal member; and two pair of universal joining members, each joining member comprising a span and an interlocking member attached to the span, each pair fastened to opposing sides of the second lineal member and positioned such that each interlocking members of each joining member provides interlocking engagement within the opposing grooves of the first lineal member, thereby providing a space frame exhibiting great strength.

Abstract: A process is disclosed to extract metal values selected from the group consisting of cobalt, molybdenum, nickel, tungsten, and vanadium from metal-containing particles, such as spent hydroprocessing catalyst particles containing carbon residue. In this process, the spent catalyst particles are roasted in an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature of from 400.degree. C. to 600.degree. C., and then the roasted catalyst particles are contacted with an aqueous solution of ammonia, ammonium salt, and hydrogen peroxide. That aqueous solution has an initial pH of at least 9.5 and an initial hydrogen peroxide concentration of from 0.02 to 0.2 M. That aqueous solution is maintained at a pH of greater than 9.5.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for selectively precipitating molybdenum in a form that is substantially free from vanadium impurities. The molybdenum is precipitated in the form of ammonium octamolybdate which has a molybdenum to vanadium ratio of about 400:1 in an initial crystallization and a ratio of about 1300:1 in a subsequent recrystallization.

Abstract: The present invention is a bacteria and its use in a Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) process. Any one of two newly isolated strains of bacteria are injected downhole in a petroleum reservoir to modify its profile. This bacteria has the capability to plug the zones of higher permeability within the reservoir so that a subsequent waterflood may selectively enter the oil bearing less permeable zones. The injected water is used to drive this oil to an area where it may then be recovered.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for in situ biodegradation of spilled hydrocarbons. The process involves drawing oxygen into a hydrocarbon contaminated zone. A borehole is drilled into the contaminated zone and gas is evacuated at high rates out of the borehole to thereby draw oxygen into the contaminated zone. Surprisingly, the carbon dioxide concentration in the evacuated gas remains high even at the high flow rates.

Abstract: A process for removing residual sulfur from a hydrotreated naphtha feedstock is disclosed. The feedstock is contacted with molecular hydrogen under reforming conditions in the presence of a less sulfur sensitive reforming catalyst, thereby converting trace sulfur compounds to H.sub.2 S, and forming a first effluent. The first effluent is contacted with a solid sulfur sorbent, removing the H.sub.2 S and forming a second effluent. The second effluent is contacted with a highly selective reforming catalyst under severe reforming conditions.

Abstract: A punch tool is disclosed for puncturing the walls of heat exchanger tubes when they become worn in order that the tubes may be repaired. Said tool comprises a hardened, longitudinally drilled, steel rod that is able to fit within the heat exchanger tube. A piston with a cutting bit is fit within a milled slot that communicates with the longitudinally drilled hole of the hardened rod. Once the tool is inserted into a tube to be repaired hydraulic pressure is applied and the piston is forced outward thereby puncturing the tube.

Abstract: Isobutene is produced by contacting isobutane with a sulfided, type L zeolitic catalyst containing platinum, tin, barium, and an inorganic binder. The isobutane is contacted with the catalyst in the presence of a sulfur-containing gas at a temperature of from 850.degree. F. to 1250.degree. F., a pressure of less than 20 psig, a liquid hourly space velocity of below 40, and an H.sub.2 /HC of less than 10. Preferably, the catalyst comprises: (1) a sulfided, type L zeolite containing from 8% to 10% by weight barium, from 0.6% to 1.0% by weight platinum, and tin at an atom ratio with the platinum of about 1:1; and (2) an inorganic binder of either silica, alumina, or aluminosilicates.

Abstract: A new catalyst is disclosed which is useful for dehydrocyclizing alkanes. This catalyst contains a type L zeolite, a Group VIII metal, and an alkaline earth metal. Preferably, this catalyst contains a type L zeolite, from 0.1% to 5% by weight platinum and from 1% to 20% by weight barium.

Abstract: A new catalyst is disclosed which is useful for dehydrocyclizing alkanes. This catalyst contains a zeolite of the L family, a Group VIII metal, and an alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: A highly selective zeolitic reforming catalyst is disclosed that contains a promoter selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, and titanium; and that has a platinum to promoter weight ratio of less than 10:1. In one embodiment a type L zeolite is formed by combining an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, and ferric nitrate with an aqueous solution of silica to form a thickening gel in a mother liquor; heating the thickening gel to form a type L zeolite; cooling the solution containing the type L zeolite; decanting the mother liquor from the solution; filtering the type L zeolite from the solution; washing the filtered type L zeolite so that the pH of the wash is about 101/2; and drying the washed type L zeolite. The catalyst is formed by adding platinum to the dried type L zeolite by pore fill impregnation with an aqueous solution of Pt(NH.sub.3).sub.4 (NO.sub.3).sub.2 to form a catalyst; drying the catalyst and calcining the catalyst.

Abstract: A highly selective zeolitic reforming catalyst is disclosed that contains a promoter selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, and titanium; and that has a platinum to promoter weight ratio of less than 10:1. In one embodiment a type L zeolite is formed by combining an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, and ferric nitrate with an aqueous solution of silica to form a thickening gel in a mother liquor; heating the thickening gel to form a type L zeolite; cooling the solution containing the type L zeolite; decanting the mother liquor from the solution; filtering the type L zeolite from the solution; washing the filtered type L zeolite so that the pH of the wash is about 101/2; and drying the washed type L zeolite. The catalyst is formed by adding platinum to the dried type L zeolite by pore fill impregnation with an aqueous solution of Pt(NH.sub.3).sub.4 (NO.sub.3).sub.2 to form a catalyst; drying the catalyst and calcining the catalyst.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations intended for deployment in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. The structure is normally held down by gravity, but during the deballasting procedure a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until site evacuation. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the underside of the columns there are elastomeric seals that define chambers between the column and the subbase which may be evacuated by pumping. Pressure by the platform weight forces the elastomeric seals down onto the subbase to create a fluid-tight seal so that no seawater will enter the evacuated chambers. The reduction of the buoyancy forces will hold the platform onto the subbase until such time as the platform is totally deballasted.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations intended for deployment in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. The structure is normally held down by gravity, but during the deballasting procedure a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until site evacuation. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the underside of the columns there are multiple chambers which may be evacuated by pumping and which are vented to the outside atmosphere. Flexible seals that define these chambers are positively engaged by this evacuation to create a fluid-tight seal so that no seawater will enter the evacuated chambers. The reduction of the buoyancy forces in the chambers will hold the platform onto the subbase until such time as the platform is totally deballasted.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations intended for depolyment in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. The structure is normally held down by gravity, but during the deballasting procedure a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until site evacuation. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the underside of the columns there are multiple chambers which may be evacuated by pumping and which are vented to the outside atmosphere. Flexible seals that define these chambers are positively engaged by this evacuation to create a fluid-tight seal so that no seawater will enter the evacuated chambers. The reduction of the buoyancy forces will hold the platform onto the subbase until such time as the platform is totally deballasted.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations intended for deployment in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. The structure is normally held down by gravity, but during the deballasting procedure a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until site evacuation. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the top surface of the subbase there are circularly arranged elastomeric bearing pads that define chambers which may be evacuated by pumping and which are vented to the outside atmosphere. Pressure by the platform on the bearing pads creates a fluid-tight seal so that no seawater will enter the evacuated chambers.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations intended for deployment in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. The structure is normally held down by gravity, but during the deballasting procedure a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until site evacuation. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the underside of the columns there are multiple chambers which may be evacuated by pumping and which are vented to the outside atmosphere. Inflatable seals that define these chambers are positively engaged by this evacuation to create a fluid-tight seal so that no seawater will enter the evacuated chambers. The reduction of the buoyancy forces will hold the platform onto the subbase until such time as the platform is totally deballasted.

Abstract: The Removable Bottom Founded Structure (RBFS) is an offshore platform for petroleum drilling and producing operations which is deployed in waters with severe weather and iceberg conditions. The structure is normally held down by gravity, but during the deballasting procedure a hold-down system is employed to keep the platform on the subbase until site evacuation. The system that is used to hold the platform down onto the subbase is located where the platform meets the subbase. It operates on the principle of hydrostatics. On the underside of the columns, there are multiple chambers which may be evacuated by pumping and which are vented to the outside atmosphere. Flexible seals that define these chambers are positively engaged by water to create a fluid-tight seal so that no seawater will enter the evacuated chambers. The reduction of the buoyancy forces will hold the platform onto the subbase until such time as the platform is totally deballasted.