Abstract: A process for improving the overall carbon conversion efficiency of a gasification process, as well as improving the suitability of a syngas containing 0.5-10% methane for use as a feedstock for chemical production. A gasification reactor converts carbonaceous feedstock to syngas that is, in turn, utilized for a chemical production process in a chemical production reactor. An off-gas from this chemical production reactor is directed to a selective membrane that separates the off-gas into methane-rich and hydrogen-rich fractions. The hydrogen-rich fraction, is re-utilized as feedstock for the chemical production process, while the methane-enriched fraction is returned to the gasification reactor to form additional syngas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to processing of petroleum with a bed having a sorbent based diluent that the petroleum contacts upon passing through the bed. Magnetic properties of the sorbent and any other material, such as zeolite, used in the bed enable separation of such bed constituents based on a sulfided form of the sorbent being magnetic in contrast to a non-sulfided form of the sorbent being non-magnetic. Dividing the bed constituents into first and second portions by magnetic separation facilitates in selective replacing and/or regenerating the first portion independent of the second portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to separating and removing aromatic compounds from a hydrocarbon stream. Splitting of the hydrocarbon stream into constituents as desired relies on a membrane and distillation columns that supply feed into the membrane and receive retentate and permeate streams output from the membrane. Configurations employing the membrane and the distillation columns enable benzene recovery and facilitate efficient separation.

Abstract: A novel tar-free gasification process and system is disclosed that involves the partial combustion of recycled dry solids and the drying of a slurry feedstock comprising carbonaceous material in two separate reactor zones in a two stage gasifier, thereby producing mixture products comprising synthesis gas. The synthesis gas produced from the high temperature first stage reaction zone is then quenched in the second stage reaction zone of the gasifier prior to introduction of a slurry feedstock. The temperature of the final syngas exiting the second stage reaction zone of the gasifier is thereby moderated to be in the range of about 350-900° F., which is below the temperature range at which tar is readily formed, depending upon the type of carbonaceous feedstock utilized.

Abstract: A process for controlling the composition of an xBOB so that the xBOB will yield an oxygenate-containing gasoline which precisely meets desired specifications when mixed with the desired amount of oxygenate. The process involves blending a plurality of blendstocks to produce an xBOB, withdrawing a sample of the xBOB, obtaining spectroscopic measurements for the sample, applying mathematical models that were based on correlation of xBOB spectra to associated oxygenate-containing gasoline properties, to predict laboratory analysis results for oxygenate-containing gasoline properties, and using the analysis results to control and optimize the blending process.

Abstract: An apparatus for a diaphragm pump and a method for transporting at least a portion of a latex and/or a latex drag reducer through a diaphragm pump are disclosed. A method for reducing the pressure drop associated with flowing a hydrocarbon-containing fluid through a pipeline also is disclosed.

Abstract: A generally upright reactor system for gasifying a feedstock. The reactor system generally includes a main body, at least two inlet projections extending outwardly from the main body, and at least one inlet positioned on each of the inlet projections. Each of the inlets is operable to discharge the feedstock into the reaction zone.