Abstract: Disclosed are improved HAMS-1B crystalline molecular sieve-based catalyst compositions made by impregnating such a sieve, which has been incorporated in an inorganic matrix, with a small amount of a magnesium compound, and a process for employing such catalyst compositions for the methylation of a xylene in which the amount of pseudocumene in the product is substantially enhanced compared to that produced by the unimpregnated catalyst composition.

Abstract: Greater product yield and quality and continuous upgrading of shale oil with hydrogen-rich, purge mode off gases is attained by pulsing in situ retorts at different phases and intervals. In the process, flow of feed gases to the flame fronts of underground retorts are sequentially stopped and purged while continuously retorting the oil shale to enhance transfer of sensible heat from the combustion zones to the retorting zones and enlarge the separation between the combustion zones and the advancing fronts of the retorting zones. The flame fronts can be purged with steam, water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen, combustion mode off gases, purge mode off gases, reactor off gases, or combinations thereof. The combustion mode off gases and/or purge mode off gases can also be used as part of the feed gas or fuel gas.