Abstract: A process to reduce utility consumption in the catalytic alkylation of benzene with propylene to form cumene. Propylene and benzene are reacted in an alkylation reaction zone, the effluent of which is divided into two portions, the first being recirculated to the inlet of the reaction zone and the second being passed into a separation zone wherein cumene product, di- and triisopropylbenzene and excess benzene are separated. A portion of the excess benzene is recycled to the inlet of the alkylation reaction zone, and a second portion is admixed with di- and triisopropylbenzene and passed into a transalkylation zone, the effluent of which is introduced into the separation zone. Utility consumption is reduced compared to prior art processes, as a result of a reduction of the portion of excess benzene separated and recycled to the alkylation reaction zone.

Abstract: A method of impregnating a catalytic component on the outer surface of a carrier material is presented. The carrier material is commingled with a common solution of a precursor compound of a catalytically active metallic component and a sulfur-containing carboxylic acid whereby said component is deposited on the outer surface of the carrier material. The aforesaid solution is first aged to yield a catalyst of improved exhaust gas conversion activity.

Abstract: A method of preparing a catalytic composite preferably containing a platinum component and a tin component. A refractory inorganic oxide support is impregnated with a chelating agent and thereafter with a solution of a compound of a metal of Groups IVA and VA to effect a better dispersion of the Group IVA and VA metal component thereon. The platinum group metal component is preferably impregnated on the support from a common impregnating solution with the Group IVA and VA metal component.

Abstract: An insoluble basic aluminum sulfate characterized by an SO.sub.3 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 mole ratio of from about 0.6 to about 0.4 and a particle size of from about 1 to about 10 microns is commingled with acidic silica sol to form a stable suspension which is convertible to spheroidal particles by the oil-drop method.

Abstract: A method of catalyst manufacture. A calcined tin-containing refractory inorganic oxide support or carrier material is treated in contact with an aqueous solution of a basic reagent and thereafter impregnated with a Group VIII metal component to yield a catalytic composite of improved activity.

Abstract: A method of preparing alumina extrudate particles. Finely divided alumina is admixed with from about 2 to about 10 wt. % alumina hydrosol and sufficient water added thereto to produce a dough extrudable at less than about 150 psig. The mixture is then extruded, dried and calcined. The alumina hydrosol functions as a source of alumina as well as a binder and/or lubricant, and obviates the need of extraneous binders or lubricants. The method is particularly useful to produce extruded particles of low average bulk density.

Abstract: Spheroidal alumina particles of improved physical stability are prepared in greater yield by aging an alumina hydrosol-hexamethylene-tetramine mixture prior to dispersing the same as droplets in a hot oil bath with the formation of spheroidal hydrogel particles.

Abstract: A catalytic composite comprising a Group VIB and a Group VIII metal or metal oxide on a silica-alumina support or carrier material. A catalytic composite particularly useful for the hydrotreating or hydrorefining of petroleum hydrocarbon fractions results from the use of a silica-alumina support or carrier material formed by the gelation of a suspension of an insoluble basic aluminum sulfate in an acidic silica sol.

Abstract: A method of preparing spheroidal refractory inorganic oxide particles characterized by low bulk density in combination with high micropore volume is disclosed. The particles, especially low bulk density - high micropore volume alumina particles, are useful as a support or carrier material for catalytically active materials to yield an improved hydrocarbon conversion catalyst.

Abstract: A method of impregnating a catalytic component on a carrier material. The carrier material is immersed in an impregnating solution containing a catalytic component and a polybasic carboxylic acid, with a sulfur-containing carboxylic acid being subsequently added to the solution whereby the catalytic component is dispersed in a subsurface layer on the carrier material and penetration beyond the desired subsurface layer is substantially obviated. Prior to calcining, the impregnated carrier material is further impregnated with an alkaline earth metal salt of an organic acid, and the solution evaporated to dryness in contact with the impregnated carrier material.

Abstract: A method of impregnating a catalytic component on the outer surface of a carrier material at conditions to improve the activity stability as well as the physical stability of the catalytic composite. A carrier material is immersed in an impregnating solution containing a catalytic component and a sulfur-containing carboxylic acid whereby the catalytic component is dispersed on the outer surface of the carrier material without any substantial penetration thereof. Prior to calcining, the impregnated carrier material is further impregnated with an alkaline earth metal salt of an organic acid and the solution evaporated to dryness in contact with the impregnated carrier material.

Abstract: Alumina containing a platinum group metal is treated in contact with a Friedel Crafts metal halide, and in contact with a polyhalo compound, such as carbon tetrachloride, to produce an improved hydrocarbon conversion catalyst.

Abstract: A process for converting a hydrocarbon charge stock into lower boiling, normally liquid hydrocarbon products which comprises reacting said charge stock and hydrogen at hydrocracking conditions in contact with a catalyst comprising an alumina-crystalline aluminosilicate composite, a Group VIB metal component and a Group VIII metal component. The catalyst is characterized by a method of preparation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a high surface area, spheroidal reforming catalyst comprising a tin-promoted, alumina-supported platinum group metal. A soluble tin compound and a finely divided eta-alumina are combined with an acidic alumina hydrosol, and the mixture thereafter converted to spheroidal particles by the oil-drop method. The spheroidal particles are subsequently impregnated with a platinum group metal component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing high surface area spheroidal alumina particles. A finely divided eta alumina is admixed and suspended in an alumina hydrosol and the mixture thereafter converted to spheroidal particles comprising eta and gamma alumina by the oil-drop method. The alumina spheres are particularly useful as a high surface area support or carrier material for catalytic components, and as a high surface area adsorbent.

Abstract: A catalytic composite of from about 4 to about 30 wt. % Group VIB metal, from about 1 to about 10 wt. % Group VIII metal and a refractory inorganic oxide carrier material is manufactured by co-extruding a Group VIB metal compound, a Group VIII metal compound and a refractory inorganic oxide, the resulting extrudate being subsequently impregnated with a Group VIB metal compound and a Group VIII metal compound to yield an improved catalyst.

Abstract: Rhenium is recovered in a substantially pure form from a hydrochloric acid solution thereof contaminated with molybdenum and iron by adding sulfuric acid to establish a sulfate/chloride anion ratio of at least 20:1 and mixing the solution with a liquid trialkyl phosphate to extract rhenium in the phosphate phase. The trialkyl phosphate phase is seaprated and washed with sulfuric acid to remove any residual iron and molybdenum and thereafter with hydrochloric acid to remove entrained sulfuric acid. Rhenium is recovered by back extracting with nitric acid.

Abstract: A method of impregnating a catalytic component as a subsurface layer on a carrier material. The carrier material is immersed in an impregnating solution containing a catalytic component and a dibasic carboxylic acid, with a sulfur-containing carboxylic acid being subsequently added to the solution whereby the catalytic component is dispersed in a subsurface layer on the carrier material and penetration beyond the desired subsurface layer is substantially obviated.