Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing thiophenic and organosulfide compounds from a fossil fuel comprising the steps of contacting the fossil fuel with hemoproteins, which oxidize the sulfur containing compounds to sulfoxides and sulfones in a reaction system containing organic solvent or not, and followed by a distillation step in which sulfoxides and sulfones are removed from the fuel. Preferred biocatalysts include hemoproteins such as chloroperoxidase from Caldariomyces fumago, and peroxidases and cytochromes from animal, plant or microbial cells. The hemoprotein biocatalyst can be contacted with the fossil fuel in free or immobilized forms. The reaction can be carried out in the presence of the fuel alone or with addition of any organic solvent. The biocatalytically oxidized fuel is then distilled in order to eliminate the heavy fraction which contains most of oxidized organosulfur compounds.

Abstract: A procedure to prepare a catalyst for the hydrodenitrogenation, hydrodesulfurization and hydrodemetallization of middle and heavy oil fractions. The catalyst uses a support consisting on an alumina matrix, having this matrix dispersed on its surface or in its mass, or in both, a metal oxide from group IVB of the periodic table. The support is prepared by co-precipitation technique, co-gelification or impregnation of the alumina with a Ti compound, soluble in an organic solvent, followed by drying at 100 to 200° C. and a calcination at 400 to 600° C., on oxidizing atmosphere. Impregnation of the support proceeds using an aqueous solution with spray-impregnation technique, after which, the support is left for aging for a period of 1 to 12 hrs. The impregnated support is then dried at a temperature of 110 to 200° C., for a period of 1 to 8 hrs. Finally, calcination takes place in oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature between 400 and 600° C. for a period of time of 2 to 6 hrs.

Abstract: A catalyst for selective oxidation of sulfur-containing compounds comprising a metal of Group VIIIA which forms an active metal oxide supported on a support comprising a laminar phyllosilicate, alone, or in combination with silica or alumina. Laminar phyllosilicate and silica impregnated with a metal of Group VIIIA which forms an active metal oxide that achieves a conversion in excess of 95 percent of hydrogen sulfide or acid gas selectively to elemental sulfur and water, respectively.

Abstract: Catalytically active ceramic monoliths coated with gamma alumina and impregnated with chromium, copper and nickel are used in catalytic converters for reduction of pollutants resulting from exhaust gases produced by internal combustion engines fueled with leaded gasoline.

Abstract: A method for processing heavy crude oils comprising a) atmospheric distillation of a heavy crude oil having a high content of metals, asphaltenes and sulfur; b) solvent extraction of the atmospheric distillation residue to obtain an extract with characteristics equivalent to those which an atmospheric residue derived from light crude oil and a raffinate fraction, solid at ambient conditions, in which are concentrated the asphaltenes, metals and sulfur present in the original crude oil; c) vacuum distillation of the deasphalted extract, obtaining a light fraction or gas oils with characteristics adequate to be subjected to a secondary conversion process, plus a bottoms fraction or vacuum residue; d) treatment of the vacuum gas oils in a conversion stage and e) subjecting the bottoms of raffinate from the extraction stage to a metallurgical process, in admixture with cokeable coal and coke fines to production of metallurgical coke.

Abstract: An improved inverse emulsion for use as a drilling fluid that inhibits brittle lutite hydration. The emulsion includes a heavy oil; brine; a viscosity agent with thermostabilizing properties; an emulsifying agent; a thickening agent; a gelatinizing additive; and an alkaline earth metal hydroxide. The emulsion avoids hole collapsing and improves well gage stability.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an improved reactor for oxichlorination of ethylene and to the process used therefor, which in a general way proceeds in accordance with the following reaction: ##STR1## the catalyst being a fluidizable solid of Cu salts and oxides, the improvement being characterized in that the process is carried out in a multitubular reactor which comprises a gas distributing diffusor including a cap ferrule and granulated nickel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved composition that retards setting in the cementing and recementing of oil well casings, which can be applied at depths that vary between 13123.4 and 21325.5 ft.The retarding composition is constituted by the following ingredients: sodium or potassium carboxymethylcellulose; sodium tetraborate and Dextrine, it being characterized in that it also contains an inorganic acid such as boric acid.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for the purification of acetonitrile from crude acetonitrile or mixtures containing the same, which comprises the following operations:(a) transformation of hydrogen cyanide and acrylonitrile into compounds of higher molecular weight,(b) removal of most of the water in an azeotropic distillation column, and(c) separation of acetonitrile from the compounds of higher molecular weight and residual water in rectifying columns.