Abstract: A process for upgrading a nitrogen and sulfur rich heavy naphtha feedstock includes the steps of providing a naphtha feedstock having an initial nitrogen content, an initial sulfur content and an initial octane number; contacting the naphtha feedstock with an acid source so as to provide a reduced nitrogen feedstock having a reduced nitrogen content which is less than the initial nitrogen content; contacting the reduced nitrogen feedstock with a hydroconversion catalyst system under a hydrogen atmosphere, temperature and pressure so as to provide a final product having a final nitrogen content which is less than the initial nitrogen content, a final sulfur content which is less than the initial sulfur content, and having a final octane number which is substantially equal to or greater than the initial octane number of the feedstock, and wherein the final product has an increased isomerized component and substantially no increase in aromatic content with respect to the feedstock.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization catalyst includes a halogen-containing magnesium compound; a titanium compound; and an additive selected from the group consisting of (a) a mixture of an aluminum alkoxide compound and polydimethylsiloxane, (b) an aluminosiloxane, (c) the reaction product of an aluminum alkyl and a calixarene, (d) the reaction product of an aluminum alkyl and a cyclodextrin, and mixtures of (a)-(d).

Abstract: A catalyst system for selective hydrogenation of sulfur-containing and nitrogen-containing compounds of a heteroaromatic organic phase includes a mixture of a noble metal selected from Group VIII of the Periodic Table of Elements and a water-soluble ligand. A process for preparing the catalyst system and hydrogenation process using the catalyst system are also provided.

Abstract: A combustible fuel for diesel engines and a process for forming same in the form of a water in hydrocarbon emulsion wherein the mean water drop diameter is .ltoreq.4 .mu.m with a maximum diameter of .ltoreq.10 .mu.m.

Abstract: A catalyst useful for the simultaneous and selective hydrogenation of diolefins and nitriles present in a hydrocarbon feedstock. The support material is preferably selected from the group consisting of an inorganic oxide-zeolite composite, carbon and zeolite. A catalytically active phase is deposited on the support material. The catalytically active metal phase is selected from the group consisting of partially reduced Group IB metals and completely reduced Group VIII metals. The catalytically active metal phase is present in an amount of .gtoreq.0.03 wt %. A process using the catalyst involves counter current flow of feedstock and hydrogen in the presence of the catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst support includes substantially spherical particles of a substantially homogeneous mixture of at least two compounds selected from the group consisting of refractory inorganic oxides, refractory inorganic carbides, refractory inorganic nitrides and mixtures thereof, wherein said particles have a surface area of at least about 30 m.sup.2 /g, an average pore diameter of at least about 150 .ANG., and a particle size of at least about 0.1 mm. The support may be used in a catalyst system to support a Group IVb and a Group VIII metal in a catalyst system useful for hydrogenation of carbon monoxide into C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons. A method is also provided for preparing the catalyst support and system.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a parameter of substance includes a cell defining an inner space, an inlet associated with the cell for introducing a sample of the substance to the inner space, an outlet associated with the cell for removing the sample from the inner space, an optic couple for passing NIR radiation through the sample in the inner space along an optic path so as to provide an NIR spectrum indicative of a parameter of the sample, the optic couple defining the optic path, and structure for directing flow in the inner space, whereby vortices within the inner space are inhibited and the NIR spectrum is rapidly provided upon introduction of the sample to the inner space.

Abstract: A catalyst for use in a process for steam conversion of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock includes the steps of: providing a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock; providing a catalytically active phase comprising a first metal and a second metal wherein said first metal is a non-noble Group VIII metal and said second metal is an alkali metal; and contacting said feedstock with steam at a pressure of less than or equal to about 300 psig in the presence of said catalytically active phase so as to provide a hydrocarbon product having a reduced boiling point. The catalyst may be supported on a support material or mixed directly with the feedstock and comprises a first metal selected from the group consisting of non-noble Group VIII metals and mixtures thereof and a second metal comprising an alkali metal wherein said catalyst is active to convert said heavy hydrocarbon at a pressure of less than or equal to about 300 psig.

Abstract: A catalyst for use in a process for steam conversion of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock includes the steps of: providing a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock; providing a catalytically active phase comprising a first metal and a second metal wherein said first metal is a non-noble Group VIII metal and said second metal is an alkali metal; and contacting said feedstock with steam at a pressure of less than or equal to about 300 psig in the presence of said catalytically active phase so as to provide a hydrocarbon product having a reduced boiling point. The catalyst may be supported on a support material or mixed directly with the feedstock and comprises a first metal selected from the group consisting of non-noble Group VIII metals and mixtures thereof and a second metal comprising an alkali metal wherein said catalyst is active to convert said heavy hydrocarbon at a pressure of less than or equal to about 300 psig.

Abstract: A catalyst for production of high octane number gasoline having low aromatic content from a hydrocarbon feedstock containing n-paraffins includes a zeolite composition containing chromium in an amount of between about 0.1% to about 1.0% by weight of the catalyst, said chromium being located at acidic sites of said zeolite composition whereby aromatic forming reactions are inhibited. The catalyst is provided according to a process including sequential impregnation so as to position chromium at the acidic sites as desired.

Abstract: A low density, antimigratory cement composition includes cement, water and between about 0.5 to about 2.5 gallons per sack of cement of an additive wherein the additive is a copolymer of an impermeability agent and a gelling agent wherein said impermeability agent is a vinyl acetate-containing material and wherein said gelling agent is a vinyl ester which is compatible with said impermeability agent, whereby said cement composition in slurry form is thixotropic and resistant to gas migration.

Abstract: A catalyst support includes substantially spherical particles of a substantially homogeneous mixture of at least two compounds selected from the group consisting of refractory inorganic oxides, refractory inorganic carbides, refractory inorganic nitrides and mixtures thereof, wherein said particles have a surface area of at least about 30 m.sup.2 /g, an average pore diameter of at least about 150 .ANG., and a particle size of at least about 0.1 mm. The support may be used in a catalyst system to support a Group IVb and a Group VIII metal in a catalyst system useful for hydrogenation of carbon monoxide into C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons. A method is also provided for preparing the catalyst support and system.

Abstract: A thixotropic thermal insulating fluid includes a heavy hydrocarbon, water and oleophilic clay, wherein said heavy hydrocarbon is present in an amount of between about 75% to about 92% by volume of the fluid, said water is present in an amount of between about 5% to about 15% by volume of the fluid, and said oleophilic clay is present in an amount of between about 3% to about 10% by volume of the fluid. The fluid may be prepared by mixing water in an amount of between about 5% to about 15% by total volume of the fluid with oleophilic clay in an amount of between about 3% to about 10% by total volume of the fluid so as to provide a substantially homogeneous first gel product; and mixing said first gel product with a heavy hydrocarbon in an amount of between about 75% to about 92% by total volume of the fluid under agitation for a time sufficient to provide a second thixotropic gel product.

Abstract: An HIPR emulsion of bitumen in water is prepared by a method which comprises directly mixing 70 to 98% by volume of bitumen having a viscosity in the range 200 to 500,000 mPa.s at the mixing temperature with 30 to 2% by volume of an aqueous solution of an emulsifying surfactant, percentages being expressed as percentages by volume of the total mixture. Mixing is effected under low shear conditions in the range 10 to 1,000 reciprocal seconds in such manner that an emulsion is formed comprising highly distorted bitumen droplets having mean droplet diameters in the range 2 to 50 micron separated by thin films of water.The emulsions can be cut back to provide stable emulsions of lower bitumen content which are useful in road-making and the formation of protective coatings.

Abstract: A catalyst useful for the simultaneous and selective hydrogenation of diolefins and nitriles present in a hydrocarbon feedstock. The support material is preferably selected from the group consisting of an inorganic oxide-zeolite composite, carbon and zeolite. A catalytically active phase is deposited on the support material. The catalytically active metal phase is selected from the group consisting of partially reduced Group IB metals and completely reduced Group VIII metals. The catalytically active metal phase is present in an amount of .gtoreq.0.03 wt %.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising a modified mordenite zeolite catalyst modified with Pt and a promoter selected from the group consisting of Group IIB, Grouo IVA, Group VIB and mixtures thereof is effectively used in a process for the simultaneous dehydrogenation and isomerization of paraffins to isoparaffins and isoolefins under controlled conditions. The catalyst is prepared by depositing on the modified mordenite zeolite catalyst sequentially Pt and thereafter the promoter.

Abstract: A catalyst support includes substantially spherical particles of a substantially homogeneous mixture of at least two compounds selected from the group consisting of refractory inorganic oxides, refractory inorganic carbides, refractory inorganic nitrides and mixtures thereof, wherein said particles have a surface area of at least about 30 m.sup.2 /g, an average pore diameter of at least about 150 .ANG., and a particle size of at least about 0.1 mm. The support may be used in a catalyst system to support a Group IVb and a Group VIII metal in a catalyst system useful for hydrogenation of carbon monoxide into C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons. A method is also provided for preparing the catalyst support and system.

Abstract: An HIPR (high internal phase ratio) emulsion of oil in water is prepared by directly mixing 70 to 98% by volume of a viscous oil having a viscosity in the range 200 to 250,000 mPa.s at the mixing temperature with 30 to 2% by volume of an aqueous solution of an emulsifying surfactant or an alkali, percentages being expressed as percentages by volume of the total mixture. Mixing is effected under low shear conditions in the range 10 to 1,000 reciprocal seconds in such manner that an emulsion is formed comprising highly distorted oil droplets having mean droplet diameters in the range 2 to 50 micron separated by thin interfacial films. The emulsions are much less viscous than the oils from which they are prepared and may, optionally after dilution, be pumped through a pipeline.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zeolite catalyst, a process for using the catalyst for conversion of hydrocarbons, especially naphtha and LPG feedstock, and a process for preparing the catalyst.

Abstract: A method for forming a stable emulsion of a viscous hydrocarbon in an aqueous buffer solution includes the steps of: providing a viscous hydrocarbon containing an inactive natural surfactant and having a salt content by weight of less than or equal to about 15 ppm and having a water content by weight of less than or equal to about 0.1%; forming a solution of a buffer additive in an aqueous solution to provide a basic aqueous buffer solution, the buffer additive being operative to extract and activate the inactive natural surfactant from the viscous hydrocarbon; and mixing the viscous hydrocarbon with the aqueous buffer solution at a rate sufficient to provide an emulsion of the viscous hydrocarbon in the aqueous buffer solution, whereby the buffer additive extracts the inactive natural surfactant from the viscous hydrocarbon into the aqueous buffer solution and activates the inactive natural surfactant so as to stabilize the emulsion. According to the invention, the buffer additive is a water soluble amine.