Abstract: This process for fractionating solid asphalts is operable under low temperature and pressure conditions.The process consists of treating a suspension of asphalt powder in a surfactant-containing aqueous phase by means of a hydrocarbon solvent immiscible with water and of separating:an hydrocarbon phase containing asphalt of softening point lower than that of the initial asphalt, andan aqueous phase wherein is suspended asphalt of softening point higher than that of the initial asphalt.

Abstract: A process for improving the color and oxidation stability of feed characterized as an admixture of liquid hydrocarbon compounds, inclusive of fused multi-ring aromatic and hydroaromatic hydrocarbons. This feed, which boils within a range of from about 224.degree. C. to about 538.degree. C. and contains moderate to high concentrations of organic sulfur and organic nitrogen compounds, is (1) hydrotreated over a hydrotreating catalyst at hydrotreating conditions, or (2) hydrotreated over a hydrotreating catalyst at hydrotreating conditions and the high boiling product therefrom hydrocracked over a hydrocracking catalyst at hydrocracking conditions, to obtain a low sulfur, low nitrogen product which is contacted as a feed in the presence of hydrogen, over a catalyst comprised of elemental iron and one or more alkali or alkaline-earth metals components at hydrogen partial pressure and temperature sufficient to improve product color, or stablize the product against light and oxygen degradation, or both.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of a hydrocarbonaceous distillate and a hydrocarbonaceous residue, which comprises mixing a residual fraction of a product obtained by catalytic cracking or hydrocracking a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock, with a second hydrocarbonaceous fraction having such a boiling range that at least 50% w boils at a temperature above 400.degree. C., and subjecting the resulting mixture to a subatmospheric distillation yielding at least one distillate fraction and one residue. The residue thus prepared is a suitable component in bitumen compositions.

Abstract: An improved method of treating streams having mercaptan or mercaptan-based compounds therein particularly adapted for the processes of sweetening sour hydrocarbons and regenerating spent caustic solutions is described. The invention comprises contacting a first stream having the mercaptan or mercaptan-based compounds therein with a second stream in the presence of effective amounts of a nitrogen-based promoter to promote the extraction and/or the catalytic oxidation of the mercaptan compounds therein. The invention herein disclosed and described is applicable in a wide variety of apparatus and processes adapted for sweetening and regeneration operations.

Abstract: A special feed distributor is provided to radially, annularly, and uniformly feed and distribute oil and gas in a hydroprocessing unit, such as an ebullated bed reactor. In the preferred form, the feed distributor comprises an octagonal manifold with tangential outlet openings, a circumferential set of downward outlets, and a slotted skirt with radial discharge openings.

Abstract: Solids e.g. catalysts are separated from suspensions in gases e.g. products from catalytic cracking of crude oil fractions a discharging of suspensions against a surface positioned above the outlet of a riser conduit through which the suspensions are flowing and collecting the displaced gases for passage to cyclones.

Abstract: A process is provided for converting feedstock comprising hydrocarbon compounds to product comprising hydrocarbon compounds of lower molecular weight than feedstock hydrocarbon compounds over a catalyst comprising porous crystalline material having the structure of ZSM-58. In particular embodiments, the conversion is selective cracking for waxes and the process is useful for reducing the pour point of fuel oils and lubricants.

Abstract: Arsenic is removed from shale oil by the addition of acidic chloride compounds.

Abstract: The metals content of petroleum feedstocks, particularly those feedstocks comprising maltenes and asphaltenes, is reduced prior to further processing by contacting the feedstock with phosphoric acid.

Abstract: In a fluid catalytic cracking unit where oil and steam are mixed with regenerated catalyst the individual and combined improvements: (1) extending the oil-steam line into the riser reactor at least to a point where the axis of the riser is intersected by an imaginery extension of the inside diameter of the catalyst standpipe and (2) installation of a plurality of purge gas points beneath the regenerator slide valve in the catalyst standpipe.

Abstract: There is provided a catalytic cracking operation featuring a single riser reaction zone having a lower and an upper section wherein a variety of hydrocarbon conversion reactions takes place, a stripping zone in which entrained hydrocarbon material is removed from catalyst and a regeneration zone in which spent cracking catalyst is regenerated, which comprises:(a) cracking a C.sub.

Abstract: Arsenic is removed from shale oil by the addition of oxidizing agents.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons containing vanadium are converted to lower boiling fractions employing a zeolitic cracking catalyst containing a significant concentration of a calcium-containing additive as a vanadium passivating agent.

Abstract: Heavy crude oils which contain metal contaminants such as nickel, vanadium and iron may be separated from light hydrocarbon oils by passing a solution of the crude oil dissolved in a cycloparaffinic hydrocarbon solvent containing from about 5 to about 8 carbon atoms by passing through a polymeric membrane which is capable of maintaining its integrity in the presence of hydrocarbon compounds. The light hydrocarbon oils which possess relatively low molecular weights will be recovered as the permeate while the heavy oils which possess relatively high molecular weights as well as the metal contaminants will be recovered as the retentate.

Abstract: A carbonaceous feed, such as a heavy hydrocarbonaceous oil or coal and mixtures thereof, is upgraded by a combination coking and catalytic slurry hydroconversion process which may be integrated with a deasphalting process.

Abstract: A method of producing high quality, homogenous asphalt comprising the steps of mixing and heating a hydrocarbon feedstock not normally suited for asphalt production with elemental sulfur and agitating the resulting mixture. A halide catalyst may be added to the mixture to promote the reaction of the hydrocarbon feedstock with the sulfur. If desired, the agitated mixture may be air blown in any conventional manner to increase its hardness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for selectively adsorbing ethylbenzene from a stream containing one or more isomeric xylenes. The ethylbenzene is adsorbed on a gallium Beta zeolite. A desorbent comprising para-dialkylbenzene gives the zeolite good ethylbenzene selectivity over the xylenes.

Abstract: A reactor apparatus (10) adapted for continuously producing molten, solar grade purity elemental silicon by thermal reaction of a suitable precursor gas, such as silane (SiH.sub.4), is disclosed. The reactor apparatus (10) includes an elongated reactor body (32) having graphite or carbon walls which are heated to a temperature exceeding the melting temperature of silicon. The precursor gas enters the reactor body (32) through an efficiently cooled inlet tube assembly (22) and a relatively thin carbon or graphite septum (44). The septum (44), being in contact on one side with the cooled inlet (22) and the heated interior of the reactor (32) on the other side, provides a sharp temperature gradient for the precursor gas entering the reactor (32) and renders the operation of the inlet tube assembly (22) substantially free of clogging. The precursor gas flows in the reactor (32) in a substantially smooth, substantially axial manner.

Abstract: An effective, efficient and safe method is provided to accurately determine the amount of catalyst in an ebullated bed reactor without depressurizing the reactor or exposing the hydrocarbon in the reactors to oxidizing, flammable, or explosive conditions. Measurements are made automatically by density detectors and pressure sensors along with other equipment.

Abstract: A method for hydrogenating a solvent-refined coal, comprising:(a) hydrogenating coal in the presence of a hydrocarbon solvent and an iron catalyst;(b) obtaining a solvent-refined coal material therefrom, which has a boiling point of at least 400.degree. under atmospheric pressure conditions;(c) removing preasphaltenes from said solvent-refined coal material to obtain a substantially preasphaltene free solvent-refined coal; and(d) hydrogenating the solvent-refined coal in a fixed bed under hydrogen pressure.