Abstract: Hydrogenation catalysts for aromatic hydrogenation including an organosilica material support, which is a polymer comprising independent units of a monomer of Formula [Z1OZ2OSiCH2]3 (I), wherein each Z1 and Z2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and at least one catalyst metal are provided herein. Methods of making the hydrogenation catalysts and processes of using, e.g., aromatic hydrogenation, the hydrogenation catalyst are also provided herein.

Abstract: A system and method for vacuum distillation and desalination contains integrated vacuum generation. Latent heat and a vacuum produced with steam condensation are used for distillation and desalination of liquid. The distillation and desalination system could comprise a spray evaporator and a condenser for receiving a feed stream for distillation or desalination. Produced are water flow condensate and concentrated liquid flow. A vacuum pump is actuated with condensation-induced dual-action piston-cylinder vacuum generation technology. The vacuum generator is configured to transfer latent heat from condensing steam vapor in its cylinder to the feed stream. Steam is also configured to transfer latent heat directly to the feed stream circulated through evaporators and condensers. A distillation and desalination method with active vacuuming and self-distillation in staggered multi-stage arrangement provides for efficient energy recovery.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to the analysis of chemical compositions of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon blends. This method applies specifically to the problem of analyzing extremely complex hydrocarbon-containing mixtures when the number and diversity of molecules makes it impossible to realistically identify and quantify them individually in a reasonable timeframe and cost. The advantage to this method over prior art is the ability to separate and identify chemical constituents and solvent fractions based on their solvent-solubility characteristics, their high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) adsorption and desorption behaviors, and their interactions with stationary phases; and subsequently identify and quantify them at least partially using various combinations of non-destructive HPLC, destructive HPLC, and stand-alone detectors presently not routinely used for HPLC but reconfigured to obtain spectra on the fly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solvent separation apparatus and a solvent separation method, and the solvent separation apparatus and the solvent separation method according to the present application can reduce the used amount of cooling water and the used amount of steam, in a process of separating a polymer and a solvent.

Abstract: A water-harvesting system can operate with a material that can take up and release water with minimum energy requirements and powered by low-grade energy sources, such as sunlight, in order to potentially allow its deployment into households, especially those located in sunny regions. A water-harvesting method and system can include vapor adsorption using a porous metal-organic framework. In certain embodiments, the porous metal-organic framework can include metal-organic framework in ambient air with low relative humidity, typical of the levels found in most dry regions of the world.

Abstract: Supercritical upgrading reactors and reactor systems are provided for upgrading a petroleum-based composition using one or more purging fluid inlets to prevent plugging of the catalyst layer in the reactor. Processes for upgrading petroleum-based compositions by utilizing a reactor having at least one purging fluid inlet are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a composition comprising a) 3,3?-methylenebis(5-methyl oxazolidine) and b) one or more additives selected from among (i) urea, urea derivatives, amino acids, guanidine and guanidine derivatives and (ii) 1,2-diols in the removal of sulphur compounds from process streams. The composition is preferably used in the removal of hydrogen sulphide from process streams.

Abstract: The systems and methods reduce the total acid number (TAN) in crude oil. The crude oil, that includes naphthenic acid, is mixed with at least a caustic solution (e.g., sodium hydroxide) to produce a mixture. After mixing, the mixture is pumped to an atomizing tank. The mixture is spray-atomized in the mixing tank to produce a condensed liquid state of the crude oil that settles at the bottom of the atomizer tank and to produce minute droplets (e.g. mist, fog or the like) of the caustic. The minute droplets interact with and neutralize the naphthenic acid in the condensed liquid state of the crude oil for a predefined period of time. As a result, the resulting crude oil in the bottom of the atomizer tank has a reduced TAN and includes salt water. Additionally, the resulting crude oil has a water concentration that does not exceed 0.5%.

Abstract: Methods, systems and designs are provided for removing mercury from crudes. Crude oil containing a synthetic reducing agent is heated to a temperature above 100° C. and held at that temperature for a specified period of time to convert all of the forms of mercury in the oil into the elemental mercury form. The elemental mercury is then stripped from the crude oil by e.g., flashing the hot oil and/or contacting it with a gas phase.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes a circulating fluidized bed evaporator defining a longitudinal axis vertical with respect to gravity. The evaporator has a wastewater inlet to provide wastewater to the circulating fluidized bed evaporator. A heat inlet is axially below the wastewater inlet to provide heat to the circulating fluidized bed evaporator for evaporating the wastewater. An outlet is axially above the wastewater inlet and the heat inlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for a simulated moving bed to adsorb and separate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Zeolite, metal oxide and metal-modified materials are employed as adsorbent. Firstly, diesel oil flows through pre-treatment adsorbent to remove the trace amount of impurities. Secondly, the purified diesel oil flows through the simulated moving bed so that the PAHs can be separated from diesel oil. In this process, the valves are switched periodically, leading to the relative movement of adsorption beds. At the same time, desorbent is pumped into the equipment to wash out PAHs, achieving the continuous adsorption-regeneration operation. Thirdly, simple distillation is employed to separate desorbent from clean diesel oil and PAHs, respectively. Finally, the fractions of clean diesel oil and PAHs can be obtained, respectively. The separated desorbent can be recycled. The PAHs removal rate can reach to 90%.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a cryo-thermal desalinator, which addresses thermal desalination inefficiency by introducing intrinsic cooling potentials of strategically-piped liquidized gasses to save fuel and increase potable water output. Liquid natural gas fuel flows through internally routed, uninsulated and dedicated piping to natural gas brine burners located outside and under a vessel. The liquid natural gas fuel contributes to condensation and converts to eventual pre-warmed natural gas at the brine burners. Liquid gas flows through an internally routed, closed-loop piping to continually provide condensation, while a liquid gas compressor of the closed-loop exhausts waste heat to assist brine conversion. Saline water piping inside the vessel implements cooling via an optional alternative cooling heat exchanger, accepting portable liquid nitrogen, liquid CO2 dry ice, or both.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a facility for reducing the concentration of heavy polycyclic aromatic compounds (HPNA) in the recycle loop of hydrocracking units, which comprises a fractionation column. In accordance with this process, a portion of the stream present at the level of at least one plate located between the plate for supplying hydrocracked effluent and the plate for withdrawing the distillate fraction which is the heaviest is withdrawn from the fractionation column and at least a portion of said withdrawn stream is recycled to the column directly or after optional liquid separation, and optionally a portion of said withdrawn stream is recycled to the hydrocracking step directly or after optional gas separation.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting composition is provided which comprises a salt of a fatty acid-amine condensate and an aromatic solvent. The composition can be used in reducing, inhibiting or preventing corrosion of a metal surface used in recovery, transportation, refining or storage of a hydrocarbon fluid containing elemental sulfur or polysulfide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an improved asphalt. The method involves providing an asphalt and providing a compound of formula (I), as described herein. The asphalt is mixed with the compound of formula (I) under conditions effective to produce an improved asphalt. Also disclosed are an asphalt product and a method of making asphalt material. The invention further discloses a method of producing an improved asphalt comprising providing a polymer modified asphalt and providing a compound of formula (IIa) or formula (II). The polymer modified asphalt is mixed with the compound of formula (IIa) or formula (IIb) under conditions effective to produce an improved asphalt, which is yet another aspect of the present invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reforming catalyst composition comprising a spherical gamma AI2O3 support; at least one Group VB metal oxide sheet coated on to the AI2O3 support; and at least one active metal and at least one promoter metal impregnated on the AI2O3 coated support. The reforming catalyst composition of the present disclosure has improved activity, better selectivity for total aromatics during naphtha reforming and results in less coke formation. The reforming catalyst composition has improved catalyst performance with simultaneous modification of acidic sites as well as metallic sites through metal support interaction. The acid site cracking activity of the catalyst is inhibited because of the use of chloride free alumina support modified with solid acid such as Group VB metal oxide and impregnated with active metals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for drying system control. A control system receives inputs and measurements and provides modulated outputs to a drying system, control subsystems, or a user interface. An energy ratio compares the optimal energy required to the actual energy applied is into the control system for a drying process and can be provided as a constraint for optimization. The energy ratio enables compensation for effects that environmental variables such as ambient humidity and temperature may have on system performance. The control system can modulate the energy supplied by the drying system to meet an energy ratio setpoint. Embodiments of the present disclosure can validate the effectiveness of the control system by monitoring material yield and utility consumption in real-time to optimize system performance.

Abstract: An ebullated bed process for the hydroconversion of heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks that provides for high conversion of the heavy hydrocarbon with a low sediment yield. The process uses for its catalyst bed small particles of a specifically defined shaped hydroprocessing catalyst which is contacted with the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock under hydroconversion conditions and yields a hydrocarbon conversion having a relatively low sediment content.

Abstract: A method of removing fines and coarse particles from tailings comprises forming a slurry comprising water and oil sands and separating bitumen from tailings comprising fines and coarse particles. Functionalized nanoparticles each comprising a core of carbon nitride and functionalized with one or more exposed cationic groups are mixed with the tailings. The functionalized nanoparticles and the fines interact to form agglomerates comprising the functionalized nanoparticles and the fines attached to the one or more exposed cationic groups. The agglomerates are removed from the tailings to form an aqueous solution having suspended therein fewer fines and coarse particles than are suspended within the tailings.

Abstract: A device for mixing fluids for a downflow catalytic reactor (1), having at least one substantially horizontal collector (5) provided with a substantially vertical collection conduit (7) receiving fluids collected by said collector (5); an injector (8) injecting a quench fluid opening into said collection conduit (7); a mixing chamber (9) located downstream of the collector (5) in the direction of movement of the fluids, having an inlet end connected directly to the collection conduit (7) and an outlet end (10) evacuating the fluids; and a pre-distribution plate (11) having a plurality of perforations and at least one riser (13), being located downstream of said mixing chamber (9) in the direction of movement of the fluids; the section of the mixing chamber (9) is a parallelogram and has at least one deflector (15) over at least one of the four internal walls of the mixing chamber (9) with a parallelogram section.