Abstract: A hydrocarbon feedstock is catalytically reformed to effect dehydrocyclization of paraffins in a process combination comprising a first reforming zone, a sulfur-removal zone containing a mixed reforming catalyst and sulfur sorbent comprising a manganese component to preclude sulfur from the feed to a second reforming zone. The process combination shows substantial benefits over prior art processes in achieving reforming-catalyst stability.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon conversion processes having a susceptibility to coke formation on the internal surfaces of processing equipment are improved by inhibiting the formation of coke with the use of a glass bead treatment for the metal surfaces. After treating with ordinary glass bead cleaning methods, metal surfaces are found to inhibit coke formation. The glass bead treatment is easily performed and, therefore, offers advantages over other chemical treatments for the deposition of silica on reactor internals.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon feedstock is catalytically reformed to effect dehydrocyclization of paraffins in a process combination comprising a first reforming zone containing a mixed reforming catalyst and sulfur sorbent and a sulfur-removal zone utilizing a manganese component to preclude sulfur from the feed to a second reforming zone. The process combination shows substantial benefits over prior art processes in achieving reforming-catalyst stability.

Abstract: A pretreatment method for a C.sub.8 aromatic isomerization process wherein the isomerization catalyst is initially contacted with a C.sub.8 aromatic feedstock under high severity isomerization conditions for a period of time sufficient to deposit a substantial amount to carbonaceous material on the catalyst. After pretreatment, the carbon-laden catalyst continues to be contacted by the C.sub.8 aromatic feedstock under less severe conditions than that of the pretreatment mode of operation.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon feedstock is catalytically reformed to effect dehydrocyclization of paraffins in a process combination comprising a first reforming zone and a sulfur-removal zone utilizing a manganese component to preclude sulfur from the feed to a second reforming zone. The process combination shows substantial benefits over prior art processes in the stability of the extremely sulfur-sensitive catalyst utilized in the second reforming zone.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon feedstock is catalytically reformed to effect dehydrocyclization of paraffins in a process combination comprising a first reforming zone and a sulfur-removal zone utilizing a manganese component to preclude sulfur from the feed to a second reforming zone. The process combination shows substantial benefits over prior art processes in the stability of the extremely sulfur-sensitive catalyst utilized in the second reforming zone.

Abstract: The benzene content in a gasoline pool is reduced by a process that hydrogenates a benzene-containing isomerization zone feedstream. In addition to reducing the benzene concentration, the hydrogenation zone is also used to heat the isomerization zone feed and thereby eliminate the need for an isomerization zone heater. The process employs mild saturation conditions which eliminates hydrocracking and prevents the loss of isoparaffin yield. Additional cyclic hydrocarbons produced by the saturation of benzene can be processed in the isomerization zone for ring opening to increase the available paraffinic feedstock or the isomerization zone can be operated to pass the cyclic hydrocarbons through to a product recovery section.