Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer membrane assembly for selective separation of permeate compositions by carbon weight. This invention also relates to a process for utilizing these polymer membrane assemblies in separation processes for selective carbon weight separation of hydrocarbon feedstreams components. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the use membrane assemblies for the selective separation by carbon weight of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream.

Abstract: The present invention includes a polymeric membrane assembly and method for selective separation of components of a feedstream utilizing the polymeric membrane assembly. The present invention is a novel concept for the manufacture and use of a polymeric membrane assemblies which require the use of fibrous backing materials for fabrication processes utilizing commercial membrane casting equipment. This invention involves as improved membrane assembly configuration and membrane separation process configuration resulting in improved flux and selectivity properties for a given polymeric membrane composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to the composition of an integrally-layered polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the integrally-layered polymeric membrane components of a feedstream. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the composition of an integrally-layered polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the integrally-layered polymeric membrane in the separation of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream. The polymeric membranes of the present invention are fabricated by chemically crosslinking adjacent polymer membrane layers of the same or differing copolymer solutions to produce an integrally-layered polymeric membrane with improved separations properties.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the separation of aromatics from a feed stream, including aromatics and non-aromatics by selectively permeating the aromatics through a membrane comprising feeding a mixed phase vapor-liquid feed to a membrane wherein said liquid phase preferentially wets the surface of the membrane.

Abstract: A method for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from a feed stream. The method includes flowing the feed stream through a first channel within a first wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. Next, the feed stream is exposed to a first thin film polymer membrane. A stream permeates through the first thin film polymer membrane, and the permeate is produced from the first wafer assembly. The retentate is directed via a redistribution tube to a second wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. This retentate is exposed to a second thin film polymer membrane. A second permeate stream is created that permeates through the second thin film polymer membrane. The second permeate stream is flown into the permeate zone and ultimately produced from the second wafer assembly. An apparatus for separating aromatic components from a feed stream is also disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of tandem wafer assemblies.

Abstract: An isothermal method is provided for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from a feed stream. The method includes flowing the feed stream through a first channel within a first wafer assembly that contains a rib member. Next, the feed stream is exposed to a first thin film polymer membrane. A stream permeates through the first thin film polymer membrane into a permeate zone. The permeate zone is heated via a heated fluid contained within the rib member. The permeate is produced from the first wafer assembly. The method may include having a plurality of tandem wafer assemblies arranged in series. An apparatus for separating aromatic components from a feed stream is also disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of tandem wafer assemblies specifically adapted for blending a transportation fuel.

Abstract: A method for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from a feed stream. The method includes flowing the feed stream through a first channel within a first wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. Next, the feed stream is exposed to a first thin film polymer membrane. A stream permeates through the first thin film polymer membrane, and the permeate is produced from the first wafer assembly. The retentate is directed via a redistribution channel (such as a tube) to a second wafer assembly that may contain an underflow distribution weir. This retentate is exposed to a second thin film polymer membrane. A second permeate stream is created that permeates through the second thin film polymer membrane. The second permeate stream is conducted into the permeate zone and ultimately produced from the second wafer assembly. An apparatus for separating aromatic components from a feed stream is also disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of tandem wafer assemblies.

Abstract: A process for upgrading a residua feedstock using a short vapor contact time thermal process unit comprised of a horizontal moving bed of fluidized hot particles. The residua feedstock is preferably atomized so that the Sauter mean diameter of the residua feedstock entering the reactor is less than about 2500 &mgr;m. One or more horizontally disposed screws is preferably used to fluidize a bed of hot particles.

Abstract: A process for upgrading a residua feedstock using a short vapor contact time thermal process unit comprised of a horizontal moving bed of fluidized hot particles. The residua feedstock is preferably atomized so that the Sauter mean diameter of the residua feedstock entering the reactor is less than about 2500 &mgr;m. One or more horizontally disposed screws is preferably used to fluidize a bed of hot particles.

Abstract: The daylight stability, foaming characteristics, color, engine performance test behavior, oxygenates content, and thermal stability of wax isomerate oils and/or hydrocarbon synthesis liquid products are improved by the process of contacting the aforesaid wax isomerate oil and/or hydrocarbon synthesis liquid products with a silica adsorbent, said silica adsorbent being characterized by possessing a pore size of at least about 100 .ANG., preferably at least about 125 .ANG., most preferably at least about 150 .ANG., an alkali/alkaline earth ion concentration, excluding sodium, of greater than about 125 ppm, an iron content of less than about 40 ppm and a zirconium content of less than about 130 ppm.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for controlling product yields in a fluid catalytic cracker unit. In particular, the invention is directed to a process wherein the introduction of feed into a catalytic cracking zone is effected by feed injectors which optimize the atomization of the feed in order to achieve yield and/or quality objectives.

Abstract: A totally contained adsorption process for the substantial total removal and conversion of benzene to cyclohexane in gasoline boiling range streams. At least a portion of the gasoline boiling range stream is passed through an adsorption zone containing an adsorbent which will selectively adsorb benzene from the stream. The process is totally contained in the sense that substantially total conversion of benzene to cyclohexane is achieved without the need for added desorbent. The desorbent is cyclohexane which is generated in the process.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process and apparatus for controlling reactor temperature and/or carbon and heat balance in a fluid hydrocarbon conversion and cracking unit. In particular, the invention is directed to a process wherein the introduction of feed into a conversion and cracking zone is effected by a feed injector which optimizes the atomization of the feed in order to achieve reactor temperature and/or carbon and heat balance control objectives. This invention is applicable to fluid coking, fluid coking with gasification, asphaltene residuum treating (ART), and other petroleum industry processes.