Abstract: A process for the production of an improved grade of needle coke employing as a feedstock selected proportions of a pyrolysis furnace oil together with a hydrodesulfurized blend of a clarified oil and a lubricating oil extract.

Abstract: The preparation of food grade white mineral oils of suitable viscosity in high yield from a mineral oil distillate of suitable lubricating oil viscosity comprises contacting the distillate with hydrogen in three catalytic stages to yield a refined lubricating oil from which white mineral oil is recovered. The first reaction stage employs hydrocracking conditions. Subsequent reaction stages employ hydrogenation conditions, first with a sulfur-resistant hydrogenation catalyst and finally with a platinum group metal-containing selective hydrogenation catalyst, optionally activated with a halogen.