Abstract: A catalyzed, continuous vapor phase process to convert a C.sub.2 or higher alcohol and, optionally, one or more C.sub.1 or higher alcohols, for example methanol and ethanol, to a mixture containing at least one higher molecular weight alcohol, for example, isobutanol, over a catalyst which is essentially magnesium oxide. The process also may have a lower aldehyde and/or ketone in the feed.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing oil is provided. An oil fraction having hydrocarbons with an initial boiling point of about 200.degree. F. to about 1050.degree. F. is hydrotreated to reduce the nitrogen content of the oil fraction to be stabilized. Subsequently, condensed aromatic compounds are selectively extracted from the hydrotreated oil fraction to yield a stable oil fraction.

Abstract: A method for converting methane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons wherein hot oxidative coupling reactor effluent is briefly contacted with a C.sub.2 to C.sub.20 alkane quench material to remove part of the heat contained in the raw reactor effluent, and is then further quenched by thermal quenching means to achieve a temperature which discourages retrograde reactions.

Abstract: A process is provided to produce and stabilize shale oil. In the process, raw oil shale is retorted with heat carrier material to liberate an effluent product stream comprising hydrocarbons and entrained particulates of oil shale dust. In order to minimize polymerization of the product stream and agglomerate the shale dust, the product stream is stabilized with a hydrogen donor quench in the presence of a hydrogen transfer catalyst upon exiting the retort. The quenched stream is subsequently purged of catalyst, dedusted, and upgraded.

Abstract: A process is provided to produce and stabilize shale oil. In the process, raw oil shale is retorted with heat carrier material to liberate an effluent product stream comprising hydrocarbons and entrained particulates of oil shale dust. In order to minimize polymerization of the product stream and enhance agglomeration of the shale dust, the product stream is stabilized with a hydrogen donor quench upon exiting the retort. The quenched stream is subsequently dedusted and upgraded.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering liquids and gases by a rapid hydropyrolysis of carbonaceous solids which comprises subjecting the carbonaceous material in a stream of carrier gas to a first pressure and a first temperature below the decomposition temperature of the carbonaceous material; reducing substantially in a single step the pressure on the stream of carbonaceous material from the first pressure to a second pressure, the ratio of the first pressure to the second pressure being at least 1.

Abstract: A process for (i) fluid catalytic cracking in a cracking zone of residuum and other heavy oils comprising gas oil, petroleum residue, reduced and whole crudes, and shale oils with high metals content, (ii) wherein the coke deposits on the used cracking catalyst are reduced in amount by regeneration and wherein (iii) contaminant metals comprising nickel, vanadium, copper and iron deposited on the used cracking catalyst are deactivated in sufficient amount to reduce hydrogen and coke formation during the cracking process whereby the said catalyst is suitable for re-use wherein (A) the catalyst particles are contacted with fresh feed and associated recycle feed, and wherein (B) the feed is cracked in a cracking zone, wherein (C) the used catalyst particles are subjected to alternate exposures of up to 30 minutes in duration of conditions comprising (a) an oxidizing zone at a temperature of above 900.degree. F. wherein molecular oxygen in flue gas emitted from the oxidizing zone is over 0.

Abstract: A process for fluid catalytic cracking of residuum and other heavy oils comprising gas oil, petroleum residue, reduced and whole crudes and shale oil with high metals contents wherein contaminant metals comprising nickel, vanadium, copper and iron are deactivated, organic sulfur compounds deposited on the cracking catalyst are removed, wherein the said contaminant metals are deactivated by contact with a high temperature reducing atmosphere comprising carbon monoxide in a range of from about 4 to about 14 volume percent, the temperature being at least 900.degree. F. and preferably greater than 1200.degree. F., wherein the catalyst is modified with at least one inorganic sulfur oxide absorbent which reacts with sulfur oxides under regeneration conditions to form non-volatile inorganic sulfur compounds, the said sulfur oxide absorbent being present in sufficient amount to effect said reduction of said sulfur oxides.