Abstract: A marked improvement in yield, in selectivity or in both is obtained in the synthesis of methanol by the homogeneous direct partial oxidation of natural gas or other source of methane when the reactor space is filled with inert, refractory inorganic particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process in which the addition of a substantially inert solvent to a heavy petroleum stock permits high conversion hydrocracking and hydrogen addition to be accomplished in the absence of catalyst or additive.

Abstract: A paraffin conversion process for hydroisomerizing a nitrogen and wax-containing hydrocarbon feedstock comprising contacting the feedstock with a catalyst including a ZSM-11 zeolite characterized by an alpha value from about 10 to 50, in combination with a Group VIII metal hydrogenation-dehydrogenation component of platinum or palladium at a temperature of about 400.degree. F. to about 850.degree. F. and at a pressure of from about 200 to about 2000 psig.

Abstract: Uniform droplets of a liquid are produced by positioning the end of a capillary tube in the throat of a venturi. Gas flowing through the venturi detaches droplets from the end of the capillary tube without requiring high volume gas flow or excessively high velocity of the droplets.

Abstract: The present invention is a catalyst composition and method for dewaxing a wax-containing hydrocarbon feedstock which includes a zeolite characterized by a silica-to-alumina ratio from about 12 to about 200, a Constraint Index of from about 1 to about 12, and an alpha value of not more than about 50, in combination with a Group VIII metal hydrogenation-dehydrogenation component.

Abstract: The acidity of a zeolite catalyst is reduced by calcination in an essentially water-free atmosphere at temperatures above 700.degree. C., preferably from 725.degree. to 800.degree. C., to reduce the alpha value to less than about 10 percent of its original value. The low acidity catalysts produced in this way may be used for conversions requiring low acidity, shape selective catalysis, including dewaxing. The calcined, low acidity catalysts exhibit improved dewaxing activity.

Abstract: Uniform droplets of a liquid are produced by positioning the end of a capillary tube in the throat of a venturi. Gas flowing through the venturi detaches droplets from the end of the capillary tube without requiring high volume gas flow or excessively high velocity of the droplets.

Abstract: Ignition delay of distillate fuels is measured by heating a block to an elevated temperature and injecting samples into a cavity in the block as it cools. The time between each injection and ignition of the fuel is measured. This measurement of ignition delay is used to determine the cetane number of the distillate fuel.

Abstract: A combustion enhancing catalyst is deposited on a particulate refractory substrate such as sand. The solid fuel is contacted with the impregnated substrate and burned, for example, in a fluidized bed combustor. The substrate and catalyst remains in the combustor thereby obviating problems of catalyst loss and adverse effects of emitted metal particles.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for increasing the cetane number of a low hydrogen content, highly aromatic distillate fuel by subjecting it to catalytic partial oxidation. Catalysts employed include transition metal oxides alone or in conjuction with alkali metal or alkaline earth metal compounds. Partial oxidation in accordance with the method of this invention not only results in cetane number improvement, but also allows a higher concentration of aromatic substituents in the fuel blend.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of distillate in the catalytic cracking of gas oils utilizing a low acidity high silica-to-alumina ratio large pore zeolite which has been subjected to exchange with alkali metal ions at pH .ltoreq.7.

Abstract: A fixed-sulfur, solid fuel product is obtained by an improved coking process wherein petroleum fractions are coked in the presence of added alkaline earth metal oxides. The fixed-sulfur, solid fuel product comprises coke and from about 3 to 30 weight percent, preferably from about 5 to 15 weight percent, "ash" (calculated as calcium oxide) derived from the alkaline earth additive. The quantity alkaline earth metal oxide or precursor thereof added to the coking zone is dependent on the sulfur content of the product coke and on the desired ash content of the solid fuel product. The coking zone may comprise delayed, fluid bed, or moving bed cokers.

Abstract: Raw shale oil is selectively dewaxed to lower the pour point by contacting a shale oil charge with a low acid crystalline zeolite. The low acid catalysts can be formed by extensive ion exchange of ZSM-5 type catalysts. The shale oil is dewaxed in the absence of hydrogen at high temperature and low pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for investigating the performance of a catalyst used in a catalytic cracking process includes a single fluidized bed reactor charged with the catalyst to be investigated and a digital computer which controls the supply of hydrocarbon feed stock and regenerating air in successive and repeated catalytic cracking intervals and catalyst regeneration intervals.

Abstract: An improved solid fuel obtained by blending fluid coke with 2 to 20 wt. % of a heavy petroleum liquid.

Abstract: An asphalt-containing mineral oil can be deasphalted at temperatures above about 80.degree. C. with methanol serving as the deasphalting solvent. Two liquid phases are produced, an asphalt-rich phase and a methanol-rich phase. By cooling the methanol-rich phase to a temperature below 80.degree. C., two additional liquid phases are produced, an oil-rich phase and a methanol-rich phase.

Abstract: A fixed-sulfur, solid fuel product is obtained by an improved coking process wherein petroleum fractions are coked in the presence of added alkaline earth metal oxides. The fixed-sulfur, solid fuel product comprises coke and from about 3 to 30 weight percent, preferably from about 5 to 15 weight percent, "ash" (calculated as calcium oxide) derived from the alkaline earth additive. The quantity alkaline earth metal oxide or precursor thereof added to the coking zone is dependent on the sulfur content of the product coke and on the desired ash content of the solid fuel product. The coking zone may comprise delayed, fluid bed, or moving bed cokers.

Abstract: A delayed coking process in which part of the coke produced is heated by partial burning and mixed with preheated coker feedstock to raise the temperature of the coking mass present in the coking drums. The rapid heat transfer thus obtained brings about some immediate flashing of volatiles and makes possible higher than usual temperatures in the coking drums. The results are a reduction of residence time in the drums and an increase in the yield of volatile products. Hot coke in excess of that required to heat the feed may be gasified. Thus, resultant net coke yields are lower than the conventional delayed coking process.

Abstract: A process is provided wherein waste hydrocarbon oils are blended with resids and visbroken resids thereby eliminating the use of more valuable cutting stock.

Abstract: Improved method for solubilizing solid carbonaceous materials, e.g., wood and/or coal in an aromatic petroleum or coal-derived solvent in the presence of alkali and hydrogen transfer agent at elevated temperatures. The liquid products can be used as fuels or further processed into desirable products.