Abstract: Methods for discovering optimum catalyst systems for the conversion of syngas to higher molecular weight products via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis are disclosed. A combinatorial approach is used to identify combinations of catalyst systems useful for performing the reactions. The combinations of catalyst systems include Fischer-Tropsch catalysts and olefin isomerization catalysts. The method can advantageously be used to generate a database of combinations of catalyst systems and/or reaction conditions that provide various product streams, such that as market conditions vary and/or product requirements change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime. The catalysts are combined in a logical manner, for example in the form of arrays.

Abstract: A process for treating nitrogen-containing, substantially paraffinic product derived from a Fischer-Tropsch process. The substantially paraffinic product is purified in a purification process to lower the concentration of oxygen, nitrogen, and other impurities. The nitrogen content of the purified product is monitored, and the conditions of the purification step are adjusted to increase nitrogen removal if the nitrogen content of the purified product exceeds a preselected value.

Abstract: Facilities to convert natural gas into syncrude often are located at remote sites. At these sites and in their surrounding communities there exists demand for salable products: gasoline, distillate fuels, solvents, lubricants, etc. While it would be possible to produce these products from syncrude, the construction of such production facilities would be very expensive, and their operation would be difficult at the remote site. Fischer-Tropsch syncrude will be waxy and will also contain volatile components, complicating the shipping of both Fischer-Tropsch products from remote production sites to developed sites and salable products from developed sites to remote sites. This invention describes a safe process to both transport Fischer-Tropsch syncrude from the remote site to the developed site and supply salable products from the developed site to the remote site.

Abstract: A process for preparing an ethylene-rich composition from a C3-5 paraffinic feedstock is described. The C3-5 paraffinic feedstock is subjected to molecular redistribution via dehydrogenation to form olefins, metathesis of the olefins, and rehydrogenation of the olefins to form paraffins. The product stream includes ethane, which is isolated and sent to an ethane or ethane/propane cracker (or, alternatively, a flexi-cracker, although this is less cost effective) to yield an ethylene-rich composition. The product stream also includes C3-5 paraffins, which can be recycled, and C6+paraffins, which can be used, for example, as solvents. Alternatively, they can be isomerized to form gasoline additives, or can be converted to aromatic compounds by subjecting them to reforming conditions, for example using the AROMAX™ process or platforming or rheniforming conditions.

Abstract: An integrated process for producing high value products, including for example distillate fuel, from syngas is disclosed. The integrated process of the present invention produces high value products from a Fischer Tropsch with minimal production of low value products, including methane. In a process of the present invention, syngas is reacted under low temperature Fischer-Tropsch reaction conditions to provide a hydrcarbon product stream comprising substantially waxy products. The waxy products are subjected to an olefin-selective paraffin cracking process, preferably in a Paragon reactor to form olefins. The resulting olefins are then subjected to oligomerization conditions to form iso-olefins. In the processes of the present invention, the hydrocarbon product stream from the Fischer Tropsch reaction comprises desirable low levels of methane, preferably below 10%.

Abstract: A process for making a lube base stock wherein a highly paraffinic feedstock (with boiling points within the range of from 258° to 1100° F.) is dehydrogenated to produce an olefinic feedstock, which is oligomerized to produce an oligomerized product, which is separated into a lighter fraction and a heavier fraction. That heavier fraction has a flash point within the lube base oil range.

Abstract: An integrated process for producing alkylbenzenes, sulfonated alkylbenzenes and/or alkylcyclohexanes from syngas is disclosed. The process involves subjecting syngas to Fischer-Tropsch conditions. Fractions rich in C6-8 and C18-26 hydrocarbons are isolated from the resulting product stream. The C6-8 fraction is subjected to catalytic reforming conditions to form aromatics. The C18-26 fraction may include sufficient olefins for use in an alkylation reaction with the aromatics. Optionally, the fraction may be subjected to dehydrogenation conditions to provide additional olefins. The resulting olefins are reacted with the aromatics in an alkylation reaction to yield alkylbenzenes. Unconverted olefins, paraffins, and aromatics can be obtained from the product stream via fractional distillation and recycled to form additional products. The alkylbenzenes can be hydrogenated to yield alkylcyclohexanes, which are useful as synlubes or as components in lube oil compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting oxidation in Fischer Tropsch products, and antioxidants for use with Fischer Tropsch products. The antioxidants of the present invention are preferably temporary antioxidants that may be removed after the period in which oxidation is expected by techniques such as simple distillation. The temporary antioxidants of the present invention are typically sulfur-containing compounds generated from sweetening light hydrocarbon streams.

Abstract: A process for preparing distillate fuel compositions from a C2-6 olefinic fraction and a C20+ fraction via molecular averaging is described. The fractions can be obtained, for example, from Fischer-Tropsch reactions, and/or obtained from the distillation or other processing of crude oil. Molecular averaging converts the fractions to a product that includes a significant fraction in the C5-20 range that can be used for preparing a distillate fuel composition. The product is preferably isomerized to increase the octane value and lower the pour, cloud and smoke point. The product can also be hydrotreated and/or blended with suitable additives for use as a distillate fuel composition.

Abstract: An integrated process for producing a liquid hydrocarbon stream from Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon product without having to remove particulate contaminants such as catalyst fines from hot Fischer-Tropsch wax is disclosed. The process involves performing Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, preferably under conditions which favor formation of wax and heavy products (i.e., using a catalyst with high chain growth probabilities), and obtaining a waxy heavy fraction including particulate contaminants. The fraction is subjected to hydroprocessing conditions, preferably upflow hydroprocessing conditions, using a catalyst bed which, through judicious selection of hydroprocessing catalysts and/or flow conditions, permits passage of the particulate contaminants. The particulates are then removed from the upgraded liquid product, for example by filtration, distillation and/or centrifugation.

Abstract: A process for making a lube base stock wherein a highly paraffinic feedstock is dehydrogenated to produce an olefinic feedstock. That olefinic feedstock is contacted with an oligomerization catalyst in an oligomerization zone to produce a product having a higher number average molecular weight than the olefinic feedstock. The product is separated into a light byproduct fraction and a heavy product fraction. The heavy product fraction comprises a lube base stock.

Abstract: A process for partially converting well gas to saleable products on site by disproportionation of the alkanes in the well gas into higher and lower molecular weight alkanes.

Abstract: A process for making a lube base stock wherein an olefinic feedstock is contacted with an oligomerization catalyst in a catalytic distillation unit to produce a product having a higher number average molecular weight than the olefinic feedstock. That product is separated zone in the catalytic distillation unit into a light byproduct fraction and a heavy product fraction that includes hydrocarbons in a lube base stock range.

Abstract: A process for making a lube base stock wherein an olefinic feedstock is separated into a light olefin fraction and a medium olefin fraction. The light olefin fraction is contacted with a first oligomerization catalyst in a first oligomerization zone to produce a first product. Both the medium olefin fraction and the first product are contacted with a second oligomerization catalyst in a second oligomerization zone to produce a second product. The second product is separated into a light byproduct fraction and a heavy product fraction that includes hydrocarbons in the lube base stock range.

Abstract: The method of the invention includes making dimethyinaphthalenes by first contacting, in an alkylation zone, at alkylation conditions, a toluene-containing stream with a pentene-containing stream in the presence of an acid alkylation catalyst. At least a portion of the toluene and pentenes react to form pentyltoluenes. At least a portion of the pentyltoluenes is then contacting in a reforming zone with reforming catalyst, at reforming conditions. At least a portion of the pentyltoluenes is converted to dimethylnaphthalenes.

Abstract: A highly efficient process for producing olefins using intermediate pore size zeolites is disclosed. The use of a specific range of silica:alumina mole ratios (175:1 to about 300:1) at pressure over 30 psia has been found to decrease catalyst deactivation rates for these intermediate pore size catalysts.

Abstract: A desulfurizing and dewaxing process which can be performed in a single reaction vessel is disclosed.The desired lowering of oil partial pressure for dewaxing zone is accomplished by adding diluent gas to the HDS-zone effluent, thus obviating the need for other means to maintain differing oil partial pressures between serial catalyst zones.

Abstract: A petroleum distillate feed is upgraded and an olefinic product is produced by contacting the feed with ZSM-5-type zeolite at (1) a temperature in the 500.degree. F.-800.degree. F. range; (2) a pressure below about 13 atmospheres gauge; and (3) an LHSV in the 0.1-15 V/V/Hr range.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing stable lubricant oil stocks, comprising hydrocracking a hydrocarbonaceous feed to produce a hydrocrackate having a total nitrogen content of less than about 10 ppm by weight, followed by dewaxing and stabilizing the hydrocrackate.

Abstract: A petroleum distillate feed is upgraded and a substantial C.sub.3 -C.sub.4 olefin product fraction produced by contacting the feed with ZSM-5 type zeolite at (1) a temperature in the 500.degree.-800.degree. F. range, (2) a pressure below about 13 atmospheres gauge, and (3) an LHSV in the 0.1-15 V/V/Hr range, and fractionating the effluent product stream.