Abstract: Waste water streams containing sulfite and bisulfite ions but substantially no sulfide or thiosulfate ions are treated to convert sulfites to sulfates which can be discharged in receiving streams with no concomitant increase in Chemical or Biological Oxygen Demand. The process is a non-catalytic oxidation effected at 25 to 50 psi, 175.degree.-250.degree. F using from 50 to 350 percent excess of oxygen when utilizing air or any suitable oxygen containing gas basis stoichiometric conversion of sulfite to sulfate.

Abstract: A process for deoiling and dewatering refinery sludges in which sludges, optionally mixed with a diluent oil such as recycle oil recovered in the process, are contacted in a heating zone with steam or superheated steam to effect separation of the sludges into dry, oil-free, free-flowing solids and an oil-water vapor phase which on condensation yields a mixture of oil and water. The oil recovered from this mixture is suitable for a variety of purposes such as for cracking stock, etc. and the water recovered exhibits a reduced Chemical Oxygen Demand. The dry, free flowing solids recovered from the heating zone are useful for a wide variety of applications, such as for land fill.