Abstract: Addition of selected dispersants comprising metal petroleum sulfurates and selected oil-soluble esters to asphaltic fractions exhibiting a positive Oliensis spot test to improve the properties thereof so that the asphaltic material will pass the Oliensis spot test and be suitable for use in paving formulations.

Abstract: A copper-molybdenum composition and process for using the composition in the production of methane from mixtures of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: A process of preparing methane-containing gas comprising contacting carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst containing tungsten carbide. Various tungsten carbide-containing alumina gel catalysts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methane is prepared by contacting carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a supported iridium-containing or rhodium-containing catalyst and a small, effective amount of steam to maintain methanation catalyst activity. In another embodiment, the methanation activity of supported iridium-containing and rhodium-containing catalysts lost due to sulfur poisoning is restored by contacting the catalyst with a sulfur-free feed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen under methanation conditions in the presence of a small, effective amount of steam for a period of time sufficient to substantially restore methanation catalyst activity.

Abstract: A copper-molybdenum composition and process for using the composition in the production of methane from mixtures of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: A process of preparing methane-containing gas comprising contacting carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst containing tungsten carbide. Various tungsten carbide-containing alumina gel catalysts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methane is prepared by contacting carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a supported rhodium-containing catalyst promoted with uranium. In another embodiment, the methanation activity of supported rhodium-containing catalysts lost due to sulfur poisoning is restored by contacting the catalysts with a sulfur-free feed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen at a temperature of about 550.degree. C for a period of time sufficient to substantially restore methanation catalyst activity.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing methane in which hydrogen and carbon monoxide are contacted in the presence of a supported nickel or cobalt catalyst which is further promoted by a noble metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table. In an embodiment of the invention a metal from Group VIB of the Periodic Table, preferably tungsten, is used along with the Group VIII noble metal to promote the methanation reaction.

Abstract: Alkanes are catalytically cracked employing a catalyst comprising unpromoted calcium oxide or at least one alkaline earth oxide together with a promoting amount of an additional component.BACKGROUNDThe invention relates to a method for cracking alkanes.Catalytic cracking of various hydrocarbons to provide more valuable or more useful products constitutes a very important part of refining operations. Although many catalytic cracking processes and catalysts are known, catalytic cracking is an area of continuing research in an effort to find new processes and catalysts which are more efficient, more selective to desired products, and more economical.An object of the invention is to crack alkanes.Another object of the invention is to crack alkanes using a catalyst.Still another object of the invention is to provide a catalyst for cracking alkanes.Other objects, aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon studying the specification and the appended claims.