Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a product stream with improved reduction of Conradson Carbon Residue (“CCR”) and a reduced average boiling point from a heavy hydrocarbon feedstream utilizing a high-pressure, low-energy separation process. The invention may be utilized to reduce the CCR content and reduce the average boiling point in heavy hydrocarbon feedstreams, such as whole crudes, topped crudes, synthetic crude blends, shale oils, bitumen, oil from tar sands, atmospheric resids, vacuum resids, or other heavy hydrocarbon streams. This invention also results in a process with an improved CCR separation efficiency while maintaining permeate flux rates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a product stream with improved reduction of Conradson Carbon Residue (“CCR”) and a reduced average boiling point from a heavy hydrocarbon feedstream utilizing a high-pressure, low-energy separation process. The invention may be utilized to reduce the CCR content and reduce the average boiling point in heavy hydrocarbon feedstreams, such as whole crudes, topped crudes, synthetic crude blends, shale oils, bitumen, oil from tar sands, atmospheric resids, vacuum resids, or other heavy hydrocarbon streams. This invention also results in a process with an improved CCR separation efficiency while maintaining permeate flux rates.

Abstract: A process for selectively producing C3 olefins from a catalytically cracked or thermally cracked naphtha stream is disclosed herein. The naphtha stream is introduced into a process unit comprised of a reaction zone, a stripping zone containing a dense phase, a catalyst regeneration zone, and a fractionation zone. The naphtha feedstream is contacted in the reaction zone with a catalyst containing from about 10 to about 50 wt. % of a crystalline zeolite having an average pore diameter less than about 0.7 nanometers at reaction conditions. Vapor products are collected overhead and the catalyst particles are passed through the stripping zone on the way to the catalyst regeneration zone. Volatiles are stripped with steam in the stripping zone and the catalyst particles are sent to the catalyst regeneration zone where coke is burned from the catalyst, and are then recycled to the reaction zone.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for maintaining the integrity of a cement sheath surrounding a casing in a hot subteranean zone including a layer of compressible refractory insulation surrounding the casing and at least one cement hanger slidably carried by said casing and means for limiting the movement of the hanger on the casing. The insulation layer mechanically isolates the sheath from thermal expansion of the casing and the slidable cement hanger likewise allows limited axial motion of the casing relative to the sheath without inducing tensile loads.

Abstract: A method for controlling the flow of subterranean water into a selected zone in a permeable subterranean carbonaceous deposit by injecting an aqueous plugging material into the permeable deposit through a plurality of wells to produce a plurality of injected areas of a size such that the injected areas overlap to form a barrier to the flow of subterranean water into the selected zone.

Abstract: In a method for injecting a gaseous stream into a hot subterranean zone by positioning a casing means in fluid communication with the hot subterranean zone and the surface; insulating a lower portion of the outer surface of the casing, the insulated lower portion including the portion of the casing in the hot subterranean zone; and injecting the gaseous stream into the hot subterranean zone through the casing at a rate sufficient to maintain the casing below a selected maximum temperature, the improvement comprising: the use of a reduced diameter casing as the lower portion of the casing. An apparatus useful in the practice of the improved method is disclosed.

Abstract: The thermal cracking of retort oil vapors in an elongated reactor is improved by passing the effluent oil vapors and gases from a retort to a thermal cracking unit before the temperature of the retort effluent falls below 680.degree. F. This encourages the more desirable cracking reactions, increases the thermal efficiency of the process, and avoids preheater coking.