Abstract: In methods of preparing asphalt and elastomeric polymer compositions such as polymer modified asphalt (PMA), it has been discovered that the compatibility can be improved by adding excess amounts of certain organic and inorganic metal salts beyond the proportions normally used. Suitable metal salts may be metal oxides that include, but are not necessarily limited to, zinc oxide, calcium oxide, and the like. The method of the invention also permits asphalt modified with other polymers such as ground tire rubber (GTR) to have improved compatibility. Additionally, the use of excess amounts of these metal salts helps control gel formation.

Abstract: Methods of modifying crude fractions are described herein. The methods generally include blending a crude fraction with an emissions reducing additive to form a modified crude fraction, wherein the modified crude fraction exhibits reduced sulfur emissions. The emissions reducing additive generally includes a dispersion of a metal oxide.

Abstract: Asphalt and elastomeric polymer compositions crosslinked with mixed polythiomorpholines or at least one alkyl polysulfide can give polymer modified asphalts (PMAs) with improved properties and/or reduced H2S evolution. When at least one alkyl polysulfide is used to completely or partially replace conventional crosslinkers such as S or MBT, mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI) may be optionally used as a co-crosslinker. The use of mixed polythiomorpholines as crosslinkers provide PMAs with better low temperature profiles (BBR m-values). The use of at least one alkyl polysulfide crosslinker gives PMAs with improved PAV-aged DSR results, and reduced H2S evolution. The use of at least one alkyl polysulfide crosslinker together with MBI may give PMAs with improved PAV DSR Fail Temperatures.

Abstract: Process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of a C2 or C3 alkyl aromatic in which a feedstock containing the alkyl aromatic and steam is supplied into the inlet of a tubular reactor containing a dehydrogenation catalyst. Within the reactor, the feedstock flows through at least a portion of the reactor along a spiral flow path extending longitudinally of the reactor. The resulting vinyl aromatic product is then recovered from a downstream or outlet section of the reactor. The spiral flow path through which the feedstock is passed is located at least adjacent the inlet side of the reactor and at least a portion of the spiral flow path contains a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst. The spiral flow path may extend throughout a major portion of the elongated tubular reactor and may contain a particulate dehydrogenation catalyst in a substantial portion there.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for generating steam, comprising oxidizing a fuel to generate heat via a flameless reaction; and using the heat generated via the reaction to convert water to steam. In an embodiment, the amount of NOx present is flue gas from the reaction is less than about 10 PPMv. In an embodiment, the reaction temperature is less than about 2600° F. (1430° C.). In an embodiment, the method further comprises controlling the reaction temperature to minimize the formation of NOx. In an embodiment, controlling the reaction temperature further comprises sensing one or more process variables and adjusting a process controller in response to the sensed process variable. Also disclosed herein is a steam generator comprising a reaction zone wherein fuel is oxidized to generate heat via a flameless reaction and a heating zone wherein water is converted to steam via heat from the reaction.

Abstract: Alkylation systems and methods are described herein and generally include contacting an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon with a cerium promoted zeolite catalyst and then contacting the alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon with an alkylation catalyst to form a second aromatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: Alkylation processes are described herein. The alkylation process generally includes contacting an input stream including benzene with an alkylation catalyst and an alkylating agent to form an alkylation output stream including ethylbenzene. The alkylation process further includes contacting at least a portion of the alkylation output stream with a transalkylation catalyst and a benzene source to form a transalkylation output stream, wherein the benzene source is selected to minimize the amount of alkylation catalyst poisons contacting the alkylation catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the disproportionation of a toluene containing feedstock employing a nickel modified mordenite catalyst comprising particulate mordenite having nickel dispersed throughout the catalyst particles to provide surface nickel and interior nickel within the mordenite crystal structure. The catalyst is pretreated to selectively deactivate the surface nickel to provide a surface nickel content of reduced catalytic activity. The interior nickel thus has a higher catalytic activity than the surface nickel. The feedstock is supplied to a reaction zone containing the catalyst to cause disproportionation of toluene in the feedstock to produce a mixture of benzene and xylene. The non-aromatic content of the product is less than the non-aromatic content of a corresponding disproportionation product which would be produced by the disproportionation of the feedstream in the presence of a corresponding nickel mordenite catalyst which has not been pretreated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a catalyst having a high surface area and pore volume. The process includes freeze drying an intermediary of the catalyst. The present invention further includes a catalyst prepared by a process that includes the freeze drying step. The present invention also includes a catalyst having a high acidity, as indicated by having an ammonium desorption peak at greater than about 500° C. The prevent invention further includes a method of manufacturing isomerized organic compounds using the catalyst.

Abstract: A metal-modified alkylation catalyst including a metal/zeolite is provided where the metal is one or two selected from the group consisting of yttrium and a rare earth of the lanthanide series other than cerium. Where two metals are used, one may be Ce or La. The metal-promoted zeolite is useful as a molecular sieve aromatic alkylation catalyst for the production of ethylbenzene by the ethylation of benzene in the liquid phase or critical phase. An alkylation product is produced containing ethylbenzene as a primary product with the attendant production of heavier alkylated by-products of no more than 10-60 wt % of the ethyl benzene.

Abstract: A process for the production of ethylbenzene by the ethylation of benzene in the critical phase in a reaction zone containing a molecular sieve aromatic alkylation catalyst comprising cerium-promoted zeolite beta. A polyethylbenzene is supplied into the reaction zone and into contact with the cerium-promoted zeolite beta having a silica/alumina mole ratio within the range of 20-500. The reaction zone is operated at temperature and pressure conditions in which benzene is in the supercritical phase to cause ethylation of the benzene and the transalkylation of polyethylbenzene and benzene in the presence of the zeolite beta catalyst. An alkylation product is produced containing ethylbenzene as a primary product with the attendant production of heavier alkylated byproducts of no more than 60 wt. % of the ethylbenzene.

Abstract: A process for the production of ethylbenzene by the ethylation of benzene in the critical phase over a molecular sieve aromatic alkylation catalyst comprising cerium-promoted zeolite beta. An aromatic feedstock having a benzene content of at least 90 wt. % is supplied into a reaction zone and into contact with the cerium-promoted zeolite beta having a silica/alumina mole ratio within the range of 50-150 and a cerium-aluminum ratio of 0.5-1.5. Ethylene is supplied to the alkylation reaction zone in an amount to provide a benzene/ethylene mole ratio of 1-15. The reaction zone is operated at temperature and pressure conditions in which benzene is in the super critical phase to cause ethylation of the benzene in the presence of the cerium zeolite beta alkylation catalyst. An alkylation product is produced containing ethylbenzene as a primary product with the attendant production of heavier alkylated by-products of no more than 60 wt. % of the ethylbenzene.

Abstract: A metal-modified alkylation catalyst including a metalizeolite is provided where the metal is one or two selected from the group consisting of yttrium and a rare earth of the lanthanide series other than cerium. Where two metals are used, one may be Ce or La. The metal-promoted zeolite is useful as a molecular sieve aromatic alkylation catalyst for the production of ethylbenzene by the ethylation of benzene in the liquid phase or critical phase. An alkylation product is produced containing ethylbenzene as a primary product with the attendant production of heavier alkylated by-products of no more than 10-60 wt % of the ethylbenzene.

Abstract: Dehydrogenation processes and systems are described herein. In one embodiment, the process generally includes providing an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon, providing a reaction zone including an oxidative dehydrogenation catalyst, introducing the alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon into the reaction zone, contacting the alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon with the oxidative dehydrogenation catalyst to form a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and withdrawing the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon from the reaction zone. The process generally utilizes a catalyst to oil ratio that is at least 10:1.

Abstract: Asphalt compositions and methods of forming such are described herein. The asphalt compositions and methods of forming such are generally adapted to enable open air processing while producing asphalt compositions that exhibit properties capable of meeting SUPERPAVE™ specifications.

Abstract: An asphalt/aggregate composition having enhanced adhesion characteristics and its preparation. An asphalt base material is heated to a molten state in order to permit mixing of the asphalt with added components. A heavy metal soap is incorporated into the asphalt base material to enhance the adhesion of the asphalt base material with an aggregate component which is mixed with the asphalt base material to provide an asphalt/aggregate blend. The asphalt and aggregate can be blended together in a mixing chamber to provide a fluid asphalt/aggregate concrete which is then dispensed on a substrate surface or the asphalt base material and aggregate components can be separately applied to the substrate surface to provide the ultimate asphalt/aggregate concrete. The heavy metal soap is a C14-C18 heavy metal soap such as zinc stearate. Zinc oxide may also be added to the asphalt base material in an amount which is less than the amount of zinc stearate.

Abstract: A process for the production of ethylbenzene by the ethylation of benzene in the critical phase in a reaction zone containing a molecular sieve aromatic alkylation catalyst comprising cerium-promoted zeolite beta. A polyethylbenzene is supplied into the reaction zone and into contact with the cerium-promoted zeolite beta having a silica/alumina mole ratio within the range of 20-500. The reaction zone is operated at temperature and pressure conditions in which benzene is in the supercritical phase to cause ethylation of the benzene and the transalkylation of polyethylbenzene and benzene in the presence of the zeolite beta catalyst. An alkylation product is produced containing ethylbenzene as a primary product with the attendant production of heavier alkylated byproducts of no more than 60 wt. % of the ethylbenzene.

Abstract: Asphalt compositions and methods of forming such are described herein. The asphalt compositions and methods of forming such are generally adapted to enable open air processing while producing asphalt compositions that exhibit properties capable of meeting SUPERPAVE™ specifications.

Abstract: Alkylation systems and methods of minimizing alkylation catalyst regeneration are described herein. The alkylation systems generally include a preliminary alkylation system adapted to receive an input stream including an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon and contact the input stream with a preliminary alkylation catalyst disposed therein to form a first output stream. The preliminary alkylation catalyst generally includes a zeolite catalyst having a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of less than about 25. The alkylation systems further include a first alkylation system adapted to receive the first output stream and contact the first output stream with a first alkylation catalyst disposed therein and an alkylating agent to form a second output stream.