Abstract: The invention is a process to recover a high pressure hydrogen rich gas stream from synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is separated into a hydrogen-enriched permeate and a hydrogen-depleted non-permeate by use of a membrane. The permeate experiences a substantial pressure drop of between about 500 psi (23.9 KPa) to 700 psi (33.5 kPa) as it passes through the membrane. The pressure of the non-permeate gas is unchanged by the membrane. The non-permeate gas pressure is reduced to between about 200 and about 500 psi for use in a combustion turbine. The hydrogen-rich permeate is compressed to between about 800 and 3000 psi (143.6 kPa) for use in subsequent operations, i.e., for use in hydrotreating of crude oil. The non-permeate gas is expanded in a manner to provide energy which is used to compress the permeate gas.

Abstract: During the hydrotreating process, hydrogen sulfide and short chain hydrocarbons such as methane, ethane, propane, butane and pentane are formed. The separation of gas from hydrotreated liquid hydrocarbons is achieved using a stripper and a flash drum. High pressure steam or nitrogen is contacted with the hydrotreated liquid hydrocarbon material. This high pressure steam strips the volatiles, i.e., hydrogen, the volatile hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide, and the like, from the oil. The gaseous stream is then separated and cooled to remove condensables, including primarily water, short chain hydrocarbons, and hydrogen sulfide in the water. The condensables are advantageously sent to the gasifier, where the hydrocarbons are gasified, the water moderates the gasifier temperature and increases the yield of hydrogen, and where hydrogen sulfide is routed with the produced synthesis gas to the acid gas removal process.

Abstract: The invention is a process to recover a high pressure hydrogen-rich gas stream from a purge gas stream taken from a hydrotreater. This purge gas stream is admixed with synthesis gas that was the original source of the hydrogen to form a gaseous mixture. This mixed gas comprising purge gas and synthesis gas is advantageously treated to remove acid gases and possibly other impurities. The mixed gas is then treated to extract a hydrogen-rich gas and a hydrogen-depleted gas using, for example, a membrane. At least a portion of the hydrogen-rich gas is then heated and compressed as necessary and is recycled to the hydrotreater.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved ammonium synthesis process. A synthesis gas is separated with a membrane into a hydrogen-rich gas and a hydrogen-depleted gas. The hydrogen rich gas is shifted with steam to convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Carbon dioxide is removed from the shifted gas, and remaining carbon oxides are methanized. This gas is admixed with nitrogen and with recycled ammonia synthesis feedstock gas. This ammonia synthesis feedstock gas is then cycled in an ammonia synthesis reactor. A purge gas stream is withdrawn from the ammonia synthesis feedstock gas and is admixed with the hydrogen-depleted gas. The hydrogen-depleted gas and the purge gas are combusted, usually in a combustion turbine, to generate heat or power. Lower purity hydrogen can therefore be used in the synthesis of the ammonia.

Abstract: The invention is a process of removing solids, particularly catalyst fines, from an asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon liquid. The process comprises contacting an asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon liquid with a solvent to create a mixture. The solvent is typically an alkane such as, propane to pentanes. Then, solids are removed from the mixture by any known process. Finally, additional solvent may be added, and the mixture heated until asphaltenes precipitate into a separate phase. The asphaltenes are removed from the mixture. The mixture is then further heated to recover the solvent from the deasphalted hydrocarbon liquid. The asphaltenes are advantageously gasified.