Abstract: A method of recovering unsupported fine catalyst from heavy oil comprises combining a slurry comprising unsupported fine catalyst in heavy oil with solvent to form a combined slurry-solvent stream. The combined slurry-solvent stream is filtered in a deoiling zone. A stream comprising unsupported fine catalyst and solvent is recovered from the deoiling zone. Unsupported fine catalyst is separated from the stream comprising unsupported fine catalyst and solvent. Filtering in the deoiling zone can comprise filtering the slurry and solvent through a cross-flow microfiltration unit, recovering a retentate stream of the cross-flow microfiltration unit, combining the retentate stream of the cross-flow microfiltration unit with solvent to form a combined retentate-solvent stream, and filtering the combined retentate-solvent stream through a cross-flow microfiltration unit.

Abstract: A method of recovering unsupported fine catalyst from heavy oil comprises combining a slurry comprising unsupported fine catalyst in heavy oil with solvent to form a combined slurry-solvent stream. The combined slurry-solvent stream is filtered in a deoiling zone. A stream comprising unsupported fine catalyst and solvent is recovered from the deoiling zone. Unsupported fine catalyst is separated from the stream comprising unsupported fine catalyst and solvent. Filtering in the deoiling zone can comprise filtering the slurry and solvent through a cross-flow microfiltration unit, recovering a retentate stream of the cross-flow microfiltration unit, combining the retentate stream of the cross-flow microfiltration unit with solvent to form a combined retentate-solvent stream, and filtering the combined retentate-solvent stream through a cross-flow microfiltration unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating components of a slurry comprising solid particles and liquid components, particularly where the slurry is under pressure. The components are separated in a hydrocyclone such that a solids-enriched slurry exits the separator via an underflow outlet while a solids-depleted slurry exits the separator through an overflow outlet and passes into a products vessel. Fluid communication is provided between the products vessel and the underflow outlet so that gas can circulate through the hydrocyclone. This gas circulation pathway may be achieved by enclosing the separation system in a housing or providing a gas circulation conduit between the products vessel and the underflow outlet of the separator or an optional solids vessel connected to the underflow outlet. Pressure within the separator apparatus may be adjusted and controlled at a negative, neutral or positive pressure while operating the hydrocyclone in balanced mode to achieve efficient separation.

Abstract: Hydrocarbonaceous fuel, such as coal, oil or gas, is gasified to produce syngas comprising H2 and CO, scrubbed free of particles, and saturated with water. The syngas is then treated in an acid gas removal unit as desired to remove any impurities in the syngas. After processing the syngas in the AGR, it is routed to a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor. In the hydrocarbon synthesis reactor, the bulk of the H2 and CO in the syngas is converted to synthetic hydrocarbons, the makeup of which is generally dependent on the type catalyst used in the reactor. The unreacted gas, or tailgas, exiting the reactor, is sent to the gas turbine as fuel. Optionally, N2 or natural gas can be added to the tailgas prior to the combustion turbine. N2 may also optionally be mixed with the hydrocarbon synthesis reactor feed to help control the reaction temperature. After being combusted in the combustor of a gas turbine, the combustion products are expanded to produce power.

Abstract: The present invention deals with the handling of the tail-gas product from an integrated gasification reactor/Fischer-Tropsch reactor unit. The Fischer-Tropsch tail-gas is either recycled back for feed to the gasification unit to be converted into syngas, is processed in a CO2 removal unit and recycled back to the feed of the Fischer-Tropsch reactor to improve the liquid product yield, or is sent to a power production unit for the generation of electric power.

Abstract: Hydrocarbonaceous fuel, such as coal, oil or gas, is gasified to produce syngas comprising H2 and CO, scrubbed free of particles, and saturated with water. The syngas is then treated in an acid gas removal unit as desired to remove any impurities in the syngas. After processing the syngas in the AGR, it is routed to a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor. In the hydrocarbon synthesis reactor, the bulk of the H2 and CO in the syngas is converted to synthetic hydrocarbons, the makeup of which is generally dependent on the type catalyst used in the reactor. The unreacted gas, or tailgas, exiting the reactor, is sent to the gas turbine as fuel. Optionally, N2 or natural gas can be added to the tailgas prior to the combustion turbine. N2 may also optionally be mixed with the hydrocarbon synthesis reactor feed to help control the reaction temperature. After being combusted in the combustor of a gas turbine, the combustion products are expanded to produce power.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to handling the wastewater, or condensate, from a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor. More particularly, the present invention provides a process wherein the wastewater of a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor, such as a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, is sent to a gasifier and subsequently reacted with steam and oxygen at high temperatures and pressures so as to produce synthesis gas. The wastewater may also be recycled back to a slurry preparation stage, where solid combustible organic materials are pulverized and mixed with process water and the wastewater to form a slurry, after which the slurry fed to a gasifier where it is reacted with steam and oxygen at high temperatures and pressures so as to produce synthesis gas.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to handling the wastewater, or condensate, from a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor. More particularly, the present invention provides a process wherein the wastewater of a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor, such as a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, is sent to a gasifier and subsequently reacted with steam and oxygen at high temperatures and pressures so as to produce synthesis gas. The wastewater may also recycled back to a slurry preparation stage, where solid combustible organic materials are pulverized and mixed with process water and the wastewater to form a slurry, after which the slurry fed to a gasifier where it is reacted with steam and oxygen at high temperatures and pressures so as to produce synthesis gas.

Abstract: Internal components for a vertical downflow reactor include a closed-ended conduit having an internal baffle and longitudinal exit slots proximate its closed end for the symmetrical introduction of quench fluid into a quench zone. An interzone mixing configuration is in vertical communication with the bottom of the quench zone. An inwardly sloping collector tray has an opening concentric with the vertical axis of the reactor vessel. A mixing device is provided for mixing the liquid and vapor components entering from above the collector tray and conveying the mixed vapor and liquid downwardly through the opening. Flow deflectors are positioned immediately below the collector tray opening for directing liquid flow towards the axial centerline of the reactor. A collection pan is positioned below and in axial alignment with the collector tray to capture and retain the liquid.