Abstract: A method for preparation of FCC slurry oil retentate for downstream processing while simultaneously cleaning catalyst fine retentate from filter elements or separation media of a filter assembly of an FCC slurry oil filtration system includes front-washing the filter or separation media with a low boiling point solvent, and then backwashing the filter elements with the same solvent. The front wash and backwash is conducted at a temperature of below 350° F. and at a pressure of about 25-75 psig.

Abstract: A method for separating and isolating catalyst particles from the hydrocarbon component of a cat slurry oil of a fluid catalytic cracking unit (hereinafter SOCFBs) by mixing a low boiling point solvent with a quantity of SOCFBs in a digester, allowing catalyst fines to settle the bottom of a hydrocarbon layer (comprised of slurry oil, solvent and any diluent used to retrieve the SOCFBs) in the digester, decanting the hydrocarbon layer from the digester, and evaporating the low boiling point solvent from the settled catalyst fines.

Abstract: A method for separating hydrocarbons from Slurry Oil Cat' Fine Bottoms (SOCFBs) comprising the steps of removing SOCFBs from a slurry oil storage tank and combining the SOCFBs with diluent and water in a Feed Preparation Vessel (FPV) and transferring the SOCFB and water emulsion to a Feed Processing Unit (FPU) in which the SCDM settles into a hydrocarbon layer, an emulsion layer and a water layer containing catalyst particles.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for separating hydrocarbons from catalyst fines in a slurry oil/catalyst fines/diluent mixture (SCDM) comprising the steps of removing SCDM from a slurry oil storage tank and combining the SCDM with crude oil entering a desalter in order to separate the slurry oil from the catalyst fines, whereby the desalter causes the hydrocarbon content of the SCDM to exit the desalter with dehydrated hydrocarbon from the crude oil while catalyst fines exit the desalter with basic sediment and water removed from the crude oil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the interior of the storage tanks of the type used for storing large volumes of liquids, such as crude oil, wherein hydrocarbon sludge accumulates with the passage of time, such apparatus comprising concentric hallow pipes, a spray nozzle for injecting a flushing fluid, and connecting means including a packing gland which allows the concentric pipes to be movably oriented inside a storage tank through a manway. With this construction, a flushing fluid can be sprayed into a sludge layer in the storage tank through the inner pipe and sludge/flushing fluid withdrawn through the annular region between the concentric pipes. The packing gland in the connecting means, and a second packing gland between the inner and outer pipes allows for independent movement of the pipes within the storage tank.

Abstract: A three-piece fluid control valve configuration including a valve body, a ball control member and two tailpieces that connect the valve to a pipeline and also house the ball fluid seals. Respective bearing plates with trunnion bearings are guide pin mounted between the respective tailpieces and in supporting engagement with respective trunnions on the ball control member for rotatably supporting the ball. A shaft bearing supports a valve shaft having a splined drive end engaging splines in one of the ball trunnions. Bidirectional fluid flow is enabled with ball sealing members on each ball side, with the sealing member on each side replaceable by removing the tailpiece on that side.

Abstract: A rotary valve noise attenuator with a rotary ball control element and a noise attenuator member mounted in the ball having multiple, elongated, substantially enclosed channels formed across the valve opening to split the flow stream into several smaller flow streams. The channel walls are perforated so each smaller flow stream is further dispersed and diffused into many minute flow streams after entering the channel. A noise attenuator constructed of several corrugated sections fixed crest to crest to form several diamond shaped channels across the valve opening each having four side walls with holes.

Abstract: A rotary valve noise attenuator with a rotary ball control element and a noise attenuator member mounted in the ball having multiple, elongated, substantially enclosed channels formed across the valve opening to split the flow stream into several smaller flow streams. The channel walls are perforated so each smaller flow stream is further dispersed and diffused into many minute flow streams after entering the channel. A noise attenuator constructed of several corrugated sections fixed crest to crest to form several diamond shaped channels across the valve opening each having four side walls with holes.

Abstract: A rotary valve noise attenuator with a rotary ball control element and a noise attenuator member mounted in the ball having multiple, elongated, substantially enclosed channels formed across the valve opening to split the flow stream into several smaller flow streams. The channel walls are perforated so each smaller flow stream is further dispersed and diffused into many minute flow streams after entering the channel. A noise attenuator constructed of several corrugated sections fixed crest to crest to form several diamond shaped channels across the valve opening each having four side walls with holes.

Abstract: A control element for a fluid valve includes a main body having a rounded outer surface on a first side, an inner base surface and first and second opposed inner side surfaces adjacent the inner base surface on a second side. First and second ears are joined to the main body at spaced locations and extend away from the main body on the second side thereof. The ears include opposed inner surfaces adjacent the inner side surfaces of the main body. The inner surfaces together form opposed passage surfaces which diverge from one another at first and second ends to improve flow efficiency.