Abstract: A process is provided for conversion of a feedstock, in particular a hydrocarbon feedstock such as methane or natural gas, in which a reactive mixture containing the feedstock is prepared and fed to a reaction zone. A reaction is initiated in the reactive mixture within the reaction zone so as to generate a conversion wave of increased temperature and pressure. The conversion wave is allowed to pass through the reaction zone, from where converted feedstock is recovered. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided. The process operates with a high conversion and selectivity to desirable products and is particularly suitable for the conversion of methane to carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: A fuel blend for use in an internal combustion engine is provided. The fuel blend comprises a hydrocarbon-containing fuel component and an oxygen-containing component capable of providing a portion of the oxygen needed for combustion of the fuel component under conditions prevailing during the combustion cycle of the internal combustion engine. The major oxygen-providing agent of the oxygen-containing component is one or more compounds having the general formula (I) R2—0—(CO)—R1, wherein R1 is selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl and lower alkynyl groups, R2 is selected from lower alkyl, lower alkenyl and lower alkynyl groups, or a group having the general formula (II) R3—(CO)—0—R4— wherein R3 is selected from lower alkyl, lower alkenyl and lower alkynyl groups, and R4 is selected from lower alkyl. The blend may additionally comprise one or more of a stabilizer, a biocide and a substituted alcohol.

Abstract: Olefins may be separated from paraffins, particularly those having the same number of carbon atoms, more easily than by fractional distillation by contacting a feed containing both materials with an aqueous solution of silver nitrate and nitric acid. The olefins form water soluble complexes with silver and are recovered by heating the water to decompose the complexes, thereby producing an olefin concentrate. In the absence of nitric acid contaminant hydrogen reduces the silver to metal and causes it to form colloidal solids and acetylenes form explosive solid compounds with silver. The nitric acid prevents the formation of insoluble solids by hydrogen and causes the silver acetylides to decompose during the olefin recovery step. Carrying out multiple stages of extraction and recovery can produce very high purity olefin.