Abstract: A process for the preparation of detergents containing a relatively low amount of isoparaffins, involving separating a hydrocarbonaceous product stream from a Fischer-Tropsch process using a cobalt based catalyst and producing normally liquid and normally solid hydrocarbons into a light fraction boiling below an intermediate fraction having detergent hydrocarbons, an intermediate boiling fraction having detergent hydrocarbons and a heavy fraction boiling above the intermediate boiling fraction having detergent hydrocarbons, followed by conversion of the detergent hydrocarbons present in the intermediate boiling fraction into detergents, the Fischer-Tropsch process being carried out at a relatively high pressure.

Abstract: A process for preparing a calcined zirconia extrudate comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A process for preparing a catalyst support or a supported metal catalyst which process comprises: (a) admixing a refractory oxide having a surface area of at least 0.5 m2/g with a solution of a precursor of the refractory oxide and, if a supported metal catalyst is prepared, with a precursor of the metal or the metal itself, yielding a slurry, (b) drying of the slurry, and (c) calcining. Further, a catalyst support or a supported metal catalyst which is obtainable by the said process; the use of the said supported metal catalyst in a three phase chemical process; and a process for producing hydrocarbons, which process comprises contacting a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure with the said supported metal catalyst wherein the said supported metal catalyst comprises a Group VIII metal at least partly in metallic form.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a ceramic foam supporting one or more catalytically active components or precursors thereof, which component is active in a form other than an inorganic oxide, the process comprising impregnation of the foam with an impregnating phase comprising the catalytically active component or a precursor thereof and drying, wherein the impregnating phase has a viscosity greater than 1 cps, wherein drying is performed without substantial prior draining of impregnating phase from the ceramic foam, and wherein the catalytically active component or precursor thereof is present throughout the process in one or more forms other than the inorganic oxide thereof. The ceramic foams prepared by this process find use in catalytic conversion processes, in particular the catalytic partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon feed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrocarbons by catalytic reaction of carbon monoxide with hydrogen in which reaction a feed comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide is contacted at elevated temperature and pressure with a catalyst comprising cobalt and manganese in which catalyst the cobalt/manganese molar ratio is between 14:1 and 7:1 and the GHSV is at least 1600 N1/1/h. Preferably the cobalt/manganese molar ratio is between 13:1 and 9:1 and the GHSV is between 2700 and 25,000 N1/1/h. The reaction is especially carried out in a slurry phase regime.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon feedstock to produce a hydrogen and carbon monoxide synthesis gas employing a temperature of 800.degree. C. or more, one or more inorganic oxide or oxides and space velocities of 500,000 Nl/kg/hr or higher. The catalyst is present on a foamed support which has been present with an impregnating medium comprising one or more inorganic oxide or oxides having a viscosity of greater than 1 cps at 20.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the catalytic partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising contacting a feed comprising a hydrocarbon feedstock and an oxygen-containing gas with a catalyst at an elevated temperature under conditions such the catalyst will be susceptible to a thermal shock, the catalyst having the form of a porous monolithic structure and comprising a catalytically active metal supported on a zirconia-based carrier.