Abstract: The desulfurization of fossil fuels is effected by the combination of fossil fuels with an aqueous mixture of hydroperoxide and quaternary ammonium fluoride phase transfer catalyst, the mixture then subjected to ultrasound to oxidize sulfur compounds present in the fuels. The polar oxidized species are removed via extraction. Another aspect is a portable, continuous ultrasound assisted desulfurization device having a sonoreactor for subjecting mixtures of fossil fuels to sonication to effect removal of sulfur containing compounds.

Abstract: A process for removing impurities from used oil. Impurities such as water, solid particles, and the like are removed from used oil by processing the oil with a mixture of polar and non-polar solvents. The process operates at room temperatures and pressures, simplifying the equipment and energy requirement for the process.

Abstract: The desulfurization of fossil fuels is effected by the combination of fossil fuels with an aqueous mixture of hydroperoxide and quaternary ammonium fluoride phase transfer catalyst, the mixture then subjected to ultrasound to oxidize sulfur compounds present in the fuels. The polar oxidized species are removed via extraction. Another aspect is a portable, continuous ultrasound assisted desulfurization device having a sonoreactor for subjecting mixtures of fossil fuels to sonication to effect removal of sulfur containing compounds.

Abstract: A fuel filter having a formulation of a stable intermetallic compound of materials such as tin and antimony. The filter may have an integral porous structure or may be in the form of particles. It removes trace metal ions such as Ca and Na ions.

Abstract: Fossil fuels are combined with a hydroperoxide in an aqueous-organic medium and subjected to ultrasound, with the effect of oxidizing the sulfur compounds in the fuels to sulfones. Due to their high polarity, the sulfones thus formed are readily removed from the fuels by polar extraction. The process is thus highly effective in removing sulfur compounds from the fuels.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon liquids are recovered from carbonaceous materials such as tar sands utilizing a separation reagent formed in situ by reacting polar resin components of tar sands with an inorganic base such as sodium silicate in sonicated aqueous solution in absence of an organic solvent to form a surfactant.When tar sands are added to the sonicated separation reagent, the surfactant penetrates the bitumen which aids in removing the bitumen from the sand particles. The lighter, non-polar hydrocarbon oil fraction separate from the emulsion and rise to the top and are recovered by skimming. The heavier asphaltenes and preasphaltenes complex with the polyvalent metals to form charcoal-like agglomerates which settle to the bottom of the treatment tank. The separation reagent forms during the reaction and can reach a concentration capable of dissolving bitumen. The separation reagent can be recovered and used in other processes after removal and recovery of the clay.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of oil from a subteranean oil-bearing formation, in which the formation is potentiated to recovery by alkaline flooding by introducing an aqueous solution of acid selected from mineral acids and organic acids having less than 5 carbon atoms per molecule.

Abstract: Chemical products are obtained by oxidative electrolysis of an electrolytically active slurry of bituminous material and alkaline electrolyte.

Abstract: Evolved ammonia is recovered from the electrolysis of shale oil retort water.

Abstract: An electrolytically active slurry of bituminous, kerogen-containing material is subjected to non-oxidative electrolysis to remove pyrite therefrom.

Abstract: The kerogen components of shale oil are upgraded by reductive electrolysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for converting oil shale into a fuel by contacting oil shale with a bacteria capable of producing an acid that will dissolve a portion of the inorganic lattice structure of oil shale which is thereby made porous or sponge-like in structure to expose combustible bitumen and kerogen therein.