Abstract: This invention provides a method for solubilizing municipal refuse and other solid organic wastes in a highly aromatic refinery petroleum solvent to produce a homogeneous heavy oil or bitumen composition.

Abstract: A method of controlling calcite in an in situ leaching operation by retarding the growth of calcite crystals in the lixiviant only for the resident time that the lixiviant is in a critical area of the leach circuit and then allowing the calcite to precipitate from the lixiviant in a noncritical area. A chemical inhibitor, e.g., sodium hexametaphosphate, is added to the lixiviant as the lixiviant enters a critical area, e.g., from the bottom of a production well to surface processing equipment. The inhibitor is added to the lixiviant in an amount sufficient only to retard calcite precipitation while the lixiviant moves through a critical area but not to seriously impede calcite precipitation after the lixiviant exits the critical area.

Abstract: Naphthas are upgraded in a two-stage process to give improved yields of high octane gasoline. The first stage operates at low temperatures of 100.degree.-300.degree. F using a highly active chlorinated alumina containing a metal of the platinum group, while the second stage operates at high temperatures using a reforming catalyst.

Abstract: Hydrocracked oils are stabilized against deterioration due to exposure to light and/or air by adding to them a small amount of aromatic amine having a nitro group, the amino and nitro groups being ortho or para to each other.

Abstract: In a hydrocarbon conversion process for the catalytic desulfurization of a hydrocarbon feedstock the process is carried out at a low hydrogen partial pressure to obtain formation of a low sulfur product and conversion to butanes and propane, as desired, wherein the isoC.sub.4 /n-C.sub.4 ratio is high, the process being carried out in the presence of an active, stable and selective catalyst containing at least one noble metal component incorporated with a crystalline aluminosilicate. A pressure from 100 to below 500 psig is used. The process contemplates simultaneously pretreating reformer feedstock in the presence of a hydrocracking catalyst with controlled hydrocracking thereof. Preferred highly effective catalysts are those containing palladium incorporated with a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite.