Abstract: This invention relates to a process for improving the effectiveness of a refinery process catalyst. The process comprises treating the refinery process catalyst with an effective amount of reducing agent selected from the group consisting of hydrazine, oximes, hydroxylamines, carbohydrazide, erythorbic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting corrosion on metal surfaces and downhole equipment and above surface separation equipment from a mixture of brine and crude oil extracted from underground formations. The method comprises the injection on a periodic basis of an effective amount of an oxime compound having the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl groups of one to eight carbons or aryl groups. In addition to functioning as a corrosion inhibitor for the metal surfaces in contact with the mixture, the oxime compound is less susceptible to neutralization by contact with acidic species, and is less likely to emulsify the brine and crude oil mixture brought to the surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing the sulfur in a refinery process stream and/or crude oil, which comprises treating said refinery process stream and/or crude oil with an effective sulfur reducing amount of a reducing agent selected from the group consisting of hydrazine, oximes, hydroxylamines, carbohydrazide, erythorbic acid, and mixtures thereof wherein the reducing agent or the hydrocarbon treated has a temperature of at least 50.degree. C.