Abstract: A process for removing sulfur from hydrocarbon feeds, including the steps of providing a hydrocarbon feed containing sulfur; providing a cell having two compartments and a membrane separating the compartments; flowing a hydrogen source through one compartment; flowing the hydrocarbon feed through the other compartment; applying a current across the hydrogen source compartment whereby hydrogen diffuses through the membrane from the hydrogen source to the hydrocarbon feed, whereby the hydrogen reacts with sulfur to form H2S and produce a treated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a gaseous medium containing contaminating particles, such as microorganisms, bacteria, or viruses. The inventive method consists of generating an accelerated electron flux; the electron flux interacting with the gaseous medium, whereby the particles are broken or destroyed by ionization as a result of the interaction and the gaseous medium is sterilized. The invention can be used to treat the atmospheres of refrigerated vessels in refrigerators.

Abstract: The application of an electric current to catalysts useful for the vapor phase oxidation of hydrocarbons allows for processes for obtaining enhanced catalytic processing of a given feed material with a given catalyst, processes allowing the ready change-over from one product of a given feed stream to another product of that feed stream without the need to change catalyst, and processes allowing the ready change over from one feed stream to another feed stream with the concomitant change over from one product to another product without the need to change catalyst.

Abstract: The application of an electric current to catalysts useful for the vapor phase oxidation of hydrocarbons allows for processes for obtaining enhanced catalytic processing of a given feed material with a given catalyst, processes allowing the ready change-over from one product of a given feed stream to another product of that feed stream without the need to change catalyst, and processes allowing the ready change over from one feed stream to another feed stream with the concomitant change over from one product to another product without the need to change catalyst.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing crude oil, or oil-base or water-base liquid waste into a clean burning combustible gas via a submerged electric arc between at least one pair of consumable electrodes, which have a geometry permitting the operation for at least one month prior to their replacement, are completely contained inside a pressurized vessel, and have copper holders that are placed at a minimal possible mutual distance so as to minimize the power loss in the propagation of electricity through the electrodes, while having the other dimensions essentially unrestricted to maximize life. The invention is complemented with three optional recirculating flows substantially through the electric arc: i) a flow of the produced combustible gas; ii) a flow of the liquid feedstock; and iii) a flow of a liquid additive rich in a substance missing in the liquid feedstock for the production of the combustible gas with desired features.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method is disclosed for a plasmatron fuel converter (“plasmatron”) that efficiently uses electrical energy to produce hydrogen rich gas. The plasmatron has multiple decoupled gas flow apertures or channels for performing multiple functions including fuel atomization, wall protection, plasma shaping, and downstream mixing. In one aspect, the invention is a plasmatron fuel converter comprising a first electrode and a second electrode separated from the first electrode by an electrical insulator and disposed to create a gap with respect to the first electrode so as to form a discharge region adapted to receive a reactive mixture. A power supply is connected to the first and second electrodes and adapted to provide voltage and current sufficient to generate a plasma discharge within the discharge region. Fluid flows are established in the vicinity of the plasma discharge region by multiple decoupled flow establishing means.

Abstract: There has been conventionally known a method for producing hydrogen and oxygen through reactions of hydrocarbon and vapor (steam reforming method). This steam reforming method has been so far practiced at a high temperature of 600° C. to 850° C. and high pressure of 5 to 100 atmospheres by using nickel catalyst including alumina as a carrier.

Abstract: A matrix of collagen is obtained through the method of electroprocessing. As a common natural polymer, collagen may be electroprocessed to form a matrix for multiple different applications.. The flexibility and variability of the processing allows the collagen matrix to be predesigned to meet many applications. These applications are included, but not limited to, biomedical applications, manufactured leather applications, food casing products, and footwear and clothing products.

Abstract: The application of an electric current to catalysts useful for the vapor phase oxidation of hydrocarbons allows for processes for obtaining enhanced catalytic processing of a given feed material with a given catalyst, processes allowing the ready change-over from one product of a given feed stream to another product of that feed stream without the need to change catalyst, and processes allowing the ready change over from one feed stream to another feed stream with the concomitant change over from one product to another product without the need to change catalyst.

Abstract: A plasma reactor (11) of the silent discharge or dielectric barrier type for treatment of a gaseous medium is provided with a layer of material (34) positioned to present a surface extending along at least part of the length of the gas flow path. Particulates or selected species are entrapped on the surface. A preferred electrode arrangement provides surface discharge in the plasma at the surface of the layer of material.

Abstract: Hydrogen is generated from hydrocarbon fuel by a reforming reaction in a reactor (11) in which gaseous hydrocarbon and reforming reaction agents are subjected to the formation of a plasma having an electric field strength within the plasma exceeding 10,000 volts per centimetre, preferably at least 20,000 volts/cm, more preferably at least 40,000 volts/cm or even 80,000 volts/cm. The apparatus has electrodes (14, 15, 16) and dielectric material (22-27), the configuration of which allows for plasma having the electric field strength defined above.

Abstract: A process for the production of a clean burning combustible gas by flowing a liquid through an electric arc. The electrodes have several configurations. The invention prevents the production of carbon dioxide in the gas thereby reducing its presence when combusted and exhausted to about half that associated with gasoline exhaust; increases the cost efficiency of the process by eliminating secondary chemical reactions; and increases the life of the electrodes. The chemical structure of the combustible gas is composed of stable magnetically bonded clusters of conventional molecules and atoms that are fully detectable via peaks in conventional mass spectrometric detectors, yet such clusters remain unidentifiable by the computer search among all known molecules, and have no infrared signature other than those of the conventional molecules constituting the clusters. The liquid which is flown through the arc also acquires the chemical structure of magnetically bonded clusters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel self-sustaining method for the clean production of a clean burning liquid fuel called MagneFuel, which method is based, first, in the production of a combustible gas via submerged electric arcs between carbon-base electrodes from crude oil, oil-base, or water-base liquid waste and then passing the combustible gas via a high pressure pipe into a tower for the catalytic liquefaction, whereby the sum of the heat output in the production of the combustible gas and that for its catalytic liquefaction is sufficient for the process to be self-sustaining, that is, capable to produce its own electricity. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing fullerenes, in large quantities at an economical cost, from liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons treated by a high energy source in a reactor devoid of oxygen are presented. The liquid hydrocarbons preferably selected from used hazardous materials such as used motor oils, oils, crude petroleum or petroleum cracking by-products, and the gaseous hydrocarbons such as methane and acetylene, are introduced into the oxygen deprived reactor and exposed to a high energy source which may be a plasma jet, a laser beam or a submerged electrical arc. Exposure to the high energy source causes the hydrocarbon atoms to disassociate, thereby converting the liquid and gaseous components into a vapor or cloud of mixed material. The vapor or cloud is then processed to enable the liberated carbon atoms to bind and recombine to form fullerenes. The cloud is then introduced into a condensation zone of said reactor to form a mixture of fullerenes, solid soot and residue gases.

Abstract: A reactor for reactive co-conversion of heavy hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon gases and includes a dielectric barrier discharge plasma cell having a pair of electrodes separated by a dielectric material and passageway therebetween. An inlet is provided for feeding heavy hydrocarbons and other reactive materials to the passageway of the discharge plasma cell, and an outlet is provided for discharging reaction products from the reactor. A packed bed catalyst may optionally be used in the reactor to increase efficiency of conversion. The reactor can be modified to allow use of a variety of light sources for providing ultraviolet light within the discharge plasma cell. Methods for upgrading heavy hydrocarbons are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chemical reactor for direct conversion of hydrocarbons includes a dielectric barrier discharge plasma cell and a solid oxide electrochemical cell in fluid communication therewith. The discharge plasma cell comprises a pair of electrodes separated by a dielectric material and passageway therebetween. The electrochemical cell comprises a mixed-conducting solid oxide electrolyte membrane tube positioned between a porous cathode and a porous anode, and a gas inlet tube for feeding oxygen containing gas to the porous cathode. An inlet is provided for feeding hydrocarbons to the passageway of the discharge plasma cell, and an outlet is provided for discharging reaction products from the reactor. A packed bed catalyst may optionally be used in the reactor to increase efficiency of conversion. The reactor can be modified to allow use of a light source for directing ultraviolet light into the discharge plasma cell and the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge system includes first and second non-thermal plasma reactors which are coupled together in series. The first reactor includes a first surface discharge electrode which defines a first discharge path along the first surface discharge electrode. The second reactor includes second and third electrodes which are separated by a gap and define a second discharge path which extends across the gap. The system can be used to decompose hazardous compounds in a liquid or a gas, such as in power plant flue gases.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the surface treatment of polymeric substrates whereby the substrate is subjected to a dielectric barrier electrical discharge, in a gaseous mixture comprising a carrier gas, and a reducing and/or oxidising gas, at a pressure substantially equal to atmospheric pressure. The invention is characterised in that it comprises the following implementing conditions: when the mixture comprises an oxidising gas, the oxidising gas content in the mixture ranges between 50 to 2000 ppm by volume; when the mixture comprises a reducing gas, the reducing gas content in the mixture ranges between 50 to 30000 ppm by volume.

Abstract: Reactors for the total recycling of contaminated liquid waste, which produce a clean burning combustible gas, usable heat, and solid precipitates. Different embodiments include the efficient recycling of automotive antifreeze and oil waste, a new method for the production of a fuel from crude oil, for desalting seawater and for recycling biologically contaminated liquid waste, such as town sewage, into a clean burning combustible gas, nutrient rich water useful for irrigation, and solid precipitates useful for fertilizers.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for plasma treatment of gas, particularly for transformation, passivation and stabilization of polluting and toxic admixtures is disclosed. A flowing gas (1) to be treated is passed through a hollow cathode (2) provided with a counter electrode (5) and a hollow cathode discharge plasma (3) is generated by a generator (4) connected to the hollow cathode (2). The flowing gas (1) undergoes interactions with oscillating electrons (6) in the hollow cathode discharge plasma being generated in the gas. The interaction of the hollow cathode discharge plasma with inner walls (8) of the hollow cathode is controlled and the inner walls should have a temperature below its melting point, whereby the inner walls can provide a catalytic effect. The inner walls may also release wall species (9) promoting plasma-chemical reactions in the hollow cathode discharge plasma. The flowing gas is then exhausted as a transformed gas (10) after being treated in the hollow cathode discharge plasma.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a plasma polymerization surface modification of a metal for enhancing its applicability for use in refrigerating and air conditioning such as in constructing heat exchanges, by using a DC discharge plasma, comprising the steps of: (a) positioning an anode electrode which is substantially of metal to be surface-modified and a cathode electrode in a chamber, (b) maintaining a pressure in the chamber at a predetermined vacuum level, (c) blowing a reaction gas composed of an unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon monomer gas or fluorine-containing monomer and silicon containing monomer gas at a predetermined pressure and a non-polymerizable gas at a predetermined pressure into the chamber, and (d) applying a voltage to the electrodes in order to obtain a DC discharge, whereby to obtain a plasma consisting of positive and negative ions and radicals generated from the unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon monomer gas and the non-polymerizable gas, and then forming a poly

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a plasma polymerization surface modification of a metal for enhancing its applicability for use in refrigerating and air conditioning such as in constructing heat exchanges, by using a DC discharge plasma, comprising the steps of: (a) positioning an anode electrode which is substantially of metal to be surface-modified and a cathode electrode in a chamber, (b) maintaining a pressure in the chamber at a predetermined vacuum level, (c) blowing a reaction gas composed of an unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon monomer gas or fluorine-containing monomer and silicon containing monomer gas at a predetermined pressure and a non-polymerizable gas at a predetermined pressure into the chamber, and (d) applying a voltage to the electrodes in order to obtain a DC discharge, whereby to obtain a plasma consisting of positive and negative ions and radicals generated from the unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon monomer gas and the non-polymerizable gas, and then forming a poly

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the pumping of crude oil through a pipe is disclosed. The facilitation includes receiving the crude oil through an input end of the pipe, processing the crude oil within the pipe to lower viscosity by at least partially cracking the crude oil into lower fractions and providing processed crude oil at the output end of the pipe in a reduced viscosity form. The step of processing the crude oil includes establishing an electrical discharge in proximity to the input end and passing the crude oil sufficiently close to the electrical discharge such that at least a portion is subjected thereto.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen, which includes subjecting a hydrogen-containing compound (with the exception of a nitrogen-containing compound) to a decomposition reaction with nonthermal plasma.

Abstract: A method for cleaning exhaust air containing pollutants, especially gaseous hydrocarbon emissions in an exhaust duct, using a catalyst and a UV radiation raising the energy level of the hydrocarbons, in which the exhaust air is exposed in a first section of the air duct to UV-C radiation of a wavelength of below 300 nm, preferably of about 254 nm, which causes an excitation of the hydrocarbons to higher energy levels, and also to a UV-C radiation of a wavelength preferably of about 185 nm, which additionally causes the formation of ozone, and of molecular oxygen and radicals from the ozone, while a partial oxidation of the hydrocarbon molecules takes place in the gas phase, and in that in a following second section of the air duct a catalytic oxidation of the hydrocarbon molecules is performed at the inner surface of a porous support material, the hydrocarbon molecules being absorbed, then oxidized on the active surface by the additionally formed ozone and removed from the surface of the catalyst in the form

Abstract: A method of transforming a normally gaseous composition containing at least one hydrogen source, at least one oxygen source and at least one carbon source into a normally liquid fuel, wherein said gaseous composition consists at least in part of carbon dioxide as said carbon source and said oxygen source, and of methane as said hydrogen source and as a second carbon source; the method comprising the steps of feeding the composition into a reactor including a first electrode means, a second electrode means and at least one layer of a normally solid dielectric material positioned between the first and the second electrode means; submitting the composition within the reactor in the presence of a normally solid catalyst to a dielectric barrier discharge, wherein said normally solid catalyst is a member selected from the group of zeolites, aluminophosphates, silicoaluminophosphates, metalloaluminophosphates and metal oxides containing OH groups; and controlling the dielectric barrier discharge to convert the gaseo

Abstract: An in-situ method and apparatus for recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-bearing material by dissociation includes sinking a well casing into a deposit of the hydrocarbon-bearing material. A probe is inserted into the well casing until the probe end is adjacent the deposit of material. An electrical charge is released into the deposit via the probe end to dissociate the hydrocarbon-bearing material and produce a hydrocarbon rich product which can be recovered for fuel value.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for the reduction of pollutants in a gas stream containing gas formed from the oxidation of fuel, such as, in the exhaust stream of a combustion engine. Radicals are produced using a corona discharge in the combustion gas stream of the engine, either in the precombustion gas stream or from water in the exhaust gas. When the radicals are produced from the exhaust gas stream, the radicals may be produced using a corona discharge placed directly in the exhaust stream leading to or within the catalytic converter, or a portion of the exhaust stream may be diverted to a remote corona discharge radical generator. The corona discharge in the generator produces radicals in the diverted exhaust gas, and the exhaust gas containing radicals is then conveyed to the exhaust gas stream at a point upstream of the outlet of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: Fuel gas production by underwater arcing bubbles up from the vicinity of the arc and is collected by an overlying hood and used or stored for use as a fuel, as in operation of a cutting or welding torch, or in operation of an internal-combustion engine. A reactor or production unit for such fuel gas contains a body of water, which may be open to the ambient atmosphere and be at ambient temperature. The arc is established in a spark gap between carbon electrodes and is facilitated by introduction of successive carbon rods end-on into the spark gap, as by dispensing them successively from a magazine.

Abstract: A method, and its associated equipment, for producing synthetic gas by means of an electric arc-activated, non-catalytic burner which utilizes up to three streams of product inputs. A primary spray is heated by an electric arc formed between two electrodes. A second spray is then injected and mixed with the heated primary fluid. The resulting high-temperature, high pressure mixture is combined with a tertiary spray, an oxidant. The end product thereby produced is a synthetic gas, which becomes immediately available for combustion in furnaces, reactors, and other processes in the chemical, petroleum, and metals fabrication industries. The invention overcomes the deficiencies of existing processes.

Abstract: A method for influencing the dispersibility, emulsifiability, solubility and/or reactivity of low molecular weight solids containing alkyl groups wherein low molecular weight solids containing alkyl groups are subjected to a plasma treatment in a frequency range of from 10 kHz to 10 GHz.

Abstract: An electrochemical process for the production of a hydroxide solution and a sulfate by the electrolysis of a waste aqueous mixture of oxidizable sulfur impurities in the anode compartment of at least one electrolytic cell while producing a hydroxide solution in the cathode compartment of the cell. The process is particularly applicable to the treatment of spent caustic solutions obtained by scrubbing a hydrocarbon process stream contaminated with oxidizable sulfur impurities. The electrolytic cell used in the electrolysis process of the invention can use either a porous membrane or a cationic permselective membrane to separate the anode and cathode compartments of the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: The method includes a step of creating a flow of the mixture, a step of generating an electron discharge at a velocity such as to create a zone in which the mixture is ionised and a step of directing a series of electron beams so as to intercept the flow of the mixture whereby the peripheral electron bonds of the polluting molecules and/or cells are broken by collision with the ions formed in the mixture. The apparatus includes an ionisation cell (10) having an anode (12) and an emitting cathode (13) excited at a negative voltage of the order of 50,000 volts. The cathode (13) has a series of pointed elements for emitting electron beams (30) which intersect in a zone (11) of interception of the mixture.

Abstract: Non-fossil fuel without harmful combustion effluents, the only effluents being water and carbon dioxide. The compositions of which the fuel is made are carbon and water only, which are converted in an underwater electric arc into hydrogen and carbon monoxide as the major and predominant minor gaseous molecular constituents. The fuel also contains pseudo-molecular aggregates, as yet unidentified, of higher weight which are seemingly electromagnetically bound, instead of chemically bound, tentatively called magnecules.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for the reduction of pollutants in the exhaust stream of a combustion engine. Radicals are produced using a corona discharge in the combustion gas stream of the engine, either in the precombustion gas stream or from water in the exhaust gas. When the radicals are produced from the exhaust gas stream, the radicals may be produced using a corona discharge placed directly in the exhaust stream leading to the catalytic convertor, or a portion of the exhaust stream may be diverted to a remote corona discharge radical generator. The corona discharge in the generator produces radicals in the diverted exhaust gas, and the exhaust gas containing radicals is then conveyed to the exhaust gas stream at a point upstream of the catalytic convertor.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for altering a carbon containing compound in an aqueous mixture. According to a first aspect of the present invention, it has been discovered that for an aqueous mixture having a carbon containing compound with an ozone reaction rate less than the ozone reaction rate of pentachlorophenol, use of corona discharge in a low or non-oxidizing atmosphere increases the rate of destruction of the carbon containing compound compared to corona discharge an oxidizing atmosphere. For an aqueous mixture containing pentachlorphenol, there was essentially no difference in destruction between atmospheres. According to a second aspect of the present invention, it has been further discovered that an aqueous mixture having a carbon containing compound in the presence of a catalyst and oxygen resulted in an increased destruction rate of the carbon containing compound compared to no catalyst.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reacting dense-medium chemicals in an induced plasma state and novel reaction products resulting from the method are described.

Abstract: A plasma sterilizable fabric which is subjected to charging, for example electrostatic charging, is provided. Plasma sterilizable fabrics may include nonwovens and laminate nonwovens. The plasma sterilizable fabrics may also be treated with an antistatic material before or after subjecting the same to charging.

Abstract: The surface of a web or film is modified to impart the material with improved properties including wettability, printability, adhesion and static reduction. Such surface modification is achieved with an electrode structure which causes a filamentary discharge to pass generally horizontally across a surface of the electrode structure. A substrate to be treated is then positioned adjacent to the surface of the electrode structure so that the filamentary discharge is caused to flow horizontally across the surface of the substrate, in turn modifying the surface of the substrate and achieving the desired improvement in properties.

Abstract: A process for producing a polymer which can be used as a powder coating material or a hot-melt adhesive in which at least one polyolefin is subjected to a low-temperature plasma treatment with frequencies changing during the treatment in a frequency range of from 30 kHz to 10 GHz.

Abstract: A method of oxidatively coupling methane onto a manganese oxide molecular sieve comprising:(a) passing methane through a microwave plasma activation flow reaction zone onto a manganese oxide molecular sieve, whereby polymer-free methane coupled products are produced; and,(b) recovering the polymer-free methane coupled products.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to a Volatile Organic Compound environment effective reduction apparatus comprising a reactor-efficient coronal discharge zone, and at least one pair of high-dielectric coated electrodes. In particular embodiments Halogenated volatile organic compounds are reduced and the reaction chamber is chlorine and fluorine resistant.

Abstract: A corona source suitable for use in vehicle ignition systems uses a conductive coil that receives an RF input at one end and has a corona discharge site at the other end, with a reference electrode capacitively coupled to the coil. The pitch and the length of the coil are selected to produce a corona discharge in response to an RF input signal at a predetermined frequency and voltage, through quarter wavelength resonation. Either the new resonant coil or other corona discharge devices can be used to remediate fluid-borne wastes by initiating and sustaining RF corona discharges within the fluid. The pulses used to initiate the corona discharge preferably have alternating positive and negative components, with high initial voltages on the positive components to initiate the discharge, followed by lower positive voltage levels to sustain the discharge. Unipolar pulses, preferably with progressively decreasing voltage levels, can also be used.

Abstract: C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 hydrocarbons may be produced under the action of pulsed microwave energy in a reactor containing activated charcoal as a catalyst/reactant. Methane and/or water is the other active ingredient and the product is primarily acetylene.

Abstract: An apparatus for a gasification of a biomass liquid solution includes a reaction chamber having a biomass liquid solution therein. The biomass solution includes at least water and carbon. A pair of spaced apart carbon electrodes are immersed in the solution within the chamber. A direct current electrical supply is connected to the electrodes to form an electrical arc passing from one electrode to the other and thereby oxidizing carbon of one electrode. The oxidized carbon forms a carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas mixture, and carbon released from the biomass solution during oxidation is deposited on the opposite electrode. A switch is interposed between the source of electric power and the electrodes so as to selectively switch the polarity of the electric arc to thereby cause oxidation of the opposite electrode and the deposit of carbon on the previously oxidized electrode while continuing to manufacture COH.sub.2 gas.

Abstract: Catalytic process for controlled oxidation of methane using microwaves, characterized in that it makes use of a catalyst exhibiting in its structure electrical charge defects and geometric deformations enabling it to absorb electromagnetic energy, or microwaves, under the effect of an electromagnetic field.

Abstract: The improved nonwoven fabric in an electret state is composed of monofilaments with an average fiber diameter of 0.5-100 .mu.m that are formed of a polymer composition containing no more than 1 mol % of polar groups; the fabric has a weight of 5-100 g/m.sup.2, a bulk density of 0.05-0.40 g/cm.sup.3 and an average surface charge density of at least 0.1.times.10.sup.-9 C/cm.sup.2. This nonwoven fabric is capable of efficient dust collection and its trapping ability is retained for a prolonged time even in a hot and humid condition. Also disclosed are a process for producing this nonwoven fabric, as well as a filtering and an air masking material which are composed of that nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus is provided for the conversion of compounds, elements, or mixtures which are in particulate form, into new compounds, elements or mixtures in gaseous, liquid, or particulate form. In a reaction chamber, particulates are mechanically transported into a first region of high electric field, where they acquire a charge and are projected into a second region in which a low-density plasma is maintained. Energetic plasma ions strike the surfaces of the particulates, causing chemical reactions and release of both neutral and ionic products species. Charge exchange on particulates causes the reduced-size particles to fall back into the first region, where the charging recurs and the cycle is repeated. Gaseous and particulate products are removed from the chamber. In one application, naturally-occurring ores may be reduced by a methane plasma; in another, coal may be converted in a methane plasma to intermediate range hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Low value hydrocarbons can be upgraded by contact with the products formed during irradiation of a hydrogen donor and water using microwave energy in the presence of at least one plasma initiator.

Abstract: C.sub.1+ hydrocarbons can be effectively converted to primarily unsaturated hydrocarbon and hydrogen by subjecting the C.sub.1+ hydrocarbon to microwave radiation in the presence of water and at least one plasma initiator that is capable of initiating an electric discharge in an electromagnetic field.