Abstract: Basic asphaltenes are selectively removed from asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon feeds by contacting the feed with a transition metal oxide solid acid catalyst which selectively adsorbs the basic asphaltenes. The catalyst will comprise a catalytic metal component selected from the group consisting essentially of oxides of (a) tungsten, niobium, and mixtures thereof and (b) mixtures of (a) with tantalum, hafnium, chromium, titanium, zirconium and mixtures thereof, supported on an inorganic refractory oxide support such as alumina. Asphalt-laden catalyst is separated from the feed, the asphaltenes adsorbed thereon are cracked off in the presence of steam and the catalyst is regenerated and recycled back to the adsorption zone.

Abstract: Basic asphaltenes are selectively removed from asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon feeds by contacting the feed with a transition metal oxide solid acid catalyst exhibiting Bronsted acidity. The catalyst selectively adsorbs the basic asphaltenes. The catalysts will comprise a catalytic metal component selected from the group consisting essentially of oxides of (a) tungsten, niobium and mixtures thereof and (b) mixtures of (a) with tantalum, hafnium, chromium, titanium, zirconium and mixtures thereof, supported on pyrogenic alumina. Asphalt-laden catalyst is separated from the feed, the asphaltenes adsorbed thereon are cracked off in the presence of steam and the catalyst is regenerated and recycled back to the adsorption zone.

Abstract: Basic asphaltenes are selectively removed from asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon feeds by contacting the feed with a solid acid, such as a solid acid cracking catalyst, which selectively adsorbs the basic asphaltenes present in the feed. The adsorption is carried out at a temperature below about 575.degree. F. to avoid cracking the asphaltenes in the adsorption zone. The basic asphaltene-containing catalyst is then separated from the feed, the basic asphaltenes are cracked off the catalyst, the catalyst is regenerated by suitable techniques such as air burning and then recycled back to the adsorption zone. The basic asphaltene-reduced feed is sent to further processing.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are cracked by contacting same, at elevated temperature with a solid acid catalyst having primarily Bronsted acidity which comprises at least one catalytic metal oxide component selected from the group consisting essentially of oxides of (a) tungsten, niobium and mixtures thereof and (b) mixtures of (a) with tantalum, hafnium, chromium, titanium, zirconium and mixtures thereof, supported on pyrogenic alumina. The exceptional high temperature steam stability of these catalysts permits the use of steam in the reaction zone, if desired.

Abstract: An integrated fluid coking and gasification process is provided in which a solid cracking catalyst is added to the coker chargestock and in which a partially gasified coke matrix comprising the cracking catalyst is recycled to the coker vapor phase product.

Abstract: A process is described for the catalytic cracking of a hydrocarbon feedstream involving the use of an acid catalyst comprising a catalytic component selected from the group consisting of oxides of tungsten, niobium and mixtures thereof and tungsten or niobium oxides in combination with one or more additional metal oxides selected from the group consisting of tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, chromium oxide, titanium oxide and zirconium oxide on supports, wherein (1) the feedstream is catalytically cracked by being contacted with said catalyst at a temperature and for a time (optionally, in combination with H.sub.2 O), sufficient to crack the hydrocarbon yielding a cracked product and a deactivated catalyst and (2) subjecting the deactivated catalyst to gasification conditions consisting of (A) partial oxidative combustion to produce a low BTU gas rich in CO or, (B) the addition of steam to produce a gas rich in H.sub.2, or both, with the recirculation of the decoked catalyst back to the first step.

Abstract: It has been discovered and forms the basis of the disclosure that various acid catalyzed hydrocarbon conversion processes such as catalytic cracking of gas oil; xylene isomerization; toluene disproportionation; dealkylation of aromatics; ethylene, butylene, isobutylene, propylene polymerization; olefin isomerization; alcohol dehydration; olefin hydration; alkylation; heavy ends cat cracking, etc. are dramatically improved insofar as percent conversion, and selectivity are concerned by the use of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of the oxides of tungsten, niobium and mixtures thereof, and tungsten or niobium oxides in combination with one or more additional metal oxides selected from the group consisting of tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, chromium oxide, titanium oxide and zirconium oxide, supported on an inorganic refractory oxide support. These catalysts may be prepared by the methods known in the art, i.e., incipient wetness, impregnation, coprecipitation, etc.

Abstract: A perovskite is added to a conventional hydrocarbon cracking catalyst comprising a zeolite and an inorganic oxide gel matrix. The perovskite is present in said catalyst in an amount up to about 10 weight percent based on the total catalyst.

Abstract: The preparation of an ultra-stable, high surface area alpha-alumina catalyst and catalyst support suitable for use in high temperature processes such as petroleum refining processes, e.g., resid cat cracking and steam reforming, is disclosed. The process comprises impregnating high surface area gamma-alumina having narrow pores with a carbonaceous material that readily chars to form carbon. The impregnated alumina is then heated to a temperature sufficient to induce charring, following which the gamma-alumina is converted to alpha-alumina by further heating. The carbon is subsequently removed by oxidation. The alpha-alumina thus produced can withstand temperatures up to at least about 1000.degree. C. in the presence of steam without substantial loss of surface area.