Abstract: A method for producing a highly aromatic base oil of the present invention includes a step of hydrorefining a clarified oil to obtain a highly aromatic base oil having an aromatic content of 50% by mass or more determined by a column chromatography analysis method. The step of hydrorefining a clarified oil is preferably performed under conditions of a hydrogen pressure of 5.0 to 20.0 MPa, a temperature of 280 to 400° C., a hydrogen oil ratio of 300 to 750 NL/L, and a space velocity of 0.3 to 2.0 h?1. According to the present invention, a highly aromatic base oil used for rubber processing, asphalt reclamation and the like, and a novel method for producing a highly aromatic base oil can be provided.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can include an apparatus for transferring catalyst from a regeneration zone to a reaction zone in a hydrocarbon conversion unit. The hydrocarbon conversion unit can include a transfer vessel, and first, second, and third lines. The transfer vessel can transfer regenerated catalyst from the regeneration zone at a first pressure to the reaction zone at a second pressure where the second pressure is greater than the first pressure. Generally, the first line communicates the catalyst to the transfer vessel and is coupled to a first valve to allow catalyst into the transfer vessel and the second line communicates the catalyst from the transfer vessel and is coupled to a second valve to allow catalyst out of the transfer vessel. The third line for allowing the passage of gas therethrough may be at a pressure higher than the first pressure having a first portion communicating with the transfer vessel and having a second portion coupled to third and fourth valves.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling solids circulation in a gas-solids reaction system. The method entails aerating solid particles in a standpipe. Aeration fluid is injected into the standpipe at the appropriate location to increase apparent density of the solid particles.

Abstract: A controlled method of changing the transport rate of particles between a source zone and a destination zone is disclosed. Changes are made in a desired value of the pressure difference of the conduit between the two zones through which the particles are transported. The changes are of a magnitude that are determined by the batchwise transfer of particles into the source zone and are performed at a rate that is determined by the dynamics of the process, rather than by the frequency of the batchwise transfers, until the desired final value of the pressure difference is reached. The method minimizes fluctuations in the pressures of the two zones without over-sized vessels or additional equipment that would otherwise be needed to accommodate pressure changes. This results in a savings in construction costs. This invention is adaptable to a multitude of processes for the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons in which deactivated catalyst particles are regenerated.

Abstract: A method for replacing particles in a process that transfers particles is disclosed. This invention employs a seal zone which is in communication with two zones of the process and in which particles that are being added to the process are purged. This invention allows particles to be replaced without reducing the normal rate of particle transfer through the process, which results in a savings in downtime costs. This invention is adaptable to a multitude of processes for the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons in which deactivated catalyst particles are regenerated.

Abstract: A steam cracking process and facility is described which comprises injection of erosive powder to effect at least partial decoking of transfer line exchangers without interrupting the steam cracking stream. The powder, preferably injected just upstream of the transfer line exchangers (TLE) (4), is separated from the cracked gases in primary gas/solid separators (5), temporarily stored in receiving drums at a controlled temperature and evacuated to a common powder storage and/or treatment module by pneumatic transfer by means of a relatively low flow of uncondensable gas. The process and facility can be used to collect solid fragments generated by injection of chemical compounds which are catalysts for the gasification of coke by steam.

Abstract: Problems with pressure in a catalyst bed contained within a vessel arise where there is some sort of blockage in the bed such as a crust formed by a layer of catalyst particles sticking together. To overcome this problem control means is provided to coordinate the flow of nitrogen gas into the vessel and the resulting gas pressure build up and maintenance in the catalyst bed and in the bottom of the vessel as well as in the vapor space of the vessel above the catalyst bed.

Abstract: A system for transporting particulate material uses a combination of non-mechanical valves and pneumatic and gravity transport to reduce breakage of particulate material. This system is particularly useful for the conveyance of catalyst particles where a lift conduit raises the particles from a low elevation to a relatively higher elevation. A particular advantage of the arrangement is the elimination of pneumatic conveyance through elbows to reduce pressure drop and eliminate churning of catalyst particles. The elbows are replaced with an impactless flow diverter that uses gravity assisted conveyance to eliminate or minimize the attrition resulting from pneumatic conveyance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing particles in a process that transfers particles is disclosed. This invention employs a seal zone which is in communication with two zones of the process and in which particles that are being added to the process are purged. This invention allows particles to be replaced without reducing the normal rate of particle transfer through the process, which results in a savings in downtime costs. This invention is adaptable to a multitude of processes for the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons in which deactivated catalyst particles are regenerated.

Abstract: A process for transferring catalyst particles between multiple reactions zones simplifies the system for use of a single valve operation by passing a purge gas into a lower section of a reaction zone that discharges catalyst from the reaction zone into a lift vessel and uses the intermittent introduction of a lift gas stream to entrain catalyst particles in a dilute phase upward lift step to a succeeding reaction zone while simultaneously retarding the flow of catalyst particles down the discharge conduit and interrupting the flow of purge gas down the discharge conduit. In this manner a flow of purge gas can constantly enter the reaction zone supplying catalyst particles to the lift system thereby preventing any flow of reactants from the reactor into the lift system while only the addition of lift gas into the lift system needs to be cycled on and off to intermittently transfer the catalyst particles upwardly in dilute phase to the top of the next reaction zone.

Abstract: A controlled method of changing the transport rate of particles between two zones is disclosed. Changes are made in a computed value of the pressure difference of the conduit between the two zones through which the particles are transported. The changes are of a predetermined magnitude and are performed at predetermined time intervals, until the desired final value of the pressure difference is reached. The method minimizes fluctuations in the pressures of the two zones without over-sized vessels or additional equipment that would otherwise be needed to accommodate pressure changes. This results in a savings in construction costs. This invention is adaptable to a multitude of processes for the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons in which deactivated catalyst particles are regenerated.

Abstract: An FCC process mixes spent and regenerated catalyst to obtain thermal equilibrium of a blended catalyst stream before contacting feed with the blended catalyst stream. The spent and regenerated catalyst from the reactor and regenerator catalyst may be mixed in a blending vessel located at the bottom of an FCC riser that can also serve as a hot catalyst stripper.

Abstract: Ceramic films and coatings, single or multi-layered, including superlattice, infiltrated with boride, carbide, nitride, oxynitride, and silicide were formed by methods which comprises of an electrochemical coating of a ceramic precursor by a constant or an amplitude-modulated electric current with a DC component in a medium containing at least one of the ionic species for the composition of the ceramic precursor, following single or multiple infiltration in a medium containing at least one of the compounds selected from a B-containing compounds, a C-containing compounds, a N-containing compounds, a Si-containing compounds, and a mixture thereof, by heating means selected from radio-frequency, microwave, thermal, flame, plasma, laser, and a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A controlled method of transporting catalyst between two zones while inhibiting communication between the atmospheres of the zones is disclosed. Communication between the zones is inhibited by controlling pressure differences. The two zones are separated by a means to lift catalyst, which results in a savings in construction costs. This invention is adaptable to a multitude of processes for the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons in which deactivated catalyst particles are regenerated.

Abstract: A device for delivering solid particulates is disclosed. The particulate delivery system can be used to deliver a small quantity of solids to a laboratory and/or pilot plant scale fluid-catalytic cracking (FCC) device which may be operated on a semi-continuous or continuous program.

Abstract: An improved catalyst handling process and system is provided to safely, effectively, and automatically transport catalyst by remote control to and from resid hydrotreating units. The process and equipment feature computerized monorail equipment for efficiently transporting special fresh catalyst containers and spent catalyst containers. Various electronic equipment is provided to electronically detect the type of catalyst stored in the catalyst containers. Lift elevators, four-prong liftfork trucks, remote control tilting mechanisms, catalyst transfer lines, deoiler units, bridge cranes, and other transport vehicles, as described, can also be used.

Abstract: An improved moving bed continuous catalytic cracking process for cracking hydrocarbon feedstocks, such as gas oil, in the absence of added hydrogen, which includes the use of a minute amount of dispersed platinum supported directly on a cracking catalyst. The trace of platinum induces a substantial increase in the heat efficiency with which coke on catalyst is converted to CO.sub.2 in the regenerator section with minimal or no detriment to the cracking reaction.

Abstract: Coke is removed from particulate catalyst by passing coke-containing catalyst downwardly through a regenerator without backmixing, in a countercurrent flow with respect to a regeneration gas having a limited free-oxygen content, so that nitrogen oxides are reacted to form free nitrogen in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere in an intermediate level of the regenerator, and carbon monoxide formed in the intermediate level is burned in contact with coke-free catalyst with additional oxygen introduced into an upper level of the regenerator.

Abstract: Continuous process for converting hydrocarbons in the presence of a granular catalyst including a metal from group VI a, VII a or VIII, deposited on a carrier, comprising passing a charge of hydrocarbons with hydrogen through a series of at least two vertical catalytic zones in which the catalyst bed moves progressively downwardly, withdrawing progressively the catalyst from the bottom of the last catalytic zone, and reintroducing the same, after regeneration, at the top of the first catalytic zone.

Abstract: Catalyst regeneration process and apparatus wherein air introduced to a midsection of a downwardly-moving mass of catalyst particles is taken off at the top and at the bottom of said bed through provided outlets and a third outlet is provided at the bottom portion of the said bed adapted to be controlled responsive to change in the flows through the top outlet and first mentioned bottom outlet to maintain substantially constant the total upward and downward flows through said bed. In an embodiment in which coke laydown on a hydrocarbon treated catalyst is burned off flue gases flow upwardly and out from the bed, e.g., through a carbon monoxide or flue gas burning boiler while downwardly flowing flue gas is taken off through a pressure control outlet or opening on which suction is taken by a blower passing flue gases to a boiler, a third outlet also flow controlled is operated responsive to change in the desired upward and downward flows of the flue gases.

Abstract: An improved moving bed continuous catalytic cracking process for cracking hydrocarbon feedstocks, such as gas oil, in the absence of added hydrogen, which includes the use of a minute amount of dispersed platinum supported directly on a cracking catalyst. The trace of platinum induces a substantial increase in the heat efficiency with which coke on catalyst is converted to CO.sub.2 in the regenerator section with minimal or no detriment to the cracking reaction.