Abstract: A method for determining the presence of an acidic sulfide species in a liquid sample of an industrial or environmental material. The method includes the step of contacting the sample or an extract thereof with a composition including a metal complex dye compound in which the electromagnetic absorption spectrum of the metal complex dye compound changes upon reaction with an acidic sulfide species.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for removing gases from a sweetened hydrocarbon stream. The process can include passing the sweetened hydrocarbon stream to a gas removal zone, contacting the sweetened hydrocarbon stream with an aqueous stream, passing the aqueous stream to the degassing drum, and removing gases including at least one of oxygen and nitrogen from the aqueous stream. Often, the gas removal zone includes a degassing drum.

Abstract: In a catalytic treatment process, mercaptans in sour hydrocarbon are oxidized to disulfide oils using an aqueous treatment solution containing a chelated polyvalent metal catalyst, alkali metal hydroxide, and the alkali metal salt of at least one alcohol in a non-dispersive mixing apparatus wherein an upgraded hydrocarbon containing the disulfide oils is produced.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for controlling the foaming of a waterborne composition or an industrial process by the incorporation of a foam controlling agent. The method comprises utilizing as the foam controlling agent a compound of the formula: HOR1R3C—[CH2]n—CR2R4OH R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group of alkyl radicals having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms. R3 and R4 are independently alkyl radicals having from 1 to 2 carbon atoms. n is an integer from 1 to 6. The compound generates an initial (t=0 min.) or a final (t=10 min.) foamed density at least 30% greater than that of a 0.5 wt % aqueous solution of a 12 mole ethoxylate of a C12-C15 primary alcohol (C12-C15E12) when added at 0.2 wt % to the C12-C15E12 solution. The present invention also pertains to an aqueous composition comprising the foam controlling agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing the acidity of a petroleum oil containing organic acids comprising treating said petroleum oil containing organic acids with an effective amount of an alcohol at a temperature and under conditions sufficient to form the corresponding ester of said alcohol and wherein said treatment is conducted in the presence of a metal carboxylate.

Abstract: A catalyst and a process for using the catalyst have been developed. The catalyst is a metal chelate dispersed on a basic support which is a combination of a solid base and a secondary component. The solid base can be a solid solution of metal oxides and/or a layered double hydroxide (LDH) and the secondary component can be calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. The process involves contacting a sour hydrocarbon fraction which contains mercaptans with the catalyst in the presence of an oxidizing agent and a polar compound. Examples of these polar compounds are water and alcohols, with methanol being especially preferred. The process is unique in that the solid solution or LDH are solid bases which eliminates the need for a liquid base. Optionally, an onium compound may be used as a catalyst promoter.

Abstract: A process for treating a hydrocarbon fraction which contains mercaptans has been developed. The process uses a novel catalyst which is composed of a metal chelate dispersed on a basic support which is either a solid solution of metal oxides or a layered double hydroxide (LDH). In the process the hydrocarbon fraction is contacted with the catalyst in the presence of an oxidizing agent and a polar compound. Examples of these polar compounds are water and alcohols, with methanol being especially preferred. The process is unique in that the solid solution or LDH are solid bases which eliminates the need for a liquid base. Optionally, an onium compound may be used as a catalyst promoter.

Abstract: A process for sweetening a petroleum fraction by catalytic oxidation of mercaptans contained therein in a fixed bed of the supported catalyst, with the oxidation reaction being carried out in the absence of an aqueous phase and in the presence of an oxidizing agent, and the water molecules formed during the oxidation reaction being removed from the catalyst support by washing the latter periodically with a substantial quantity of a polar solvent that is miscible with water.

Abstract: A catalytic composite comprising a metal chelate, at least about 10 wt. % of an alkali metal hydroxide, and an adsorptive support, prepared by admixing the support, metal chelate, alkali metal hydroxide, and an alcohol having fewer than about five carbon atoms, to form an admixture having less than about 25 wt. % water, and drying the admixture at a temperature of less than about 30.degree. C.