Abstract: A process and apparatus to extract and recover heavy metals and sulfur from crude oil or petroleum fuel products including the steps of emulsifying the crude oil with an emulsifying agent, adding a leach solution to the emulsified crude oil and leaching the emulsified crude oil at elevated temperature and pressure to give a leached emulsified crude oil. The leach solution may be acid or alkali. A proportion of the leach solution is extracted for recovering heavy metals. There can also be a microwave hydro-treating step using hydrogen gas at a temperature below 220° C. to ensure there is no quality degradation in the crude feed to produce a desulfurized crude oil and a hydrogen sulphide by-product and recovering sulfur from the hydrogen sulphide by-product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating and upgrading a hydrocarbon containing acidic species such as mercaptans, comprising: (a) contacting the hydrocarbon, in the essential absence of oxygen, with a first phase of a treatment composition containing water, dissolved alkali metal hydroxide, cobalt phthalocyanine sulfonate, and dissolved alkylphenylates and having at least two phases, (i) the first phase containing water, alkali metal alkylphenylate, dissolved alkali metal hydroxide, and dissolved sulfonated cobalt phthalocyanine, and (ii) the second phase containing water and dissolved alkali metal hydroxide; and then (b) separating an upgraded hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A coating composition and its use in a metallization process that facilitates bonding of brazing filler metals to treated refractory surfaces, such as ceramics. The coating can be applied in preselected areas of the refractory surface to define a target area for brazing. In one embodiment, the coating composition is applied to a refractory material prior to brazing, the composition including (i) a group IVB transition metal component selected from the group consisting of a group IVB transition metal, a hydride thereof, and mixtures of group IVB metals and/or hydrides thereof, (ii) a binder material, and (iii) a fluid carrier, disclosed embodiments, the group IVB transition metal component is titanium, and the binder material is a combination of a styrene block copolymer and a hydrocarbon resin.

Abstract: The invention is a process for decreasing the acidity of an organic acid containing petroleum oil, comprising contacting said petroleum oil containing organic acids with an effective amount of an alcohol and an effective trace amount of a base selected from Group IA and IIA metal carbonates, hydroxides, phosphates, biphosphates and mixtures of a hydroxide and phosphate and/or biphosphates at a temperature and under conditions sufficient to form the corresponding ester of said alcohol.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for extracting sulfur compounds from a hydrocarbon stream. A prewash section for converting hydrogen sulfide to sodium sulfide by reaction with an alkali such as caustic communicates with an extractor section disposed directly above, the prewash section for converting mercaptans to mercaptides by reaction with alkali. Hydrocarbon product exits the extractor section through a coalescer that prevents alkali from exiting with the hydrocarbon product stream.

Abstract: A method for utilizing whole crude oil as a feedstock for the pyrolysis furnace of an olefin production plant wherein the feedstock after preheating is subjected to mild cracking conditions until substantially vaporized, the vapors from mild cracking being subjected to severe cracking in the radiant section of the furnace.

Abstract: A process for desulfurizing a gasoline stream while continuing to maintain the octane rating of the blend stock. A gasoline stream containing sulfur compounds and olefins is introduced into a fractionation zone to produce a low boiling fraction containing mercaptan sulfur compounds and olefins, a mid boiling fraction containing thiophene and olefins, and a high boiling fraction containing sulfur compounds. The low boiling fraction containing mercaptan sulfur compounds is contacted with an aqueous alkaline solution to selectively remove mercaptan sulfur compounds. The mid boiling fraction containing thiophene is extracted to produce a raffinate stream containing olefins and having a reduced sulfur content relative to the mid boiling fraction and a hydrocarbonaceous stream rich in thiophene.

Abstract: A process for the removal of organosulfur compounds from hydrocarbon materials is disclosed. The process includes contacting an ionic liquid with a hydrocarbon material to extract sulfur-containing compounds into the ionic liquid. The sulfur-containing compounds can be partially oxidized to sulfoxides and/or sulfones prior to or during the extraction step.

Abstract: A method for treating compounds which contain reactive sulfur is disclosed, wherein the treatment produces compounds which contain sulfur in a non reactive form. The method is based on the use of an oxidizing compound selected from the group consisting of water soluble inorganic persulfates, water soluble inorganic and organic adducts of hydrogen peroxide and mixtures thereof. The method is particularly useful in preventing stress corrosion cracking of stainless steel and in preventing auto-ignition of pyrophoric iron sulfide.

Abstract: The sulfur content of liquid cracking products, especially the cracked gasoline, of the catalytic cracking process is reduced by the use of a sulfur reduction catalyst composition comprising a porous molecular sieve which contains a metal in an oxidation state above zero within the interior of the pore structure of the sieve as well as a cerium component which enhances the stability and sulfur reduction activity of the catalyst. The molecular sieve is normally a faujasite such as USY. The primary sulfur reduction component is normally a metal of Period 3 of the Periodic Table, preferably vanadium. The sulfur reduction catalyst may be used in the form of a separate particle additive or as a component of an integrated cracking/sulfur reduction catalyst.

Abstract: A process for removing H2S and mercaptans from a hydrocarbon stream is disclosed. A hydrocarbon stream such as a LPG stream is contacted with a weakly basic stream, e.g., a sodium bicarbonate stream in order to extract the H2S and mercaptans from the hydrocarbon stream into the basic stream. The basic stream is now treated in a reactor containing a sulfide oxidizing microorganism in order to convert the H2S to sulfur and the mercaptans to disulfides. Finally, the sulfur and disulfides are separated from the basic aqueous stream which can be recycled and used to treat a fresh hydrocarbon stream. The treated hydrocarbon stream is purified to the point that it passes the copper strip test, while the purified basic stream contains less than 0.08 g/l of elemental sulfur.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing very low sulfur content hydrocarbon streams by contacting a hydrocarbon feedstream with an aqueous alkaline treatment stream which has been regenerated by the biological conversion of sulfur compounds to elemental sulfur. The process is characterized by the step of contacting the partially regenerated aqueous treatment stream with a hydrocarbon wash stream to remove low levels of residual elemental sulfur suspended in the partially regenerated treatment stream.

Abstract: The invention is a process for decreasing the acidity of an organic acid containing petroleum oil, comprising contacting said petroleum oil containing organic acids with an effective amount of an alcohol and an effective trace amount of a base selected from Group IA and IIA metal carbonates, hydroxides, phosphates, and mixtures of a hydroxide and phosphate at a temperature and under conditions sufficient to form the corresponding ester of said alcohol.

Abstract: An alkaline solution containing dissolved sodium sulfides, mercaptides and phenolates is treated with a carbon dioxide-containing solvent in a reaction zone under mass transfer conditions to neutralize effluent alkaline solution and recover processable hydrocarbon values.

Abstract: An improved process is described for removing mercaptan sulfur from sour hydrocarbon distillate streams comprising of treating a sour hydrocarbon distillate stream in two oxidation zones within a reaction vessel. The first treatment occurs in the presence of a fiber bundle and the subsequent treatment over a bed of supported oxidation catalyst. The improvement comprises continuously keeping the bed in contact with an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide to maintain the catalyst in a caustic-wetted state, without interrupting the operation of the process.

Abstract: A method is described for making a high purity coke fuel or anode grade coke from a heavy petroleum residuum by contacting a molten anhydrous alkali metal hydroxide with the heavy petroleum residuum at a temperature and for a time sufficient to extract substantially all sulfur and heavy metals contained in the petroleum residuum to the alkali metal hydroxide and recovering the coke product.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated, continuous process for the removal of organically bound sulfur (e.g., mercaptans, sulfides and thiophenes) comprising the steps of contacting a heavy oil, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen and water at a temperature of from about 380.degree. C. to 450.degree. C. to partially desulfurize the heavy oil and to form sodium sulfide, contacting said sodium sulfide via steam stripping to convert the sodium sulfide to sodium hydroxide and the sulfur recovered as hydrogen sulfide. The sodium hydroxide is recirculated for reuse. The partially desulfurized, dewatered heavy oil is treated with sodium metal under desulfurizing conditions, typically at a temperature of from about 340.degree. C. to about 450.degree. C., under a hydrogen pressure of at least about 50 psi to essentially desulfurize the oil, and form sodium sulfide. Optionally, the sodium salt generated can be regenerated to sodium metal using regeneration technology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous in-situ process for reducing the viscosity, corrosivity and density of heavy oils comprising the steps of (a) contacting a heavy oil with an anhydrous alkaline earth, Group IIA metal hydroxide and low pressure hydrogen at a temperature of about 380.degree. C. to about 450.degree. C. for a time sufficient to form the corresponding alkaline earth metal sulfide, recovering the reduced sulfur feed and regenerating the alkaline metal hydroxide for recycle to treat additional feed. Beneficially, the process removes heteroatoms (sulfur and nitrogen).

Abstract: A process for sweetening high mercaptan content gasoline or other liquid hydrocarbons is disclosed which utilizes aqueous caustic solution. A recycle stream is used to increase the conversion potential by reducing the relative mercaptan concentration of the untreated gasoline. Part of the treated gasoline effluent is recycled to the untreated feed. The treated gasoline has a low mercaptan concentration while the untreated gasoline is high in mercaptans. As the two streams combine, the feed to the unit becomes less concentrated in mercaptan compounds. In effect, the mercaptan concentration of the untreated gasoline has been diluted by the treated gasoline. Nitrogen inhibits the solubility of oxygen into gasoline. Nitrogen present in the recycle stream would create a system high in nitrogen and low in oxygen. By increasing the level of nitrogen, oxygen is limited in its ability to complete the sweetening reaction.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon stream containing sulfur and sulfur compounds is contacted with a water suspension of dolomitic lime and dibasic acid catalyst in a reaction vessel in order to transfer the sulfur and sulfur compounds from the petroleum vapor to the water phase. During sulfur removal, naphthenic acid present in the hot petroleum vapor is converted to a high quality naphtha fraction. In the water phase, the sulfur compounds react with the available alkalinity from the dolomitic lime and dibasic acid. The insoluble calcium or magnesium based reaction products can then be removed from the water phase through conventional solids concentrating and separating equipment.

Abstract: A composition and a process for substantially reducing or removing sulfide from a sulfide-containing fluid are disclosed. The composition comprises, or is prepared by combining components comprising, a sulfide-containing fluid and a sulfide-scavenging amount of a sulfide scavenger selected from the group consisting of bromates, iodates, and combinations of two or more thereof. The process comprises contacting a sulfide-containing fluid with a sulfide-scavenging amount of a sulfide scavenger under a condition sufficient to substantially reduce the sulfide concentration in the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the removal of elemental sulfur from fluids such as fuels, e.g. gasoline, kerosene, diesel or jet, by contacting said fluids with an immiscible treatment solution comprising water or immiscible alcohol, caustic, sulfide or hydrosulfide and optionally mercaptan, in a staged co-current mixer under conditions such that the immiscible treatment solution constitutes the continuous phase.

Abstract: In a method for reducing emissions from an asphalt blowing process, an emission reducing additive is added to the asphalt prior to blowing, or early in the blowing process. The emission reducing additive is added in an amount sufficient to reduce the SO.sub.x emissions from the blowing process by at least 25 percent by weight when compared with the same process without the emission reducing additive. The emission reducing additive includes at least two compounds selected from metal hydroxides, metal oxides, metal carbonates and metal bicarbonates, where the metal is selected from sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and aluminum.

Abstract: A method for the removal of hydrogen sulphide from a hydrocarbon-water mixture. The method utilizes a sulphite or a bisulphite, preferably ammonium bisulphite. It may be added as a salt or in solution. It is used in amounts by weight of from 2:1 salt: hydrogen sulphide.

Abstract: A process for removing elemental sulfur from fluids such as refined petroleum products transported through pipelines normally used for the transport of sour hydrocarbon streams. The sulfur containing fluids are mixed with an immiscible aliphatic solution containing an inorganic caustic material, methanol or aqueous alcohol and an inorganic sulfide or hydrosulfide capable of reacting with the elemental sulfur in a mixing zone to form a polysulfide present in the immiscible alcoholic solution, passing the mixture of fluid and immiscible alcoholic solution to a phase separation zone wherein mixture separates into a fluid phase of reduced elemental and total sulfur content and an immiscible alcoholic phase containing polysulfides, recovering the fluid phase of reduced sulfur content from the phase separation zone, recovering the immiscible alcoholic phase containing polysulfide from the phase separation zone and recycling the immiscible alcoholic solution to the mixing zone.

Abstract: Naphtha is selectively hydrodesulfurized using selectively poisoned hydrotreating catalyst to remove sulfur while minimizing loss in octane level due to olefin saturation.

Abstract: Hydrodesulfurization of a cracked naphtha is effected in the presence of, as catalyst, a non-noble metal of Group VIII and a metal of Group VI-B on an alumina support containing a hydrotalcite-like composition. The process of the instant invention gives high levels of hydrodesulfurization compared to prior art magnesia-containing catalysts and lower levels of olefin saturation, and less octane reduction in the desulfurized gasoline.

Abstract: A process for treating heavy oil by contacting the oil with hydrogen in a reactor containing an activated carbon catalyst having a specified range of Alpha value, and average pore diameter, and pore distribution, to reduce the content of nickel and vanadium in the feedstock and to achieve conversion of the carbon residue for producing a lighter oil. Demetallation capacity of the carbon catalyst is enhanced by the addition of a carbon-reactive oxidant, e.g., steam, under conditions sufficient to form additional carbon surface.

Abstract: Hydrodesulfurization of a cracked naphtha is effected in the presence of, as catalyst, an alkali metal, a metal of Group VIII, and a metal of Group VI-B on an alumina support containing a hydrotalcite-like composition.

Abstract: A process for removing elemental sulfur from fluids such as refined petroleum products transported through pipelines for the transportation of sour hydrocarbon streams. The fluids are contacted with an aqueous solution containing caustic, an aliphatic mercaptan and optionally a sulfide to produce an aqueous layer containing metal polysulfides and a clear fluid layer having a reduced elemental sulfur level.

Abstract: The copper corrosiveness of organic sulfides is reduced by treating them with an alkali metal-containing or alkaline earth metal-containing substance capable of dissolving elemental sulfur (e.g., sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide, etc.). The process is conducted in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst in an aqueous liquid reaction medium. Experiments have shown that it is possible by use of this process to reduce the copper corrosiveness to a level below that exhibited by a product formed by treating the same initial organic sulfide in the same way but in the absence of a phase transfer catalyst.

Abstract: A process for removing elemental sulfur from fluids such as refined petroleum products transported through pipelines for the transportation of sour hydrocarbon streams. The fluids are contacted with an aqueous solution containing caustic, sulfide and optionally elemental sulfur to produce an aqueous layer containing metal polysulfides and a clear fluid layer having a reduced elemental sulfur level. Organo mercaptans may also be mixed with the fluid to accelerate the removal of elemental sulfur.

Abstract: A process for removing S and Fe and to reclaim V, Ni and Co from coal or oil and their derivatives or from minerals. The process is based upon an oxidative extraction performed with hypochlorous acid (HClO) whose oxidizing power is generated and regulated "in situ". The process is particularly applicable to the recovery of V from residual flexi-coke and to the recovery of Ni from coal.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide can be conveniently removed from streams containing up to about 1,000 ppm of H.sub.2 S by reacting the latter with an olefin using a bed of an acidic solid catalyst in a non-oxidative process for the removal of hydrogen sulfide. The reaction can be effected under relatively mild conditions and is very selective for the removal of hydrogen sulfide without being attended by other unwanted reactions such as oligomerization, disproportionation, and skeletal rearrangement. Levels of hydrogen sulfide in the treated product of no more than about 5 ppm can be readily attained using a broad variety of acidic solid catalysts and unsaturated hydrocarbons, especially olefins.

Abstract: Process for eliminating jointly arsenic and carbon oxysulfide from an unsaturated hydrocarbon cut, wherein said hydrocarbon cut is contacted with an absorbing mass containing a support and lead oxide, comprising contacting the hydrocarbon cut in the liquid phase.

Abstract: An adsorption process is disclosed for removal of carbonyl sulfide (COS) from a liquid hydrocarbon which comprises providing an activated alumina adsorbent which has preferably impregnated with a compound selected from the class consisting of one or more alkali metal compounds, one or more alkaline earth metal compounds, or a mixture of such compounds; passing a liquid hydrocarbon containing COS through the activated alumina adsorbent at a flow rate sufficient to adsorb enough COS in the liquid hydrocarbon to lower the COS content of the liquid hydrocarbon to less than 1 ppm; monitoring the effluent liquid hydrocarbon to determine when the capacity of the adsorbent to adsorb the COS has been reached; and then regenerating the activated alumina adsorbent by passing a gas, heated to a temperature of from about 150.degree. to about 300.degree. C., through the adsorbent for a period of time sufficient to remove a substantial amount of the sulfur adsorbed thereon.

Abstract: Sulfur-bearing liquid hydrocarbon feedstocks such as kerosene undergo desulfurization and deodorization by contacting such feedstocks with sodium hydride at normal atmospheric pressure and at elevated temperatures. The resulting liquid is further contacted with a mineral acid such as sulfuric acid and an alkaline neutralizing agent such as caustic soda. The liquid may also be contacted with an oxidizying agent such as sodium hyprochlorite prior to being contacted with the neutralizing agent and with a dehydrating agent such as soda ash after being contacted with the neutralizing agent.

Abstract: A process for reducing the molecular weight of hydrocarbons using NaAlCl.sub.4 is provided wherein the hydrogen to carbon ratio of the liquid product slate is approximately the same as the feed material. The process comprises contacting the feed material with a molten salt of NaAlCl.sub.4 having substantially no excess aluminum chloride or sodium chloride, preferably at a temperature of at least 660.degree. F., and at a pressure above atmospheric, preferably from about 50 psia to about 2000 psia, depending upon the product slate desired. According to the present invention, heavy hydrocarbons are converted to a liquid product slate wherein the product slate has an average molecular weight substantially lower than the average molecular weight of the hydrocarbon feedstock.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon oils, particularly petroleum residua, are demetallized by contacting the oil first with an aqueous solution of a hypochlorite such as sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite and subsequently subjecting at least the oil fraction thereof to a solvent deasphalting step.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for reducing the level of sulfur compounds from liquid conjugated diolefin hydrocarbons by contacting said sulfur compound-bearing hydrocarbon liquids with sorbents prepared by combining particulate alumina with at least one compound decomposable to of sodium oxide, barium oxide, calcium oxide or a salt decomposable to potassium oxide, but excluding potassium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate and calcining. The process is particularly useful for removal of hydrogen sulfide and carbon disulfide from butadiene and isoprene.

Abstract: A method for improving the storage stability of shale oil liquids by extracting or contacting the shale oil with a base solution having a pH of at least about 7.5 to inhibit the formation or reduce the level of sediment and gum which can form in said shale oil.

Abstract: A process for producing lower average molecular weight products from heavy liquid hydrocarbons is provided comprising contacting the feed material in the presence of a co-catalyst system comprising a molten salt of sodium tetrachloroaluminate (NaAlCl.sub.4) and hydrogen tetrachloroaluminate (HAlCl.sub.4) at a pressure of from about 0.8 to about 140 atm (81 to about 14185 kPa) and a temperature of from about 200.degree. C. to about 550.degree. C.According to the present invention use of the HAlCl.sub.4 as a co-catalyst with NaAlCl.sub.4 results in increased yields of lower average molecular weight products and improved levels of denitrogenation and desulfurization. The elements of the co-catalyst system may be prepared separately and mixed.

Abstract: A process for reducing the molecular weight of hydrocarbons using NaAlCl.sub.4 is provided wherein the hydrogen to carbon ratio of the product slate is approximately the same as the feed material, comprising contacting the feed material with a molten salt of NaAlCl.sub.4 having a ratio of aluminum chloride to sodium chloride of at least 1:1, preferably at a temperature of at least 660.degree. F., and at a pressure above atmospheric, preferably from about 50 psia to about 2000 psia, depending upon the product slate desired. According to the present invention, heavy hydrocarbons are converted to a liquid product slate wherein substantially all of the liquid components exhibit a molecular weight lower than the molecular weight range exhibited by the hydrocarbon feedstock.

Abstract: Petroleum crudes, particularly heavy oil crudes produced by thermal or other enhanced recovery procedures, are treated to break the water-in-oil emulsion and reduce the BS&W content by use of additives, advantageously ammonium bisulfite, which act upon inorganic sulfur contained in the crude.

Abstract: An improved method for recovering hydrocarbon and other values from shale oil rock, whereby shale oil rock, during the reaction with a reagent and steam, is shattered to the extent that the hydrocarbon values and the unwanted pulverized gangue is collected such as via cyclones or a dust collector; the desired hydrocarbon values as volatile products may be recovered or further reacted in a separate reactor; a series of cyclones may be used to separate the dust from the hydrocarbon values; recoveries of over 90% of the hydrocarbon values and higher are achieved; as a further advantage, the collected dust may be used as an intermediate for making cement.

Abstract: A novel catalyst is provided which is effective in removing at least a portion of the sulphur contained in hydrocarbons, without the use of an external hydrogen source. The catalyst is a sulphided mixture, on a catalyst support, of (a) a sulphide of one or more of the transition metals iron, vanadium, molybdenum and copper, (b) a sulphide of either sodium or potassium, and (c) a hydroxide of either sodium or potassium. Sulphur removal with the catalyst is demonstrated with oil sand bitumen, heavy crude oil and asphaltenes.

Abstract: A process for upgrading oils is disclosed, in which the oil to be upgraded is contacted with liquid phase water and free oxygen at an elevated temperature and at a pressure sufficient to maintain at least part of the water in the liquid phase.

Abstract: Water is removed from an alkaline solution used to extract mercaptans from a hydrocarbon stream by contacting a portion of the alkaline solution with a warm hydrocarbon vapor stream. The portion is removed from an extraction zone and reintroduced into an oxidation zone. This process flow arrangement has operational and cost advantages compared to removal from a settling zone and passage of the stripped warm alkaline solution into the extraction zone.

Abstract: Water is removed from an alkaline solution used to extract mercaptans from a hydrocarbon stream by contacting the alkaline solution with a warm hydrocarbon vapor stream. The relatively warm and concentrated alkaline solution produced in this manner is then passed into an oxidation zone in admixture with a mercaptan-rich alkaline solution withdrawn from an extraction zone. This process flow has operational and cost advantages compared to the passage of the stripped warm alkaline solution into the extraction zone.

Abstract: A process for eliminating and removing impurities including sulfur compounds and microorganisms as well as preventing further microbial contamination is accomplished by treating petroleum products or other hydrocarbon fluids with an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide or ozone together with a metallic ion catalyst, such as a mixture of ferric chloride and cupric chloride, where the metal ion is capable of forming activated oxygen complexes in the presence of such oxidizing agent, or by treatment with an aqueous solution of metallic ion catalyst and activated oxygen complexes formed from permanganate, peroxyborate or chromate ions.