Abstract: Bromine reactive hydrocarbon contaminants are removed from aromatic streams by first providing an aromatic feedstream having a negligible diene level. The feedstream is contacted with an acid active catalyst composition under conditions sufficient to remove mono-olefins. An aromatic stream may be pretreated to remove dienes by contacting the stream with clay, hydrogenation or hydrotreating catalyst under conditions sufficient to substantially remove dienes but not mono-olefins.

Abstract: A sorbent composition is provided which can be used in the desulfurization of a hydrocarbon-containing fluid such as cracked gasoline or diesel fuel. The sorbent composition contains a support component and a promoter component with the promoter component being present as a skin on said support component. Such sorbent composition is prepared by a process of impregnating a support component with a promoter component, wherein the promoter component has been melted under a melting condition, followed by drying, calcining, and reducing to thereby provide the sorbent composition. A process for the removal of sulfur from a hydrocarbon stream, wherein the hydrocarbon stream is a combination of cracked gasoline and diesel fuel, is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a desulphurization apparatus to be mounted in automobiles, which is arranged between a fuel tank and an injector of an engine, the apparatus comprising a combination of a sulfur-containing compound adsorbent for adsorbing and concentrating the sulfur-containing compound and a sulfur-containing compound oxidizing agent or oxidation catalyst for oxidizing the adsorbed sulfur-containing compound, the apparatus further comprising a means for recovering and removing the resulting sulfur-containing oxide. According to this apparatus, the quantity of the particulate matter in an exhaust gas is reduced by half and the durability of the catalyst for removing a nitrogen oxide is improved by a factor of about two.

Abstract: A novel hydrocarbon feedstream catalyst bed for the desulfurization of a gas or a liquid hydrocarbon feedstream and a process comprising passing a hydrocarbon feedstream over the catalyst bed is described. The bed comprises at least two catalysts having different sulfur compound affinities and/or specificities thereby improving the overall amount of sulfur compound removal. The process reduces the sulfur content in a gas hydrocarbon feedstream from up to about 300 ppm to less than about 500 ppb, and in a liquid hydrocarbon feedstream from up to about 3% to less than about 500 ppb.

Abstract: A chemical treatment is disclosed for reducing the sulfur content of catalytically processed gasoline and intermediate crude-oil products, by absorbing the sulfur contained in such catalytically processed products on silica gel packed in a filter or assembly of filters, operating at the normal exit pressure from production of catalytically processed gasoline and distillation of intermediate crude-oil products.

Abstract: A system for removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon-containing fluid stream wherein regeneration of sulfur-loaded sorbent particulates is enhanced by improving the contacting of an oxygen-containing regeneration stream and the sulfur-loaded solid particulates in a fluidized bed regenerator.

Abstract: A process to regenerate iron-based hydrogen sulfide sorbents using steam. The steam is preferably mixed with hydrogen-containing gas and/or an inert gas, such as nitrogen. In a preferred embodiment, the sorbent is first exposed to the steam and then exposed to a hydrogen-containing gas at regeneration conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid adsorbent comprising at least two metals located upon a support wherein at least one first metal is copper and at least one second metal is cerium and a process for reducing the sulphur content of a crude oil distillate feed containing sulphur species which process comprises contacting said distillate with the solid adsorbent to produce a sulphur containing adsorbent and a distillate product of reduced sulphur content.

Abstract: CuY and AgY zeolites as selective sorbents for desulfurization of liquid fuels. Thiophene and benzene were used as the model system, and vapor phase isotherms were measured. Compared with NaY, CuY and AgY adsorbed significantly larger amounts of both thiophene and benzene at low pressures. It is hypothesized that this is due to &pgr;-complexation with Cu+ and Ag+. On a per-cation basis, more thiophene was adsorbed by Cu+ than by Ag+, e.g., 0.92 molecule/Cu+ versus 0.42 molecule/Ag+ at 2×10−5 atm and 120° C. Molecular orbital calculations confirmed the relative strengths of &pgr;-complexation: thiophene>benzene and Cu+>Ag+. The experimental heats of adsorption for &pgr;-complexation are in qualitative agreement with theoretical predictions. The invention further comprises a process and sorbents for removal of aromatics from hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A composition comprising a promoter and a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of tungsten oxide, a molybdenum oxide, and combinations of any two or more thereof, wherein at least a portion of the promoter is present as a reduced valence promoter and methods of preparing such composition are disclosed. The thus-obtained composition is employed in a desulfurization zone to remove sulfur from a hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: A composition comprising a promoter and a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of a niobium oxide, a tantalum oxide, and combinations thereof, wherein at least a portion of the promoter is present as a reduced valence promoter and methods of preparing such composition are disclosed. The thus-obtained composition is employed in a desulfurization zone to remove sulfur from a hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: CuY and AgY zeolites as selective sorbents for desulfurization of liquid fuels. Thiophene and benzene were used as the model system, and vapor phase isotherms were measured. Compared with NaY, CuY and AgY adsorbed significantly larger amounts of both thiophene and benzene at low pressures. It is hypothesized that this is due to &pgr;-complexation with Cu+ and Ag+. On a per-cation basis, more thiophene was adsorbed by Cu+ than by Ag+, e.g., 0.92 molecule/Cu+ versus 0.42 molecule/Ag+ at 2×10−5 atm and 120° C. Molecular orbital calculations confirmed the relative strengths of &pgr;-complexation: thiophene>benzene and Cu+>Ag+. The experimental heats of adsorption for &pgr;-complexation are in qualitative agreement with theoretical predictions. The invention further comprises a process and sorbents for removal of aromatics from hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A composition comprising a tin oxide and a promoter, wherein at least a portion of the promoter is present as a reduced valence promoter and methods of preparing such composition are disclosed. The thus-obtained composition is employed in a desulfurization zone to remove sulfur from a hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon-containing fluid stream wherein desulfurization is enhanced by improving the contacting of the hydrocarbon-containing fluid stream and sulfur-sorbing solid particulates in a fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: A process for reducing the naphthenic acidity of petroleum oils, or their liquid fractions, is described, the process comprising a thermal treatment of the petroleum oils, or their liquid fractions, in the presence of an adsorbent the surface of which is covered by high molecular weight carbon compounds. Preferred adsorbents are the spent or coked FCC catalysts.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for reducing the sulfur content in hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel. The invention provides a method and materials for producing ultra low sulfur content transportation fuels for motor vehicles as well as for applications such as fuel cells. The materials and method of the invention may be used at ambient or elevated temperatures and at ambient or elevated pressures without the need for hydrogen.

Abstract: A composition comprising an iron oxide and a promoter, wherein at least a portion of the promoter is present as a reduced valence promoter and methods of preparing such composition are disclosed. The thus-obtained composition is employed in a desulfurization zone to remove sulfur from a hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: An integrated fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) and desulfurization system for processing hydrocarbon-containing fluids. The integrated system employs a cracking/desulfurization unit having a reactor, a regenerator, and a reducer. A mixture of solid FCC catalyst particulates and solid sulfur sorbent particulates are circulated through the reactor, regenerator, and reducer to provide for substantially continuous cracking and desulfurization of the hydrocarbon-containing fluid, as well as substantially continuous regeneration of both the FCC catalyst and the sulfur sorbent.

Abstract: A monolith sorbent which defines a plurality of open-ended channels and comprises a reduced-valence promoter metal component and zinc oxide can be employed to desulfurize sulfur-containing fluids such as cracked-gasoline or diesel fuel.

Abstract: A system and process for removing water and heteroatom-containing compounds from hydrocarbons and for regenerating the adsorbent used in the system and process is disclosed and includes contacting the hydrocarbon stream with a water adsorbent and a heteroatom-containing compound adsorbent. The regeneration includes passing an isoparaffin over the water-adsorbent, then passing the isoparaffin over the heteroatom-containing compound adsorbent; and, optionally; cooling the effluent; separating such into a hydrocarbon phase and a water phase in a settler; removing a portion of the hydrocarbon phase for mixing with water; returning the hydrocarbon/water mixture to the settler; removing some of the hydrocarbon phase from the settler to form a recycle isoparaffin stream for use as a portion of the stripping stream; and removal of a portion of the water phase from the settler to form a waste water stream containing water and heteroatom-containing compound.

Abstract: A process for removing sulfur compounds from hydrocarbon streams by contacting the hydrocarbon stream, especially a gasoline stream, with an adsorbent material. The adsorbent material is regenerated with hydrogen or a hydrogen/H2S mixture.

Abstract: A deactivated sorbent composition is reactivated by contacting the deactivated sorbent with a reducing stream under activation conditions sufficient to reduce the amount of sulfates associated with the sorbent composition.

Abstract: While contacting under regeneration conditions an oxygen-containing stream with a sorbent comprising a promoter metal and zinc sulfide which has been sulfurized by contact with sulfur-containing hydrocarbons such as cracked-gasolines and diesel fuel, the oxygen partial pressure is controlled in a range of 0.5 to 2.0 psig to minimize sulfation of the sorbent.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon desulfurization system employing regenerable solid sorbent particulates in a fluidized bed desulfurization reactor. The sulfur-loaded sorbent particulates are continuously withdrawn from the reactor and transferred to a regenerator. A novel solids transport mechanism provides for the safe and effective transfer of the sulfur-loaded sorbent particulates from the high pressure hydrocarbon environment of the reactor to the low pressure oxygen environment of the regenerator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon-containing fluid stream wherein desulfurization is enhanced by improving the contacting of the hydrocarbon-containing fluid stream and sulfur-sorbing solid particulates in a fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: In a desulfurization process for the removal of organosulfur compounds from a hydrocarbon fluid stream such as cracked-gasoline or diesel fuel wherein a bifunctional sorbent system is employed, surface treatment of the bifunctional sorbent during the use of same for desulfurization results in an extension of the useful life of the bifunctional sorbent prior to the regeneration and reactivation of same for further use in the desulfiurization of the hydrocarbon fluid stream.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for eliminating arsenic from a hydrocarbon cut in which said cut is brought into contact with an absorption mass that is at least partially pre-sulfurized and comprises a support and lead oxide. The support, for example alumina, or said mass preferably has a specific surface area in the range 10 to 300 m2/g, a total pore volume in the range 0.2 to 1.2 cm3/g and a macroporous volume in the range 0.1 to 0.5 cm3/g. The lead content of said mass, expressed as lead oxide, is preferably in the range of 5% to 50% by weight. The fraction of the sulfurized mass preferably represents at least {fraction (1/20)}th of the total volume of the absorption mass.

Abstract: The reforming of heavy oil with supercritical water or subcritical water is accomplished by mixing together supercritical water, heavy oil, and oxidizing agent, thereby oxidizing vanadium in heavy oil with the oxidizing agent at the time of treatment with supercritical water and separate vanadium oxide. The separated vanadium oxide is removed by the scavenger after treatment with supercritical water. In this way it is possible to solve the long-standing problem with corrosion of turbine blades by vanadium which arises when heavy oil is used as gas turbine fuel.

Abstract: A composition comprising manganese oxide and a promoter, wherein at least a portion of the promoter is present as a reduced valence promoter and methods of preparing such composition are disclosed. The thus-obtained composition is employed in a desulfurization zone to remove sulfur from a hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the preparation of petroleum hydrocarbon solvent with improved color stability from crude oils having high concentration of nitrogenous compounds which comprises passing said petroleum hydrocarbon stream containing substantial amount of nitrogenous compounds over a column of molecular sieves/modified clays at ambient to elevated temperature and pressure maintaining the feed in the liquid state, thereby obtaining the petroleum hydrocarbon stream with desired color stability.

Abstract: A sorbent composition comprising a reduced-valence promoter and a steam-treated support can be used to desulfurize a hydrocarbon-containing fluid such as cracked-gasoline or diesel fuel.

Abstract: A process for desulfurizing middle distillates by charging a sulfur-containing middle distillate and a hydrogen-containing diluent to a reaction zone in respective amounts and under reaction conditions sufficient to vaporize substantially all of the sulfur-containing middle distillate present in the reaction zone. In the reaction zone, the vaporized middle distillate is contacted with a sorbent comprising a promoter metal and zinc oxide to thereby provide a desulfurized middle distillate comprising less sulfur than the sulfur-containing middle distillate initially charged to the reaction zone.

Abstract: A base oil feed having a tendency to form a haze at ambient or sub-ambient temperatures is contacted with a solid adsorbent to remove at least a portion of the haze precursors, thereby reducing the haze-forming tendency of the base oil feed.

Abstract: A chemical treatment is disclosed for reducing the sulfur content of catalytically processed gasoline and intermediate crude-oil products, by absorbing the sulfur contained in such catalytically processed products on silica gel packed in a filter or assembly of filters, operating at the normal exit pressure from production of catalytically processed gasoline and distillation of intermediate crude-oil products.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic oxidation of sulfur and nitrogen contaminants as well as unsaturated compounds present in a hydrocarbon fossil oil medium is described, the process comprising effecting the oxidation in the presence of at least one peroxide, at least one acid and a pulverized raw iron oxide. The process shows an improved oxidation power towards the contaminants typically present in a fossil oil medium, this deriving from the combination of the peroxyacid and the hydroxyl radical generated in the reaction medium due to the presence of an iron oxyhydroxide such as a limonite clay, which bears a particular affinity for the oil medium. The process finds use in various applications, from a feedstock for refining until the preparation of deeply desulfurized and deeply denitrified products.

Abstract: During the regeneration of a sulfurized sorbent comprising zinc aluminate, a promoter metal and zinc sulfide by contact with an oxygen-containing stream to convert at least a portion of said zinc sulfide to zinc oxide the average sulfur dioxide partial pressure in the regeneration zone is controlled within the range of from about 0.1 to about 10 psig to minimize sulfation of the sorbent.

Abstract: Mercury is removed from crude oils, natural gas condensates and other liquid hydrocarbons by first removing colloidal mercury and solids that contain adsorbed mercury and then treating the hydrocarbons with an organic or inorganic compound containing at least one sulfur atom reactive with mercury. The sulfur compound reacts with dissolved mercury that contaminates the hydrocarbons to form mercury-containing particulates that are then removed from the hydrocarbons to produce a purified product having a reduced mercury content. Preferably, the treating agent is an organic sulfur-containing compound such as a dithiocarbamate or sulfurized isobutylene.

Abstract: A fuel processing method is operable to remove substantially all of the sulfur present in an undiluted oxygenated hydrocarbon fuel stock supply which contains an oxygenate and which is used to power an internal combustion engine in a mobile environment, such as an automobile, bus, truck, boat, or the like, or in a stationary environment. The fuel stock can be gasoline, diesel fuel, or other like fuels which contain relatively high levels of organic sulfur compounds such as mercaptans, sulfides, disulfides, and the like. The undiluted hydrocarbon fuel supply is passed through a nickel reactant desulfurizer bed wherein essentially all of the sulfur in the organic sulfur compounds reacts with the nickel reactant, and is converted to nickel sulfide, while the desulfurized organic remnants continue through the remainder of the fuel processing system. The method can be used to desulfurize either a liquid or a gaseous fuel stream, which contains an oxygenate such as MTBE, ethanol, methanol, or the like.

Abstract: This invention provides a facile method for removing odor-causing species from lubricants. In this method, such species are removed by contacting the lubricant composition with at least one zeolite. Preferred zeolites include the type 13X Molecular Sieve, i.e., Na86[(AlO2)86(SiO2)106].276 H2O.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic oxidation of sulfur and nitrogen contaminants as well as unsaturated compounds present in a hydrocarbon fossil oil medium is described, the process comprising effecting the oxidation in the presence of at least one peroxide, at least one acid and a pulverized raw iron oxide. The process shows an improved oxidation power towards the contaminants typically present in a fossil oil medium, this deriving from the combination of the peroxy-acid and the hydroxyl radical generated in the reaction medium due to the presence of an iron oxyhydroxide such as a limonite clay, which bears a particular affinity for the oil medium. The process finds use in various applications, from a feedstock for refining until the preparation of deeply desulfurized and deeply denitrified products.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a method for reducing the amount of sulfur in hydrocarbon streams comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a hydrocarbon stream comprising hydrocarbons and sulfur compounds with an adsorbent selective for adsorption of said sulfur compounds, under adsorption conditions capable of retaining said sulfur compounds on said adsorbent and obtaining an adsorption effluent comprising a desulfurized hydrocarbon stream, (b) collecting said desulfurized hydrocarbon stream, (c) desorbing said sulfur compounds from said adsorbent by passing a desorbent through said adsorbent under desorption conditions to obtain a desorption effluent comprising sulfur compounds and said desorbent, (d) treating said desorption effluent to remove said sulfur compounds from said desorption effluent and collecting a desulfurized desorbent effluent comprising desorbent.

Abstract: The present invention describes a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) apparatus and process for the production of purified hydrogen from a feed gas stream containing heavy hydrocarbons (i.e., hydrocarbons having at least six carbons). The apparatus comprises at least one bed containing at least three layers. The layered adsorption zone contains a feed end with a low surface area adsorbent (20 to 400 m2/g) which comprises 2 to 20% of the total bed length followed by a layer of an intermediate surface area adsorbent (425 to 800 m2/g) which comprises 25 to 40 % of the total bed length and a final layer of high surface area adsorbent (825 to 2000 m2/g) which comprises 40 to 78% of the total bed length.

Abstract: A base oil feed having a tendency to form a haze at ambient or sub-ambient temperatures is contacted with a solid adsorbent to remove at least a portion of the haze precursors, thereby reducing the haze-forming tendency of the base oil feed.

Abstract: A dewaxed oil having a tendency to form a haze at ambient or sub-ambient temperatures is contacted with a solid adsorbent to remove at least a portion of the haze precursors, thereby reducing the haze-forming tendency of the dewaxed oil.

Abstract: A process for capturing mercury and possibly arsenic comprising at least:

Abstract: A petroleum processing method comprising the steps of: performing an atmospheric distillation of crude oil; collectively hydrodesulfurizing the resultant distillates consisting of gas oil and fractions whose boiling point is lower than that of gas oil in a reactor in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst at 310 to 370° C. under 30 to 70 kg/cm2G (first hydrogenation step); and further performing hydrodesulfurization at lower temperatures (second hydrogenation step). When the second hydrogenation step is carried out only for the heavy naphtha obtained by separating the distillates after the first hydrogenation step, the second hydrogenation temperature can be in the range of 250 to 400° C.

Abstract: A fuel processing method is operable to remove substantially all of the sulfur present in an undiluted oxygenated hydrocarbon fuel stock supply which contains an oxygenate and which is used to power a fuel cell power plant in a mobile environment, such as an automobile, bus, truck, boat, or the like, or in a stationary environment. The power plant hydrogen fuel source can be gasoline, diesel fuel, or other like fuels which contain relatively high levels of organic sulfur compounds such as mercaptans, sulfides, disulfides, and the like. The undiluted hydrocarbon fuel supply is passed through a desulfurizer bed wherein essentially all of the sulfur in the organic sulfur compounds reacts with the nickel reactant, and is converted to nickel sulfide, while the now desulfurized hydrocarbon fuel supply continues through the remainder of the fuel processing system.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for decreasing the amount of acids contained in oils by forming a water-in-oil emulsion and utilizing solids.

Abstract: A system and process for removing water and heteroatom-containing compounds from hydrocarbons and for regenerating the adsorbent used in the system and process is disclosed and includes contacting the hydrocarbon stream with a water adsorbent and a heteroatom-containing compound adsorbent. The regeneration includes passing an isoparaffin over the water-adsorbent followed by passing the isoparaffin over the heteroatom-containing compound adsorbent; and, optionally; cooling the resulting effluent; separating such into a hydrocarbon phase and a water phase in a settler; removing a portion of the hydrocarbon phase for contact with and mixing with water; returning the hydrocarbon/water mixture to the settler; removing a portion of the hydrocarbon phase from the settler to form a recycle isoparaffin stream for use as at least a portion of the stripping stream; and removal of at least a portion of the water phase from the settler to form a waste water stream containing water and heteroatom-containing compound.

Abstract: Particulate sorbent compositions which are suitable for the removal of sulfur from streams of cracked-gasoline or diesel fuel are provided which have increased porosity, improved resistance to deactivation through the addition of a calcium compound selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate, calcium silicate, calcium phosphate or calcium aluminate to the support system comprised of zinc oxide, silica and alumina having thereon a promotor wherein the promotor is metal, metal oxide or metal oxide precursor with the metal being selected from the group consisting of cobalt, nickel, iron, manganese, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, silver, tin and vanadium or mixtures thereof and wherein the valence of such promotor has been substantially reduced to 2 or less. Process for the preparation such sorbent systems as well s the use of same for the desulfurization of cracked-gasolines and diesel fuels are also provided.