Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for recovery of spent lubricating oil. The evaporation of hydrocarbon fractions from spent lubricating oil is carried out in three steps. The first step is at approximately 150-1030 mbar and between 70-240° C. in which is greater than 99% water, greater than 99% of ethylene glycol and greater than 50% of hydrocarbon molecules with normal boiling point up to 310° C. are evaporated from spent oil. The second step is operated at 6-30 mbar and 200-2900 C in which predominantly gasoil and light vacuum gasoil fractions are evaporated. The third step is operated at 250-320° C. and 0.5-15 mbar in which mainly heavy vacuum gasoil (boiling range of 425 to 570° C. on ASTM D-1160 test) is evaporated from spent oil.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing vacuum in a vacuum oil-stock distillation column and includes pumping a gas-vapor medium out of a column by an ejector into a condenser; feeding a gas mixture and a high-pressure gas into a second gas-gas ejector from which the vapor-gas mixture is fed into a second condenser. A condensate is directed from the condensers into a separator in which the condensate is separated into a water-containing condensate and a hydrocarbon-containing condensate. The hydrocarbon-containing condensate is removed while the water-containing condensate is fed into a steam generator in which heat is supplied to the water-containing condensate from a hot distillate removed from the vacuum column and steam is produced from the water-containing condensate, the steam is fed as a high-pressure gas into the gas-gas ejectors. A plant for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-variable predictive controller is used to separate a multi-phase fluid on an offshore platform, thereby reducing condensable material in the gas product stream. A separation vessel containing a multi-phase fluid is provided, and pressure and temperature associated with the separation vessel are monitored. A Reid Vapor Pressure is calculated for the separation vessel based on the pressure and the temperature associated with the separation vessel. The multi-variable predictive controller actively controls the pressure and the temperature associated with the separation vessel such that the calculated Reid Vapor Pressure for the separation vessel is maintained within a predetermined amount of a reference Reid Vapor Pressure.

Abstract: A vacuum dehydrator for processing an oil containing entrained contaminants such as water, air, and particulates comprises a tower enclosing upper and lower chambers. A random packing is contained in the upper chamber. The oil is preheated to a temperature above the boiling point of water and is introduced into the upper chamber for downward flow through the random packing into the lower chamber. Entrained air and water is retained as water vapor in the upper chamber, and particulates are retained in the random packing. Heated ambient air is introduced into the lower chamber for upward flow through the random packing into the upper chamber, and the upper chamber is cooled to condense the water vapor. Oil and condensed water are pumped respectively from the lower and upper chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the oil processing industry and can be used for producing vacuum in a vacuum petroleum distillation column. The inventive method involves pumping out a vapor-gas medium from the column by of a gas-gas ejector in such a way that a vapor-gas mixture is formed at the entry thereof and supplying said mixture to a condenser for producing a gas mixture and a vapor phase condensate. The gas mixture is supplied from the condenser to a liquid-gas jet apparatus and the condensate is delivered to an additional separator. A hydrocarbon-containing condensate is removed from the additional separator for the intended use thereof and a water-containing condensate is fed to a steam generator for producing steam by supplying heat of a hot distillate evacuated from the vacuum column. The thus obtained steam is used in the gas-gas ejector as a high-pressure gas.

Abstract: A distillation tower for use in a petrochemical or petroleum operation effects liquid and vapor separation by using centrifugal force applied to the feed introduced into a ring from a tangential inlet. The feed is separated into a liquid component that flows into the bottoms section of the tower and a vapor component that flows upwardly through the core of the ring to a wash zone in the tower. De-entrainment devices are provided in the core so that the vapor swirling upwardly impacts the devices and any remaining entrained liquid is separated from the vapor. As a result, overflash with decreased resid can be collected from the wash zone and used as feed suitable for a fluid catalytic cracking operation, for example.

Abstract: A process for cracking hydrocarbon feedstock containing resid comprising: heating the feedstock, mixing the heated feedstock with a fluid and/or a primary dilution steam stream to form a mixture, flashing the mixture to form a vapor phase and a liquid phase which collect as bottoms and removing the liquid phase, separating and cracking the vapor phase, and cooling the product effluent, wherein the bottoms are maintained under conditions to effect at least partial visbreaking. The visbroken bottoms may be steam stripped to recover the visbroken molecules while avoiding entrainment of the bottoms liquid. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: An improved de-entrainment device for use in distillation towers, especially vacuum distillation towers used for fractionating petroleum atmospheric resids is in the form of a baffle which is to be located in the portion of the tower below the feed zone and at the top of the flash zone. The baffle is in the form of an apertured plate above the stripping zone and in its preferred form comprises number of radial fins or blades, resembling a static fan with openings between the fins to permit vapors from the lower portions of the tower to pass upwards through the baffle with a minimal pressure drop. The fins of the baffle are preferably oriented at an angle between 30° and 60° away from the incoming feed so that the incoming feed stream skims over the top edges of the fins.

Abstract: A one step method and system for producing nanofluids by a particle-source evaporation and deposition of the evaporant into a base fluid. The base fluid such (i.e. ethylene glycol) is placed in a rotating cylindrical drum having an adjustable heater-boat-evaporator and heat exchanger-cooler apparatus. As the drum rotates, a thin liquid layer is formed on the inside surface of the drum. A heater-boat-evaporator having an evaporant material (particle-source) placed within its boat evaporator is adjustably positioned near a portion of the rotating thin liquid layer, the evaporant material being heated thereby evaporating a portion of the evaporant material, the evaporated material absorbed by the liquid film to form nanofluid.

Abstract: A process for decoking of a process that cracks hydrocarbon feedstock containing resid and coke precursors, wherein steam is added to the feedstock to form a mixture which is thereafter separated into a vapor phase and a liquid phase by flashing in a flash/separation vessel, separating and cracking the vapor phase, and recovering cracked product. Coking of internal surfaces in and proximally downstream of the vessel is controlled by interrupting the feed flow, purging the vessel with steam, introducing an air/steam mixture to at least partially combust the coke, and resuming the feed flow when sufficient coke has been removed. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon feedstock containing resid is cracked by a process comprising: (a) heating the hydrocarbon feedstock; (b) mixing the heated hydrocarbon feedstock with steam and optionally water to form a mixture stream; (c) introducing the mixture stream to a flash/separation apparatus to form i) a vapor phase at its dew point which partially cracks and loses/or heat causing a temperature decrease and partial condensation of the vapor phase in the absence of added heat to provide coke precursors existing as uncoalesced condensate, and ii) a liquid phase; (d) removing the vapor phase as overhead and the liquid phase as bottoms from the flash/separation apparatus; (e) treating the overhead by contacting with a hydrocarbon-containing nucleating liquid substantially free of resid and comprising components boiling at a temperature of at least about 260° C. (500° F.

Abstract: A combination of differently sized structured packings in the wash zone of distillation towers is provides advantages at high vapor rates. The use of a large crimp structured packing below a smaller crimp size structured packing is advantageous for vacuum crude unit service where fouling resistance is desirable and liquid entrainment into the wash zone is a problem at high vapor rates. The tower may be operated at high vapor flux rates or C 0.4 ft/sec or higher (0.12 m/sec). An unexpected characteristic of the combinations is that the entrainment increases only slowly with increasing vapor flux rate up to Cs values of at least 0.55 ft/sec (0.17 m.sec), as compared to other packings such as random packing, grid packing and combinations of grid packing with structured packing which allow entrainment to increase sharply at high vapor rates.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ultrafiltration process for separating a heavy hydrocarbon stream to produce an enriched saturates content stream(s) utilizing an ultrafiltration separations process. The enriched saturates content streams can then be further processed in refinery and petrochemical processes that will benefit from the higher content of saturated hydrocarbons produced from this separations process. The invention may be utilized to separate heavy hydrocarbon feedstreams, such as whole crudes, topped crudes, synthetic crude blends, shale oils, oils derived from bitumen, oils derived from tar sands, atmospheric resids, vacuum resids, or other heavy hydrocarbon streams into enriched saturates content product streams. The invention provides an economical method for separating heavy hydrocarbon stream components by molecular species instead of molecular boiling points.

Abstract: The present group of inventions relates to processing of multi-component liquid mixtures (MCLM) employing reforming process, preferably for vacuum distillation of hydrocarbon mixtures and in petroleum refining and chemical industries. The inventions include the method for processing of multi-component liquid mixtures. The method of MCLM separation includes pressure feeding of a hydrocarbon liquid mixture to an a liquid-gas jet device nozzle which discharges to a vacuum chamber of liquid-gas jet device. A counter pressure jointly with the liquid-gas jet device forms a pressure surge in the vacuum chamber. The counter pressure is 0.4 to 0.7 of the magnitude of the feed pressure generated by the pump. The plant for MCLM processing includes a feed pump, a head delivery main, a discharge main, control instrumentation and a vacuum-generating device including a vacuum chamber, a liquid-gas jet device with a nozzle in the front end wall of the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum distillation system and method utilizing a low capacity vacuum producing ejector operated in parallel with a primary ejector during the Winter months enables significant reduction in the absolute pressure of a vacuum distillation column. Operation of a vacuum distillation tower at lower absolute pressures results in increased yield of desirable vacuum distillation products.

Abstract: A process for distilling paraffinic hydrocarbons comprises feeding a Fischer-Tropsh derived paraffinic hydrocarbon feedstock comprising heavy paraffinic hydrocarbons and, optionally, light and/or medium paraffinic hydrocarbons, into a distillation column. The distillation column is operated to produce usable waqx products. An overhead stream, a bottom stream, and at least one side stream, are withdrawn from the distillation column. All the wax products obtained are usable wax products.

Abstract: A vacuum distillation system and method utilizing a low capacity vacuum producing ejector operated in parallel with a primary ejector during the Winter months enables significant reduction in the absolute pressure of a vacuum distillation column. Operation of a vacuum distillation tower at lower absolute pressures results in increased yield of desirable vacuum distillation products.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed that relate generally to a process for reducing harmful or unwanted emissions during the production of asphalt, such as blue smoke. The process includes the introduction of a pump around of the wax oil fraction for re-introduction into the vacuum tower. Additional desirable features include stripping trays below the wax oil collection tray and the feed zone. The result is to produce an asphalt product that creates less blue smoke in the hot mix plant. Another desirable feature is that a product can be created that meets Performance Grade specifications with the addition of polymers or other additives.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed that relate generally to a process for reducing harmful or unwanted emissions during the production of asphalt, such as blue smoke. The process includes the introduction of a pump around of the wax oil fraction for re-introduction into the vacuum tower. Additional desirable features include stripping trays below the wax oil collection tray and the feed zone. The result is to produce an asphalt product that creates less blue smoke in the hot mix plant. Another desirable feature is that a product can be created that meets Performance Grade specifications with the addition of polymers or other additives.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to separate a light lube stock product and a heavy lube stock product from heavy dewaxed lube oils are described which maintain product specifications while utilizing conventional refinery equipment. The heavy dewaxed lube oil stream is first heated, such as in a spiral heat exchanger in the top of a vacuum stripper, with the heavy lube stock fraction, and/or with hot oil. Next, the heated heavy dewaxed lube oil stream is injected into the vacuum stripper, and fuel gas is injected at the bottom of the stripper as the stripping medium. A light lube stock fraction is removed from the upper portion of the stripper, and a heavy lube stock fraction is removed from the lower portion thereof. Optionally, the gas stripping medium is removed from the top of the stripper by a vacuum pump and used to fuel a hot oil exchanger to heat the oil which in turn is employed to heat the heavy dewaxed lube oil stream.

Abstract: Pertaining mainly to the field of the petrochemical industry the method essentially includes delivery of a motive liquid into a liquid-gas ejector from a separator by a pump, feeding a liquid-gas mixture obtained in the ejector into the separator, cooling of the motive liquid with simultaneous heating of a circulating portion of a distillation residual while the motive liquid is pumped through a heat-exchanger/heater by the pump, and maintaining such an operational mode while the temperature of mediums in the separator is higher than the temperature of the motive liquid at the nozzle inlet of the ejector, where the latter is higher than the temperature of the distillation residual at the point of discharge from a rectification column and the temperature of a gas-vapor phase at the gas inlet of the ejector is lower than the temperature of the distillation residual at the point of discharge from the column.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed that relate generally to a process for reducing harmful or unwanted emissions during the production of asphalt, such as blue smoke. The process includes the introduction of a pump around of the wax oil fraction for re-introduction into the vacuum tower. Additional desirable features include stripping trays below the wax oil collection tray and the feed zone. The result is to produce an asphalt product that creates less blue smoke in the hot mix plant. Another desirable feature is that a product can be created that meets Performance Grade specifications with the addition of polymers or other additives.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of oil refining and the petrochemical industry. The proposed plant for the distillation of a liquid has a vacuum rectification column with pipes for feed of a stock product and for bleeding of a gas-vapor phase and at least one liquid fraction; and a vacuum-producing device composed of a liquid-gas jet apparatus, a separator, a pump and a condenser. The gas intake of the liquid-gas jet apparatus is connected to the pipeline for bleeding of a gas-vapor phase, the liquid intake of the jet apparatus is connected to the discharge side of the pump and the outlet of the jet apparatus is connected to the condenser's intake. The intake of the separator is connected to the condenser's outlet, the liquid outlet of the separator is connected to the suction side of the pump and the gas outlet of the separator is connected to consumers of compressed gas.

Abstract: The invention essentially relates to a method for vacuum distillation of liquids that includes feeding a polar liquid into a vacuum-producing liquid-gas jet apparatus as a motive liquid if evacuation of a nonpolar gas-vapor medium is to be effected. Further, the method includes condensing the nonpolar gas-vapor medium, forming a gas-liquid mixture, disengaging a gaseous phase from the mixture, forming a liquid emulsion containing the polar liquid and a nonpolar condensate, separating the emulsion into continuous layers, withdrawing the nonpolar condensate and recycling the polar liquid by pumping it back into the liquid-gas jet apparatus. A nonpolar liquid is to be used as the motive liquid of the liquid-gas jet apparatus if evacuation of a polar gas-vapor medium is required. There is another variant of the method applicable when an evacuated gas-vapor medium contains both polar and nonpolar components.

Abstract: Essence of the invention is a: a liquid, whose saturated vapour pressure is not less than the pressure at the top of a rectification column, is delivered into the nozzle of a liquid-gas jet apparatus as a motive liquid; the pressure maintained in a separator represents from 1.1 to 160 times the pressure of a vapor phase at the inlet of the liquid-gas jet apparatus; condensation of easy-condensable components of the vapor phase in the motive liquid and forming of a liquid-vapor mixture take place after mixing of the vapor phase with the motive liquid; the liquid-vapor mixture is separated in the separator into a compressed gaseous component and a liquid medium. The introduced method results in an increase in efficiency of a pumping-ejector system for the distillation of a liquid product.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of the petrochemical industry. The invention essentially relates to a system and method that includes feeding of a liquid having molecular weight more than 100 (in atomic mass units) into a nozzle of an ejector as a motive liquid, and delivery of a mixed medium from the ejector into a shaped reservoir, where flow velocity is reduced and static pressure is boosted. The outlet of the ejector is connected to the inlet of the shaped reservoir, the inlet of a separator is connected to the outlet of the shaped reservoir. The introduced method and the system for its embodiment ensure a more efficient operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel type of hydrogenation reactor, to methods of hydrogenation implemented therein, and more generally to the use of such a reactor. A reactor of the invention has a double wall; said double wall comprising an outer wall (10) suitable for withstanding mechanical loads and an inner wall (20) defining the reaction volume (30) within which a reaction medium is caused to react, said inner wall (20) withstanding said reaction medium and protecting said outer wall (10) from coming into contact therewith.

Abstract: A vacuum-creating apparatus of the unit is provided with a pump and a separator, wherein the pump is connected at its inlet to the separator, a jet device is made as a liquid-gas device and is connected at its outlet, by means of a pressure main, to the separator and at its liquid input to an output of the pump, wherein the longitudinal axis of the jet device is positioned vertically, the permissible deviation from the vertical axis being .+-.15.degree., an outlet cross section of a liquid supply nozzle of the jet device is positioned at a height of from 5 m to 35 m above an inlet to the separator and an outlet section of the pressure main is positioned below the level of the liquid in the separator to form a hydraulic seal.

Abstract: A method for vacuum distillation includes separation of a liquid product delivered to a reservoir under vacuum into a vapour-gaseous phase and at least one liquid fraction, withdrawal of the vapour-gaseous phase from the reservoir using a vacuum-creating device, and subsequent separation of the vapour-gaseous phase into gas and a liquid phase by condensing performed directly in the vacumm-creating device. A portion of the liquid phase is used as a fluid working medium in the vacuum-creating device.An equipment for vacuum distillation includes a reservoir under vacuum conditions equipped with mains and a vacuum-creating device, which has an ejector, a separator and a pump, interconnected by mains.

Abstract: A method for producing a heavy crude oil from a subterranean formation via a wellbore, transporting the heavy crude oil to a market and producing a distillable hydrocarbonaceous stream from the crude oil, the method includes: producing the heavy crude oil from a subterranean formation via a wellbore, mixing the heavy crude oil with a diluent to form a mixture, transporting the mixture to a selected location and converting the heavy crude oil into a product distillate hydrocarbon stream and at least one of heat, steam, electricity and synthesis gas by separating distillable components of the heavy crude oil by distillation and converting the residual portion of the heavy crude oil in a fluidized bed to at least one of heat, steam, electricity or synthesis gas. The diluent is typically a hydrocarbonaceous distillate material which may be recovered as a separate product.

Abstract: An aromatic solvent together with methods for its preparation are described. A composition includes a paraffin fraction in an amount of from approximately 9 LV % to approximately 15 LV %; a naphthene fraction in an amount of from approximately 35 LV % to approximately 55 LV %; and an alkylbenzene fraction in an amount of from approximately 8 LV % to approximately 16 LV %. The solvent provides advantages in that the high solvency that is typical of an aromatic solvent is combined with a narrow distillation range, a high flash point and higher boiling range that is typical of an aliphatic solvent.

Abstract: A process for fractionating a heavy hydrocarbon stream to produce a lube oil fraction having a constant, predetermined flash point. A liquid stream is removed from the fractionator, cooled in response to a fractionator top temperature and returned to the fractionator above the original draw point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for re-refining used oil, in which the used oil is processed in at least one cyclonic vacuum evaporator comprising a void evaporation chamber (4) into which feedstock is tangentially injected, and in which a fraction of the feedstock is condensed in a spray condenser (7) communicating with the evaporation chamber (4).

Abstract: A process for removing and recovering specific constituents from a waste stream at higher temperatures than the boiling point of the specific waste within a compound of chemicals and inert materials forming ninety-five (95%) percent of the waste stream in the United States. In the process, the waste is moved at a specified retention time, through a heat zone, thus increasing the temperature of the waste stream. There is further provided a means to separate certain components in that waste stream, whereby the components are vaporized and are released in a gaseous state, either from a liquid or a solid within the waste stream. The gaseous components are then transferred in the gaseous state through a flow of an inert medium, such as nitrogen gas, to inhibit combustion of the components, or to prevent the combination of oxidation, or oxygen being used as a catalyst to form even more hazardous compounds.

Abstract: A process for removing and recovering specific constituents from a waste stream at higher temperatures than the boiling point of the specific constituents. In the process, the waste is moved at a specified retention time, through a heat zone, thus increasing the temperature of the waste stream. There is further provided a means to separate certain components in that waste stream whereby the components are evaporated and are released in a gaseous state, either from a liquid or a solid within the waste stream. The gaseous components are then transferred in the gaseous state through a flow of an inert medium, such as nitrogen gas, to inhibit combustion of the components, or to prevent the combination of oxidation, or oxygen being used as a catalyst to form even more hazardous compounds.

Abstract: A feed which contains vapor and liquid is introduced into a distillation column operating at a subatmospheric pressure. Vapor is allowed to rise inside the distillation column and liquid is allowed to drop to the bottom part of the distillation column. From said bottom part a liquid is passed through a transfer conduit to an external collecting vessel from which a liquid stream is withdrawn. The liquid stream is cooled and part thereof is introduced into the transfer conduit.

Abstract: The residue or residue fraction left behind during vacuum distillation in a crude oil refinery is further processed, in that it undergoes thin-film short-path distillation at a higher temperature and under a fine vacuum. Raising the temperature leads to a rise in the feed rate and to an improvement in the distillate/residue ratio.

Abstract: Rerefined used oil supplies are treated on a continuous basis so as to clarify the flow and so as to neutralize oxidation product components such as carboxylic acids which remain within the oil stocks after they have been rerefined by upstream procedures. The process is carried out on a continuous basis, and the treatment includes utilizing very low quantities of strong base for each volume of rerefined used oil that is thus treated. The treatment process includes continuously vacuum distilling a continuous flow of used oil stock and strong base composition.

Abstract: A coal liquefaction system is disclosed with a novel preasphaltene recycle from a supercritical extraction unit to the slurry mix tank wherein the recycle stream contains at least 90% preasphaltenes (benzene insoluble, pyridine soluble organics) with other residual materials such as unconverted coal and ash. This subject process results in the production of asphaltene materials which can be subjected to hydrotreating to acquire a substitute for No. 6 fuel oil. The preasphaltene-predominant recycle reduces the hydrogen consumption for a process where asphaltene material is being sought.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for the production of liquid carbonaceous fuels and solvents from carbonaceous solid fuels, especially coal.The claimed improved process includes the hydrocracking of the light SRC mixed with a suitable hydrocracker solvent. The recycle of the resulting hydrocracked product, after separation and distillation, is used to produce a solvent for the hydrocracking of the light solvent refined coal.

Abstract: An improved SRC-I two-stage coal liquefaction process which improves the product slate is provided. Substantially all of the net yield of 650.degree.-850.degree. F. heavy distillate from the LC-Finer is combined with the SRC process solvent, substantially all of the net 400.degree.-650.degree. F. middle distillate from the SRC section is combined with the hydrocracker solvent in the LC-Finer, and the initial boiling point of the SRC process solvent is increased sufficiently high to produce a net yield of 650.degree.-850.degree. F. heavy distillate of zero for the two-stage liquefaction process.

Abstract: Isolation of native petroleum surfactants for lowering interfacial tensions in aqeuous-alkaline systems. Petroleum of the type having reduced interfacial tension with water at high pH is subjected to fractionation by distillation including distillation under vacuum in the temperature range of 100.degree.-200.degree. C. to recover a surfactant fraction of the petroleum distilled in that temperature range. The fraction can be further concentrated by removing benzene-soluble components to obtain an ether-soluble residue having a density greater than water. The fraction alone, mixed with petroleum, or enriched with the residue, or the residue mixed with petroleum, can be injected as a slug into a subterranean oil reservoir to enhance tertiary recovery by alkaline water flooding. The amenability of a reservoir for alkaline flooding can be determined by separating the native surfactant fraction and measuring its interfacial tension with water at the proposed alkalinity of the floodwater.

Abstract: Bituminous sand such as oil sand or tar sand is mixed with a halogenated organic solvent which has a density greater than that of water at the same temperature. The slurry is continuously transferred to a conveyor system which is at least partially submerged in water, with the slurry being fed onto the portion of the conveyor which is submerged. As the sands move through the water on the conveyor, the organic solvent containing the bituminous material separates from the sand and forms a separate phase beneath the water. The sands ultimately move upwardly on the conveyor through the surface of the water. The organic phase is removed from beneath the water surface and the halogenated solvent is flashed therefrom in a flash evaporator chamber. Solvent vapors are withdrawn from the evaporator chamber by a compressor, and the compressed vapors are introduced into a condenser chamber.

Abstract: Isolation of native petroleum surfactants for lowering interfacial tensions in aqueous-alkaline systems. Petroleum of the type having reduced interfacial tension with water at high pH is subjected to fractionation by distillation including distillation under vacuum in the temperature range of 100.degree.-200.degree. C. to recover a surfactant fraction of the petroleum distilled in that temperature range. The fraction can be further concentrated by removing benzene-soluble components to obtain an ether-soluble residue having a density greater than water. The fraction alone, mixed with petroleum, or enriched with the residue, or the residue mixed with petroleum, can be injected as a slug into a subterranean oil reservoir to enhance tertiary recovery by alkaline water flooding. The amenability of a reservoir for alkaline flooding can be determined by separating the native surfactant fraction and measuring its interfacial tension with water at the proposed alkalinity of the floodwater.

Abstract: A system for reclaiming the individual constituents of a fuel-contaminated purging fluid by subjecting the fluid to a continuous, closed, flash distillation technique under vacuum coupled with a coalescing oil-water separation procedure.

Abstract: A simplified, essentially maintenance-free yet highly efficient distillation tower and method for waste oil rerefining is provided which allows direct vacuum distillation of additive-supplemented waste oils without chemical pretreatment thereof and yields a highly refined intermediate oil suitable for immediate use or final polishing, along with a valuable bottoms fraction usable in greases or asphalts, for example. The tower includes an upright, cylindrical chamber with a tangential waste oil inlet and cooperating internal baffle for creating a whirling oil flow pattern therewithin, along with means for maintaining the proper temperature conditions within the tower for maximizing vaporization and recovery of hydrocarbons from the waste oil while also preventing undesirable decomposition or cracking of the oil.

Abstract: A process for the separation of solids containing residues from a liquid fraction containing higher boiling fractions produced in a coal hydrogenation process at elevated temperatures and pressures. The separation process involves two expansion steps, one step in an expansion engine and a subsequent expansion-evaporation step in a pressure release means and a separator chamber, whereby the higher boiling fraction is evaporated and separated from the residue fraction. The separation process in the chamber can be facilitated by creating vacuum conditions therein, or by introducing a foreign gas, preferably heat exchange with the removed hot residue fraction, to thereby reduce the partial pressure of the evaporated higher boiling fraction. The foreign gases can be steam or/and gases obtained from the hydrogenation of the coal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for re-refining used oil, in which the used oil is processed in at least one cyclonic vacuum evaporator comprising a void evaporation chamber (4) into which feedstock is tangentially injected, and in which a fraction of the feedstock is condensed in a spray condenser (7) communicating with the evaporation chamber (4).