Abstract: Protic asphaltene ionic liquids comprising chemically modified asphaltenes are provided. The asphaltenes are modified via carboxylation and formation of alkyl and/or aryl imidazole derivatives. Chemical modification of the asphaltenes results in their stabilization e.g. in heavy petroleum crude, and prevents their aggregation and precipitation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using a three-product deasphalter to produce advantageous combinations of deasphalted oil, resin, and rock. The desaphalted oil, resin, and rock can then be further combined, optionally with other vacuum gas oil fractions produced during the distillation that generated the feed to the three-product deasphalter, to produce a product slate of improved quality while also maintaining the quality of the resulting asphalt product and reducing or minimizing the amount of lower value products generated. The additional “resin” product from the three product deasphalter can be generated by sequential deasphalting, by using a resin settler to separate resin from the deasphalted oil, or by any other convenient method.

Abstract: An integrated process is provided to produce asphalt and desulfurized oil. Sulfur molecules contained in heavy petroleum fractions, including organosulfur molecules, and in certain embodiments organonitrogen molecules are oxidized. The polar oxidized sulfur compounds shift from the oil phase to the asphalt phase.

Abstract: A high coking value pitch prepared from coal tar distillate and has a low softening point and a high carbon value while containing substantially no quinoline insolubles is disclosed. The pitch can be used as an impregnant or binder for producing carbon and graphite articles.

Abstract: A method for processing asphaltenes is disclosed. The method can include separating asphaltenes from an asphaltene-containing composition and oxidizing the separated asphaltenes to form oxidation products. Alternatively, the method can include oxidizing asphaltenes within an asphaltene-containing composition without first separating the asphaltenes. Once formed, the oxidation products can be combined with other hydrocarbons. The amount of oxidation can be limited to an amount sufficient to produce a mixture suitable for the desired application. This method can be used to upgrade asphaltenes from a variety of sources, including oil sands. The oxidation step can be performed, for example, by introducing an oxidizing agent and, in some cases, a catalyst into the asphaltenes. A solvent or miscibility agent also can be introduced to improve mixing between the oxidizing agent and the asphaltenes.

Abstract: It has been unexpectedly found that the solvent extracted aromatic cut of heavy vacuum gas oil can be oxidized to produce an adhesive composition that has all the needed attributes of a self seal adhesive for asphalt roofing shingles. This self seal adhesive composition offers numerous benefits and advantages over conventional self seal adhesives for roofing applications. For instance, it does not require any volatile organic solvents and is accordingly environmentally friendly. Additionally, it does not contain any asphalt or polymers and will not phase separate and accordingly offers excellent long term stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an industrial asphalt comprising (1) heating an asphalt flux to a temperature which is within the range of about 400° F. (204° C.) to 550° F. (288° C.) to produce a hot asphalt flux, (2) sparging an oxygen containing gas through the hot asphalt flux for a period of time which is sufficient to increase the softening point of the asphalt flux to a value of at least 100° F. (38° C.), to produce an underblown asphalt composition; and (3) mixing a sufficient amount of a polyphosphoric acid throughout the underblown asphalt composition while the underblown asphalt composition is maintained at a temperature which is within the range of 200° F. (93° C.) to 550° F. (288° C.) to attain a softening point which is within the range of 185° F. (85° C.) to 250° F. (121° C.) and a penetration value of at least 15 dmm at 77° F. (25° C.) to produce the industrial asphalt.

Abstract: Apparatus for modifying bitumen. The apparatus includes a multi-section loop tube reactor A circulation pump (11) circulates bitumen in the reactor (10) and air is introduced at air injection point (13). Bitumen is introduced into the reactor (10) at inlet (14) by variable speed pump P1. A plurality of mixers (15) are located between the air injection point (13) and a head section (24) beyond which is an outlet (27) where modified bitumen is drawn off by variable speed pump P2.

Abstract: A method for processing asphaltenes is disclosed. The method can include separating asphaltenes from an asphaltene-containing composition and oxidizing the separated asphaltenes to form oxidation products. Alternatively, the method can include oxidizing asphaltenes within an asphaltene-containing composition without first separating the asphaltenes. Once formed, the oxidation products can be combined with other hydrocarbons. The amount of oxidation can be limited to an amount sufficient to produce a mixture suitable for the desired application. This method can be used to upgrade asphaltenes from a variety of sources, including oil sands. The oxidation step can be performed, for example, by introducing an oxidizing agent and, in some cases, a catalyst into the asphaltenes. A solvent or miscibility agent also can be introduced to improve mixing between the oxidizing agent and the asphaltenes.

Abstract: A binder pitch material includes a petroleum pitch and asphalt fraction obtained from petroleum crude oil and has a significantly lower polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composition than a coal tar pitch having a like softening point. The pitch material is useful as a binder material for various applications such as clay pigeons.

Abstract: A binder pitch material includes a petroleum pitch and asphalt fraction obtained from petroleum crude oil and has a significantly lower polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composition than a coal tar pitch having a like softening point. The pitch material is useful as a binder material for various applications such as clay pigeons.

Abstract: The present invention provides a way to process heavier hydrocarbons in a relatively low cost and low pressure process using a combination of superheated steam and at least one reaction gas to i) promote oxidation and thermal reaction of heavier hydrocarbons, while simultaneously ii) removing volatile components with a steam stripping process.

Abstract: A method for processing asphaltenes is disclosed. The method can include separating asphaltenes from an asphaltene-containing composition and oxidizing the separated asphaltenes to form oxidation products. Alternatively, the method can include oxidizing asphaltenes within an asphaltene-containing composition without first separating the asphaltenes. Once formed, the oxidation products can be combined with other hydrocarbons. The amount of oxidation can be limited to an amount sufficient to produce a mixture suitable for the desired application. This method can be used to upgrade asphaltenes from a variety of sources, including oil sands. The oxidation step can be performed, for example, by introducing an oxidizing agent and, in some cases, a catalyst into the asphaltenes. A solvent or miscibility agent also can be introduced to improve mixing between the oxidizing agent and the asphaltenes.

Abstract: A method for determination for a given oil the relative stability of a water-in-oil emulsion that will be formed by that oil with water comprises measuring for the given oil the weight percent asphaltenes (A), total acid number (TAN), and ratio of the amount of naphthenic acids in the 450+ molecular weight to 450 molecular weight range (R); calculating an emulsion stability parameter, S=A+TAN*R; and determining whether the emulsion stability parameter, S, is greater than about 3; with a value above 3 being determinative of an emulsion more stable than one with a value less than 3.

Abstract: A binder pitch material includes a petroleum pitch and asphalt fraction obtained from petroleum crude oil and has a significantly lower polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composition than a coal tar pitch having a like softening point. The pitch material is useful as a binder material for various applications such as clay pigeons.

Abstract: The invention includes a compositon of matter comprising a heavy oil having dispersed therein surface modified solid wherein said surface modified solids comprise solids having adsorbed thereon air oxidized polar hydrocarbons from said heavy oil and wherein said surface modified solids have a diameter of about 10 microns or less and a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: A solvating component for a solvated mesophase pitch. The solvated component includes a mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons having boiling points in the atmospheric equivalent boiling point range of about 285° to about 500° C. (about 550° F.-932° F.). At least 80% of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbons are aromatic as characterized by carbon 13 NMR. The aromatic hydrocarbons are selected from a group consisting of aromatic compounds having 2 to 5 aromatic rings, substituted aromatic compounds having 2 to 5 aromatic rings wherein said substituents are alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbons, hydroaromatic compounds having 2 to 5 rings, substituted aromatic compounds having 2 to 5 rings wherein said substituents are alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbons, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for thermosetting pitch fibers in reduced times, at low concentrations of oxygen and at higher temperatures than previously possible. Additionally, the present invention provides a pitch fiber which has an oxygen diffusion rate to the center of the fiber which is competitive with the rate of oxidation at the fiber's surface. Further, the present invention provides a high density pitch fiber batt which thermosets without loss of fiber structure.

Abstract: A method for producing a high-flash-point impregnating pitch that comprises charging coal tar into a batch still; heating the coal tar to an intermediate liquid state of soft pitch; maintaining the intermediate temperature of the soft pitch at a steady level; and introducing sparging gas while maintaining the temperature of the coal tar at a substantially steady level. The method of the present invention provides a pitch that has a softening point of about 90° C. and a flash point of above about 270° C.

Abstract: The invention includes a compositon of matter comprising a heavy oil having dispersed therein surface modified solid wherein said surface modified solids comprise solids having adsorbed thereon air oxidized polar hydrocarbons from said heavy oil and wherein said surface modified solids have a diameter of about 10 microns or less and a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: In a method for reducing hydrogen chloride emissions from an asphalt air-blowing process, an asphalt is subjected to an air-blowing process where air is bubbled through hot asphalt to raise the softening point of the asphalt. The fumes from the air-blowing process are bubbled through a liquid seal in a knockout tank before going to an incinerator and finally being emitted to the atmosphere. The knockout tank normally operates to condense oil in the fume stream, and the liquid seal is composed of this oil, as well as some of the water evolved in the air-blowing process. When using ferric chloride or ferrous chloride as a catalyst in the air-blowing process, the fume stream contains significant levels of hydrogen chloride.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for oxidizing an organic liquid, and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for improving the combustion characteristics of petroleum-based hydrocarbon liquids. The present invention further relates to a method and apparatus for producing an oxidizing gas which comprises substantial amounts of O.sub.3.sup.-2.

Abstract: A process for converting the acid sludge produced by waste oil refineries into an intermediate sludge which can be used in the production of either soft, un-oxidized asphalt or hard, oxidized asphalt, and a process for converting the intermediate sludge into soft, un-oxidized asphalt. The process comprises contacting the entire surface area of acid sludge with a pH altering agent such as water or a solid base such as lime, caustic soda, or soda ash, to convert the acid sludge into a layer of liquid and a layer of intermediate sludge. Then the liquid layer is separated from the intermediate sludge layer, thereby producing an intermediate sludge having properties which make it suitable for use in asphalt production. To produce soft, un-oxidized asphalt, the intermediate sludge is heated to a temperature above the boiling point of water and held at that temperature long enough to remove all the aqueous components to create un-oxidized asphalt.

Abstract: An improved wiped film evaporator (WFE) process for removing low molecular weight species from a hydrocarbyl mixture is disclosed, wherein partial oxidation of a hydrocarbyl mixture precedes the WFE step. Faster rates of distillation are achieved without significant deterioration of hydrocarbyl product properties. Such products can include carbon fiber precursor materials. Similar faster rates are provided by adding higher softening point hydrocarbyl materials with or without prior partial oxidation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing a softer asphalt product with improved low temperature properties and reduced solids buildup from an asphalt feed which comprises measuring the penetration and Penetration Index of the asphalt feed and heat soaking the asphalt feed in the presence of at least one C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon as dehydrogenation agent wherein from about 0.05 to about 10 wt. % of the dehydrogenation agent, based on weight of the asphalt, is present during heat soaking, at a temperature ranging between about 300.degree. C. and about 400.degree. C., said temperature being sufficient to increase the penetration and Penetration Index over that of the asphalt feed provided that the temperature should not exceed the temperature at which onset of coking occurs and further provided that the asphalt product has a trichloroethylene solubles content of at least about 99.5 wt. %, based on asphalt.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing asphalt that has improved low temperature properties. More specifically, the penetration and Penetration Index of an asphalt can be increased if the asphalt is heat soaked in the presence of a dehydrogenation agent at a temperature above the temperature at which oxidation of the asphalt occurs and below the temperature at which coking is initiated. Polyvinyl chloride and a chlorinated wax are preferred dehydrogenation agents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying the physical properties of a bituminous material which comprises heating at an elevated temperature a mixture comprising:(a) 0.1 to 20.0 percent by weight phosphoric acid;(b) 1 to 15 percent by weight solvent deasphalted bottoms; and(c) a bituminous material to make up 100 percent by weight, said bituminous material comprising vacuum distilled asphalt.

Abstract: The process permits to produce bitumens having a high penetration value by oxidation of base bitumens with small volumes of gaseous oxidizers, preferably air, at a temperature between 170.degree. and 250.degree., preferably 200.degree. C., by turbodispersion of the gaseous phase in the bituminous mass by means of a rapid turbodisperser.By adding appropriate fluxes and operating in the presence of catalysts, the technological characteristics of the end product can be varied until obtaining blends of bitumens that are adapted for new applications.The turbodisperser is provided with an impeller constituted by a plane disk carrying on its periphery a series of teeth made preferably with the active side located on the diameter of the impeller and the angle at the vertex greater than 45.degree..

Abstract: A plasticizer for use in the manufacture of pitch which forms a fluid at room temperature consisting essentially of a tar composed of low molecular weight and polymerized aromatic hydrocarbons having a molecular weight distribution characteristic which is bimodel. The plasticizer is formed by reacting a tar or distillate precursor with oxygen under controlled conditions of temperature and time.

Abstract: An improved process for producing an anisotropic pitch product suitable for carbon fiber manufacture. A carbonaceous feedstock substantially free of mesophase pitch is heated for a period of time at an elevated temperature while passing an oxidatively reactive sparging gas such as a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen through the feedstock. The oxidatively treated feedstock is then subjected to a heat soak, for a longer period of time in the absence of a sparging gas. Thereafter the heat soaked feedstock is heated at an elevated temperature in the presence of a non-oxidative sparging gas for a time period equal to or less than the heat soak to produce an anisotropic pitch having from 50 to 100% by volume mesophase which is suitable for producing good quality carbon fibers.

Abstract: An improved process for producing an anisotropic pitch product suitable for carbon fiber manufacture. A carbonaceous feedstock substantially free of mesophase pitch is heated at elevated temperature while passing an oxidatively reactive sparging gas such as air through the feedstock. The oxidatively treated feedstock, which remains substantially free of mesophase pitch, is then heated at a higher temperature in the presence of a non-oxidative sparging gas to produce an anisotropic pitch having from 50 to 100% by volume mesophase which is suitable for producing good quality carbon fibers.

Abstract: An improved process for producing an anisotropic pitch product suitable for carbon fiber manufacture. A carbonaceous feedstock substantially free of mesophase pitch is heated at elevated temperature while passing an oxidatively reactive sparging gas such as air through the feedstock. The oxidatively treated feedstock, which contains isotropic pitch, is solvent fractionated to recover a solid pitch which on fusion becomes an anisotropic pitch product having from 50 to 100 percent by volume mesophase. In one aspect of the invention the carbonaceous feedstock is oxidatively treated in a melt phase at a lower temperature and the resulting isotropic pitch is then heated at a higher temperature in a melt phase in the presence or absence of a non-oxidative sparging gas prior to solvent fractionation.

Abstract: Method of producing a baseoil having a reduced coking tendency by removing precursors from the baseoil. Baseoil having reduced coking tendencies which comprises a substantially no coking precursors therein.

Abstract: A pitch which affords a carbon fiber having a high strength and a high elastic modulus is obtained by treating a pitch containing 5 to 35 wt. % of an optically anisotropic region with an oxidizing gas, followed by hydrogenation treatment if required.

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbons are oxidized in the presence of an organic surfactant promoter.

Abstract: A method for producing an impregnating petroleum pitch in two steps. In the first step, aromatic oils undergo polymerization with a controlled feed of an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature of less than 700.degree. F to a softening point of from about 30.degree. to about 100.degree. C, and in a second step, the pitch is stripped under controlled conditions in an inert environment to a softening point of between 100.degree.-135.degree. C. This low temperature with controlled stripping permits the formation of an impregnating pitch having a beta resin content of less than about 15% with a low quinoline insolubles content, and a Conradson Carbon of about 50%.Benzene Insolubles, as herein disclosed, are determined by ASTM D-2317; Quinoline Insolubles are determined by ASTM D-2318; Conradson Carbon is determined by ASTM D-189; and Softening Point by ASTM D-3104.

Abstract: A process having a particular sequence of steps, each under specified conditions, for preparing a petroleum pitch binder suitable for electrodes used in smelting aluminum is disclosed. In the essential steps of the invention a decant oil petroleum fraction is heat treated under pressure, the treated material is flashed to a lower pressure, and finally the material is oxy-activated under elevated temperature conditions to form a petroleum pitch having the desired properties.

Abstract: A process having a specified sequence of steps for preparing a petroleum pitch binder suitable for electrodes used in smelting aluminum is disclosed, in which a decant oil petroleum fraction is oxy-activated under specified conditions of temperature, pressure, and time, then heat treated under other specified conditions, and finally distilled under specified conditions to form a petroleum pitch having desired properties.

Abstract: The production of normal and premium lube grade blending stocks of 100, 300 and 700 second neutral material along with high boiling by-product material for the manufacture of asphalts is improved by using a low pressure vacuum tower provided with an overflash separation in the tower bottom from resid.