Abstract: A system for purifying petroleum or oil shale is provided. The system includes a pressurized cracking tank configured to receive petroleum or crushed oil shale; and a rotary kiln configured to receive product from the pressurized cracking tank. A method of processing petroleum or oil shale is also provided. The method includes feeding the petroleum or the oil shale into a pressurized cracking tank; heating the petroleum or the oil shale to withdraw oil vapors containing hydrocarbons; and feeding the petroleum or the oil shale from the pressurized cracking tank into a rotating kiln.

Abstract: Microscopy techniques may be used to visualize polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons where an optical microscope is combined with an imaging device. The combination of these devices allows for images to be produced when visualized in the near infrared spectrum, such as a wavelength ranging from about 700 nm to about 2500 nm to be passed through the optical microscope.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a low-pyrophoricity, transportable, storable dewatered solid fuel from a low rank coal, includes a mixing vessel 1 in which an oil containing a solvent oil is mixed with a coal to prepare a raw material slurry; evaporators 2 and 3 that evaporate moisture from the raw material slurry; a solid-liquid separator that performs solid-liquid separation on the slurry from which moisture has been evaporated; and an element that adds a heavy oil to the slurry after the completion of or in the course of evaporating moisture.

Abstract: A multi-stage catalytic process for the direct liquefaction of coal is utilized with a hydrotreater to first liquefy and subsequently treat the product in one integrated process. A fresh hydrogenation catalyst is used to reduce heteroatoms (S, N) from coal liquids in the downstream hydrotreater. This catalyst is then cascaded and re-used in the direct coal liquefaction process, first in the low temperature Stage 1, and then re-used in the high temperature Stage 2. Coal liquid products have very low contaminants and can be readily used to produce gasoline and diesel fuel. Catalyst requirements are substantially lowered utilizing this novel process.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems and methods for pretreating a carbonaceous material, comprising heating to a suitable temperature and for a suitable reaction time, a mixture comprising the carbonaceous material, one or more catalysts or catalyst precursors and a hydrocarbonaceous liquid.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems and methods for pretreating a carbonaceous material, comprising heating to a suitable temperature and for a suitable reaction time, a mixture comprising the carbonaceous material, one or more catalysts or catalyst precursors, and a hydrocarbonaceous liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to processes that integrate CO2-producing conversions of hydrocarbonaceous assets with biofuels processes that utilize CO2 in photosynthesis. In some embodiments, such processes involve the absorption of CO2 in an absorption liquid. In some such embodiments, such absorption is carried out in an absorption tower. In some other such embodiments, there is a subsequent desorption of the CO2. Generally, at least some of the CO2 captured by the absorption liquid is used to grow microbes or diatom species.

Abstract: A process for producing fuel from biomass is disclosed herein. The process includes torrefying biomass material at a temperature between 80° C. and 300° C. to form particulated biomass having a mean average particle size from about 1 ?m to about 1000 ?m. The particulated biomass is mixed with a liquid to form a suspension, wherein the liquid comprises bio-oil, wherein the suspension includes between 1 weight percent to 40 weight percent particulated biomass. The suspension is fed into a hydropyrolysis reactor; and at least a portion of the particulated biomass of the suspension is converted into fuel.

Abstract: Applicants have developed a new residuum full hydroconversion slurry reactor system that allows the catalyst, unconverted oil, hydrogen, and converted oil to circulate in a continuous mixture throughout an entire reactor with no confinement of the mixture. The mixture is separated internally, within one of more of the reactors, to separate only the converted oil and hydrogen into a vapor product while permitting the unconverted oil and the slurry catalyst to continue on into the next sequential reactor as a liquid product. A portion of the unconverted oil is then converted to lower boiling point hydrocarbons in the next reactor, once again creating a mixture of unconverted oil, hydrogen, converted oil, and slurry catalyst. Further hydroprocessing may occur in additional reactors, fully converting the oil. The oil may alternately be partially converted, leaving a concentrated catalyst in unconverted oil which can be recycled directly to the first reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for intensifying the energy content of an organic material by converting the material into hydrocarbons and the resulting product thereof. A method for converting an organic material into hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of pressurising said organic material being in a fluid to a pressure above 225 bar, heating said organic material in said fluid to a temperature above 200 C in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst comprising a compound of at least one element of group IA of the periodic table of elements. The disclosed method further comprises the steps of contacting said organic material in said fluid with a heterogeneous catalyst comprising a compound of at least one element of group IVB of the periodic table and/or alpha-alumina assuring that said fluid has initially a pH value of above 7.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method of providing water management and utilization during the process of dewatering and retorting of oil shale. More specifically, the process described relates to co-producing potable and non-potable water, for various uses, during the extraction of petroleum from shale oil deposits. Generally, the process allows the production of multiple streams of waters or varying salinity and pressures at least one of which is of high enough pressure for reinsertion into geological formations or reservoirs, and another which may supply a potable water source. In one embodiment, the high pressure required for reinserting the non-potable water into geological formation or reservoirs may be utilized for producing the potable water supply. In another embodiment, the non-potable water supply may also be used for entraining and sequestering undesired emissions, such as CO2.

Abstract: The present development is a multistage process for converting solid hydrocarbon resources into synthetic oil. The process comprises a raw hydrocarbon material treatment stage, followed by a pyrolysis stage, and then a synthetic liquid upgrading stage. Throughout the process, heat is transferred to the hydrocarbon resources via recyclable ceramic spheres.

Abstract: Applicants have developed a new residuum full hydroconversion slurry reactor system that allows the catalyst, unconverted oil and converted oil to circulate in a continuous mixture throughout an entire reactor with no confinement of the mixture. The mixture is partially separated in between the reactors to remove only the products and hydrogen gas, while permitting the unconverted oil and the slurry catalyst to continue on into the next sequential reactor. A portion of the unconverted oil is then converted to lower boiling point hydrocarbons, once again creating a mixture of unconverted oil, products, hydrogen, and slurry catalyst. Further hydroprocessing may occur in additional reactors, fully converting the oil. Additional oil may be added at the interstage feed inlet, possibly in combination with slurry. The oil may alternately be partially converted, leaving a highly concentrated catalyst in unconverted oil which can be recycled directly to the first reactor.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyethylene from “feed ethylene” comprises: a) a hydrogenation stage in which “feed ethylene” containing impurities or secondary components such as acetylene and ethane is reacted with hydrogen to remove the acetylene by catalytic hydrogenation to form ethylene and part of the ethylene is converted into ethane, and b) a polymerization stage in which the ethylene leaving stage a) is reacted in the gas phase in a fluidized-bed reactor to form polyethylene, where the fluidizing gas used comprises, on entering the reactor, ethene and from 20 to 70% by volume of ethane, based on the total volume of the fluidizing gas, possibly together with further components, where, in a), ethylene is converted in a targeted manner into ethane in addition to the ethane already present in the “feed ethylene” so that the concentration specified in b) results. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: The method involves measuring hydrogen permeation in the tubes by mass spectrometry, wherein the tube is inserted into a high or ultrahigh vacuum device in which a mass spectrometer and a total pressure gauge are located. H2 or H2 and inert gas mixtures are circulated inside the tube at the required partial pressure. The tube is then heated and the appearance of H2 outside the tube is observed. The flow thereof inside the tube and emergence time, called permeation time, are determined based on permeation curves. The emergence time of the first microcrack is also determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for producing synthetic crude oil from oil bearing material, e.g., oil shale or tar sand, through continuous process for producing synthetic crude oil from bituminous tar sand or shale. The process includes treating the tar sand or shale to produce a fluidizable feed, feeding the fluidizable feed to a fluidized bed reactor, and fluidizing and reacting the fluidizable feed in the fluidized bed reactor with substantially only hydrogen.

Abstract: A multi-stage catalytic hydrogenation and hydroconversion process for heavy hydrocarbon feed materials such as coal, heavy petroleum fractions, and plastic waste materials. In the process, the feedstock is reacted in a first-stage, back-mixed catalytic reactor with a highly dispersed iron-based catalyst having a powder, gel or liquid form. The reactor effluent is pressure-reduced, vapors and light distillate fractions are removed overhead, and the heavier liquid fraction is fed to a second stage back-mixed catalytic reactor. The first and second stage catalytic reactors are operated at 700-850° F. temperature, 1000-3500 psig hydrogen partial pressure and 20-80 lb./hr per ft3 reactor space velocity. The vapor and light distillates liquid fractions removed from both the first and second stage reactor effluent streams are combined and passed to an in-line, fixed-bed catalytic hydrotreater for heteroatom removal and for producing high quality naphtha and mid-distillate or a full-range distillate product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for producing synthetic crude oil from oil bearing material, e.g., oil shale or tar sand, through continuous feeding and calcining, hydrocracking and hydrogenating kerogen or bitumen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for producing synthetic crude oil from oil bearing material, e.g., oil shale or tar sand, through continuous loading, calcining and unloading operations in three triangularly placed reactor tubes that are loaded with oil bearing material from a common feed source.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for converting a carbonaceous material to a liquid product using a hydrogen donor solvent. More specifically, this invention relates to a process for hydroconverting carbonaceous material in which a 400.degree.-1000.degree. F. hydroconversion product fraction is further hydrocracked and a hydrocracked fraction is used as the hydrogen donor solvent. An increased quantity of liquid product is achieved by removing an ash residuum from the hydroconversion product fraction prior to the hydrocracking process.

Abstract: A method for hydro-liquefying coal, the method comprising preheating a slurried mixture of a pulverized coal and a solvent, the preheated mixture being supplied to a plurality of reactors; separating a gaseous content from the products resulting from the reaction; dehydrating the gaseous content and removing a light oil content therefrom, thereby obtaining hydrogen-content gases; and recycling the hydrogen-content gases at least to the first reactor and supplying it to the bottom thereof so that the light oil content in the solvent is stripped.

Abstract: A composition consisting essentially of a carbonaceous solid containing at least one carboxyl group is heated with subcritical liquid water at decarboxylation conditions including a temperature of at least about 300.degree. F. to substantially decarboxylate the solid, thereby producing a stream comprising a decarboxylated solid and water. The water is separated from the decarboxylated solid prior to liquefying the solid.

Abstract: A process for catalytic multi-stage hydrogenation and liquefaction of coal to produce high yields of low-boiling hydrocarbon liquids containing low concentrations of nitogen compounds. First stage catalytic reaction conditions are 700.degree.-800.degree. F. temperature, 1500-3500 psig hydrogen partial pressure, with the space velocity maintained in a critical range of 10-40 lb coal/hr ft.sup.3 catalyst settled volume. The first stage catalyst has 0.3-1.2 cc/gm total pore volume with at least 25% of the pore volume in pores having diameters of 200-2000 Angstroms. Second stage reaction conditions are 760.degree.-870.degree. F. temperature with space velocity exceeding that in the first stage reactor, so as to achieve increased hydrogenation yield of low-boiling hydrocarbon liquid products having at least 75% removal of nitrogen compounds from the coal-derived liquid products.

Abstract: A process for the hydrogenation of coal which entails slurrying pulverized coal with oil, hydrogenating the mixture at an elevated temperature and pressure and separating the liquid and solid reaction products from the gaseous reaction products, wherein the slurry oil contains non-process derived hydrocarbon mixtures having a boiling range above about 200.degree. C., in the amount of about 30-100% by weight with the remainder of the slurry oil being process derived oils having a boiling range above about 200.degree. C.

Abstract: A two-stage catalytic hydroconversion process using a large-pore catalyst in the first stage reactor and a small-pore catalyst in the second stage reactor in the two-stage process for hydroconversion of coal or petroleum asphaltene feed materials to produce distillate liquid fuels. The large-pore catalyst is characterized by having pore diameters larger than 1000.ANG. occupying a major portion of the catalyst total pore volume of 0.2 to 1.0 cc/gm, and the small-pore catalyst is characterized by having pore diameters smaller than 1000.ANG. occupying a major portion of the catalyst total pore volume.

Abstract: An energy integrated process for the production of a synthetic crude oil product from heavier oils and coal in which coal is pyrolyzed and a combined feedstock of coal, coal volatiles and a heavy oil product is co-processed to produce a synergistic yield of light crude oil compatible with the refining capabilities of existing conventional refineries.

Abstract: A process for catalytic two-stage hydrogenation and liquefaction of coal with selective extinction recycle of all heavy liquid fractions boiling above a distillation cut point of about 600.degree.-750.degree. F. to produce increased yields of low-boiling hydrocarbon liquid and gas products. In the process, the particulate coal feed is slurried with a process-derived liquid solvent normally boiling above about 650.degree. F. and fed into a first stage catalytic reaction zone operated at conditions which promote controlled rate liquefaction of the coal, while simultaneously hydrogenating the hydrocarbon recycle oils. The first stage reactor is maintained at 710.degree.-800.degree. F. temperature, 1000-4000 psig hydrogen partial pressure, and 10-90 lb/hr per ft.sup.3 catalyst space velocity. Partially hydrogenated material withdrawn from the first stage reaction zone is passed directly to the second stage catalytic reaction zone maintained at 760.degree.-860.degree. F.

Abstract: A coal liquefaction process using ionic liquefaction techniques with polar solvent solubilizing agents and water soluble inorganic compounds, produces a carbonaceous liquefaction product which is separated from the process stream by the use of methanol as a partitioning agent and the methanol and solubilizing agent are recovered separately for reuse.

Abstract: A multi-stage catalytic process for hydrogenation and liquefaction of coal using ebullated-bed catalytic reactors to produce low-boiling hydrocarbon liquid products, in which used catalyst is removed from a lower temperature first stage reactor operating at temperature not exceeding about 800.degree. F. and cascaded forward to a higher temperature second stage reactor for further use therein. Reaction conditions in the first stage reactor are preferably 700.degree.-800.degree. F. temperature, 1000-4000 psig hydrogen partial pressure, and a coal feed rate of 10-90 lb coal/hr per ft.sup.3 catalyst settled volume in the reactor. Useful higher temperature or second stage reaction conditions are 750.degree.-850.degree. F. temperature, and 1000-4000 psig hydrogen partial pressure.

Abstract: An improved tar sands derived bitumen and coal liquification process is disclosed wherein substantial percentages of subdivided coal particles and tar sands derived bitumen liquids are mixed and then corefined with hydrogen under hydrocracking conditions, but in the absence of a separate catalyst, at a temperature range of 800.degree. to 900.degree. F. and a pressure of about 2400 psig. The resutling fluid after removal of residual solids is a suitable liquid feedstock for conventional refinery equipment to produce petroleum fractions useful as transportation and heating fuels. Preferably, a portion of the corefined bitumen-coal liquid product may be recycled for mixture with the bitumen liquid and coal. Raw or native tar sands may also be mixed with the liquid butumen and coal in the process.

Abstract: A process for the hydrogenolysis of a coal liquid bottom containing benzene-insoluble components and having a boiling point of at least 420.degree. C., which comprises:(a) hydrogenating the coal liquid bottom at a temperature of not higher than 350.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst comprising an alkali metal and/or an alkaline earth metal and a metal of Group VI A of the Periodic Table to reduce the content of the benzene-insoluble components in the fraction having a boiling point of at least 420.degree. C., to a level of not higher than 10% by weight, and then(b) subjecting the product to hydrogenolysis at a temperature of higher than 350.degree. C. and not higher than 450.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst comprising a metal of Group VI A of the Periodic Table.

Abstract: A starting slurry composed of raw brown coal and a solvent is heated and pressurized, subjected to gas-liquid separation and dehydration and then to hydrogenation/liquefaction. The CO.sub.2 -containing gas produced in the preheating/dehydration step and/or a CO.sub.2 -containing gas supplied from outside the system is blown into the slurry in the above-mentioned preheating/dehydration step, whereby carbonate-forming metal components in the brown coal are converted to the carbonates thereof in advance. In this manner, the hydrogenation/liquefaction efficiency is improved, and stabilized long-term continuous operation is attained.

Abstract: A method for pretreating a coal hydrogenation feedstock with preheated hydrogen containing a hydrogenation gas under high pressure and at elevated temperature, in a liquid phase slurry system, is disclosed. In this process a mixture of a slurry of finely ground coal and a slurry oil are fed to a preheater before being subjected to a hydrogenation and liquefaction reaction in a cascade of reactors at a pressure of from 100 to 40 bars and a temperature of 420.degree. to 490.degree. C. The reaction products are fed to a hot separator.In the process of the invention, prior to its preheating, a first partial stream of the hydrogenation gas, referred to as the slurry gas, is added to the mixture at process pressure. A second partial stream of the hydrogenation gas is heated by indirect heat exchange with a gaseous hot separator product in a gas heat exchanger.

Abstract: A process for the production of reformer feed and heating or diesel oil from coal which comprises introducing a pulverized coal-oil slurry together with a hydrogenation gas into a liquid-phase hydrogenation stage; remoping solids-containing residue from the discharge from the liquid phase hydrogenation stage, cooling the resulting residue-free volatile coal-oil fraction from the discharge and, if necessary, removing a slurry oil fraction therefrom before feeding the volatile coal-oil fraction to a gas-phase hydrogenation stage; introducing fresh hydrogen which is substantially free of contaminants into the gas-phase hydrogenation stage together with the volatile coal-oil fraction, the fresh hydrogen introduced into the gas-phase hydrogenation stage constituting the entire amount of hydrogen required for the process; and utilizing the waste-gas from the gas-phase hydrogenation as the hydrogenation gas for the liquid-phase hydrogenation.

Abstract: A method of liquefying coal in which coal is mixed with a process solvent comprising at least partially hydrogenated coal tar material to produce a coal-solvent slurry. This slurry is treated under coal-liquefying conditions, preferably including a hydrogen atmosphere and elevated temperatures, to produce a solution containing coal liquefaction products. These products are recovered from the solution. Recovered, process-derived solvent material may be recycled in order to supplement the at least partially hydrogenated coal tar material as an ingredient of the process solvent.

Abstract: A process for the solvent refining of coal to distillable, pentane soluble products using a dephenolated and denitrogenated recycle solvent and a recycled, pentane-insoluble, solvent-refined coal material, which process provides enhanced oil-make in the conversion of coal.

Abstract: An improved process for catalytic solvent refining or hydroliquefaction of non-anthracitic coal at elevated temperatures under hydrogen pressure in a solvent comprises using as catalyst a mixture of a 1,2- or 1,4-quinone and an alkaline compound, selected from ammonium, alkali metal, and alkaline earth metal oxides, hydroxides or salts of weak acids.

Abstract: Improved catalysts for catalytic solvent refining or hydroliquefaction of non-anthracitic coal at elevated temperatures under hydrogen pressure in a hydrogen donor solvent comprise a combination of zinc or copper, or a compound thereof, and a Group VI or non-ferrous Group VIII metal, or a compound thereof.

Abstract: A coal liquefaction process comprising reacting coal with a hydrocarbonaceous solvent at coal liquefaction conditions in the presence of an oil shale residue catalyst comprising organic and inorganic fractions. The oil shale residue catalyst is derived by heating an oil shale in the presence of an inert gas with respect to the oil shale at a temperature of 500.degree.-825.degree. F.

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: In accordance with the invention, during hydrogenation by means of sump phase hydrogenation followed by gas-phase hydrogenation, the high boiling fractions are separated from the lower boiling vapor fractions, after leaving the hot precipitation head, by partial condensation in an intermediate precipitator with the result that the gas-phase reactor has a better service life and optimum reaction conditions can be provided. The improved process results in an improved quality of solvent for the sump phase hydrogenation.

Abstract: Sub-bituminous coal is directly liquefied in two stages by use of a liquefaction solvent containing insoluble material as well as 850.degree. F.+ material and 850.degree. F.- material derived from the second stage, and controlled temperature and conversion in the second stage. The process is in hydrogen balance.

Abstract: Moisture- and ash-free coking coal is micronized and admixed with a recycle oil, whereafter it is rapidly hydrogenated and one portion of the residue of the fractional distillation of the hydrogenation product is sent to hydrotreating, together with hydrogen. Conventional catalysts can be used both for the hydrogenation and the hydrotreating.A gaseous fraction, consisting of water vapor, hydrogen sulphide, ammonia and C1-C4 hydrocarbon is obtained along with gasoline.Gasoil can be obtained together with gasoline.

Abstract: Methods for the physical and operational integration of a carbonaceous gasification plan, a gaseous fuel synthesis plant and a power generation station to economincally produce synfuel and electrical power comprising producing gases comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen from carbonaceous raw materials in a gasification unit wherein the gasification unit utilizes exhaust steam from a power generating unit to provide various energy needs for producing synthesis gas, utilizing the hydrogen derived from the gasification unit in the liquefying and hydrogenation of coal or hydrogenation of natural gas in a fuel synthesis unit wherein the heat generated from the exothermic reactions in the fuel synthesis unit is employed to generate high pressure steam which is fed to a power generation unit to drive electrical power producing turbines wherein the exhaust steam from the turbine is used in the gasification unit as a heat source during gasification and collecting of steam condensate from the exhaust steam and recycl

Abstract: A continuous process for recovering shale oil from raw oil shale using a new integrated hydropyrolysis/thermal pyrolysis technique which produces high yields of improved quality liquid hydrocarbon products and has unusually low heat and energy requirements, which process comprises crushing and grinding raw oil shale, mixing the ore particles with hot recycle heavy oil to form a slurry, treating the slurry with hydrogen under elevated temperature and pressure for a short period, stripping out the desired liquid hydrocarbon products, passing the remaining slurry mixture to a thermal retort where under fluidized bed conditions it is subjected to increased temperatures by adding spent shale that has been burned in an air lift combustor at two different temperature level treatment zones, the upper zone being selected such that the temperature is sufficient to vaporize the remaining slurry oil, and the lower zone being selected such that the temperature is sufficient to retort spent shale and to thermally crack exc