Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sorbent composition including an adsorbent support; and a metal component comprising a transition metal, wherein the metal component is impregnated on a surface of the adsorbent support; and wherein the metal component effects the removal of sulfur and vanadium from a hydrocarbon fuel. Also disclosed herein is a sorbent composition comprising an adsorbent support, wherein a surface of the adsorbent support has been chemically modified to comprise functional groups; and wherein the adsorbent support effects the removal of sulfur and vanadium from a hydrocarbon fuel.

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: 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: A process for the conversion of biomass to a liquid fuel is presented. The process includes the production of diesel and naphtha boiling point range fuels by hydrotreating and hydrocracking of lignin in the biomass in a one step process.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems and methods for converting solid carbonaceous material to a liquid product, comprising maintaining a solid carbonaceous material in the presence of at least one active source of titanium and at least one active source of a second metal at a reaction temperature of greater than 350° C. and at a pressure in the range of 300 to 5000 psig for a time sufficient to form a liquid product.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems and methods for converting solid carbonaceous material to a liquid product, comprising maintaining a solid carbonaceous material in the presence of at least one active source of copper and at least one active source of a second metal at a reaction temperature of greater than 350° C. and at a pressure in the range of 300 to 5000 psig for a time sufficient to form a liquid product.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems and methods for converting solid carbonaceous material to a liquid product, comprising maintaining a solid carbonaceous material in the presence of at least one active source of zinc at a reaction temperature of greater than 350° C. and at a pressure in the range of 300 to 5000 psig for a time sufficient to form a liquid product.

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: 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: An ebullated bed hydroprocessing system, and also a method for upgrading a pre-existing ebullated bed hydroprocessing system, involves introducing a colloidal or molecular catalyst, or a precursor composition capable of forming the colloidal or molecular catalyst, into an ebullated bed reactor. The colloidal or molecular catalyst is formed by intimately mixing a catalyst precursor composition into a heavy oil feedstock and raising the temperature of the feedstock to above the decomposition temperature of the precursor composition to form the colloidal or molecular catalyst in situ. The improved ebullated bed hydroprocessing system includes at least one ebullated bed reactor that employs both a porous supported catalyst and the colloidal or molecular catalyst to catalyze hydroprocessing reactions involving the feedstock and hydrogen. The colloidal or molecular catalyst provides catalyst in what would otherwise constitute catalyst free zones within the ebullated bed hydroprocessing system.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of solid carbonaceous materials, such as coal, to liquid products using one or more polyoxoanions selected from those represented by:[(C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1).sub.4 N].sub.a M.sub.b O.sub.c H.sub.d, where n=1 to 8, a=2 to 6, b=2 to 12, c=7 and M is a metal selected from Groups VB and VIB of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

Abstract: An improved process for recovering hard acids and soft bases used to decompose coal in which finely divided coal particles are contacted with a hard acid in the presence of a soft base at temperatures of from 0.degree. to 100.degree. C., said hard acid being characterized by a heat of reaction with dimethylsulfide of from 10 kcal/mol to 30 kcal/mol and said soft base being characterized by a heat of reaction with boron trifluoride of from 10 kcal/mol to 17 kcal/mol, followed by extracting the decomposed coal to remove said hard acid and soft base wherein the improvement comprises performing said extraction at a temperature of about 0.degree. to about 50.degree. C. using dimethylsulfide as the extraction solvent, and wherein following said dimethylcarbonate extraction, said decomposed coal is extracted with water at a temperature of from about 60.degree. to 275.degree. C.

Abstract: Hydroconversion processes employing 2,4-heteroatom-substituted-molybdena-3,3-dioxocyclopentane hydro-conversion catalysts are disclosed. In some embodiments, inexpensive bulk catalysts in accordance with the present invention are synthesized from bulk triglyceridic epoxides or fatty acids.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catalytic process for converting a carbonaceous material to a liquid product. More specifically, this invention relates to a process for hydroconverting coal in a hydroconverting zone to liquid hydrocarbon products in the presence of a catalyst prepared in situ, with the catalyst being added to a mixture of coal and solvent as an oil soluble metal compound. An increased quantity of liquid product is achieved by incorporating a hydrocracking zone into the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic process for converting a solid carbonaceous material, such as coal, to a liquid product in the presence of hydrogen. More particularly, this invention relates to a coal liquefaction process wherein a mixture of coal, bottoms, solvent and a sulfiding agent is subjected to liquefaction conditions in the presence of a catalyst precursor. This catalyst or catalyst precursor is comprised of a thermally decomposable compound of Groups IIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, and VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements such as molybdenum.

Abstract: A process for hydroprocessing coal to hydrocarbon oils wherein coal is depolymerized at low temperatures by contacting finely divided coal with a hard acid and soft base. The depolymerized coal is then hydroprocessed to hydrocarbon oils by forming a mixture with a coal conversion catalyst or precursor thereof, and hydroprocessing the mixture at temperatures of from 250.degree. to 550.degree. C. and hydrogen partial pressures of from 2100 to 35000 kPa.

Abstract: A coal liquefaction process employing a first stage liquefaction step catalyzed by a soluble molybdenum-containing organophosphorodithioate catalyst is disclosed. In some embodiments, two consecutive liquefaction steps employ a molybdenum-containing organophosphorodithioate catalyst operating at a relatively high liquefaction temperature. In other embodiments, a second liquefaction process step operating at a relatively low temperature employs a hydrocracking catalyst to upgrade materials obtained from the first soluble catalyst liquefaction step. In some embodiments, an interstage gas separator removes gases such as carbon dioxide produced in the first liquefaction step from a partially liquefied mixture prior to further liquefying the mixture in the second liquefaction step.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a staged process for producing liquids from coal or similar carbonaceous feeds combining a pretreatment stage and a liquefaction stage. In the process, the feed is dispersed in an organic solvent and reacted with carbon monoxide at an elevated temperature and pressure. The so pretreated coal is sent to a liquefaction reactor, wherein the coal is reacted in the presence of hydrogen and catalyst to produce valuable liquid fuels or feedstocks.

Abstract: A process for the single-step coal liquefaction is disclosed, which comprises reacting coal in an aqueous suspension with carbon monoxide in the presence of a CO-conversion catalyst selected from the group consisting of an alkaline hydroxide and a carbonate, and in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst selected from the group consisting of transition metals and compounds thereof, by operating at temperatures within the range of from 300.degree. to 450.degree. C. for a reaction time within the range of from 30 to 80 minutes.

Abstract: A two stage coal extracting process has a first liquid hydrogen donor solvent oil extraction stage and a second stage comprising catalytic hydrocracking of the extract. Desired levels of hydrocracking and hydrogenation of the extract, with an acceptable level of napthene formation, are achieved by using on the catalyst a mixture of a promoted W or Mo catalyst with an unpromoted W or Mo catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for catalytically hydropyrolyzing carbonaceous material to produce liquid products boiling under about 550.degree. C. with reduced amounts of methane being formed. The process comprises (a) treating the carbonaceous material with as hydrogenation catalyst; (b) contacting the so-treated carbonaceous material with an effective amount of hydrogen, at an effective residence time, at a temperature below the critical temperature of rapid methane formation; (c) recovering the resulting liquids, gases, and char; and (d) recycling the char.

Abstract: An improved process for the hydroconversion of coal comprising pretreating coal in an aqeuous carbon monoxide-containing environment, followed by extracting a soluble hydrocarbon material from the coal, and subsequently hydroconverting the extracted material in a hydroconversion reactor with a high catalyst loading to obtain a nearly finished product with low heteroatom levels. The extracted material consists of a relatively hydrogen-rich material which is readily converted to valuable liquid products in high yield. The residue from the extraction stage is relatively hydrogen deficient material which can be gasified to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide for the hydroconversion and pretreatment stages, respectively.

Abstract: An improved hydroconversion process for carbonaceous materials wherein a dihydrocarbyl substituted dithiocarbamate of a metal selected from any one of Groups IV-B, V-A, VI-A, VII-B, and VIII-A of the Periodic Table of Elements or a mixture thereof is used as a catalyst precursor. The improved process is effective for both normally solid and normally liquid carbonaceous materials and for carbonaceous materials which are either solid or liquid at the conversion conditions. The hydroconversion will be accomplished at a temperature within the range from about 500.degree. to about 900.degree. F., at a total pressure within the range from about 500 to 7000 psig and at a hydrogen partial pressure within the range from about 400 to about 5000 psig.

Abstract: In a process for the co-processing of waste rubber and carbonaceous material to form a useful liquid product, the rubber and the carbonaceous material are combined and heated to the depolymerization temperature of the rubber in the presence of a source of hydrogen. The depolymerized rubber acts as a liquefying solvent for the carbonaceous material while a beneficial catalytic effect is obtained from the carbon black released on depolymerization the reinforced rubber. The reaction is carried out at liquefaction conditions of 380.degree.-600.degree. C. and 70-280 atmospheres hydrogen pressure. The resulting liquid is separated from residual solids and further processed such as by distillation or solvent extraction to provide a carbonaceous liquid useful for fuels and other purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for obtaining liquids and gases from carbonaceous material, such as coal. The carbonaceous material is first treated with a gasification catalyst, and optionally a hydrogenation catalyst, and hydropyrolyzed for an effective residence time, below the critical temperature at which methane begins to rapidly form, to make liquid products. The resulting char is gasified in the presence of steam at a temperature from about 500.degree. C. to about 900.degree. C.

Abstract: At least one decomposable molybdenum compound selected from the group consisting of molybdenum dithiophosphates and molybdenum dithiocarbamates is mixed with a hydrocarbon-containing feed stream. The hydrocarbon-containing feed stream containing such decomposable molybdenum compound is then contacted in a hydrovisbreaking process with hydrogen under suitable hydrovisbreaking conditions.

Abstract: A method for preparing a sulfided molybdenum catalyst concentrate which method comprises: (a) forming a precursor catalyst concentrate by mixing together: (i) a hydrocarbonaceous oil comprising constituents boiling above about 1050.degree. F.; (ii) a metal compound, said metal being selected from the group consisting of Groups II, III, IV, V, VIB, VIIB, and VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements, in an amount to provide from about 0.2 to 2 wt. % metal, based on said hydrocarbonaceous oil; and (iii) elemental sulfur in an amount such that the atomic ratio of sulfur to metal is from about 1/1 to 8/1; and (b) heating the mixture to an effective temperature to produce a catalyst concentrate.

Abstract: A catalyst composition prepared by depositing a metal or metal compound onto a preformed carbon support and thereafter converting said metal or metal compounds to an oxide or sulfide having hydrogenation activity. The metal is selected from the group of metals consisting of Groups II-B, IV-B, IV-A, V-A, VI-A, VII-A and VIII-A metals of the Periodic Table of the Elements. The catalyst compositions are useful in hydroconversion and hydrotreating processes.

Abstract: A process for the single-step coal liquefaction is disclosed, which comprises reacting coal in an aqueous suspension with carbon monoxide in the presence of a CO-conversion catalyst selected from the group consisting of an alkaline hydroxide and a carbonate, and in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst selected from the group consisting of transition metals and compounds thereof, by operating at temperatures within the range of from 300.degree. to 450.degree. C. for a reaction time within the range of from 30 to 80 minutes.

Abstract: A process for the single-step coal liquefaction is disclosed, which comprises reacting the coal in an aqueous suspension with carbon monoxide in the presence of a CO-conversion catalyst selected from an alkaline hydroxide or carbonate, wherein the reaction takes place at a temperature maintained for a time of up to about 20 minutes equal to a value selected within the range of from about 300.degree. to 370.degree. C., and then is increased over a time within the range of from about 20 to 40 minutes, until a temperature value is reached, within the range of from about 420.degree. to 450.degree. C. and is kept constant for a time of up to about 20 minutes.

Abstract: A process for the hydrogenation of undissolved coal and subsequent liquefaction of the hydrogenated coal particles to provide useful hydrocarbon liquid products including naphtha, gasoline and diesel fuel. These low boiling hydrocarbon liquids are produced by the process comprising: (a) mixing solid coal particles with a coal derived solvent in a solvent/coal ratio ranging from about 8/1 to about 1.5/1 to provide a flowable coal/oil slurry of solid coal particles; (b) passing the coal/oil slurry and hydrogen upwardly through a first reaction zone containing a coal-derived liquid and bed of particulate catalyst maintained at a temperature ranging from about 400.degree. to about 700.degree. F.

Abstract: A process for two-stage catalytic co-processing of coal and heavy petroleum hydrocarbon liquid fractions to produce increased yields of low-boiling hydrocarbon liquid and gas products. In the process, the particulate coal is slurried with a petroleum residuum and optionally with a process-derived hydrocarbon liquid solvent and fed into a first stage catalytic reaction zone operated at relatively mild conditions which promote controlled rate liquefaction of the coal while simultaneously hydrogenating the petroleum and hydrocarbon recycle oils at conditions favoring hydrogenation reactions. The first stage reactor is maintained at 650.degree.-800.degree. F. temperature, 1000-4000 psig hydrogen partial pressure and 10-100 lb/hr/ft.sup.3 space velocity for the total coal and oil feed. From the first stage reaction zone, the partially hydrogenated effluent material is passed directly to the close-coupled second stage catalytic reaction zone maintained at more severe conditions of 750.degree.-900.degree. F.

Abstract: A process for two-stage catalytic hydrogenation and liquefaction of coal to produce increased yields of low-boiling hydrocarbon liquid and gas products. In the process, the particulate coal is slurried with a process-derived liquid solvent and fed at temperature below about 650.degree. F. 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 at conditions favoring hydrogenation reactions. The first stage reactor is maintained at 650.degree.-800.degree. F. temperature, 1000-4000 psig hydrogen partial pressure, and 10-60 lb coal/hr/ft.sup.3 reactor space velocity. The partially hydrogenated material from the first stage reaction zone is passed directly to the close-coupled second stage catalytic reaction zone maintained at a temperature at least about 25.degree. F. higher than for the first stage reactor and within a range of 750.degree.-875.degree. F.

Abstract: An improved process for hydroconverting carbonaceous material wherein the hydroconversion is accomplished in the presence of a sulfide of tin or tin and at least one metal selected from the Group of metals consisting of the Groups IV-B, V-A, VI-A, VII-A and Group VIII-A metals of the Periodic Table of the Elements and in the presence of iodine. The tin and any other metal may be added directly as the sulfide or as a soluble precursor that will either decompose or be converted to the sulfide. The iodine may be added directly as iodine, hydrogen iodine or as a precursor which will decompose to yield either iodine or hydrogen iodide. The hydroconversion is also accomplished in the presence of hydrogen.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for hydroconverting of coal in which a hydrocarbon-dispersible chromium compound is mixed with a hydrocarbonaceous material, in the absence of coal, to form a high metals-containing catalyst precursor concentrate which is heated in the presence of a hydrogen sulfide-containing gas to form a solid chromium-containing catalyst. A portion of the concentrate containing the catalyst is introduced into a diluent to which coal is added or in which coal is present. The resulting mixture is subjected to hydroconversion conditions to convert the coal to a hydrocarbonaceous oil product.

Abstract: Hydroconversion processes utilizing a catalyst prepared from a catalyst precursor concentrate such as phosphomolybdic acid, is provided. The catalyst precursor concentrate is treated at relatively low pressures in a specified manner.

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: 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: Self-promoted molybdenum and tungsten sulfide hydrotreating catalysts are prepared by heating one or more water soluble catalyst precursors in a non-oxidizing atmosphere in the presence of sulfur at a temperature of at least about 200.degree. C. The precursors will be one or more compounds of the formula ML(Mo.sub.y W.sub.1-y O.sub.4) wherein M is one or more promoter metals selected from the group consisting essentially of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and mixtures thereof, wherein O.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1 and wherein L is a nitrogen containing, neutral multidentate, chelating ligand. In a preferred embodiment the ligand L will comprise one or more chelating alkyl di or triamines and the non-oxidizing atmosphere will comprise H.sub.2 S.