Abstract: A process for decreasing contamination of a commercial refining process by vanadyl porphyrins and/or nickel porphyrins by allowing rapid screening of porphyrins directly from asphaltenes isolated from crude oil without enrichment by use of positive-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS). Sodium formate is utilized as a ESI spray modifier. The vanadyl porphyrins are detected predominantly as sodiated species, while nickel porphyrins are observed as both sodiated species and molecular ions. Crude oil feedstocks exceeding a defined threshold concentration of vanadyl porphyrins and/or nickel porphyrins are rejected or diluted prior to utilization as refinery feedstock. Certain embodiments additionally quantitate both deoxophylloerythroetioporphyrins and etioporphyrin content (and their ratio) to predict crude oil thermal maturity.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to processes for separating steam cracker products by fractional distillation, and to systems and apparatus useful in such processes. More specifically, the invention relates to decreasing the amount of fractionator fouling that can result from increasing the amount of hydrocarbon molecules in the steam cracker feed having four or fewer carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a catalyst for slurry phase hydrocracking of refinery residue and a process for its preparation. The present disclosure provides a very simple method for exfoliation of metal sulphide, and a process of that provides effective slurry phase hydrocracking of refinery residue with a high yield.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing thermally stabilized, non-sticky and stretchable fibers, which may be further processed into intermediate carbon fibers and finally also carbon fibers. Uses of said fibers are also disclosed. Also a highly oriented intermediate carbon fiber is disclosed together with a highly oriented carbon fiber.

Abstract: A process for producing blown asphalt comprising the steps of mixing a heated hydrocarbon stream and a supercritical water in to produce a mixed stream, operating the supercritical water reactor to produce a reactor effluent, reducing the temperature of the reactor effluent in the cooler to produce a cooled effluent, feeding the cooled effluent through a depressurizing device to produce a depressurized stream, separating the depressurized stream in the flash drum to produce a light fraction stream and a heavy fraction stream, the heavy fraction stream contains a maltene fraction, an asphaltene fraction, and water, introducing the heavy fraction stream to a storage tank, withdrawing an oxidizing reactor feed from the storage tank, introducing the oxidizing reactor feed to an oxidation reactor, and operating the oxidation reactor at an oxidation temperature and an oxidation pressure to produce a product effluent that comprises an oxidized asphaltene fraction.

Abstract: A roofing asphalt composition comprising an oxidized blend of a paving grade asphalt and recycled rubber is described herein.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for making a composite material is provided. The composite is able to be formed by mixing a binder and a physical property enhancing material to form a mixer. The binder is able to be pitch, such as mesophase pitch. The physical property enhancing material is able to be fiber glass. The mixer is able to be processed through a lamination process, stabilization/cross-link process, and carbonization. The composite material is able to be applied in the field of electronic components and green technology, such as a substrate of a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A carbon brush for a fuel pump includes a brush body and a lead wire connected to the brush body, and the brush body has carbon and polyether ether ketone as main components. Abnormal wear does not occur even if a fuel pump motor is operated at a high voltage.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to processes for upgrading heavy hydrocarbon oils such as heavy crude oils, atmospheric residuum, vacuum residuum, heavy oils from catalytic treatment, heavy cycle oils from fluid catalytic cracking, thermal tars, as oils from visbreaking, oils from oil sands, bitumen, deasphlter rock, and heavy oils derived from coal. The process utilizes a utility fluid including recycled liquid hydroprocessed product containing a significant amount of single or multi-ring aromatics. Unlike conventional fixed bed resid hydroprocessing, the process can be operated at temperatures pressures and reactor conditions that favor the desired hydrocracking reactions over aromatics hydrogenation reduce the coking tendencies of heavy hydrocarbon oils.

Abstract: A method and system for handling viscous liquid crude hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method involves (a) solvent deasphalting at least a portion of an asphaltene-containing liquid crude hydrocarbon feedstock to form an asphaltene fraction and a deasphalted oil (DAO) fraction essentially free of asphaltenes; (b) adjusting the density of the asphaltene fraction to substantially the same density of a carrier for the asphaltene fraction; (c) forming coated asphaltene particles from the asphaltene fraction of step (b); (d) slurrying the coated asphaltene particles with the carrier; and (e) transporting the slurry to a treatment facility or a transportation carrier.

Abstract: Methods are provided for upgrading asphaltene-depleted crude fractions. The asphaltene-depleted crude fractions are upgraded by oxidizing the crude fractions by air blowing. Upgrading an asphaltene-depleted crude fraction can allow more valuable grades of asphalt to be formed from the crude fraction. Alternatively, upgrading an asphaltene-depleted crude fraction can allow for incorporation of a greater percentage of such a crude fraction in a blend of crudes that are used for making a desired grade of asphalt.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of preparing an isotropic pitch for carbon fiber having a high softening point, and more particularly, a method of preparing an isotropic pitch for carbon fiber by mixing petroleum residues with C9 fraction to form a mixture and then heating the mixture to perform heat polymerization. With the method of preparing an isotropic pitch according to the present invention, a separate catalyst is not required, and the isotropic pitch for carbon fiber having a low softening point may be prepared with a high yield even at a relatively low temperature.

Abstract: Process for conversion of petroleum feed for production of low sulphur content fuel comprising the following steps: a step of ebullated bed hydroconversion of the feed in the presence of a supported catalyst, a separation step allowing a residual fraction to be obtained, a step of fixed bed hydrotreatment of the residual fraction using an upstream system of permutable reactors.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the discovery that activated carbon can be used to sequester polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that may be present in asphalt and creosote compositions. The treatment of asphalt and creosote compositions with activated carbon accordingly reduces the level of free polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in such compositions by sequestering them therein or removing them from the composition. After being sequestered the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons remain trapped in the asphalt or creosote composition, and are not available to the environment during normal processing into useful industrial products. This sequestration reduces the risk of exposing humans and the environment to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which would otherwise be free to migrate from the asphalt or creosote product during manufacturing and the service life of the product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing lubricating base oils by using vacuum distilled deasphalted oil, and more specifically, to a method for preparing various kinds of lubricating base oils by distilling a distillate obtained from a solvent deasphalting (SDA) process under reduced pressure to obtain heavy deasphalted oil (H-DAO) and light deasphalted (Lt-DAO) and then treating the H-DAO and the Lt-DAO by catalytic reactions, respectively. According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain heavy lubricating base oil (150BS) of a high viscosity grade which can not be obtained by a known catalytic reaction and a lubricating base oil of group III by hydrogenation, in a high yield, and thus economical efficiency is excellent.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrocarbon tar. The tar has 75 wt % or more of aromatics of 10 carbons to 75 carbons based on the total weight of the tar. The aromatics exhibit 40% to 80% aromaticity. The tar has a boiling point of from 300° F. to 1350° F. There is also a fuel oil composition having the tar therein. There are also processes for making the hydrocarbon tar.

Abstract: In the invention, tar is upgraded by deasphalting and then hydrocracking to produce valuable products such as low sulfur diesel fuel and mogas. The invention is also directed to a system integrating a pyrolysis furnace operation with refinery operations.

Abstract: Methods are provided for upgrading the quality of an asphalt containing wax. This can include base asphalts that naturally contain elevated levels of wax, such as base asphalts with a wax content of at least 3.0 wt %. Additionally or alternately, this can include a base asphalt containing subsequently added wax. Wax generated at a refinery can be added to an asphalt along with a pour point depressant to form an asphalt product. The additional wax can reduce the viscosity of the asphalt product at higher temperatures so that the asphalt product can be mixed and stored at a tower temperature. Additionally, the pour point depressant can unexpectedly improve the low temperature properties of the wax-containing asphalt product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydroprocessed product that can be produced by hydroprocessing tar, such as a tar obtained from hydrocarbon pyrolysis. The invention also relates to methods for producing such a hydroprocessed product, and the use of such a product, e.g., as a fuel oil blending component.

Abstract: A method of producing treated liquid hydrocarbons. The method begins by pressurizing a latex in a pressure vessel. This is followed by flowing the latex from the pressure vessel into a pipeline containing liquid hydrocarbons to produce treated liquid hydrocarbons. In this embodiment the latex comprises a drag reducing polymer.

Abstract: A method begins by obtaining a slipstream of a liquid. The slipstream of liquid is then mixed upstream of an injection pump with a latex comprising a drag reducing polymer to produce a drag reducing mixture. The drag reducing mixture is then injected into a liquid hydrocarbon to produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon.

Abstract: Methods are provided for upgrading asphaltene-depleted crude fractions. The asphaltene-depleted crude fractions are upgraded by oxidizing the crude fractions by air blowing. Upgrading an asphaltene-depleted crude fraction can allow more valuable grades of asphalt to be formed from the crude fraction. Alternatively, upgrading an asphaltene-depleted crude fraction can allow for incorporation of a greater percentage of such a crude fraction in a blend of crudes that are used for making a desired grade of asphalt.

Abstract: A method for upgrading a heavy oil includes: disposing a catalyst comprising rhodium and a support in a heavy oil environment, the heavy oil environment including a heavy oil comprising an aromatic compound; introducing hydrogen; and hydrogenating the aromatic compound with the catalyst and hydrogen to upgrade the heavy oil to upgraded oil. A method for converting an asphaltene includes: disposing a supported catalyst in a composition comprising an asphaltene, the supported catalyst being a low temperature catalyst; introducing hydrogen; and hydrogenating the asphaltene to convert the asphaltene into a hydrogenated asphaltene.

Abstract: A method of processing light fraction tar includes pre-heating the light fraction tar before directing it through a reactor. The reactor has a top and a bottom and a surface spanning between said top and said bottom. A film of the light fraction tar flows down the surface under the force of gravity and with heated gas blowing thereon. The portion of the film that reaches the bottom of the reactor has improved properties making it more widely useful for carbon products.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide evolution from asphalt may be reduced or eliminated using an additive to act as a scavenger. Zinc oxide, when present in the form of nano-particles is an effective component is preventing or mitigating the evolution of hydrogen sulfide from asphalt. Zinc sulfonate may also be used. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described using asphaltene and its derivatives as semi-conducting materials in photovoltaic cells. Asphaltene is used in an organic PV device as either or both of a p-type material and/or n-type material. The asphaltene-based material can be treated such as by de-metalization, metal addition, extraction, fractionation, and optimization of the asphaltene material. Treatment can be selected to create an asphaltene-based material having pre-selected characteristics, such as absorption value, reflectance, index of refraction, band gap, etc. The asphaltene-based materials can be blended or otherwise combined with inorganic or non-asphaltene organic materials. Further, asphaltene material can be used as an interfacial layer in the PV device.

Abstract: A method for decomposing an asphaltene particle includes contacting the asphaltene particle with an intercalating agent and separating an asphaltene molecule from the asphaltene particle to decompose the asphaltene particle. Dispersing an asphaltene particle includes functionalizing the asphaltene particle and contacting the asphaltene particle with a solvent to disperse the asphaltene particle. Such asphaltene particle decomposition and dispersal can be used in a method for improving oil recovery that includes disposing a reagent in an oil environment; contacting an asphaltene particle with the reagent; decomposing the asphaltene particle to produce decomposed asphaltene; and displacing the decomposed asphaltene to improve oil recovery.

Abstract: A method of introducing a drag reducing polymer into a pipeline such that the friction loss associated with the turbulent flow though the pipeline is reduced by suppressing the growth of turbulent eddies. The drag reducing polymer is introduced into a liquid hydrocarbon having an asphaltene content of at least 3 weight percent and an API gravity of less than about 26° to thereby produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon. The treated liquid hydrocarbon does not have a viscosity less than the viscosity of the liquid hydrocarbon prior to treatment with the drag reducing polymer. Additionally, the drag reducing polymer is added to the liquid hydrocarbon in the range from about 0.1 to about 500 ppmw.

Abstract: A system for reducing pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of asphaltenic crude oil through a conduit. The crude oil has a high asphaltene content and/or a low API gravity. Such reduction in pressure drop is achieved by treating the asphaltenic crude oil with a high molecular weight drag reducing polymer that can have a solubility parameter within about 20 percent of the solubility parameter of the heavy crude oil. The drag reducing polymer can also comprise the residues of monomers having at least one heteroatom.

Abstract: A method of preparing a drag reducing polymer wherein the drag reducing polymer is able to be injected into a pipeline, such that the friction loss associated with the turbulent flow through the pipeline is reduced by suppressing the growth of turbulent eddies. The drag reducing polymer is injected into a pipeline of liquid hydrocarbon hydrocarbon having an asphaltene content of at least 3 weight percent and an API gravity of less than about 26° to thereby produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon wherein the viscosity of the treated liquid hydrocarbon is not less than the viscosity of the liquid hydrocarbon prior to treatment with the drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer has a solubility parameter within 4 MPa1/2 of the solubility parameter of the liquid hydrocarbon. The drag reducing polymer is also added to the liquid hydrocarbon in the range from about 0.1 to about 500 ppmw.

Abstract: A method of introducing a drag reducing polymer into a pipeline such that the friction loss associated with the turbulent flow though the pipeline is reduced by suppressing the growth of turbulent eddies. The drag reducing polymer is introduced into a liquid hydrocarbon having an asphaltene content of at least 3 weight percent and/or an API gravity of less than about 26° to thereby produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon. The treated liquid hydrocarbon does not have a viscosity less than the viscosity of the liquid hydrocarbon prior to treatment with the drag reducing polymer. Additionally, the drag reducing polymer is added to the liquid hydrocarbon in the range from about 0.1 to about 500 ppmw.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently manufacturing modified asphalt materials include agitating a base asphalt at a high shear rate using an in-line mixer while simultaneously exposing the asphalt to oxygen by blowing an oxygen-containing gas at a high gas flow rate through openings in the in-line mixer and heating the asphalt at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process that combines the solvent deasphalting with resin hydrotreatment so as to reduce the costs associated with performing each of the steps separately. The integrated process of the invention permits higher product yields coupled with lower energy and transportation costs.

Abstract: A method for modifying asphalt comprises blowing an oxygen-containing gas through a base asphalt at a high gas flow rate while simultaneously agitating the base asphalt at a high shear rate and at an elevated temperature for a period of time that is effective to substantially improve at least two paving properties of the base asphalt. In preferred embodiments, modified asphalts are produced having both substantially improved rutting resistance and substantially improved fatigue resistance as compared to the base asphalt.

Abstract: Bitumen within raw oilsands may be cracked and fully recovered by light hydrocarbon extraction following exposure to modified natural zeolite catalysts under cracking conditions. The recovered bitumen is reduced in viscosity, with lower boiling point distributions. Effective cracking of oilsands bitumen using economical, abundant and readily disposable natural zeolites represents a significant step towards a waterless and environment friendly extraction process.

Abstract: Provided is a process for increasing the softening temperature of asphalts by use of liquid jet ejector technology, which is used as both an air compressor and an air/oil mixer. The liquid jet ejector motive fluid is hot asphalt and the entrained vapor is air.

Abstract: Use of a biodegradable molecule or a mixture of biodegradable molecules having tetrapyrrolic rings, as stabilizers for the asphaltenes present in crude oil and crude oil derivatives.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for treating the effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis unit employing a small primary fractionator. The method comprises cooling the effluent from a furnace through a first heat exchanger, a vapor-liquid separator, and a second heat exchanger before it is passed to a fractionator for further processing. These heat exchangers may also be utilized to heat a utility fluid as part of the cooling process. Further, one or more generators and a third heat exchanger may also be used to assist in heat recovery for the process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for the present invention relates to a process for upgrading tar-containing effluent from a steam cracker furnace that comprises: a) contacting a steam cracker tar-containing effluent with steam and for a time, sufficient to convert at least a portion of the steam cracker tar to a mixture comprising lower boiling molecules and the steam cracker tar-containing effluent; and b) separating the mixture from step a) into i) at least one tar-lean product; and ii) a tar-rich product having a final boiling above the final boiling point of the at least one tar-lean product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the treatment of crude oil or aged crude oil residue comprising the steps of (a) contacting the oil or residue with a phenol resin and with a diluent, to provide a diluted phenol resin treated oil or residue; and (b) optionally removing solid material from the diluted phenol resin treated oil or residue.

Abstract: In a method for increasing the efficiency of bitumen recovery from oil sands, bitumen asphaltenes naturally present in the oil sands ore are treated with selected chemical agents to produce surfactants which reduce surface and interfacial tensions and promote the production of bitumen-water emulsions, thus facilitating the extraction and recovery of bitumen for use in producing synthetic crude oil. The agents react with the asphaltenes by oxidation, sulfonation, sulfoxidation, or sulfomethylation reactions, or by a combination of such reactions. These reactions may be initiated by adding selected agents into water-based oil sand slurries in process vessels or in pipelines. Alternatively, the agents may be injected directly into subsurface oil sand formations for in situ production of surfactants to enhance the efficiency of in situ thermal bitumen recovery processes.

Abstract: A system for reducing pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of asphaltenic crude oil through a conduit. The crude oil has a high asphaltene content and/or a low API gravity. Such reduction in pressure drop is achieved by treating the asphaltenic crude oil with a high molecular weight drag reducing polymer that can have a solubility parameter within about 20 percent of the solubility parameter of the heavy crude oil. The drag reducing polymer can also comprise the residues of monomers having at least one heteroatom.

Abstract: A reduced puffing needle coke is formed from decant oil, which includes a lesser amount of nitrogen within the coke so that carbon articles produced from such coke experience minimal expansion upon heating to graphitization temperatures.

Abstract: A reduced puffing needle coke is formed, which includes a lesser amount of nitrogen within the coke so that carbon articles produced from such coke experience minimal expansion upon heating to graphitization temperatures.

Abstract: A reduced puffing needle coke is formed, which includes a reduced nitrogen content within the coke so that the coke particles do not experience as much puffing during the formation of graphitized carbon articles produced from such coke upon heating to graphitization temperatures.

Abstract: A method for modifying asphalt comprises blowing an oxygen-containing gas through a base asphalt at a high gas flow rate while simultaneously agitating the base asphalt at a high shear rate and at an elevated temperature for a period of time that is effective to substantially improve at least two paving properties of the base asphalt. In preferred embodiments, modified asphalts are produced having both substantially improved rutting resistance and substantially improved fatigue resistance as compared to the base asphalt.

Abstract: Catalytic system which can be used in processes for the hydroconversion of heavy oils by means of hydrotreatment in slurry phase, characterized in that it comprises: a catalyst, having the function of hydrogenating agent, containing MoS2 or WS2 or mixtures thereof in lamellar form or an oil-soluble precursor thereof; a co-catalyst, having nanometric or micronic particle-sizes, selected from cracking and/or denitrogenation catalysts. The co-catalyst preferably consists of zeolites having small-sized crystals and with a low aggregation degree between the primary particles, and/or oxides or sulfides or precursors of sulfides of Ni and/or Co in a mixture with Mo and/or W.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a bitumen base, including the following essential steps: a) introducing a bitumen in a container equipped with mixing means, and bringing the bitumen to a temperature of 120° C. to 300° C.; b) introducing at least one chemical blowing additive into the container, and mixing, said chemical blowing additive being of general formula Ar1-R—Ar2 (I) wherein Ar1 and Ar2 independently of each other represent a benzene ring or a system of condensed aromatic rings of 6 to 20 carbon atoms, substituted by at least one hydroxyl group, and R represents an optionally substituted divalent radical, whereof the main chain comprises 6 to 20 carbon atoms and at least one amide and/or ester group. The invention also concerns a bitumen base obtained by implementing said method, as well as the use of such bitumen bases in road surfacing and industrial applications.

Abstract: A method for recovering valuable chemical products from heavy hydrocarbons such as tar sand or petroleum waste products is disclosed and described. Heavy hydrocarbons can be contacted with a fragmentation fluid which includes ozone and a solvent carrier. The fragmentation fluid can be provided at supercritical conditions. For example, supercritical CO2 can be an effective liquid solvent carrier for ozone. During contact with the fragmentation fluid, the heavy hydrocarbons are reduced in size to form a product mixture of chemical compounds. This product mixture typically includes chemical species which are more suitable than the original heavy hydrocarbons to commercial uses and/or further separation to provide useful starting materials for a wide variety of synthesis and industrial applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of steam cracked tar with the bottoms product of a flash drum integrated with a pyrolysis furnace. In embodiments, the steam cracked tar is added to fuel oil.