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: A process and apparatus are provided for upgrading steam cracker tars from steam crackers. The invention also relates to a steam cracking process and apparatus for reducing yields of tars produced from steam cracking while increasing yields of higher value products by heating steam cracker tar, in the presence of hydrogen donor compounds, e.g., tetralin. The hydrogen donor compounds can be provided in a hydrogen donor-rich hydrocarbon stream, e.g., light cycle oils, or low sulfur vacuum tower bottoms. The treated tar can be separated into gas oil, fuel oil and tar streams.

Abstract: Solvent deasphalting (SDA) is used to prepare a heavy hydrocarbon feed for further upgrading. An overhead deasphalted oil (DAO) stream is prepared for catalytic upgrading and an asphaltene stream is prepared for slurry hydrocracking (SHC). SHC product can be further deasphalted and the DAO can be separated from solvent in an upstream extraction column.

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: A process and apparatus are provided for upgrading steam cracked tars. The invention also relates to a steam cracking process and apparatus for reducing the yields of tars produced from steam cracking while increasing yields of higher value products, heating cooled steam cracker tar containing asphaltenes, to a temperature, e.g., above about 300° C., which is sufficient to convert at least a portion of the steam cracked tar to lower boiling molecules. The resulting heat-treated tar can be separated into gas oil, fuel oil and tar streams.

Abstract: A method of supplying or producing a desired bitumen grade for application at a site comprising: receiving a single grade of bitumen at/or proximate a bitumen grading facility 20, modifying the bitumen to a desired grade using a cutting or hardening 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: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing carbon-bonded refractory products from refractory granulations and organic binder agents, wherein a powdery, graphitable coal-tar pitch with a benzo[a]pyrene content less than 500 mg/kg and a coking value of at least about 80% by weight according to DIN 51905 and a graphitable binder agent liquid at room temperature, with a coking value of at least about 15% by weight and a benzo[a]pyrene content less than 500 ppm according to DIN 51905, are used as organic binder agent, mixed with the remaining constituents, transferred to a mould body, then heat treated at a temperature of 150 to about 400° C.

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 method to upgrade virgin and partially hydrogenated asphaltic residual oils by utilizing hot, high velocity combustion gas jets to rapidly atomize and heat the residual oil, maintaining the reactant temperature required to achieve the desired residual oil conversion with the minimum practical residence time, rapidly separating vapor and liquid reactants, and rapidly cooling the vapor and liquid products. The minimum required temperature and practical residence time are used for the production of deasphalted oil and asphaltene products with minimum degradation due to thermal cracking. The maximum conversion of residual oil may be substantially increased by combining a portion of the heavy oil product with the residual oil feed and partially hydrogenating this mixture.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (i) a chelating aminocarboxylic acid-C8-C22 amine complex; (ii) a C15-C21 bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amide; and (iii) a C15-C44 imidazoline compound.

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: A process is disclosed process for converting a solid or highly viscous carbon-based energy carrier material to liquid and gaseous reaction products, said process comprising the steps of: a) contacting the carbon-based energy carrier material with a particulate catalyst material b) converting the carbon-based energy carrier material at a reaction temperature between 200° C. and 450° C., preferably between 250° C. and 350° C., thereby forming reaction products in the vapor phase. In a preferred embodiment the process comprises the additional step of: c) separating the vapor phase reaction products from the particulate catalyst material within 10 seconds after said reaction products are formed; In a further preferred embodiment step c) is followed by: d) quenching the reaction products to a temperature below 200° C.

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 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 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: 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: A process and apparatus are provided for steam cracking heavy feeds, including steam cracked tars. The invention heats a steam cracked tar feed to provide a depolymerized steam cracked tar containing lower boiling molecules than the steam cracked tar feed, hydrogenates the depolymerized steam cracked tar using a hydrogenating catalyst, e.g., a downward flow fixed bed hydrotreater, to provide a hydrogenated steam cracked tar. At least a portion of the hydrogenated steam cracked tar is steam cracked in a steam cracking furnace comprising a convection zone and a radiant zone.

Abstract: A process derived hydrogen donor solvent is used to increase the maximum resid conversion and conversion rate in an ebullated bed resid hydrocracker. The hydrogen donor solvent precursor is produced by hydroreforming reactions within the resid hydrocracker, recovered as the resin fraction from a solvent deasphalting unit, regenerated in a separate hydrotreater reactor, and recycled to the ebullated bed resid hydrocracker. The major advantage of this invention relative to earlier processes is that hydrogen is more efficiently transferred to the resin residual oil in the separate hydrotreater and the hydrogen donor solvent effectively retards the formation of coke precursors at higher ebullated bed resid hydrocracker operating temperatures and resid cracking rates.

Abstract: In a system for thermal cracking gaseous feedstocks, the system including a gas cracker for producing an effluent comprising olefins, at least one transfer line exchanger for the recovery of process energy from the effluent and a water quench tower system, a process for extending the range of system feedstocks to include liquid feedstocks that yield tar is provided. The process includes the steps of injecting a first quench fluid downstream of a primary transfer line exchanger to quench the process effluent comprising olefins, separating in a first separation vessel a cracked product and a first byproduct stream comprising tar from the quenched effluent, directing the separated cracked product to a water quench tower system and quenching the separated cracked product with a second quench fluid to produce a cracked gas effluent for recovery and a second byproduct stream comprising tar. An apparatus for carrying out such process is also provided.

Abstract: This invention, which involves a method of turning vegetable asphalt into high-quality boiler fuel, belongs to the field of natural asphalt processing technology. It is intended for acid desaponification of vegetable asphalt at 50 to 100° C., then water washing is performed removing impurities and salt; following this, the asphalt is allowed to stand to separate into layers and the aqueous phase is removed. Neutralization to pH=7 to 8 is then performed using alkali and, after another water wash is performed, the asphalt is allowed to stand to separate into layers and the aqueous phase is separated from it. Then the substance obtained thereby is dried yielding the product. Vegetable asphalt that has undergone modification has the advantages of having low viscosity, generating a small amount of ash, having low sulfur content and a low flash point, and of not being prone to coking when it is burned, and the like, and ensures boiler heat efficiency and also prolongs boiler's useful life and reduces pollution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst used for converting coal tar to diesel, the preparation method and use thereof The catalyst has a compound of iodine, an inorganic oxide matrix and the compound dispersed therein; or an inorganic oxide matrix and the compound dispersed therein together with a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite, and relates to a method of coal tar converse to diesel in which at least one of the catalysts are used by dispersing an iodine compound in an inorganic oxide matrix.

Abstract: A method of reducing the aggregation and deposition of asphaltene from a fluid containing asphaltene, such as crude oil, which method comprises the addition to the fluid of a compound of formula (1): wherein A is an optionally substituted ring system containing 6 to 14 carbon atoms; n is at least 1 and may equal the number of positions available for substitution in A; each X is independently a linker group; and each R is independently a hydrocarbyl group containing 10 to 25 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Heavy, high molecular weight multi ring aromatics present in petroleum resid, bitumen and heavy oils in the form of asphaltenes, heavy resids and polycyclic hetero (N) aromatic molecules are separated from the petroleum resid, bitumen and/or heavy oils, by the process comprising electrophilic aromatic substitution of polar groups onto the heavy high molecular weight multi-ring aromatics thereby rendering them insoluble in and facilitating their separation and recovery from the petroleum resid, bitumen and/or heavy oil.

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: In a system for thermal cracking gaseous feedstocks, the system including a gas cracker for producing an effluent comprising olefins, at least one transfer line exchanger for the recovery of process energy from the effluent and a water quench tower system, a process for extending the range of system feedstocks to include liquid feedstocks that yield tar is provided. The process includes the steps of injecting a first quench fluid downstream of a primary transfer line exchanger to quench the process effluent comprising olefins, separating in a first separation vessel a cracked product and a first byproduct stream comprising tar from the quenched effluent, directing the separated cracked product to a water quench tower system and quenching the separated cracked product with a second quench fluid to produce a cracked gas effluent for recovery and a second byproduct stream comprising tar. An apparatus for carrying out such process is also provided.

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: Compositions comprising at least one C4-C30 olefin or oxidation product thereof and kerosene or an aromatic solvent are particularly effective for use in removing asphaltene and asphaltene-containing organic deposits and in preventing or reducing the precipitation and deposition of asphaltenes from hydrocarbon fluids. When added to heavy oils comprising asphaltenes, alone or in combination with dispersants and further inhibitors, the invented compositions lower viscosity and pour point, and aid in preventing asphaltene precipitation during transport and in combustion.

Abstract: A process for producing pitch from pitch precursors, such as wood tar, coal tar or petroleum fractions is disclosed. Direct contact heat exchange of the pitch precursor with molten metal, preferably maintained as a metal continuous bath, heats the pitch precursor to a temperature sufficient to induce thermal polymerization reactions and produce a pitch product.

Abstract: A process for fractionating crude pitch by direct contact heating with molten metal is disclosed. The crude pitch, which may contain water, contaminants and/or distillables is heated by direct contact heat exchange with molten metal, preferably maintained as a metal continuous bath, operating at a temperature of 100 to 600° C. The molten metal heating zone is maintained at a temperature and pressure sufficient to vaporize a desired amount of contaminants or volatile material from crude pitch to produce pitch product having a desired softening point. New pitch materials, having a softening point above those achievable by conventional techniques, are also produced.

Abstract: deposition in a formation, wellbore, near wellbore region, and production tubing. Compositions of the invention comprise an asphaltene solvent and a viscosity reducing agent, the asphaltene solvent and viscosity reducing agent present in a ratio so as to substantially reduce viscosity of an asphaltene-containing material while substantially negating deposition of asphaltenes either in a reservoir, in production tubing, or both when mixed or otherwise contacting the asphaltene-containing material Methods of the invention comprise forcing a composition comprising an asphaltene solvent and a viscosity reducing agent to contact an asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon in an underground geologic formation, and producing from the formation a production composition comprising at least some of the treatment composition and at least some of the asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon under conditions sufficient to substantially negate deposition of asphaltenes in the formation.

Abstract: A low viscosity, high coking value petroleum tar material having a high coking value as compared to standard petroleum tars and containing at least one biodiesel material dissolved therein, and a method for producing such material, are disclosed.

Abstract: A low-viscosity, high-softening point heavy hydrocarbon material having a viscosity-reducing amount of at least one biodiesel material dissolved in a heavy hydrocarbon, and a method for producing such low-viscosity, high-softening point heavy hydrocarbon material are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a way to increase the softening point of heavier hydrocarbons in a relatively low cost and low pressure process using superheated steam to i) increase the carbon yield of the heavier hydrocarbons, while simultaneously ii) removing volatile components with a steam stripping process.

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 low viscosity, high softening point heavy hydrocarbon material having a viscosity reducing amount of at least one dihydric alcohol dissolved therein, and a method for producing such heavy hydrocarbon material, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making the saturated aircraft brake preform using a coal tar pitch having a softening point in the range of about 160° C. to 240° C. Also, a product having natural rubber in the formulation and the method of making the product using a coal tar pitch having a softening point in the range of about 140° C. to 200° C. A mesophase pitch is formed from quinoline insoluble free coal tar pitch distillate from a high efficiency evaporative distillation process.

Abstract: Described are methods that utilize high efficiency evaporative distillation to make a high softening point coal tar pitch, a quinoline insoluble-free and ash-free coal tar pitch having a desired softening point, and a mesophase coal tar pitch. Each of the methods uses a feed coal tar pitch having a softening point in the range of 70° C. to 160° C. The methods may be carried out using appropriate conventional distillation equipment, a wiped film evaporator, or a thin film evaporator.

Abstract: The present invention provides carbonized pitch articles and methods for producing the same. Synthetic mesophase pitch is mixed with partially anisotropic pitch, which may be selected from heat-soaked isotropic pitch and heat-soaked mixtures of isotropic pitch and mesophase pitch. In producing carbon moldings, the mesophase pitch is first stabilized to make it at least partially infusible, prior to mixing. In producing carbon fibers, the mesophase pitch will not typically be stabilized before mixing, rather, the resultant pitch fiber, produced from the mixture, will be stabilized by oxidation and air. The resultant fibers and moldings are carbonized according to conventional methods.

Abstract: When a pitch composition prepared by mixing 100 parts by weight of mesophase pitch with 10 to 1,000 parts by weight of coal tar pitch, is heat-treated at a temperature of 500° C. or higher, it is possible to produce a high-density coke at a high yield while avoiding the foaming of the mesophase pitch. In addition, when the coke is graphitized at a temperature of 2,000° C. or higher, it is possible to obtain an artificial graphite having a high graphitization degree. Further, when the coke is first pulverized and then graphitized at a temperature of 2,000° C. or higher, it is possible to obtain a high-crystallinity graphite powder which can be suitably used as a carbon material for a negative electrode of non-aqueous solvent type secondary battery having a high discharge capacity and a high charge-discharge efficiency.

Abstract: A low viscosity, high coking value petroleum tar material having a high coking value as compared to standard petroleum tars and containing at least one biodiesel material dissolved therein, and a method for producing such material, are disclosed.

Abstract: Fractions derived from a high sulfur content crude oil, having a sulfur content of about 2 wt. % or greater, is hydrotreated to produce a petroleum pitch not only having a low sulfur content of about 1 wt % or less but also a low polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content of about 13,000 mg/kg or less.

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: An enhanced method for the post processing, i.e. oxidation or stabilization, of carbon materials including, but not limited to, carbon foams, carbon fibers, dense carbon-carbon composites, carbon/ceramic and carbon/metal composites, which method requires relatively very short and more effective such processing steps. The introduction of an “oxygen spill over catalyst” into the carbon precursor by blending with the carbon starting material or exposure of the carbon precursor to such a material supplies required oxygen at the atomic level and permits oxidation/stabilization of carbon materials in a fraction of the time and with a fraction of the energy normally required to accomplish such carbon processing steps. Carbon based foams, solids, composites and fiber products made utilizing this method are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an exfoliated graphite/phenol resin composite foam of a porosity of 50-95%, a density of 0.1-0.8 g/cm3, by forming under contact pressure or reduced pressure at a temperature of 140-200° C. a mixture comprising 100 parts by weight of powdered and/or crushed exfoliated graphite and 40-240 parts by weight of phenol resin; an exfoliated graphite/phenol resin composite foam obtained by the method; and a method of obtaining an exfoliated graphite/glassy carbon composite foam of a porosity of 50-95%, a density 0.1-0.8 g/cm3 with volumetric baking shrinkage of 10% or less by baking the exfoliated graphite/phenol resin composite foam.

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: 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 process is provided to produce a dilute ethylene stream and a dilute propylene stream to be used as feedstocks for producing olefin-based derivatives. Specifically, the dilute ethylene stream is used as a feedstock to produce ethylbenzene, and the dilute propylene stream is used as a feedstock to produce cumene, acrylic acid, propylene oxide and other propylene based derivatives.

Abstract: A two step process for destruction of polyhalogenated aromatic compounds contained in pitch from ballasts of fluorescent lamps comprises: (a) contacting the pitch with a sufficient amount of an organic solvent such that the pitch and the solvent together form a liquid phase in which the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds are dissolved; and (b) chemically destroying the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds in the liquid phase. In preferred embodiments of the process, the solvent comprises mineral oil and the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds comprise polychlorinated biphenyls. Chemical destruction of the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds preferably comprises treatment with an alkali metal dispersion, preferably sodium metal in mineral oil.

Abstract: This invention involves heat integration of a solvent deasphalting process with a gasification process and an improved process for separating a resin phase from a solvent solution comprising a solvent, deasphalted oil (DAO) and resin. This improved process comprises heating the solvent solution so as to precipitate the resin from the solvent solution, and then separating the resin and some solvent from the solvent solution. This will produce a resin product and a mixture comprising the DAO and the remaining solvent. The DAO/solvent mixture is then boiled so as to vaporize a fraction of the solvent, with waste heat from a gasification unit providing the heat source for the boiling. The vaporized solvent is removed from the DAO/solvent mixture leaving a resin-free DAO product that contains any unvaporized solvent. The vaporized solvent is used for heating the aforementioned solvent solution and preheating the resin-free DAO/solvent mixture.