Plural Serial Stages Of Chemical Conversion Patents (Class 208/49)
  • Patent number: 7156977
    Abstract: A process for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon feed. The hydrocarbon feed is first admixed with a hydrogen rich gas. The resultant process stream is then contacted with a hydrocracking catalyst. The resultant catalyst effluent process stream is separated into a gas phase stream and a liquid phase stream, and the gas phase stream is withdrawn. The liquid phase stream is admixed with a hydrogen rich gas, and the resultant process stream is contacted with a hydrocracking catalyst. The resultant catalyst effluent process stream is withdrawn and admixed with the previously obtained gas phase stream, and the resultant process stream is withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventors: Johannes Wrisberg, Arno S. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 7033488
    Abstract: A defined catalyst withdrawal and replacement program for optimizing the productivity and the economics of catalyst consumption in a multi-reactor system is disclosed. Catalyst cost is reduced by minimizing removal of the newest catalyst and maximizing removal of older catalyst to achieve an overall reduction of catalyst age in the multi-reactor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: James L. Rockwell
  • Patent number: 6984311
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for contacting fluids in a fluid-solids contacting chamber is disclosed. The fluid-solid contacting chamber has a plurality of beds, and the chamber comprises a plurality of conduits and outlet ports that are capable of providing improved fluid distribution of fluids that are introduced above or between the beds. One or more conduits are arranged within a single conduit, which provides a compact and inexpensive assembly for conveying the fluids to each conduit's outlet port. In operation, the fluid flow to the outlet port of each conduit is regulated within that outlet port's most efficient operating range, and since the flows can regulated simply by hand, the method of this invention can be practiced readily. Catalytic condensation and other hydrocarbon process units that employ this invention will have increased on-stream efficiencies and realize significant economic benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: James W. Kilroy
  • Patent number: 6858128
    Abstract: A catalytic hydrocracking process wherein a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock and a liquid recycle stream is contacted with hydrogen in a hydrocracking reaction zone at elevated temperature and pressure to obtain conversion to lower boiling hydrocarbons. A liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream produced from the effluent of the hydrocracking reaction zone is fractionated in a first zone of a divided-wall fractionation zone to produce at least one liquid hydrocarbonaceous product stream and a liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream containing hydrocarbons boiling at a temperature in the boiling range of the feedstock and heavy polynuclear aromatic compounds. At least a portion of the liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream containing heavy polynuclear aromatic compounds is introduced into a second zone of the divided-wall fractionation zone to produce a stream rich in polynuclear aromatic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoehn, Bradford L. Bjorklund
  • Publication number: 20040222129
    Abstract: The instant invention is an improved process for producing naphthenic base oils from low quality feedstocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Keith K. Aldous, Jacob B. Angelo, Christopher J.S. Kent, Geraldine P. Gatton
  • Publication number: 20040222130
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming a low-sulfur motor gasoline and the product made therefrom. In one embodiment, process involves separating a catalytically cracked naphtha into at least a light fraction boiling below about 165° F. and a heavy fraction boiling above about 165° F. The light fraction is treated to remove sulfur by a non-hydrotreating method, and the heavy fraction is hydrotreated to remove sulfur to a level of less than about 100 ppm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Gordon F. Stuntz, Robert C.W. Welch, Thomas R. Halbert
  • Patent number: 6790342
    Abstract: Processes are provided to produce a dilute ethylene stream and a dilute propylene stream from a cracked gas stream. One process comprises separating the cracked gas stream to produce a C3− stream and a C3+ stream; hydrogenating the C2− stream in a hydrogenation zone to remove a portion of the acetylene to produce the dilute ethylene stream and routing the C3+ stream to storage or other process unit. Another process comprises separating a cracked gas stream in a depropanizer zone to form a C3− stream and a C4+ stream; separating the C3− stream in a deethanizer zone to form a C2− and a C3 stream; hydrogenating a portion of the acetylene in the C2− stream in a hydrogenation zone to produce a dilute ethylene stream; and routing the C3 stream to storage or other process unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Rodney L. Porter, Anne M. Balinsky, Eric P. Weber
  • Patent number: 6787022
    Abstract: A process for the production of a winter diesel fuel from wax containing hydrocarbons produced by the Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis process. A 300° F.+ Fischer-Tropsch fraction is upgraded first by hydroisomerization followed by catalytic dewaxing resulting in a diesel fuel suitable for use as a winter diesel fuel having excellent cold flow properties and reduced emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Berlowitz, Daniel Francis Ryan, Robert Jay Wittenbrink, W. Berlin Genetti, Jack Wayne Johnson
  • Patent number: 6783659
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Rodney L. Porter, Anne M. Balinsky, Eric P. Weber
  • Patent number: 6767191
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of petrochemistry, in particular to a method of compressing a gaseous hydrocarbon-containing medium, for example, different hydrocarbon gases including flares produced in the oil refining and petrochemical industries. A distillate of a rectifying column of an atmosphere-vacuum oil refining unit is fed as the fresh liquid working medium into a circulation loop of a liquid hydrocarbon-containing medium, which contains a liquid-gas jet device, a separator and a pump. The liquid hydrocarbon-containing medium is removed from the circulation loop to a cracking and rectifying unit in which the liquid hydrocarbon-containing medium is subjected to cracking with subsequent rectification in the rectifying column of that unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Valery Grigorievich Tsegelsky
  • Publication number: 20040065585
    Abstract: The invention concerns an improved process for producing very high quality base stock and for simultaneously producing high quality middle distillates, comprising successive hydroisomerisation and catalytic dewaxing steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Eric Benazzi, Nathalie Marchal-George, Tivadar Cseri, Pierre Marion, Christhope Gueret
  • Publication number: 20040065584
    Abstract: A heavy lubricant base stock is made by (a) producing a synthesis gas from natural gas, (b) reacting the H2 and CO in the gas in the presence of a cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, at reaction conditions effective to synthesize waxy hydrocarbons boiling in the heavy lubricant oil range, which are hydrodewaxed it at least two stages, with interstage separation and removal of the lighter material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Adeana Richelle Bishop, William Berlin Genetti, Nancy Marie Page, Loren Leon Ansell, Jack Wayne Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040055933
    Abstract: A process for the production of low benzene content gasoline is disclosed wherein a full boiling range naphtha is fractionated to produce a light naphtha, a medium naphtha and a heavy naphtha. The benzene is contained in the medium naphtha and this stream is subjected to hydrogenation to convert the benzene to cyclohexane which may be isomerized to improve the octane. The valuable olefins are removed in the light naphtha and the valuable heavier aromatics (toluene and xylenes) are removed in the heavy naphtha. In a preferred embodiment all of the reactions are carried out in distillation column reactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: CATALYTIC DISTILLATION TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Willibrord A. Groten, Kerry L. Rock
  • Publication number: 20040004020
    Abstract: A process for upgrading a hydrocarbon feedstock containing waxy components and having an end boiling point exceeding 650° F., which includes contacting the feedstock at superatmospheric hydrogen partial pressure with an isomerization dewaxing catalyst that includes ZSM-48 and contacting the feedstock with a hydrocracking catalyst to produce an upgraded product with a reduced wax content. Each catalyst is present in an amount sufficient to reduce the cloud point and the pour point of the feedstock at a conversion of greater than about 10%, and an overall distillate yield of greater than about 10% results from the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Michael T. Grove, Randall D. Partridge, Terry E. Helton, David A. Pappal, Philip J. Angevine, Dominick N. Mazzone
  • Publication number: 20030209467
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of gasoline with a low sulfur content comprising at least three stages: a first stage in which the sulfur-containing compounds present in the gasoline are at least partially transformed into H2S and into saturated sulfur-containing compounds; a second stage whose purpose is to eliminate the H2S from the gasoline produced in the first stage; and a third stage in which the saturated sulfur-containing compounds remaining in the gasoline are transformed into H2S. The process according to the invention optionally also comprises a pretreatment stage whose purpose is to hydrogenate the diolefins of the feedstock before the first stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Blaise Didillon, Denis Uzio, Jean-Luc Nocca, Quentin Debuisschert
  • Patent number: 6569312
    Abstract: A process for upgrading oil feedstock wherein the feedstock is hydrocracked, flashed and/or distilled. The bottoms are then vacuum distilled to adjust viscosity and volatility. The refined feed is then dewaxed under high pressure by a medium pore molecular sieve. The dewaxed material is then cascaded to a hydrofinishing step, where it is contacted with an aromatics saturation catalyst having a metal hydrogenation function in order to produce, after appropriate flashing and distillation, lubricant products having high Viscosity Index, low aromatics content, low volatility and excellent stability to light in the presence of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael B. Carroll, Fritz A. Smith, John C. Bixel
  • Patent number: 6569313
    Abstract: A process for upgrading oil feedstock wherein the feedstock is hydrotreated, hydrocracked, and flashed and/or distilled. The bottoms are then vacuum distilled to adjust viscosity and volatility. The refined feed is then extracted, dewaxed, and cascaded to a hydrofinishing step, where it is contacted with a catalyst having a metal hydrogenation function in order to produce lubricant products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael B. Carroll, Gary P. Schleicher, Joseph P. Boyle
  • Patent number: 6566569
    Abstract: A process for preparing a C4- product stream and a C6+ product stream is disclosed. The process involves contacting a C5 containing paraffinic feedstock with a catalyst that includes a hydrogenation/dehydrogenation catalyst and an olefin metathesis catalyst under conditions which dehydrogenate the paraffins to olefins. The olefins are then metathesized and rehydrogenated to provide a product stream. A C4- fraction and a C6+ fraction can each be isolated from the product stream. The C4- fraction can be used, for example, in an alkylation reaction to provide compounds useful in gasoline compositions. Unconverted C5 paraffins can be recycled. The C6+ fraction can be used, for example, as solvents. Alternatively, they can be isomerized to form gasoline additives, or can be converted to aromatic compounds via reforming, for example, using conventional reforming techniques, preferably using the AROMAX™ process or traditional rheniforming conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Cong-Yan Chen, Dennis J. O'Rear, Scott R. Brundage
  • Publication number: 20030057134
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing middle distillates from effluents obtained from the Fischer-Tropsch process, comprising separating a heavy cut with an initial boiling point of 120-200° C., hydrotreating said cut and fractionating the hydrotreated cut to obtain at least one intermediate fraction and at least one fraction that is heavier than the intermediate fraction. The intermediate fraction boils between T1 and T2, T1 being in the range 120-200° C. and T2 being in the range 300-410° C. The heavy and intermediate fractions are treated over a hydrocracking/hydroisomerisation catalyst and the effluents obtained are distilled. The invention also concerns a unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Eric Benazzi, Christophe Gueret
  • Publication number: 20030057133
    Abstract: A system comprising: a paraffin feed produced by the Fischer-Tropsch process is fractionable into at least three fractions: an intermediate fraction boiling between T1 and T2, T1 being in the range 120-200° C. and T2 being more than 300° C. and less than 410° C., a light fraction boiling below it and a heavy fraction boiling above it; at least a portion of the intermediate fraction is hydrotreated then at least a portion thereof is passed over an amorphous hydroisomerisation/hydrocracking catalyst; the heavy fraction is passed over an amorphous hydroisomerisation/hydrocracking catalyst with a conversion of 370° C.+ products into 370° C-products of more than 80% by weight; the hydrocracked/hydroisomerised fractions are distilled to obtain middle distillates (kerosine, gas oil).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Eric Benazzi, Christophe Gueret
  • Publication number: 20030057135
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process and apparatus wherein the paraffin effluent from the Fischer-Tropsch process is separated into a heavy fraction with an initial boiling point of 120-200° C., said heavy fraction then optionally being hydrotreated then brought into contact with an amorphous hydroisomerisation/hydrocracking catalyst that converts at least 80% by weight of the 370° C.+ products into products with a boiling point of less than 370° C. After distilling the hydrocracked fraction obtained to separate middle distillates, the residual heavy fraction is recycled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Eric Benazzi, Christophe Gueret
  • Patent number: 6517704
    Abstract: A process for upgrading oil feedstock wherein the feedstock is hydrocracked, and flasked and/or distilled. A distillate fraction boiling in the diesel range is isolated and dewaxed under high pressure by a medium pore molecular sieve. The dewaxed material is then cascaded to a hydrofinishing step, where it is contacted with an aromatics saturation catalyst having a metal hydrogenation function in order to produce diesel fuels having low aromatics content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael B. Carroll, Fritz A. Smith, John C. Bixel
  • Patent number: 6503465
    Abstract: A process and/or system is provided for isomerizing a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising saturated C6 hydrocarbons by contacting the hydrocarbon feedstock, in the presence of hydrogen and optionally a chloride, with a first isomerization catalyst composition in a first isomerization reactor defining a first reaction zone operated at a first reaction temperature, withdrawing a first intermediate stream comprising cyclohexane and n-hexane from the first reaction zone, separating the first intermediate stream, via a first separator, into a first product stream comprising cyclohexane and a second intermediate stream comprising n-hexane, contacting the second intermediate stream, in the presence of hydrogen and optionally a chloride, with a second isomerization catalyst composition in a second isomerization reactor defining a second reaction zone operated at a second reaction temperature greater than the first reaction temperature, and withdrawing from the second reaction zone a second product stream comprising isoh
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Fan-nan Lin, Edgar Durand Davis
  • Publication number: 20020189972
    Abstract: The invention concerns an improved method for making very high quality oil bases optionally with simultaneous production of high quality middle distillates, comprising hydrotreating, hydrocracking preferably on Y or beta zeolite, topping steps. The effluent is subjected to catalytic dewaxing on ZSM-48 zeolite. The method then comprises steps of hydrofinishing to hydrogenate the aromatics, preferably on a catalyst comprising at least a noble metal of group VIII, chlorine and fluorine and steps of vacuum topping. The properties of the oils and middle distillates are enhanced (flow point, viscosity index, aromatic content) resulting even in production of medicinal oils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Eric Benazzi, Pierre Marion, Alain Billon, Christophe Gueret, Jean-Claude Hipeaux, Jean Paul Gouzard
  • Publication number: 20020179496
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for contacting fluids in a fluid-solids contacting chamber is disclosed. The fluid-solid contacting chamber has a plurality of beds, and the chamber comprises a plurality of conduits and outlet ports that are capable of providing improved fluid distribution of fluids that are introduced above or between the beds. One or more conduits are arranged within a single conduit, which provides a compact and inexpensive assembly for conveying the fluids to each conduit's outlet port. In operation, the fluid flow to the outlet port of each conduit is regulated within that outlet port's most efficient operating range, and since the flows can regulated simply by hand, the method of this invention can be practiced readily. Catalytic condensation and other hydrocarbon process units that employ this invention will have increased on-stream efficiencies and realize significant economic benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: James W. Kilroy
  • Publication number: 20020153281
    Abstract: A process for producing a lubricating oil basestock having at least 90 wt. % saturates and a VI of at least 105 by selectively hydroconverting a raffinate from a solvent extraction zone in a two step hydroconversion zone followed by a hydrofinishing zone, and a lubricating oil basestock produced by said process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Ian A. Cody, William J. Murphy, John E. Gallagher, Joseph P. Boyle, Anne M. Zinicola, Christopher J. May, Jeenok T. Kim, John A. Groetsch, Sylvain S. Hantzer
  • Patent number: 6433235
    Abstract: An improved process for the conversion of normally gaseous methane-containing hydrocarbon mixtures, such as natural gas, to a normally liquid hydrocarbon product comprises separating the methane component of the gaseous mixture from the heavier hydrocarbon component, cracking the separated heavier: hydrocarbon component at a relatively low temperature and optionally cracking the methane component at a relatively high temperature. The low temperature cracking product and any high temperature cracking product are separated into a light product of principally hydrogen and a heavy product comprising unsaturated hydrocarbons. This heavy product is reacted with methane in the presence of an acidic alkalization catalyst. The resulting product mixture is separated into a light product, a portion of which is recycled, and the normally liquid hydrocarbon product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Bryan Research & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel G. Cantrell
  • Patent number: 6419986
    Abstract: A method of removing reactive metal from a metal-coated reactor system, comprising contacting at least a portion of a metal-coated reactor system containing reactive metal with a getter to produce movable metal, and fixating the movable metal, the getter, or both. The contacting is preferably done prior to catalyst loading. A preferred coating metal comprises tin and a preferred getter comprises HCl. The invention is also a method for reducing catalyst contamination from a metal which was used to coat a reactor system. The method comprises contacting a metal-coated reactor system, with a gaseous halogen-containing compound to produce movable metal; thereafter or simultaneously, at least a portion of the movable metal is removed from the reactor system. Then a halided catalyst is loaded into the reactor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company IP
    Inventors: Dennis L. Holtermann, Hong Chiu Chen, Richard M Wolpert, Charles R. Wilson, Daniel P. Hagewiesche
  • Patent number: 6420618
    Abstract: A premium synthetic lubricating oil base stock having a high VI and low pour point is made by hydroisomerizing a Fischer-Tropsch synthesized waxy, paraffinic feed wax and then dewaxing the hydroisomerate to form a 650-750° F.+ dewaxate. The waxy feed has an initial boiling point in the range of about 650-750° F., from which it continuously boils up to at least 1050° F. and has a T90−T10 temperature difference of at least 350° F. The feed is preferably hydroisomerized without any pretreatment, other than optional fractionation. The 650-750° F.+ dewaxate is fractionated into two or more base stocks of different viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Paul J. Berlowitz, Jacob J. Habeeb, Robert J. Wittenbrink
  • Patent number: 6379535
    Abstract: A catalytic hydrocracking process wherein a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock and a liquid recycle stream is contacted with hydrogen in a hydrocracking reaction zone at elevated temperature and pressure to obtain conversion to lower boiling hydrocarbons. A liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream produced from the effluent of the hydrocracking reaction zone is fractionated in a first zone of a divided-wall fractionation zone to produce at least one liquid hydrocarbonaceous product stream and a liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream containing hydrocarbons boiling at a temperature in the boiling range of the feedstock and heavy polynuclear aromatic compounds. At least a portion of the liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream containing heavy polynuclear aromatic compounds is introduced into a second zone of the divided-wall fractionation zone to produce a stream rich in polynuclear aromatic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoehn, Bradford L. Bjorklund
  • Publication number: 20020003102
    Abstract: A process for making a lube base stock wherein a highly paraffinic feedstock is dehydrogenated to produce an olefinic feedstock. That olefinic feedstock is contacted with an oligomerization catalyst in an oligomerization zone to produce a product having a higher number average molecular weight than the olefinic feedstock. The product is separated into a light byproduct fraction and a heavy product fraction. The heavy product fraction comprises a lube base stock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Thomas V. Harris, Stephen J. Miller, Russell R. Krug, Brent K. Lok
  • Patent number: 6258989
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon feedstock containing C5 olefins, C5 diolefins, CPD, DCPD, and aromatics is processed by the steps of heating a hydrocarbon feedstock containing CPD, DCPD, C5 diolefins, benzene, toluene, and xylene in a heating zone, to dimerize CPD to DCPD, thereby forming a first effluent; separating the first effluent into a C6+ stream and a C5 diolefin stream; separating the C6+ stream into a C6-C9 stream and a C10+ stream; separating the C10+ stream into a fuel oil stream and a DCPD stream; and hydrotreating the C6-C9 stream to thereby form a BTX stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Steven A. Owen, Marvin M. Johnson, Tin-Tack Peter Cheung, Mark E. Lashier
  • Patent number: 6231749
    Abstract: Petroleum wax feeds are converted to high viscosity index lubricants by a two-step hydrocracking-hydroisomerization process in which the wax feed which exhibits branchingis initially subjected to hydrocracking under mild conditions with a conversion to non-lube range products of no more than about 30 weight percent of the feed. The hydrocracking is carried out at a hydrogen pressure of at least 1000 psig (7000 kPa) using an amorphous catalyst which preferentially removes the aromatic components present in the initial feed. The hydrocracked effluent is then subjected to hydroisomerization in a second step using a low acidity zeolite beta catalyst which effects a preferential isomerization on the paraffin components to less waxy, high VI isoparaffins. The second stage may be operated at high pressure by cascading the first stage product into the second stage or at a lower pressure, typically from 200 to 1000 psig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas F. Degnan, Robert T. Hanlon, Grant G. Karsner, Dominick N. Mazzone
  • Patent number: 6225359
    Abstract: Salable hydrocarbon products prepared by reacting a light hydrocarbon gaseous stream with a gaseous oxidant to produce carbon oxides and hydrogen, which is contacted in a hydrocarbon synthesis zone to produce a product stream comprising salable hydrocarbon products. That product stream is separated into a gaseous fraction and at least one fraction of salable hydrocarbon products. The light hydrocarbon gaseous stream is formed by separating a light hydrocarbon gaseous feed comprising alkanes into a lighter fraction and a heavier fraction and contacting that heavier fraction in a disproportionation zone to convert a significant portion of the alkanes in the heavier fraction by disproportionation into both higher and lower alkanes, then at least part of the lighter fraction and the lower alkanes form the light hydrocarbon gaseous stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis John O'Rear, Charles L. Kibby, Russell R. Krug
  • Patent number: 6190532
    Abstract: Petroleum waxes are converted to high viscosity index lubricants by a hydroisomerization process in which the wax feed is subjected to hydroisomerization over a low acidity molecular sieve isomerization catalyst (the molecular sieve being preferably a zeolite) which effects a preferential isomerization on the paraffin components in the feed to less waxy, high VI isoparaffins. The hydroisomerization is operated at high pressure, at least 1000 psig hydrogen partial pressure (reactor inlet) using a zeolite catalyst, preferably a noble metal containing zeolite beta catalyst which contains boron as a framework component of the zeolite to give a low alpha value, typically below 10. The hydroisomerization is carried out at with a 650° F.+ conversion in the range of 10 to 40 weight percent of the feed. A final dewaxing step to target pour point may be used with relatively low loss, typically no more than 15 weight percent, during this dewaxing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas F. Degnan, Dominick N. Mazzone
  • Patent number: 6149799
    Abstract: The invention concerns a catalyst for hydrorefining and hydroconverting hydrocarbon feeds, comprising a mixed sulphide comprising at least two elements selected from elements with an atomic number selected from the group formed by the following numbers: 3, 11, 12, 19 to 33, 37, to 51, 55 to 83, 87 to 103, characterized in that the mixed sulphide results from a combination of at least one element the sulphide of which has a bond energy between the metal and sulphur of less than 50.+-.3 kcal/mol (209.+-.12 kJ/mol) and at least one element the sulphide of which has a bond energy between the metal and sulphur of more than 50.+-.3 kcal/mol (209.+-.12 kJ/mol), the mixed sulphide thus having a mean bond energy between the metal and sulphur which is in the range 30 to 70 kcal/mol (125 to 293 kJ/mol).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Pascal Raybaud, Herve Toulhoat, Slavik Kasztelan
  • Patent number: 6075173
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the production of isobutene and propylene by metathesis of an olefinic C.sub.4 cut. The process comprises three successive steps: 1) selective hydrogenation of butadiene with isomerisation of butene-1 to butene-2; 2) separation by distillation to produce isobutene overhead, leaving a butene-2 bottom cut; 3) metathesis of the butene-2 cut with ethylene. The advantage of this process is that polymerisation quality propylene can be produced very selectively, in contrast to other processes such as dehydrogenation of propane or other cracking processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean Alain Chodorge, Dominique Commereuc, Jean Cosyns
  • Patent number: 6060631
    Abstract: A process for the conversion of plastic to produce a synthetic crude oil by means of separating a liquefied plastic into a lower boiling fraction and a higher boiling fraction containing non-distillable particulate matter which is admixed with a hydrocarbonaceous recycle stream and filtered. The filtered stream having a reduced concentration of finely divided particulate matter and the distillable lower boiling stream together with hydrogen is contacted with a hydro-demetallization catalyst in a hydro-demetallization zone. The effluent from the hydro-demetallization zone is contacted with a hydrocracking catalyst in a hydrocracking zone to produce lower boiling hydrocarbons suitable for use as a synthetic crude oil and to produce gaseous, water-soluble inorganic compounds. A recovered hydrogen-rich gaseous stream is preferably recycled to the hydro-demetallization zone. The gaseous, water-soluble inorganic compounds are removed by scrubbing the hydrocracking zone effluent with an aqueous stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. James, Jr., Tom N. Kalnes
  • Patent number: 6036844
    Abstract: A three stage hydroprocessing process includes two liquid and one vapor reaction stages, with a hydrogen containing vapor effluent produced in both liquid stages. The second liquid stage vapor effluent comprises part of the first liquid stage feed and the first liquid stage vapor effluent is the feed for the vapor stage. At least a portion of the hydrogen for the first liquid stage and vapor stage reactions is respectively provided by the hydrogen in the second and first liquid stage vapor effluents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Ramesh Gupta, Henry Jung, Edward S. Ellis, Gerald E. Markley
  • Patent number: 5976351
    Abstract: This invention discloses a process for producing a high Viscosity Index lubricant having a VI of at least 125 from a waxy hydrocarbon feed having a wax content of at least 40 wt %. The process comprises catalytically dewaxing waxy paraffins present in the feed by isomerization in the presence of hydrogen and in the presence of a low acidity large pore zeolite isomerization catalyst. This catalyst has a ratio of SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, as synthesized, of at least 50:1, and an alpha value of not greater than 20, wherein the catalyst is prepared in the absence of boron. The catalyst further comprises a noble metal hydrogenation component. The feed may be hydrocracked prior to dewaxing with the large pore zeolite. The feed may be solvent dewaxed prior to isomerization. The effluent of the isomerization step may also be further dewaxed by either solvent or catalytic means in order to achieve target pour point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Minas Robert Apelian, William S. Borghard, Thomas Francis Degnan, Jr., Robert Tryon Hanlon, Mae Koenig Rubin
  • Patent number: 5952539
    Abstract: A process for producing normally gaseous olefins from two different process units sharing common downstream quench and fractionation facilities, wherein one of the process units is a short contact time mechanically fluidized vaporization unit for processing petroleum residual feedstocks and the other is a conventional steam cracking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Noel M. Seimandi, Tony T. Cheng, Willibald Serrand, Mitchell Jacobson, Paul K. Ladwig, John F. Pagel, Michael R. Parrish, Hans A. Weisenberger
  • Patent number: 5935413
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing vapor and liquid reactants within a column. The apparatus forms a first mixing zone into which a first reactant (e.g., vapor) is homogenized by swirl flow and flows vertically downward. The apparatus further forms a second mixing zone into which a second reactant (e.g., liquid) is homogenized by swirl flow and flows vertically downward. Additional amounts of either the first reactant, the second reactant or both may be added into or ahead of the first mixing zone or the second mixing zone as appropriate. The first reactant is directed radially to collide in crossflow with a thin sheet of the second reactant to provide intense mixing of the first and second reactants. Due to separate mixing zones for the two reactants, the mixing conditions for each can be tailored to best mix each reactant while minimizing pressure drop and minimizing the space and volume requirements for this mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Sherri L. Boyd, Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Patent number: 5914433
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of light olefins comprising olefins having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms per molecule from an oxygenate feedstock. The process comprises passing the oxygenate feedstock to an oxygenate conversion zone containing a metal aluminophosphate catalyst to produce a light olefin stream. A propylene stream and/or mixed butylene is fractionated from said light olefin stream and cracked to enhance the yield of ethylene and propylene products. This combination of light olefin product and propylene and butylene cracking in a riser cracking zone or a separate cracking zone provides flexibility to the process which overcomes the equilibrium limitations of the aluminophosphate catalyst. In addition, the invention provides the advantage of extended catalyst life and greater catalyst stability in the oxygenate conversion zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: UOP LLL
    Inventor: Terry L. Marker
  • Patent number: 5885438
    Abstract: This invention discloses a process for producing a high Viscosity Index lubricant having a VI of at least 125 from a waxy hydrocarbon feed having a wax content of at least 40 wt %. The process comprises catalytically dewaxing waxy paraffins present in the feed by isomerization in the presence of hydrogen and in the presence of a low acidity large pore zeolite isomerization catalyst. This catalyst has a ratio of SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, as synthesized, of at least 50:1, wherein the catalyst is prepared in the absence of boron. The alpha value of the catalyst is no greater than 20. The catalyst comprises a noble metal hydroisomerization catalyst such as Pt. The feed may be hydrocracked prior to dewaxing with the large pore zeolite. The effluent of the process may also be further dewaxed by either solvent or catalytic means in order to achieve target pour point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Minas R. Apelian, William S. Borghard, Thomas F. Degnan, Jr., Robert T. Hanlon, Mae K. Rubin
  • Patent number: 5779992
    Abstract: A hydrotreating apparatus comprising (a') a fixed-bed reactor packed with a hydrotreating catalyst for hydrotreating a heavy oil and (b') a suspended-bed reactor packed with a hydrotreating catalyst for further hydrotreating the heavy oil hydrotreated in the fixed-bed reactor. According to the apparatus of the present invention, (a) feeding of a heavy oil to a fixed-bed reactor is disclosed packed with a hydrotreating catalyst to thereby effect hydrotreating of the heavy oil and (b) feeding of the heavy oil hydrotreated in the fixed-bed reactor to a suspended-bed reactor packed with a hydrotreating catalyst to thereby effect further hydrotreating of the heavy oil can be conducted, and therefore the period of hydrotreating of the heavy oil can be prolonged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Catalysts & Chemicals Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidehiro Higashi
  • Patent number: 5702589
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for converting olefinic hydrocarbons using spent FCC catalysts which comprises using spent FCC catalysts, optionally containing spent FCC additives, in the reactor/stripper part of the FCCU, instead of or in addition to a separate olefin upgrader, to upgrade C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 oligomerizable olefins, preferably propylene and ethylene, into C.sub.4 /C.sub.5 olefins and isoparaffins as well as gasoline, wherein feedstock can be product streams of the FCCU containing propylene/ethylene such as, for example, the absorber and depropanizer overheads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: ABB Lummus Global Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Hao Mark Tsang, Randall Hughes Petty, Glenn Allen Clausen, Charles Henry Schrader
  • Patent number: 5699270
    Abstract: A method for controlling the manufacture of lubricating oils involving the steps of distillation, extracting, dewaxing and optionally hydrofining; or for controlling operating units associated with refinery or chemical processes with feed stocks and products boiling above 350.degree. C. The method comprises selecting one or more chemical or perceptual or physical or performance properties of the lubricating oil or the feedstock, distillate or raffinate used in the manufacturing process; or of the refinery or chemical process feed stocks or products; creating a training set from reference samples which contain characteristic molecular species present in the lubricating oil, feedstock, distillate or raffinate used in the manufacturing process or from the refining or chemical operations. The reference samples are subjected to GC/MS analysis wherein the often collinear data generated is treated by multivariate correlation methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Terrence Rodney Ashe, Ross William Kapala, Stilianos George Roussis
  • Patent number: 5658455
    Abstract: An improved fluidized bed coking process wherein a residuum feedstock is introduced into a first stage comprised of a short vapor contact time reactor containing a horizontal moving bed of fluidized hot particles. Carbonaceous material is deposited onto the hot particles on contact with the hot particles, and a vapor product is produced. The hot particles, containing the carbonaceous deposits, are fed to a second stage fluidized bed coking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: David G. Hammond, Mitchell Jacobson, John F. Pagel, Martin C. Poole, Robert C. Green, Willibald Serrand
  • Patent number: 5616237
    Abstract: A fluid catalytic cracking unit equipped with multiple feed injection points along the length of the riser is operated such that portions of the same fresh feed are charged to different feed injection points. Preferably, the hydrocarbon fresh feed can be split into two or more non-distinct fractions, with one fraction charged to the bottom injection point along the length of the riser reactor, and the remaining fractions charged to injection points progressively higher up along the length of the riser reactor with the temperature of the upper injection feed fractions being different from that of the lowest injection point fraction prior to entry into the FCC riser reactor. Hydrocarbon products from the cracking process can be recycled to one or more of the various injection points along the length of the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company, A Division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok S. Krishna, Robert C. Skocpol, Lewis A. Frederickson
  • Patent number: 5595634
    Abstract: A process for treating C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 petroleum fractions, such as a light cracked naphtha to be used as an etherification feed stock in which H.sub.2 S is removed by distillation of at least the C.sub.3 fraction and mercaptans and diolefins are removed simultaneously in a distillation column reactor using a dual catalyst bed. The mercaptans and H.sub.2 S are reacted with the diolefins in the presence of a reduced nickel catalyst to form sulfides which are higher boiling than the portion of the feed which is fractionated to an upper hydrogenation catalyst bed of palladium for hydrogenating diolefins and acetylenes. The higher boiling sulfides are removed as bottoms along with heavier materials. Any diolefins not converted to sulfides and acetylenes are selectively hydrogenated to mono-olefins in the presence of a palladium oxide catalyst in an upper bed, producing overheads, substantially free of sulfur compounds, diolefins and acetylenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Chemical Research & Licensing Company
    Inventors: Dennis Hearn, Gary R. Gildert, Hugh M. Putman