Abstract: A process for the production of an ether-rich additive for gasoline, and more particularly, the production of MTBE, TAME and mixtures thereof from light hydrocarbon streams comprising passing the light hydrocarbon stream, preferably from an FCC feedstock, through a superactivated porous particulate medium so as to remove nitrogen compounds, mercaptan and water prior to contacting the feedstock with a catalyst under etherification process conditions. The present invention further includes a process for regenerating the spent superactivated mediums used for purifying the feedstock employed in the process for the production of ether-rich additives for gasoline.

Abstract: A process for treating alumina mediums used for purifying a hydrocarbon feedstock employed in a process for the production of ether-rich additives for gasoline.

Abstract: A process for the passivation of fine particulate matter exiting a reactor train for the manufacture of organohalosilanes comprising treating the particulate matter or fines with an aqueous medium comprising a polyalkylene ether surfactant and optionally an acidifying agent to produce hydrogen, separating the fines from the aqueous medium, and removing water from the fines.

Abstract: This invention is a process for the regeneration of solid acidic hydrocarbon conversion catalysts, but particularly certain transition aluminas and zeolites promoted with Lewis acids (preferably BF.sub.3) which have been used in the alkylation of isoparaffins with olefins. The process involves the removal of some portion of the reaction product residue adhering to the solid catalyst by contact with a solvent to partially recover the catalyst's initial activity.

Abstract: To separate and recover rhodium, the distillation residues of oxo synthesis products are initially treated with an oxidant. Then the reaction mixture is reacted, in the presence of carbon monoxide (or a compound which splits off carbon monoxide), with an aqueous solution of a reagent forming a water-soluble complex compound with rhodium. The reaction mixture breaks into an organic phase and an aqueous phase, the complex goes to the aqueous phase as it is substantially insoluble in the organic phase.

Abstract: A method of releasing metals from catalysts in a form that is readily recoverable using denitrifying bacteria is disclosed. The method can be used to regenerate catalysts and to recover metals from catalysts, especially molybdenum and nickel.

Abstract: Spent or inactive alumina-supported catalysts removed from a catalytic hydrotreating process and having carbonaceous and metallic deposits thereon are reactivated. After a solvent wash to remove process oils, the spent catalyst is treated with an organic solvent, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, at a temperature of 200.degree. to about 500.degree. F. for a period of about 1 to about 12 hours to form the reactivated catalyst suitable for reuse in a catalytic hydrotreating process. Optionally, the solvent treated catalyst can be regenerated by contact with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature of about 700.degree. to about 900.degree. F. to remove carbon deposits from the catalyst, or, alternatively, the solvent treated catalyst can be acid leached to remove undesired metals and then contacted with an oxygen-containing gas at an elevated temperature to remove carbon deposits.

Abstract: A process for regenerating a catalyst which involves washing a catalyst with a liquid at a temperature within the range of about 50.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C. for a time sufficient to remove foulants thereby recovering catalyst activity. The wash liquid is preferably a member selected from the group consisting of ethers, alcohols and mixtures of ethers and alcohols wherein the ether is a tertiary alkyl ether, preferably selected from the group consisting of tertiary amyl methyl ether and methyl tertiary butyl ether, and wherein the alcohol is preferably selected from the group consisting of tertiary butyl alcohol and methanol. The catalyst is preferably a clay treated with an acid selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid and mixtures of hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acid, wherein the clay is preferably selected from the group consisting of montmorillonite, kaolinite, attapulgite, bentoninte and natural clay.

Abstract: A process for the production of an ether-rich additive for gasoline, and more particularly, the production of MTBE, TAME and mixtures thereof from light hydrocarbon streams comprising passing the light hydrocarbon stream, preferably from an FCC feedstock, through a superactivated alumina medium so as to remove nitrogen compounds, mercaptan and water prior to contacting the feedstock with a catalyst under etherification process conditions. The present invention further includes a process for regenerating the spent superactivated alumina mediums used for purifying the feedstock employed in the process for the production of ether-rich additives for gasoline.

Abstract: Spent hydrotreating catalyst having carbonaceous and metallic deposits and of regular geometric shape after being stripped of process oil is fluidized by flowing air upwardly through the catalyst at a velocity sufficient to expand the bed thereby segregating the catalyst particles into a high activity, upper, less-contaminated fraction and a lower, more-contaminated fraction and recycling the high activity fraction to a hydrotreating process. Optionally, the high activity fraction can be regenerated with carbon burnoff or rejuvenated by acid leaching followed by regeneration with carbon burnoff to further improve catalyst activity.

Abstract: This invention concerns the use of M[BR.sub.3 H].sub.y reagents for activating or regenerating deactivated or degraded Ni catalyst used in Ni-catalyzed alkene hydrocyanation processes in the presence of an organic phosphorus compound, where M is an electropositive ion excluding nickel, such as, but not limited to, the Group 1A cations, the Group IIA cations, the lanthanide cations and the quaternary ammoniums and R is an organic radical of up to 18 carbon atoms, and where y is equal to the net charge of the cation. The invention also concerns a process for activation or regeneration of Ni-catalysts using MH and a catalytic amount of BR.sub.3.

Abstract: A process for regenerating a catalyst which involves washing a catalyst with a liquid at a temperature within the range of about 50.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C. for a time sufficient to remove foulants thereby recovering catalyst activity. The wash liquid is preferably a member selected from the group consisting of ethers, alcohols and mixtures of ethers and alcohols wherein the ether is a tertiary alkyl ether, preferably selected from the group consisting of tertiary amyl methyl ether and methyl tertiary butyl ether, and wherein the alcohol is preferably selected from the group consisting of tertiary butyl alcohol and methanol. The catalyst is preferably a clay treated with an acid selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid and mixtures of hydrofluoric and hydrochlorica acid, wherein the clay is preferably selected from the group consisting of montmorillonite, kaolinite, attapulgite, bentonite and natural clay.

Abstract: A process for sweetening a petroleum fraction by catalytic oxidation of mercaptans contained therein in a fixed bed of the supported catalyst, with the oxidation reaction being carried out in the absence of an aqueous phase and in the presence of an oxidizing agent, and the water molecules formed during the oxidation reaction being removed from the catalyst support by washing the latter periodically with a substantial quantity of a polar solvent that is miscible with water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the ex situ presulfidation of hydrotreating catalysts employing organic sulfur compounds with a boiling point exceeding 100.degree. C. and satisfying the formulaX--R.sup.1 (S--R.sup.2).sub.p S--R.sup.3 --Y (I)wherein p=0, 1 or 2,R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 may be the same or different and represent alkylene groups having 1-4 carbon atoms,X and Y may be the same or different and have the meaning of --H, --OH, --OR.sup.4 4 or --C(O)OR.sup.5, whereinR.sup.4 has the meaning of an alkyl group or acyl group with 1-3 carbon atoms, andR.sup.5 has the meaning of --H, an ammonium group or an alkyl group with 1-3 carbon atoms.Also disclosed is a process for activating the thus presulfided catalyst.

Abstract: A reactivation process for a deactivated supported palladium catalyst involves contacting the catalyst with an organic polar solvent for naphthalenic compounds at a temperature below about 200.degree. C. The organic polar solvent has a dielectric constant at 25.degree. C. in the range of about 4 to about 80 and has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure in the range of about 30.degree. C. to about 230.degree. C. Preferred organic polar solvents are acetone and methanol, as well as mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A flame-retardant polymeric foam which comprises a carbonaceous irreversibly heat set, cellular polymer derived from a stabilized polyacrylonitrile based foam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating a new or regenerated catalyst containing a support having as a base at least one metal or metalloid oxide and at least one active metal, comprising treating the catalyst with at least one sulfuration agent dissolved in a solvent.The invention is charcterized in that the sulfuration agent is a polysulfide with the following general formulaR'--S.sub.y --R--S.sub.x --R--S.sub.y).sub.n R'where R is a linear or a branched organic radical comprising from 2 to 12 carbon atoms; R' is an alkyl, alkenyl, arylalkyl or arylalkenyl radical comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R' possibly comprising at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur; x has a value of from 1 to 4; y has a value of from 1 to 8 and n is such that the average molar mass of the polymer is about 5000.

Abstract: Catalyst systems, methods to improve a catalyst system, and dimerization processes therewith are provided. Catalyst systems which comprise at least one elemental alkali metal supported on an alkali metal carbonate catalyst support, are contacted with a liquid organic solvent in order to improve the isomer ratio of the desired reaction product(s) to undesired product(s).

Abstract: A method of regenerating spent hydrophobic materials, and recovering material sorbed thereon whereby sorbed materials are removed by contacting same with a surfactant solution. The surfactant solution, is of sufficient concentration to form micelles which are aggregates of surfactant molecules with a hydrocarbon-like interior which solubilize a portion of the sorbed material. The resulting solution is removed from the hydrophobic material and the material contained therein separated from the solution. Any residual surfactant on the hydrophobic material may be flushed from the hydrophobic material, if necessary.

Abstract: This invention comprises improvements to processes for the catalytic cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks. One such improvement to catalytic cracking processes provides compositions comprising metals passivating agents having an increased degree of stability. These compositions comprise aqueous suspensions of antimony by vinyl copolymers, aqueous suspensions of antimony oxide by diesters of phosphoric acid, or aqueous suspensions of antimony oxide by cellulose derivatives. Another improvement to catalytic cracking processes provides a process for reducing the viscosity of liquid suspensions of metals passivating agents without substantially reducing the stability of the liquid suspension by the utilization of at least two different particle ranges of metals passivating agents. A further improvement to catalytic cracking processes provides an efficient utilization of metals passivating agents by introducing the selected agent into the catalyst regeneration cycle of a catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: This invention comprises improvements to processes for the catalytic cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks. One such improvement to catalytic cracking processes provides compositions comprising metals passivating agents having an increased degree of stability. These compositions comprise aqueous suspensions of antimony by vinyl copolymers, aqueous suspensions of antimony oxide by diesters of phosphoric acid, or aqueous suspensions of antimony oxide by cellulose derivatives. Another improvement to catalytic cracking processes provides a process for reducing the viscosity of liquid suspensions of metals passivating agents without substantially reducing the stability of the liquid suspension by the utilization of at least two different particle ranges of metals passivating agents. A further improvement to catalytic cracking processes provides an efficient utilization of metals passivating agents by introducing the selected agent into the catalyst regeneration cycle of a catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the regeneration and stabilization of certain phosphorus-vanadium-oxygen complex catalysts or phosphorus-vanadium-oxygen co-metal complex catalysts, with halogen-containing components and subsequently treating the catalyst with phosphorus compounds. These catalysts are useful for the manufacture of maleic anhydride from butane feedstock.

Abstract: A novel catalytic process is provided for the controlled degradation of organic materials into environmentally compatible products comprising at least carbon dioxide. The process employs a solid catalyst comprising at least one transition element and a peroxide to form a reaction mixture with the organic material which is degraded in the presence of photoenergy absorbable by the catalyst. The catalytic process has multiple applications including the purification of organic solvents; the regeneration of granular activated carbon; the purification of potable water and industrial waste water; and the elimination of organic hazardous and/or toxic substances from collected wastes.

Abstract: A method for regenerating a phosphorus-, molybdenum- and alkali metal-containing oxidation catalyst spent in the production of an unsaturated carboxylic acid by vapor-phase oxidation of an unsaturated aldehyde, which comprises treating the deactivated catalyst with aqueous ammonia and an aqueous solution containing at least one of a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound, an amine, and ammonium carbonate, followed by drying and calcining the treated catalyst.

Abstract: A method of regenerating a deactivated fluorocarbonsulfonic acid polymer catalyst by contacting the deactivated catalyst with a solvent combination wherein a first solvent swells the structure of the polymer and the other acts as a diluent to modify the swelling action of the first. The combination dissolves the deactivating components.

Abstract: An improved catalyst handling process and system is provided to safely, effectively, and automatically transport catalyst by remote control to and from resid hydrotreating units. The process and equipment feature computerized monorail equipment for efficiently transporting special fresh catalyst containers and spent catalyst containers. Various electronic equipment is provided to electronically detect the type of catalyst stored in the catalyst containers. Lift elevators, four-prong liftfork trucks, remote control tilting mechanisms, catalyst transfer lines, deoiler units, bridge cranes, and other transport vehicles, as described, can also be used.

Abstract: A strontium colloid system is introduced into a hydrocarbon conversion process to suppress the harmful effects of one or more metal contaminants in the hydrocarbon feedstock on the active component(s) of the catalyst used in said process. The strontium compound in the colloid system reacts with or traps the metal contaminants before they contact the active component(s) of said catalyst, thereby reducing catalyst deactivation, coke make and hydrogen production relative to that obtained had said compound been introduced into the process in non-colloid form. In a preferred embodiment, the strontium colloid system is introduced into the reaction zone of said process and, preferably, with at least a portion of the hydrocarbon feedstock to said process.

Abstract: Metals of Group 8 are recovered from an organic medium by liquid-liquid extraction into an aqueous phase in the presence of a water-soluble cyclic phosphite, forming an aqueous extract phase containing the metals in complex combination with the cyclic phosphite.

Abstract: A method for purification of C.sub.12 -C.sub.16 amido acids prepared from C.sub.10 -C.sub.14 amido acids is disclosed. The amido acids are purificed by dissolving the crude product in organic alcohol solvent and chloroform at a temperature between room temperature and about 60.degree. C. and about atmospheric pressure. Then the solution is filtered, cooled and allowed to recrystallize. This method is effective for removing the Rh and Co bimetallic catalysts.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a process for regenerating silver-containing carrier catalysts used in the preparation of ethylene oxide which comprises treating a deactivated catalyst with a solution comprising a potassium, rubidium, or cesium compound and a reducing agent. The subject process provides improved catalyst regeneration.

Abstract: A process for economically converting carbo-metallic oils to lighter products. The carbo-metallic oils contain 650.degree. F.+ material which is characterized by containing material which will not boil below about 1025.degree. F., a carbon residue on pyrolysis of at least about 2, and a nickel plus vanadium content of at least about 4 parts per million. This process comprises adding an additive to the feedstock consisting of a compound containing titanium, zirconium, or aluminum so as to restore cracking activity of high metal contaminated and deactivated, zeolite containing catalysts, resulting from processing of these carbo-metallic oils.

Abstract: Tarry residues often are formed in carbonylation reactions, such as those in which esters or ethers are carbonylated to produce ethylidene diacetate or carboxylic acid anhydrides, such as acetic anhydride. Such residues contain Group VIII noble metal catalysts, typically rhodium, which must be separated before the residues can be disposed of. In the process of the invention, a portion of the carbonylation reaction mixture is flashed to a lower pressure and the resulting residues-containing liquid is extracted with solvents which preferentially remove the tars. The tars are separated from the solvents and disposed of while the solvents are recycled for further use. The catalyst-containing liquid is processed to remove residual solvent and returned to the carbonylation reaction.

Abstract: Tarry residues often are formed in carbonylation reactions, such as those in which esters or ethers are carbonylated to produce ethylidene diacetate or carboxylic acid anhydrides, such as acetic anhydride. Such residues contain Group VIII noble metal catalysts, typically rhodium, which must be separated before the residues can be disposed of. In the process of the invention, the residues are extracted with solvents which preferentially dissolve the tars. Preferred solvents include alkanes, cycloalkanes, halogenated alkanes, and aromatic hydrocarbons, particularly cyclohexane, carbon tetrachloride, and toluene. Separation of the residues from the noble metal catalyst by solvent extraction makes possible the disposal of the residues and the return of the noble metals to the reaction for reuse.

Abstract: Heavy residues produced by noble metal catalyzed carbonylation reactions and containing Group VIII noble metals, particularly rhodium, are treated with reagents to precipitate solids containing substantially all of the noble metal contained in the residues. The solids may be further treated to recover the noble metals or they may be returned directly for reuse in the carbonylation reaction. Suitable reagents include alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal peroxides, alkali metal borohydrides, and other reducing agents, such as formaldehyde and acidified sodium bisulfite.

Abstract: This invention is a method to restore the metal content of a supported noble metal hydrogenation catalyst comprising adding the appropriate amount of a noble metal salt of a weak acid to a fluid feed passing across the catalyst.