Abstract: A process for the conversion of plastic to produce a synthetic crude oil by means of contacting the plastic with a hydrocarbonaceous recycle stream in a liquefying zone operated at liquefying conditions to produce a liquefied stream of plastic containing non-distillable particulate matter and at least a portion thereof is filtered. The filtered stream having a reduced concentration of finely divided particulate matter and the balance, if any, of the original liquefied stream together with hydrogen is contacted with a hydro-demetallization catalyst in a hydro-demetallization zone at hydro-demetallization conditions to produce gaseous, water-soluble inorganic compounds. 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. A recovered hydrogen-rich gaseous stream is preferably recycled to the hydro-demetallization zone.

Abstract: A method of forming liquid hydrocarbons from solid coal. The coal is pulverized to provide a particulate coal feed, which is then extruded to provide a hollow tube of compressed coal supported inside of a support tube. A clay feed is extruded to provide a hollow tube of compressed clay supported inside of the coal tube and a combustible fuel is burned inside of the clay tube. The temperature of combustion is sufficient to fire the extruded clay and pyrolyze the extruded coal to produce hydrocarbon gases and coal char. The support tube has holes for releasing the hydrocarbon gases, which contain suspended particles formed during combustion. The suspended particles are removed from the hydrocarbon gases to provide clean gases, which are passed through an ionizing chamber to ionize at least a portion thereof. The ionized gases are then passed through a magnetic field to separate them from each other according to their molecular weight.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a new method and apparatus for the fast pyrolysis of carbonaceous materials involving rapid mixing, high heat transfer rates, precisely controlled short uniform residence times and rapid primary product quench in an upflow, entrained-bed, transport reactor with heat carrier solids recirculation. A carbonaceous feedstock, a non-oxidative transport gas and inorganic particulate heat supplying material are rapidly mixed in a reactor base section, then transported upward through an entrained-bed tubular reactor. A cyclonic hot solids recirculation system separates the solids from the non-condensible gases and primary product vapors and returns them to the mixer. Product vapors are rapidly quenched to provide maximum yields of liquids, petrochemicals, high value gases and selected valuable chemicals.

Abstract: A novel method for processing plastic waste and polyresin, particularly polyethylene, into usable plastic products is described. Plastic waste such as wire fluff generated as a by-product from wire-chopping operations can be used in the process. Also described are products obtained by the process.

Abstract: A recycling apparatus for obtaining oil from waste plastic by thermal decomposition has a thermal decomposition tank 2 comprising a tank proper 3. The inside of the tank proper 3 is divided by a partition 7 into a thermal decomposition chamber at its front and a melting chamber at its rear, with a communicating space to connect the thermal decomposition and melting chambers and provided below the partition. Heating pipes are disposed in the tank proper so that hot air travels from the thermal decomposition chamber through the communicating spaces to the melting chamber. This arrangement permits keeping the thermal decomposition chamber, communicating spaces and melting chamber at temperatures suited for thermal decomposition and melting, thereby realizing design simplification and size reduction, permitting substantial cost savings and ease of maintenance, and increasing productivity and economy.

Abstract: Method for thermally decomposing addition polymers, such as polyolefins, into monomers and monomer fragments. Thermal decomposition occurs by the rapid heating of the addition polymer such that the polymer ceiling temperature is reached in a time period substantially equal to the thermal relaxation time of the polymer itself. Laser ablation, wherein the polymer is heated by very rapid nanosecond or microsecond pulses of ultraviolet or infrared laser beams, and flash pyrolysis are particularly useful techniques for accomplishing such rapid heating.

Abstract: A method for producing synthetical oils and storable products of calorific energy, by co-processing waste rubber materials, especially waste tires, and coal optionally in the presence of a material containing Fe as a catalyst, comprising the steps of mixing triturated waste rubber material having a particle size of preferredly 1-5 mm, and coal having particle sizes of 0.2-1 mm, and, when used, the catalyst having a referred particle size of 0.05-0.015 mm, until obtaining a mixture, heating the mixture in a reactor to a temperature between 300.degree. C. and 500.degree. C., during 3-180 minutes, at a pressure between atmospheric pressure and 10 MPa, to enable a processing step basically consisting of a pyrolysis/hydropyrolysis. During the processing step, there is a generation of gases containing approximately 50% CO and CO.sub.2, and approximately another 50% by volume of C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrocarbons, and having a calorific energy between 6000 and 8000 kcal/Nm.sup.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for depolymerizing used and waste plastics, comprising a closed reactor and a circulation system the mildly heating of the reactor contents connected to the reactor, as well as to a process for depolymerizing used and waste plastics. To protect the circulation system from erosion by solid particles contained in the reactor contents, the reactor is designed so that the reactor contents drawn off into the circulation system traverse a riser section integrated into the reactor for removing fairly coarse solid particles having correspondingly high settling rate before entry into the take-off line.

Abstract: A method of processing used tires and the recovery of the products thereof. The process includes adding shredded automobile tire to a bath containing a combination of isocyanide, polyurethane, latex, and soybean oil. The resultant mixture is then heated at approximately 700.degree. F. for a period of 10 minutes. The process allows the recovery of the following products, including but not limited to: oil, steel, vinyl chloride, carbon, and carbon black. The addition of soybean oil to the bath mixture provides a safer and more economical process. The current process does not require the use of a special atmosphere nor does it require the use of a high pressure system.

Abstract: A process for producing liquid hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon materials is disclosed. The hydrocarbon materials are heated to a temperature above 400.degree. C. thereby producing a gas stream. A gaseous plasma is generated. The gas stream is passed through the gaseous plasma thereby producing a heated gas stream. The heated gas stream is saturated with a hydroxide ion to produce a saturated gas stream. The saturated gas stream is cooled to standard temperature and pressure and is condensed to produce liquid hydrocarbons and waste gases.

Abstract: There is provided a process to recover phthalic anhydride from a plastic material which contains a phthalate ester as a plasticizer comprising the steps of:(a) heating the plastic material so that the plastic material is gasified to produce a first product,(b) contacting the first product with alumina catalyst so that the product is catalytically cracked to produce a first catalytically cracked product comprising phthalic anhydride; and(c) recovering phthalic anhydride from the first catalytically cracked product.

Abstract: A technique of preparing oil from waste plastics, especially the one to which a mechanism of an extrusion molding machine is applied, is provided wherein an effective control of a decomposition process is conducted in order to effectively prevent the generation of carbon and to efficiently obtain recovered products having a desired composition. For this purpose, reactors 1a, 1b, and 1c having built in carrying means 3a, 3b, and 3c, respectively are used as connected in stages, in which reactors waste plastics are heated and decomposed into oil as carried. One or a series of reactors are used as a unit to form a melting zone and a decomposing zone in the carrying direction.

Abstract: Described is a process for the production of depolymerized natural rubber, which makes it possible to obtain, at high reaction efficiency, of depolymerized natural rubber in the liquid form and having a narrow molecular weight distribution; and also a process for the production of depolymerized natural rubber which is free from odor or coloring peculiar to natural rubber and is also free from the danger of immediate allergy derived from protein.The process according to the present invention comprises adding a carbonyl compound to a natural rubber latex, and then subjecting the resulting natural rubber to air oxidation in the presence of a radical forming agent or adding a carbonyl compound to the latex of deproteinized natural rubber and then subjecting the deproteinized natural rubber to air oxidation optionally in the presence of a radical forming agent.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for processing used or waste plastic materials in order to recover chemical raw materials and liquid fuel components by depolymerisation of the used materials, which are transformed into a pumpable and into a volatile phase. The volatile phase is separated into a gaseous phase and a condensate or condensable depolymerisation product, which are refined by standard usual procedures. The pumpable phase remaining once the volatile phase is separated is subjected to liquid phase hydrogenation, gasification, low temperature carbonisation or to a combination of said processes.

Abstract: The invention provide a process for energy recovering through waste classification and calcination and an apparatus therefor, comprises crushing and sorting various types of wastes and by means of a series of classification, calcination and recovering treatments, recovering and reusing efficiently fuel oil, fuel gas and residues as well as electric power and heat required for the apparatus in the self-supplying feedback system of the invention, and additionally, lowering successfully the possibility of secondary pollution from wastes disposal.

Abstract: Light-weight oil having a high octane number is produced from waste plastics containing phthalic polyester and/or polyvinyl chloride at a high yield without producing a phthalic sublimate or a carbonaceous residue by pyrolyzing the waste plastics in an atmosphere of steam or a steam/inert gas mixture. The resulting pyrolyzed oil and pyrolyzed gas may be catalytically cracked in an atmosphere of steam or a steam/inert gas mixture. Dechlorination may be performed before pyrolysis is carried out. Pyrolysis is preferably carried out in the presence of at least one of iron hydroxide, hydrous iron oxide and iron oxide.

Abstract: A process for upgrading plastic material containing inorganic filler or reinforcement material for use as feedstock in a partial oxidation gas generator for the production of raw synthesis gas, fuel gas or reducing gas. The plastic material is granulated and partially liquefied by heating in a closed autoclave at a temperature in the range of about 400.degree. F. to 495.degree. F. and a pressure in the range of about 150 psig to 750 psig while the plastic material is in contact with a pumpable hydrocarbonaceous liquid solvent. A pumpable slurry is thereby produced comprising solubilized plastic, unsolubilized plastic, hydrocarbonaceous liquid solvent, separated inorganic material and unseparated inorganic material. After removing the separated inorganic material, the remainder of the slurry is then reacted by partial oxidation to produce said raw synthesis gas, fuel gas or reducing gas.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for thermally cracking waste polymer(s) comprising chlorinated polymers in a reactor in the presence of a fluidizing gas and a fluidized bed of solid, particulate fluidizable material at a temperature from 350.degree.-600.degree. C. to cracked products comprising a mixed vapor of lower hydrocarbons which have a chlorine content of less than 50 ppm. In the process, the cracked products emerging from the fluidized bed are passed through one or more guard beds comprising calcium oxide or a compound capable of giving rise to calcium oxide under the reaction conditions maintained at a temperature in the range from 400.degree.-600.degree. C. in such a way that the chlorine content of the product is less than 50 ppm.

Abstract: A pyrolysis batch process is disclosed for recycling hydrocarbon containing used material such as plastics including ABS, polystyrene styrene and other non-chlorinated hydrocarbons, car fluff such as solid plastics, foam plastics, fabrics and the like, and more particularly scrap tires so as to obtain useful light oil and fuel gases. Used tire cuttings are loaded into a rotatable reactor which is closed, evacuated, rotated and heated until exothermic reaction is initiated. The reactor internal pressure is then allowed to increase to and is regulated within the range of atmospheric pressure and above. Upon continuing reactor rotation and heating, condensable hydrocarbon vapors and gaseous hydrocarbons are produced. The vapors are condensed into oil while the gaseous hydrocarbons are used as a fuel for reactor heating.

Abstract: A method of hydrogenation using a catalyst in the form of a plurality of porous particles wherein each particle is a support having nickel metal catalytic phase or reduced nickel deposited thereon in a first dispersed phase and an additional ruthenium metal deposited onto the support in a second dispersed phase. The additional ruthenium metal is effective in retarding or reducing agglomeration or sintering of the nickel metal catalytic phase thereby increasing the life time of the catalyst during hydrogenation reactions.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the recovery of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon containing composite materials, particularly roofing materials including asphalt and solid components to recover asphalt and the solid components. The process includes the steps of: agitating the materials with a solvent, preferably a terpene, to form a hydrocarbon/solvent mixture; heating the hydrocarbon/solvent mixture to vaporize the solvent; recovering the hydrocarbons; and recovering the solvent as a liquid by condensing the solvent vapor. The apparatus includes a composite materials washer for holding the composite materials and a solvent; means for agitating the composite materials washer to dissolve the hydrocarbons in the solvent; and a separator for vaporizing the solvent in the hydrocarbon/solvent mixture and recovering the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for treating waste plastics includes adding the waste plastics and a catalyst into a reactor for catalytic cracking reaction at 280.degree.-480.degree. C., removing the solid impurities in the generated vapor, condensing the vapor in condenser, and returning the non-condensable gas to be burnt in the heating furnace, distilling and separating the condensate to obtain gasoline and diesel oil which will be stabilized to get high quality gasoline and diesel oil. The equipment includes an automatic hydraulic feeder, a reaction vessel, a gas settler, a condenser series, a vacuum discharge device for solid residue, a rectification tower, mixing tanks, and a final product tank.

Abstract: Methods of using styrene oil, its fractions, and combinations thereof as working fluids, lubricants, fuels and solvents.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a new method and apparatus for the fast pyrolysis of carbonaceous materials involving rapid mixing, high heat transfer rates, precisely controlled short uniform residence times and rapid primary product quench in an upflow, entrained-bed, transport reactor with heat carrier solids recirculation. A carbonaceous feedstock, a non-oxidative transport gas and inorganic particulate heat supplying material are rapidly mixed in a reactor base section, then transported upward through an entrained-bed tubular reactor. A cyclonic hot solids recirculation system separates the solids from the non-condensible gases and primary product vapors and returns them to the mixer. Product vapors are rapidly quenched to provide maximum yields of liquids, petrochemicals, high value gases and selected valuable chemicals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for recovering synthetic raw materials and fluid fuel components from used or waste plastics in accordance with patent application P 43 11 034,7. At least a partial flow of the depolymer produced according to this process is subjected, together with coal, to a coking process, fed to a thermal utilization system or introduced as a reducing agent into a blast furnace process. The depolymer can be used as an additive for bitumen and bituminous products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recycling waste which consists essentially of one or more plastics comprising polyvinyl chloride (PVC), in which:the waste is mixed with a heavy oil, in a reactor under an inert atmosphere, at an internal temperature of at least 300.degree. C., and the hydrogen chloride (HCl) which is evolved is collected;the contents of the reactor are then cracked at a temperature of at least 400.degree. C., and at least part of the gases which are evolved are extracted from the reactor;the contents of the reactor are then cooled and the residual solid product is collected.HCl, coke, hydrocarbon gases and various oils are thus mainly obtained.

Abstract: Technology for treating industrial and domestic waste which can be applied in the chemical industry as well as in the power generation sector as a way of using plastic and polymer waste. The method involves: melting down the plastic waste in an atomsphere of superheated steam and thermal destruction of the waste at a temperature of 400.degree.-500.degree. C. on a multi-layered inert material whose particles diminish in size, layer by layer in the direction of flow of the melt, from 3.83 to 0.12 mm; and the removal and condensation of the gaseous products.

Abstract: A continuous treating method for converting waste into resources is provided that includes the steps of comminuting, liquefying, condensing hot gaseous oil, separating organic matter form inorganic matter, and washing the inorganic matter. Prior to the liquefaction step, the comminuted waste is soaked in oil in an inclined screw conveyor for wetting the comminuted waste and excluding air therefrom during subsequent steps. The liquefaction is carried out within a converter having a rotating screw for displacing the oil soaked waste therethrough during a time period approximating 30 minutes. The waste within the converter is maintained at a temperature within the approximating range of 200.degree.-370.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparation of gasoline diesel and carbon black with waste rubber and waste plastics. The process comprises pyrolysis, purifying, catalytic cracking, and fractionation. The invention also relates to the catalyst used in the invention.

Abstract: Undermelted waste plastics which have not been completely melted from the exterior of a thermal cracking vessel is introduced into a container provided in an upper position within said thermal cracking vessel and having a net-like opening, allowing the plastics to melt within said container, allowing the resulting plastic melt to drop into the thermal cracking vessel through said net-like opening, the plastic melt is thermally cracked within the thermal cracking vessel.

Abstract: A process for recycling plastic waste in a steam cracker, wherein a melt obtained from plastic waste is converted into products at from 400.degree. 550.degree. C., and a distillate fraction is separated off from the products at from 180.degree. to 280.degree. C. and is fed as feed material to a steam cracker.

Abstract: To present an oil-forming method of chlorine-containing plastic refuse capable of obtaining oily product free from chlorine content, while suppressing apparatus corrosion by efficiently capturing hydrogen chloride generated by decomposition of chlorine-containing plastics, the oil-forming method of chlorine-containing plastic refuse is characterized by decomposing chlorine-containing plastic refuse using water in supercritical region as reaction medium and forming into oil, wherein silver nitrate of 0.8 to 2.0 times the reaction equivalent amount of hydrogen chloride generated by decomposition of chlorine-containing plastic refuse is added in the water as reaction medium to decompose and form into oil, and generated hydrogen chloride is removed in a form of silver chloride.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for depolymerizing or "cracking" polymeric materials. The method of the present invention may be used in the disposal and/or recycling of such materials. Products of the degradation of polymeric materials using the present method may be recycled or more easily treated for disposal. The present invention is a process for degrading, depolymerizing or "cracking" a polymeric material, otherwise amenable to cracking by alkali fusion, comprising the steps of:(a) preparing a molten reaction mixture comprising:(i) a basic material;(ii) a source of copper; and(iii) said polymeric material; and(b) maintaining said molten mixture at a temperature sufficient to reflux said molten mixture for sufficient time to depolymerize said polymeric material.

Abstract: A purge chamber for purging oxygen from interlocking, solid material, such as shredded tire pieces, prior to further processing of the material in a liquefaction apparatus. The purge chamber includes a chamber for holding interlocking, solid material An entrance port is connected to the chamber for passing the interlocking, solid material into the chamber. A purge device communicates with the chamber for providing a purging gas to the chamber. An exit port of the chamber passes the interlocking, solid material from the chamber. An auger screw mounted in the chamber, when rotated, moves the interlocking, solid material from within the chamber into the exit port.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of alkylaromatic compounds employing olefinic liquid from thermally or catalytically cracked plastics as alkylating agent. The process comprises contacting a feedstream comprising alkylatable aromatics and the olefinic liquid with acidic alkylation catalyst under alkylation conditions in an alkylation zone; and recovering an effluent stream comprising alkylaromatic compounds. The alkylation can be performed with the product of plastics pyrolysis or with non-degraded plastic feedstock in-situ with thermal/catalytic degradation of the plastic.

Abstract: A discharge system is used with a tire liquefaction process using a reactor. The system includes a receiver receiving unreacted components, including oil coated metal from the reactor. The unreacted components are moved through a pyrolysis reactor where they are heated to a temperature sufficient to convert the unreacted hydrocarbon components to a liquid and to a gas by way of pyrolysis. The liquid and the majority of gas are drawn off from the pyrolysis reactor. Discharge apparatus connected to the pyrolysis reactor converts the remaining gas to a condensate and discharges the metal. The condensate is also removed for further use.

Abstract: Monomeric styrene is recovered from plastics waste containing styrene polymers by thermal depolymerization by a process in which the waste is transported in liquid or solid form into a fluidized bed of a solid heat transfer agent and is cracked or depolymerized in an average residence time of less than 60 seconds and styrene is obtained from the gaseous crack products. Preferably, magnesium aluminum silicate is used as a heat transfer agent and C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -hydrocarbons formed as byproducts in the depolymerization are used as operating gas for maintaining the fluidized bed and are circulated.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for the production of olefins from plastic waste, which comprises adjustment of a desired viscosity by thermal pretreatment of plastic waste in a temperature range of 350.degree. to 550.degree. C. and thermal treatment of the product obtained by the thermal pretreatment in a temperature range of 700.degree. to 1100.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the desulfurization of a sulfur-containing composition is described. The process comprises providing a sulfur-containing composition, adding an aqueous medium and a sulfur absorbent to the composition, and subjecting the resultant mixture to hydrothermal reaction under specific conditions to obtain a desulfurized product. When the sulfur-containing composition is made of vulcanized rubbers, the rubber can be converted into oily substances by treating the rubber product under supercritical conditions using an aqueous medium. The conversion reaction is facilitated by addition of metal oxides or salts.

Abstract: A method for converting organic material into a product gas includes: a) providing a liquid reactant mixture containing liquid water and liquid organic material within a pressure reactor; b) providing an effective amount of a reduced metal catalyst selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, rhodium, osmium and iridium or mixtures thereof within the pressure reactor; and c) maintaining the liquid reactant mixture and effective amount of reduced metal catalyst in the pressure reactor at temperature and pressure conditions of from about 300.degree. C. to about 450.degree. C.; and at least 130 atmospheres for a period of time, the temperature and pressure conditions being effective to maintain the reactant mixture substantially as liquid, the effective amount of reduced metal catalyst and the period of time being sufficient to catalyze a reaction of the liquid organic material to produce a product gas composed primarily of methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for pyrolytically decomposing waste plastic, e.g. PVC, to recover light fuel oil. The invention enables to prevent the product from contamination by halogen compounds. The plastic is first thermally decomposed in an atmosphere of a normal or reduced pressure to produce a primary decomposition product in the form of gas and a decomposition residue. The primary decomposition product is cooled at a first cooling temperature to separate the primary decomposition product into a relatively light fraction containing a desired light constituent and a relatively heavy fraction by condensation of the relatively heavy fraction, and the relatively heavy fraction is then thermally decomposed in an atmosphere pressurized at a predetermined pressure to produce a secondary decomposition product containing the desired light constituent in the form of gas.

Abstract: A thermal decomposition apparatus for plastics wherein plastics are melted and thermally decomposed, and the resulting decomposition gas is cooled for condensation and recovered in the form of a thermal decomposition oil. The apparatus comprises a thermal decomposition reactor for melting and thermally decomposing the plastics therein, an extraneous matter discharge duct having one end opened in a melt of plastics within the reactor, an extraneous matter collecting container connected to the other end of the discharge duct, and an aspirator for aspirating extraneous matter within the reactor together with the melt through the discharge duct into the container.

Abstract: A thermal decomposition apparatus for plastics wherein plastics are melted and thermally decomposed, and the resulting decomposition gas is cooled for condensation and recovered in the form of a thermal decomposition oil. The apparatus comprises a thermal decomposition reactor for melting and thermally decomposing the plastics therein, an extraneous matter discharge duct having one end opened in a melt of plastics within the reactor, an extraneous matter collecting container connected to the other end of the discharge duct, and an aspirator for aspirating extraneous matter within the reactor together with the melt through the discharge duct into the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the conversion of polymers and particularly for the conversion of plastic containers or other plastic wastes. The process requires a minimum number of steps for treating typical industrial plastic wastes. The process comprises placing the mixed polymers in contact with a solvent that dissolves part of the polymers and separates the other fractions. The solvent fraction is subjected to treatment for the recovery of lower molecular weight stream that can be utilized in refining operations or other chemical operations.

Abstract: A method includes producing an unsaturated organic compound from an organic component of an organic-containing feed. A reactor is provided which contains a molten metal bath. The molten metal bath includes a metal, such as a suitable transition metal, which can interact with an organic component of the feed. The feed is directed into the molten metal bath at a rate which causes the metal to interact with the organic component. Operating conditions are established and maintained in the reactor to cause the metal to interact with the organic component. At least one carbon-carbon double bond is formed in the organic component to produce an unsaturated organic compound that is discharged from the molten metal bath.

Abstract: A process for upgrading plastic material containing inorganic filler or reinforcement material for use as feedstock in a partial oxidation gas generator for the production of raw synthesis gas, fuel gas, or reducing gas. The plastic material is granulated and partially liquefied by heating in a closed autoclave at a temperature in the range of about 400.degree. F. to 495.degree. F. and a pressure in the range of about 150 psig to 750 psig while the plastic material is in contact with a pumpable hydrocarbonaceous liquid solvent. A pumpable slurry is thereby produced comprising solubilized plastic, unsolubilized plastic, hydrocarbonaceous liquid solvent, separated inorganic material and unseparated inorganic material. After removing the separated inorganic material, the remainder of the slurry is then reacted by partial oxidation to produce said raw synthesis gas, fuel gas or reducing gas.

Abstract: A process for breaking down rubber polymer materials by selective oxidative decoupling of carbon-carbon, carbon-sulfur and sulfur-sulfur bonds at supercritical or near supercritical conditions for water and wherein supercritical water or water near supercritical conditions is used as a solvent and reforming agent, is used to produce relatively high yields of lower molecular weight hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons which are suitable for use as a fuel or which can be separated or further refined to produce various commodity chemicals, specialty chemicals or both. The invention provides an environmentally friendly process for recycling rubber waste materials such as waste tires to generate valuable fuels or chemical feedstocks in a closed oxidation process which is free of hazardous stack emissions.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the thermal catalytic conversion of polymeric feedstocks, such as scrap tire rubber or plastics, to recover valuable hydrocarbons for reuse. The process includes the solvent washing of -6 mesh polymer feedstock to remove the stabilizing additives which have migrated to the surface of the individual polymer particles. Prior to the reaction step the washed and dried polymer particulate are blended with a metallic halide catalyst system. The mixture of polymer particulate and catalyst are continuously fed to a reactor wherein the conversion of the polymer is accomplished. The reactor and downstream process units are continuously swept by an inert gas which is maintained at just above atmospheric pressure. The combination of the reactor temperature and pressure, with the catalyst system, cause a conversion of the polymer particles to valuable gaseous hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for the desulfurization of a sulfur-containing composition is described. The process comprises providing a sulfur-containing composition, adding an aqueous medium and a sulfur absorbent to the composition, and subjecting the resultant mixture to hydrothermal reaction under specific conditions to obtain a desulfurized product. When the sulfur-containing composition is made of vulcanized rubbers, the rubber can be converted into oily substances by treating the rubber product under supercritical conditions using an aqueous medium. The conversion reaction is facilitated by addition of metal oxides or salts.

Abstract: In the method for reclaiming styrene monomer from polystyrene, polystyrene is mixed with a solvent and heated to approximately 300.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. to depolymerize the polystyrene to produce a styrene monomer fraction and a heavier fraction of partial depolymerization products. The styrene fraction is separated from the heavier fraction to recover the styrene monomer and polystyrene partial depolymerization products. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent comprises a "styrene oil" which results from the incomplete depolymerization of polystyrene, at least a portion of which is recycled to mix with polystyrene. The method is useful in reclaiming styrene monomer from napalm, foamed polystyrene, and other polystyrene products. In the case of reclamation of napalm, the method also includes the steps of separating and recovering benzene and gasoline.