Abstract: A method for the oxidative conversion of a feed material comprising methane, such as natural gas, to higher hydrocarbons, particularly ethylene and ethane and desirably ethylene, in which feed is contacted with a solid contact material comprising cobalt; at least one metal selected from the group consisting of zirconium, zinc, niobium, indium, lead and bismuth, preferably, zirconium; phosphorous; at least one Group IA metal; and oxygen under oxidative conversion conditions sufficient to convert the methane to the higher hydrocarbons. Substantial improvement in the conversion of methane and selectivity to ethylene and ethane is obtained by adding chlorine to the contact material. The further addition of sulfur to the contact material also improves the conversion and selectivity and permits the method to be carried out in an essentially continuous manner in the presence of a free oxygen containing gas.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for circulating an ancillary hydrogen-rich gas stream through a part of a moving bed hydrocarbon conversion process. The gas stream may be employed in lockhopper systems, catalyst transfer equipment and catalyst treating zones as for reducing the catalyst. The used ancillary gas is discharged into a partitioned vapor-liquid separation vessel. The partially condensed reaction zone effluent stream is discharged into a different chamber of the same vessel. The net off gas stream is withdrawn from the chamber receiving the used ancillary gas to prevent contamination of a recycle gas stream, which is drawn off the other chamber.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting at a selected temperature at least one reducible oxide of at least one metal, associated with a hydroxylated magnesia support (that is, magnesia derived from magnesium hydroxide or a magnesium-containing component contacted with hydroxyl-containing material).

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. More particularly, disclosed is a catalytic process for the conversion of methane to C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbons rich in ethylene or benzene, or both. The process utilizes a metal-containing catalyst, high reaction temperature of greater than 1000.degree. C., and a high gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: In this process ethylene is prepared by pyrolytically cracking ethane in a pyrolytic cracking furnace having a plurality of elongated serpentine-situated thermal cracking tubes which have a longer run life as a result of the selective cracking of a C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 hydrocarbonaceous material at conditions sufficient to selectively place a coat of amorphous relatively smooth coat of coke on the interior walls of the thermal cracking tubes and thereby mask the catalytic effect of iron, nickel, both iron and nickel, or other metal catalytic sites indigenous to the walls of the furnished tubes. In this manner, the amount of cracking time realized for each particular furnace before regeneration of the same is increased by 20 to 50%.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with an oxide of Ru. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Ru are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with oxygen.

Abstract: Vinylidene olefins which contain the olefinic unit ##STR1## are isomerized in high yield to form di-substituted internal olefins containing the olefinic unit --CH.dbd.CH-- by heating to 150.degree.-350.degree. C. in contact with an iron carbonyl catalyst. Only minor amounts of tri-substituted internal olefins which contain the olefinic unit ##STR2## are formed.

Abstract: A method for reheating of a catalytic reactor by successive oxidations and reductions of a multiple oxidation state catalyst.Heat is added to the catalyst bed by a series of successive oxidation and reduction reactions occurring on the catalyst. Both catalyst oxidation and catalyst reduction are exothermic reactions, and both reactions generate heat to increase the temperature of the catalyst bed.

Abstract: An improved support for a contact agent, useful for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a gas comprising methane with a contact agent at a selected temperature, is formed by sintering the surface of the support.

Abstract: A method for dehydrogenating dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons which comprises contacting said hydrocarbon with an oxide of Ru having combined therewith an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectivity to dehydrogenated hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is preferably carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Ru are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition wth oxygen. Bulk ruthenium oxides promoted by sodium and/or compounds thereof are particularly preferred contact solids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. More particularly, disclosed is a catalytic process for the conversion of methane to C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbons rich in ethylene or benzene, or both. The process utilizes a silicon compound-containing catalyst, high reaction temperatures of greater than 1000.degree. C., and a high gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3600 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a process for producing isobutylene by the cyclic, adiabatic dehydrogenation of isobutane. The improvement resides in diluting an isobutane feed stream with n-butane in an amount from about 3-7% by volume and recycling unreacted products plus nC.sub.4 unsaturates from the dehydrogenation zone. Additional coke is made by virtue of the use of n-butane and recycle to permit lower feed input temperature.

Abstract: A method for dehydrogenating dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons which comprises contacting said hydrocarbon with an oxide of Ce having combined therewith an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectivity to dehydrogenated hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Ce are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with molecular oxygen. The oxide CeO.sub.2 is particularly effective in the process.

Abstract: A continuous method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with particles comprising an oxidative synthesizing agent under synthesis conditions wherein particles recirculate between two physically separate zones: a methane contact zone and an oxygen contact zone. Preferably, particles are maintained in each of the two zones as fluidized beds of solids. Particularly effective oxidative synthesizing agents are reducible oxides of metals selected from the group consisting of Mn, Sn, In, Ge, Pb, Sb, and Bi.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a high purity butene-1 product from n-butane via a dehydrogenation process. In one embodiment of the process the n-butane is dehydrogenated over a chromia-alumina catalyst and any butadiene formed hydrogenated to monoolefins. The monoolefins are separated and the butene-1 separated from isobutylene by reacting the isobutylene with methanol to form methyl tertiary butyl ether. The methyl tertiary butyl ether is separated from the butene-1 leaving it as a high purity product. Alternatively, the dehydrogenated product from the reactor may be contacted with a solvent to extract butadiene followed by hydrogenation, separation of monoolefins and conversion to methyl tertiary butyl ether.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with an oxidative synthesizing agent under elevated pressures, preferably at pressures within the range of about 5 to 30 atmospheres. Particularly effective oxidative synthesizing agents are reducible oxides of metals selected from the group consisting of Mn,Sn,In,Ge,Pb,Sb, and Bi.

Abstract: A new catalyst composition comprising a platinum group component, a tin component, an indium component, an alkali or alkaline earth component and a porous support material wherein the atomic ratio of indium to platinum group component is more than 1.0 is disclosed. The catalyst is particularly useful for dehydrogenating hydrocarbons. In one embodiment of the invention, detergent range normal paraffins (C.sub.10 -C.sub.15 or higher) are dehydrogenated to the corresponding normal olefins in the presence of the subject catalyst and hydrogen.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for measuring and controlling the concentration of hydrogen in hydrogen recycle processes used in oil refineries and petrochemical plants. The system is intended to reduce the amount of hydrogen and hydrocarbon vapor circulating in such systems, thus reducing the quantity of utilities needed to operate such systems. Specifically, there is a savings of compressor power and fuel required for heating. The system is dependent on the recognition that a decrease in cooling medium temperature results in an increase in hydrogen flow, which can be decreased to the minimum permissible without endangering catalyst activity and stability and product yield if hydrogen concentration is monitored, and that partial pressure is the key parameter.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a gas comprising methane and a reducible metal oxide under synthesis conditions, the improvement which comprises performing the contacting in the presence of oxides of nitrogen. Nitrous oxide is a preferred nitrogen oxide.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a gas comprising methane with a contact agent at a selected temperature, the agent comprising a reducible metal oxide, a support of at least two oxides, and an alkali metal.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a gas comprising methane and an oxidative synthesizing agent at synthesizing conditions, the improvement which comprises contacting methane with a solid comprising a promoting amount of alkali metal and/or compounds thereof, said solid being associated with a support selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metals and compounds thereof. Magnesia is a particularly preferred support.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon product by contacting the methane with a solid which comprises a reducible metal oxide which when contacted with methane at a temperature within the range of about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. is reduced and produces higher hydrocarbon products and water, the improvement comprising recycling C.sub.2 + alkanes recovered during subsequent processing of the effluent produced by the contacting to the contacting step.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon product by contacting methane with a contact solid which comprises a reducible metal oxide which when contacted with methane at a temperature within the range of about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. is reduced and produces higher hydrocarbon products and water; and a promoting amount of at least one halogen component.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon product by contacting methane with a solid which comprises a reducible metal oxide which when contacted with methane at a temperature within the range of about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. is reduced and produces higher hydrocarbon products and a promoting amount of at least one chalcogen component. The preferred chalcogen components are selected from a group consisting of sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and compounds thereof.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of a contact agent comprising digesting a reducible oxide of at least one metal, the oxide of which forms a reduced metal oxide, and a support in the presence of a silicon component, drying the precipitate of the reducible oxide and calcining the precipitate to form the contact agent.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a gas comprising methane with a contact agent at a selected temperature, the agent comprising a reducibile metal oxide, a support of at least two oxides, and an alkali metal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for producing distillate and/or lubes which employ integrating catalytic (or thermal) dehydrogenation of paraffins with MOGDL. The process feeds the product from a low temperature propane and/or butane dehydrogenation zone into a first catalytic reactor zone, which operates at low pressure and contains zeolite oligomerization catalysts, where the low molecular weight olefins are reacted to primarily gasoline range materials. These gasoline range materials can then be pressurized to the pressure required for reacting to distillate in a second catalytic reactor zone operating at high pressure and containing a zeolite oligomerization catalyst. The distillate is subsequently sent to a hydrotreating unit and product separation zone to form lubes and other finished products.

Abstract: Isobutane in a C.sub.4 hydrocarbon feed stream is converted to methacrolein in an integrated two-step process. Isobutane is dehydrogenated in a first step to isobutylene, hydrogen, and by-products and the reaction effluent is passed directly into a second step where isobutylene is oxidized to methacrolein without significant oxidation of the hydrogen and by-products. Any normal butenes present are converted to butadiene. The methacrolein and by-products may be separated and the unreacted isobutylene and isobutane recycled to the first step. Alternatively, the effluent from the second step may be used as feed to a further oxidation step for conversion of methacrolein to methacrylic acid.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a hydrocarbon gas comprising methane, an oxygen-containing gas and a reducible metal oxide under synthesis conditions, the improvement which comprises contacting methane and oxygen with a contact solid which comprises at least one manganese silicate.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of linear olefinic hydrocarbons. A feed stream of paraffins is fed to a catalytic dehydrogenation reaction zone. Liquid phase hydrocarbons withdrawn from the dehydrogenation reaction zone are passed through a diolefin selective hydrogenation zone. The effluent of the hydrogenation zone is stripped of light ends and passed into an olefin separation zone, which preferably employs a selective adsorbent. The paraffinic effluent of the separation zone is recycled to the dehydrogenation zone. The paraffinic recycle stream contains some monoolefins, but is essentially free of diolefins. Dehydrogenation catalyst life is lengthened by elimination of diolefins in total charge to dehydrogenation zone. Product quality and yield is improved.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a hydrocarbon gas comprising methane, an oxygen-containing gas and a reducible metal oxide under synthesis conditions, the improvement which comprises contacting methane and oxygen with a contact solid which also contains a promoting amount of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and/or compounds thereof. Sodium is a particularly effective promoter. Stability of the promoted contact agent is enhanced by the presence of minor amounts of phosphorus.

Abstract: An improved process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of paraffinic hydrocarbons is disclosed. Feed paraffinic hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated to yield an olefin-containing vapor stream, which is partially condensed to produce a liquid phase process stream which contains by-product diolefins along with the intended product monoolefins. The liquid phase process stream and added hydrogen are passed through a selective hydrogenation zone in which diolefins are catalytically converted to monoolefins. This increases the quality of the product monoolefin stream. The selective hydrogenation zone is located between the vapor-liquid separator and stripper column of the dehydrogenation zone.

Abstract: A method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting, at conditions to convert said hydrocarbons, at least one reducible oxide of at least one metal, associated with a hydroxylated magnesia support (that is, magnesia derived from magnesium hydroxide or a magnesium-containing component contacted with hydroxyl-containing material), which support is calcined prior to the addition of the reducible oxide.

Abstract: A process is provided for conducting organic compound conversion over a catalyst comprising a high silica crystalline zeolite which has been treated by contact with aluminum chloride vapor.

Abstract: A process is provided for conducting organic compound conversion over a catalyst composition comprising a specially treated crystalline zeolite having a high initial silica-to-alumina mole ratio, said zeolite having been synthesized from a reaction mixture comprising a diamine as a cation source. The treatment of the zeolite material comprises the sequential steps of reacting the zeolite with a dilute hydrogen fluoride solution, contacting the hydrogen fluoride solution reacted material with aluminum chloride vapor, and then treating the aluminum chloride contacted material to convert it to hydrogen form.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for dehydrogenating alkanes such as iso-butane comprises contacting the alkane in admixture with steam under dehydrogenation conditions with a dehydrogenation catalyst. The catalyst is substantially free of Group VIII metals of Atomic Number 27 and higher. The catalyst is provided in a heated tubular reactor which preferably contains groups of tubes mounted in a furnace each group of tubes having a common header, to enable continuous dehydrogenation, while permitting catalyst reactivation.

Abstract: A process is provided for conducting organic compound conversion over a catalyst composition comprising a supported crystalline zeolite having a high initial silica-to-alumina mole ratio, said supported zeolite being prepared by compositing said crystalline zeolite with a support matrix material, calcining the resulting supported zeolite, contacting said calcined supported zeolite with volatile boron fluoride in a dry environment until said supported zeolite is saturated with said boron fluoride, purging unreacted boron fluoride from said boron fluoride contacted supported zeolite, hydrolyzing said boron fluoride contacted supported zeolite, and converting said hydrolyzed material to hydrogen form.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. More particularly, disclosed is a catalytic process for the conversion of methane to C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbons rich in ethylene or benzene, or both. The process utilizes a boron compound containing catalyst, high reaction temperature of greater than 1000.degree. C., and a high gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: A process is provided for conducting organic compound conversion over a catalyst comprising a crystalline zeolite which has been treated by impregnation with an ammoniacal aluminum fluoride solution, contact with an ammonium salt solution, and calcination.

Abstract: A process is provided for conducting organic compound conversion over a catalyst comprising a zeolite composition prepared by a method which comprises compositing a specific zeolite material with alumina, impregnating the composite with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal fluoride under vacuum, contacting the impregnated composite with an ammonium salt solution and calcining the resulting material.

Abstract: A process is provided for conducting organic compound conversion over a catalyst comprising alumina and/or gallia which has been treated by a method which comprises contact with ammonium or boron fluoride reagent, contact with a particular aqueous ammonium exchange solution, and thereafter calcination.

Abstract: A process is provided for conducting organic compound conversion over a catalyst comprising a crystalline zeolite which has been treated by reaction with a compound having a complex fluoroanion.

Abstract: A process is provided for conducting organic compound conversion over a catalyst composition comprising a supported crystalline zeolite having a high initial silica-to-alumina mole ratio, said supported zeolite being prepared by compositing said crystalline zeolite with alumina, reacting the composite with a particular hydrogen fluoride solution in a specified way, drying the hydrogen fluoride reacted composite, treating the dried composite by hydrolysis, ammonolysis and/or by contact with an ammonium salt solution, and calcining the resulting material.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with an oxide of Ce having combined therewith an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectivity to higher hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Ce are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with molecular oxygen. The oxide CeO.sub.2 is particularly effective in the process.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a gas comprising methane and an oxidative synthesizing agent at synthesizing conditions, the improvement which comprises contacting methane with an oxidative synthesizing agent containing a promoting amount of alkali metal and/or compounds thereof. Sodium is a particularly effective promoter. Stability of the promoted contact agent is enhanced by the presence of phosphorus.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with an oxide of Pr having combined therewith an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectivity to higher hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Pr are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with oxygen. The oxide Pr.sub.6 O.sub.11 is particularly effective in the process.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a gas comprising methane and an oxidative synthesizing agent under systhesis conditions, the improvement which comprises contacting methane with an oxidative synthesizing agent containing a promoting amount of alkaline earth metal and/or compounds thereof. Magnesium is a particularly effective promoter. Stability of the promoted contact agent is enhanced by the presence of phosphorus.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with an oxide of Ru having combined therewith an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectivity to higher hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Ru are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with oxygen. Bulk ruthenium oxides promoted by sodium and/or compounds thereof are particularly preferred contact solids.

Abstract: Isobutane in a C.sub.4 hydrocarbon feed stream is converted to methacrolein in an integrated two-step process. Isobutane is dehydrogenated in a first step to isobutylene, hydrogen, and by-products and the reaction effluent is passed directly into a second step where isobutylene is oxidized to methacrolein without significant oxidation of the hydrogen and by-products. Any normal butenes present are converted to butadiene. The methacrolein and by-products may be separated and the unreacted isobutylene and isobutane recycled to the first step. Alternatively, the effluent from the second step may be used as feed to a further oxidation step for conversion of methacrolein to methacrylic acid.

Abstract: Isobutane is converted to methacrolein in an integrated two-step process wherein isobutane is dehydrogenated in a first step to isobutylene, hydrogen, and by-products and the reaction effluent is passed directly into a second step where isobutylene is oxidized to methacrolein without significant oxidation of the hydrogen and by-products. The methacrolein and by-products may be separated and the unreacted isobutylene and isobutane recycled to the first step. Alternatively, the effluent from the second step may be used as feed to a further oxidation step for conversion of methacrolein to methacrylic acid. In one embodiment, the hydrogen produced in the first step is oxidized using the excess oxygen from the second step under conditions selected to avoid loss of the C.sub.4 components. In an alternative embodiment, the unreacted isobutane and isobutylene are absorbed and separated from the remaining components before being recycled to the first step.