Abstract: The invention provides a process for treating waste water from an industrial process for producing propylene oxide, which comprises subjecting the waste water to a catalytic wet oxidation treatment comprising: feeding a stream comprising the waste water to a reactor; subjecting the stream comprising the waste water to an oxidation treatment in the presence of oxygen and a catalyst resulting in a treated stream; sending at least part of the treated stream to a separator wherein the treated stream is separated into a gas stream and a liquid stream; and recycling part of the liquid stream to the reactor.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon isomerization system for an iC4 feed stream that provides for removal of C3s from an isomerization reactor feed stream by the addition of a depropanizer column to remove C3s from the reactor effluent stream after it has passed through a stabilizer column. This configuration prevents a buildup of C3s in the system and provides significant savings by reducing the size of the chloride treaters that are used to remove chlorides from off gas, increasing chlorides recovered to the hydrocarbon feed stream for use in combination with the isomerization catalyst. Significant utility savings are provided as well as a reduction in the amount of perchloroethane (PERC) and adsorbent that are required.

Abstract: A remote hydrocarbon processing system comprising a gas compressor skid, gas processing skid, electric power generation skid, liquid storage tank, blending skid, and crude oil source, are fluid flow interconnected and located proximate to a producing well. Produced gases are delivered from the well to the gas compressor skid. Compressed natural gas is delivered to the gas processing skid where it is thermally separated to generate a processed gas stream and a processed liquid stream. The processed gas stream is delivered to the electric power generation skid and burned to generate electricity that may be delivered to an electric power transmission line. The processed liquid stream is delivered to the liquid storage tank. Crude oil from the crude oil source and processed liquid stream from the liquid storage tank are delivered to the Blending skid and blended into a lower viscosity, higher API gravity transportable crude oil.

Abstract: Provided here are methods and systems to enhance the production of ethylene and MTBE from propylene using integrated metathesis and cracking processes. Also disclosed is a method for producing ethylene by at least partially metathesizing propylene in the presence of a metathesis catalyst in a reactor to produce ethylene and butenes, and at least partially cracking the butenes to further produce ethylene using a cracking catalyst positioned downstream of the metathesis catalyst in the same reactor, and further producing MTBE.

Abstract: Processes to selectively crack alkyne compounds from a hydrocarbon stream including olefinic and di-olefinic compounds are described. The process includes contacting the hydrocarbon stream with a supported CuO catalyst under conditions sufficient to crack the alkynes to form a product stream that included cracked compounds and further separating the cracked organic compounds from the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a process wherein two different unit operations (absorption and distillation) take place on either side of a top dividing wall column. One side of the dividing wall column uses absorption to separate non-condensable components from the feed; the other side of the dividing wall uses distillation to separate heavier liquid components.

Abstract: The claimed invention relates to a method for reducing energy consumption in a distillation process by using thermal coupling. Embodiments of the claimed invention are directed to the inclusion of a side reboiler and a partial condenser in the prefractionation section of a first column, which in turn helps to uniformly distribute the vapor liquid traffic between a first column and a second column.

Abstract: The claimed invention provides a technique wherein the two column system is combined into a single column. The light components are concentrated on the prefractionation side (feed side) of the column, where they are removed as an overhead top product. The middle boiling components are removed as an overhead product on the opposite side of dividing wall. For the same product specifications, top divided column requires substantially lower capital and operating cost than a conventional two-column system.

Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for an electrochemical cell including an anode and a cathode where the anode is contacted with a metal ion that converts the metal ion from a lower oxidation state to a higher oxidation state. The metal ion in the higher oxidation state is reacted with hydrogen gas, an unsaturated hydrocarbon, and/or a saturated hydrocarbon to form products.

Abstract: A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process involves splitting a naphtha feedstream to at least two feedstreams and partially processing each feedstream in separate reactors. The processing includes passing the light stream to a combination hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactor. The process reduces the energy by reducing the endothermic properties of intermediate reformed process streams.

Abstract: A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process involves splitting a naphtha feedstream to at least two feedstreams and partially processing each feedstream in separate reactors. The processing includes passing the light stream to a combination hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactor. The process reduces the energy by reducing the endothermic properties of intermediate reformed process streams.

Abstract: A process for reforming hydrocarbons is presented. The process involves applying process controls over the reaction temperatures to preferentially convert a portion of the hydrocarbon stream to generate an intermediate stream, which will further react with reduced endothermicity. The intermediate stream is then processed at a higher temperature, where a second reforming reactor is operated under substantially isothermal conditions.

Abstract: A process for the production of aromatics through the reforming of a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process utilizes the differences in properties of components within the hydrocarbon stream to increase the energy efficiency. The differences in the reactions of different hydrocarbon components in the conversion to aromatics allows for different treatments of the different components to reduce the energy used in reforming process.

Abstract: A process is presented for the increasing the yields of aromatics from reforming a hydrocarbon feedstream. The process includes splitting a naphtha feedstream into a light hydrocarbon stream, and a heavier stream having a relatively rich concentration of naphthenes. The heavy stream is reformed to convert the naphthenes to aromatics and the resulting product stream is further reformed with the light hydrocarbon stream to increase the aromatics yields. The catalyst is passed through the reactors in a sequential manner.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons include a direct contact condenser to remove compounds from an offgas process stream. The reduction of compounds can decrease duty on the offgas compressor by removing steam and aromatics from the offgas. The dehydrogenation reaction system can be applicable for reactions such as the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to produce styrene, the dehydrogenation of isoamiline to produce isoprene, or the dehydrogenation of n-pentene to produce piperylene.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for isolating C8 aromatics from hydrocarbon streams. In one embodiment, a method for separating C8 aromatics from a hydrocarbon stream includes introducing the hydrocarbon stream to a fractionation column at a feed point. Further, the method includes fractionating the hydrocarbon stream in the fractionation column. Also, the method includes withdrawing a sidedraw fraction from the fractionation column at a draw point located above the feed point, wherein the sidedraw fraction includes C8 aromatics.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for forming C8 aromatic streams with selected amounts of C9 aromatics. In one embodiment, a method for forming a C8 aromatic stream with a selected amount of C9 aromatics includes fractionating a hydrocarbon stream including C8 and C9 aromatics into a sidedraw fraction and a bottom fraction. The sidedraw fraction includes a portion of the C8 aromatics and a portion of the C9 aromatics. The bottom fraction includes remaining C8 aromatics and C8+ hydrocarbons. The method further includes fractioning the bottom fraction and forming a heavy overhead fraction including the remaining C8 aromatics. Also, the method includes combining the sidedraw fraction and the heavy overhead fraction to form a combined stream having a C9 aromatics composition of from about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt % about 2 wt % of a total weight of the combined stream.

Abstract: A process for treating a heavy oil by heating a feedstock comprising a heavy oil in order to separate from the heavy oil a first fraction. The first fraction contains no more than 25% of the total number of acid groups of the heavy oil. A second fraction contains at least 75% of the total number of acid groups of the heavy oil. The second fraction then is treated under conditions that provide a heavy oil that has a total acid number, or TAN, that does not exceed 1.0 mg KOH/g, or is at least 50% lower than the total acid number prior to treatment, an olefin content that does not exceed 1.0 wt. %, and a p-value of at least 50% of the p-value of the heavy oil prior to treatment, or a p-value that is at least 1.5.

Abstract: A process and system for the production of at least one xylene isomer is provided. The process includes passing a first stream to one side of a split shell fractionation column and a second stream to the other side of the column. The first stream has a higher ratio of methyl to C2+ alkyl-substituted C9 aromatic compounds than the second stream. A bottoms stream from the one side is separated and passed as feed to a transalkylation zone.

Abstract: A fuel and method for conversion of sesquiterpenes to high density fuels. The sesquiterpenes can be either extracted from plants or specifically produced by bioengineered organisms from waste biomass. This approach allows for the synthesis of high performance renewable fuels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymerisation process, in particular to the polymerisation of olefins in a reactor system comprising two reactors in series, and most particularly provides a process for the polymerisation of monomer in at least first and second reactors operated in series, which process comprises contacting a first stream comprising vapour derived from the effluent withdrawn from the second reactor with a feed stream to the second reactor, said feed stream comprising effluent derived from the first reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of inhibiting corrosion by corrosive fluids, and more specifically to inhibiting corrosion of a metallic surface. The method comprising adding to the corrosive fluid a specifically selected ionic liquid which is added in an amount, based on the total weight of the corrosive fluid, effective to mitigate or alleviate corrosion.

Abstract: We provide a process for producing high quality gasoline blending components, comprising: a) operating an alkylation reactor in an alkylate mode wherein a gasoline blending component is made having a RON of 90 or higher; and b) operating the alkylation reactor in a distillate mode wherein a second gasoline blending component and a distillate product is made, and wherein the second gasoline blending component has a RON of 85 or higher. Also, we provide an alkylation process unit, comprising: a control system connected to an alkylation reactor, that enables the alkylation reactor to operate in both an alkylate mode that produces a gasoline blending component having a RON of 90 or higher and in a distillate mode that produces a second gasoline blending component having a RON of 85 or higher.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and gasification system for recycling methane-rich gas from syngas stream emanating from fluidized bed reactor and then returning the methane to the fluidized bed reactor. The method comprises recovering methane-rich gas from the synthesis gas and delivering at least a portion of the recovered methane-rich gas to the fluidized bed reactor. Methods to recover methane-rich gas from syngas at different steps in the gasification system are also provided herein.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for managing hydrate formation in a process that converts a hydrocarbon stream into C2 unsaturates, such as ethylene and/or acetylenes. The method includes adding a hydrate inhibitor to a hydrocarbon stream to lower the hydrate formation point of the mixture stream from an initial hydrate formation point (HI) of the hydrocarbon stream to a depressed hydrate formation point (HD) of the mixture stream. Then, the mixture stream is depressurized to adiabatically cool the stream to a temperature (T), wherein the HD<T<HI. Then, at least a portion of the mixture stream is vaporized and the vaporized portion of the mixture stream is separated from the unvaporized portion of the mixture stream. Once separated, at least a portion of the vaporized portion is converted into product, such as ethylene and/or acetylene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing low-odor n-butane by catalytic hydrogenation of a feed mixture. The aim of the invention is to provide such a method, wherein the feed material, in addition to n-butane, n-butene and up to 1 mass % formic acid and/or up to 1 mass % pentanals and/or up to 0.5 mass % pentanols, also comprises carbon monoxide. The aim is achieved by treating the feed mixture in the temperature range of 15 to 120° C. with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide in the concentration range of 0.5 to 30 mass % and subsequently subjecting the feed mixture to the catalytic hydrogenation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for two-phase separation are provided. The system can include a vessel having a first end, a second end, an internal volume, an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. At least one separation tray can be disposed within the internal volume. The inlet can be disposed between the separation tray and the second end. At least one impeller can be connected to a shaft and disposed within the internal volume. The shaft can be mechanically linked to a motor. The at least one impeller can be disposed between the at least one separation tray and the first end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a natural gas production stream from hydrocarbon well operations into a gas component and a sand and liquid component is described. More specifically, a sand separator comprising a cylindrical body, a production stream inlet port, a gas outlet port and a solid and liquid drain port is described. The cylindrical body has an inner cavity with an inner cone having one-way gas vents and a stationary auger wrapped around the inner cone. The production stream inlet port includes a pipe having a curved tip that directs the production stream into the body and around the inner cone and stationary auger, causing the production stream to slow down and the components to separate.

Abstract: A method for removal and recovery of an organic amine from a hydrocarbon stream containing the amine, including: i) mixing the hydrocarbon stream containing the amine with an aqueous inorganic acid in a volumetric ratio of hydrocarbon stream:aqueous inorganic acid of greater than 1:1-5:1, preferably 1.5:1-4:1, more preferably 3:1, ii) phase separating of hydrocarbon and aqueous phase; iii) removing the hydrocarbon phase and optionally further purifying thereof, iv) optionally recycling at least a part of the hydrocarbon phase obtained in step (iii) into mixing step (i), v) mixing the aqueous phase obtained in step (iii) with an aqueous alkaline solution, vi) phase separating of an aqueous phase and an organic phase formed, vii) removing the organic phase obtained in step (vi) and optionally further purifying thereof.

Abstract: Methods for releasing associated guest materials from a metal organic framework are provided. Methods for associating guest materials with a metal organic framework are also provided. Methods are provided for selectively associating or dissociating guest materials with a metal organic framework. Systems for associating or dissociating guest materials within a series of metal organic frameworks are provided. Thermal energy transfer assemblies are provided. Methods for transferring thermal energy are also provided.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for hydrogenation comprising: supersaturating a hydrocarbonaceous liquid or slurry stream in a high shear device with a gas stream comprising hydrogen and optionally one or more C1-C6 hydrocarbons to form a supersaturated dispersion; and introducing the supersaturated dispersion into a reactor in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to generate a product stream. In some embodiments, the catalyst is present as a slurry or a fluidized or fixed bed of catalyst. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation catalyst is mixed with the hydrocarbonaceous liquid or slurry stream and the gas stream in the high shear device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises recycling at least a portion of an off gas from the reactor, recycling at least a portion of the product stream from the reactor, or both. Also disclosed herein is a system for hydrogenation.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for thermal cracking or steam cracking of hydrocarbons comprising: supersaturating a hydrocarbonaceous liquid or slurry stream in a high shear device with a gas stream comprising steam or hydrogen and optionally one or more C1-C6 hydrocarbons to form a supersaturated dispersion; and introducing the supersaturated dispersion into a thermal cracking or steam cracking reactor to generate a product stream. In some embodiments, the method further comprises contacting the supersaturated dispersion with a cracking catalyst in a slurry, a fluidized catalyst bed, or a fixed catalyst bed. In some embodiments, the cracking catalyst is mixed with the hydrocarbonaceous liquid or slurry stream and the gas stream in the high shear device. Herein also disclosed is a system for thermal cracking or steam cracking of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for coal liquefaction comprising: supersaturating a hydrocarbonaceous liquid stream in a high shear device with a gas stream comprising hydrogen and optionally one or more C1-C6 hydrocarbons to form a supersaturated dispersion; and contacting the supersaturated dispersion with coal in the high shear device or in a coal liquefaction reactor to generate a product stream. In some embodiments, the method further comprises utilizing a conversion catalyst, wherein the catalyst is provided as a slurry, a fluidized bed, or a fixed bed. In some embodiments, the method further comprises feeding a conversion catalyst into the high shear device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises recycling at least a portion of an off gas from the reactor, recycling at least a portion of the product stream from the reactor, or both. Herein also disclosed is a system for coal liquefaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for desulfurizing heavy oil feedstreams with alkali metal compounds and improving the compatibility of the to stream components in either the feed stream, an intermediate product stream, and/or the reaction product stream in the desulfurization process. The present invention utilizes a high stability aromatic-containing stream that is preferably added to the heavy oil prior to reaction with the alkali metal compounds. The resulting stream resists precipitation of reaction solids in the desulfurization reactors. Even more preferably, the desulfurization system employs at least two desulfurization reactors in series flow wherein the high stability aromatic-containing stream is contacted with the reaction product from the first reactor prior to the second reactor, wherein the first reactor can be operated at a higher severity than without the use of the high stability aromatic-containing component stream.

Abstract: Ethylene separation processes are described herein. The ethylene separation processes generally include introducing a feed stream including ethylene and butene into a de-ethenizer; and separating the ethylene from the butene via fractional distillation within the de-ethenizer to form an overhead stream including separated ethylene and a bottoms stream including separated butene, wherein the de-ethenizer operates at a pressure of less than 350 psig.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Pickering destabilisation method. The present invention also relates to a method for phase separation, and specifically to a method for separating hydrocarbons for hydrocarbon extraction, as well as to a method for manufacturing porous substrates and to a method for manufacturing finished products.

Abstract: Split-shell fractionation columns and associated processes for separating aromatic hydrocarbons are provided herein. In an embodiment, a split-shell fractionation column includes a housing shell having a first height and a partition having a second height and disposed within the housing shell. The partition includes first and second vertically oriented baffles separated by a gap region, a seal plate connecting top ends of the baffles, a first input port formed to extend through the partition for the introduction of a gas into the gap region, and a first output port formed to extend outwardly from a bottom of the gap region and through the housing shell. The partition defines a first distillation zone and a second distillation zone within the housing shell.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process. The process can include obtaining a hydrocarbon phase having one or more hydrocarbons and an alkylation catalyst from a first vessel, swirling the hydrocarbon phase to separate the alkylation catalyst, and recycling the alkylation catalyst to an alkylation reactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel biosynthetic pathway for the production of isoprene from 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol or 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol. Further embodiments provide non-naturally occurring microorganism that have been modified to produce isoprene from 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol or 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol and methods of producing isoprene using said microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel biosynthetic pathway for the production of isoprene from 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol or 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol. Further embodiments provide non-naturally occurring microorganism that have been modified to produce isoprene from 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol or 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol and methods of producing isoprene using said microorganism.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a gaseous hydrocarbon fraction to obtain a gaseous fraction and a liquid fraction which apparatus includes a shell-and-tube heat exchanger and a distillation column, wherein the shell-and-tube heat exchanger includes an inlet and an outlet for cooling fluid which inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with the tube side of the heat exchanger, and an inlet for the gaseous hydrocarbon fraction at the upper end of the heat exchanger which inlet is in fluid communication with the shell side of the heat exchanger, and a conduit for guiding hydrocarbons from the heat exchanger to the distillation column which distillation column includes an outlet for gas at its upper end and an outlet for liquid at its lower end, and process in which such apparatus is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of olefin oligomers by a method of oligomerization of olefins, and, in particular, to a method of isolating olefin oligomerization products and decomposing the oligomerization catalyst residues. The method of isolating products of an oligomerization reaction of olefins including a terminal double bond, in which the reaction is carried out by the action of a catalyst having chromium compounds, a nitrogen-containing ligand and organoaluminum compounds, includes a step of isolating independent olefin products and a step of treating catalyst residues. Further, the method includes the following sequential steps: a) isolating at least one liquid product of the oligomerization reaction of olefins from an output stream of an oligomerization reactor; b) treating a residue with an aqueous solution of an acid; and c) separating an organic layer and an aqueous layer.

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori is closely associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Helicobacter pylori neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP), a virulence factor of Helicobacter pylori, plays an important role in pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Since HP-NAP has been proposed as a candidate vaccine against Helicobacter pylori infection, an efficient way to obtain pure HP-NAP needs to be developed. In the present invention, recombinant HP-NAP expressed in Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli was purified through a single step of DEAE SEPHADEX ion-exchange chromatography with high purity. Also, purified recombinant HP-NAP was able to stimulate neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species. Thus, recombinant HP-NAP obtained from our Bacillus subtilis expression system and Escherichia coli expression system is functionally active.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating an output from a chemical reaction, wherein the chemical reaction is performed in the presence of an ionic liquid. The chemical reaction is preferably an isomerization. In a rectifying column with a partial condenser, the hydrogen halide is drawn off from a mixture which originates from the chemical reaction and comprises at least one organic compound, preferably at least one hydrocarbon, and at least one hydrogen halide.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides natural gas and petrochemical processing systems including oxidative coupling of methane reactor systems that integrate process inputs and outputs to cooperatively utilize different inputs and outputs of the various systems in the production of higher hydrocarbons from natural gas and other hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an advanced control system for steam hydrocarbon reformer furnaces, especially steam methane reformer furnaces. As described herein, the advanced control system may improve the control quality and efficiency of adjusting steam hydrocarbon reformer furnaces operating coefficients. As a result, the steam hydrocarbon reformer furnace operations become more stable, resulting in energy savings and improved furnace yield.

Abstract: The present invention describes a n-butane absorption process for purifying the ethylene product from an ethane oxidation process. The ethane oxidation product is fed to a series of absorption towers using a n-butane solvent that remove the inert components as well as purifying the ethylene from the product. A first absorption tower uses n-butane as a solvent to absorb both the ethane and ethylene, allowing for inert gasses to be removed from the stream. An ethylene-rich side stream from this tower is sent to an ethylene purification tower where ethylene is purified using n-butane solvent. The bottom stream from the first absorption tower is then sent to an intermediate ethylene recovery tower where crude ethylene is purified, and the overhead ethylene stream being sent to the ethylene purification tower.

Abstract: A process of producing PX comprising providing a C8+ feedstock, the C8+ feedstock has C8 hydrocarbons and C9+ hydrocarbons, to a crystallization unit under crystallization conditions to produce a PX enriched stream having a PX concentration of at least 99.5 wt % based on the weight of the PX enriched stream, wherein the C8+ feedstock has a PX concentration of at least 70 wt % based on total weight of xylenes in the C8+ feedstock, which the C8+ feedstock having a C9+ hydrocarbons concentration in a range from 1 wppm to 10 wt % based on the total weight of the C8+ feedstock.

Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the purification of isoprene, such as the purification of a bioisoprene composition from fermentor off-gas. The apparatus includes two columns that process the fermentor off-gas, which includes isoprene and various impurities. A solvent is added to the off-gas in the first column, and the isoprene is stripped from the solvent in the second column. Also provided is a downstream further purification process. Also provided are the resulting purified isoprene compositions.