Abstract: A hydrophobic and oleophilic particular vermicular structure of expanded graphite, possessing the property of absorbing in a selective manner only large amounts of petroleum products from a water media is described. This expanded grahite is characterized by three main properties: (a) a specific density in the range of 0.003-0.1 g/ml; (b) a surface area in the range of 50-200 m.sup.2 g/ml; and (c) closed pores in the range of 3% to 20%. The particular structure of the expanded graphite can be used in the form of particulate, pillows, blankets, booms or as a filter medium. Preferred particles sizes of the expanded graphite are in the range of between 0.5 to 3 mm. The oil absorbed onto the expanded grahite can be released by pressure or recovered by solvent extraction.

Abstract: A chromatographic process for separating normal olefins from mixtures with branched-chain olefins with a high silica zeolitic molecular sieve, e.g., silicalites, ZSM-5, etc., having low acid catalytic reactivity, which selectively adsorbs the normal olefins, and uses alkyl-substituted cycloparaffins, e.g., methylcyclohexane, as desorbents.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described whereby a caustic-treated hydrocarbon feed mixture having a contaminating concentration of water and sulfur compounds is treated by separating the hydrocarbon feed into a first stream and a second stream. The first stream is contacted with an adsorbent material to produce a reactor feed stream having a significant reduction in the concentration of the contaminating water and sulfur compounds. The reactor feed stream is thereafter contacted in the presence of hydrogen under suitable isomerization conditions with an isomerization catalyst to produce an isomerate product.

Abstract: A process is shown for deabsorbing oil from an oil absorbent material. A citric oil-in-water emulsion is formulated having an aqueous external phase and having a dispersed internal phase which is comprised of a distilled citric oil. The hydrocarbon contaminated material is immersed within the citric oil-in-water emulsion, whereby absorbed hydrocarbons are extracted from the oil absorbent material.

Abstract: A process is provided for the concentration and recovery of ethylene and heavier components from a hydrocarbon feedstream. A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process is used to remove from hydrocarbon feedstream light cut comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane and subsequently concentrate a heavy cut comprising the ethylene and heavy components in the PSA tail gas. In one aspect of the invention, an FCC off gas is separated into a light cut and a heavy cut and the heavy cut is routed to an ethylene plant. In another aspect of the invention, a C.sub.2 -rich stream is withdrawn from an ethylene plant and used to enhance the recovery of the ethylene and heavier stream in the PSA process and an ethylene-rich stream is returned to the ethylene plant.

Abstract: A process for the regeneration of oxygenate containing adsorbents uses regenerant streams such as LPG and isomerate products for the desorption of oxygenate compounds. The process discloses arrangements for the integration of regenerant treatment into the adsorption scheme and for the enhancement of the isomerate product. The integrated flowscheme can be used to remove sulfur and water from contaminated regenerants or to deliver the oxygenates into the gasoline pool.

Abstract: A process for purifying linear paraffins in which a hydrocarbon stream containing linear paraffins contaminated with aromatics, sulfur-, nitrogen-, and oxygen-containing compounds, and color bodies, but essentially free of olefins, is contacted with a zeolitic solid adsorbent such as a NaX zeolite or zeolite MgY. After adsorption the zeolitic solid adsorbent is desorbed with an alkyl-substituted aromatic desorbent such as toluene.

Abstract: A chromatographic process for separating linear olefins from mixtures with branched-chain olefins with a high silica zeolitic molecular sieve, e.g., silicalites, ZSM-5, etc., having low acid catalytic reactivity, which selectively adsorbs the normal olefins, and uses ketones as desorbents.

Abstract: A method for the separation of benzene from a hydrocarbon stream, such as a gasoline boiling range stream, which comprises contacting the hydrocarbon stream with an adsorbent capable of selectively adsorbing the benzene from the stream, hydrogenating the adsorbed benzene to cyclohexane, and desorbing the cyclohexane from the adsorbent. The hydrogenation of the benzene to cyclohexane facilitates the removal of the benzene from the adsorbent.

Abstract: An adsorption process for separating the high octane components, including multi-branched paraffins and isopentane of a C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 isomerate from lower octane monobranched and normal paraffin components by contacting the isomerate with an X zeolite exchanged with a mixture of at least two cations from Group II-A. The adsorbed low octane components are preferably desorbed with a desorbent selected from the group consisting essentially of isooctane, 2,2,3-trimethyl pentane, 2,2,4-trimethyl pentane, 2,3,4-trimethyl pentane, 1,2-dimethyl cyclohexane, 2,2-dimethyl hexane, 2,2-dimethyl octane, 3-ethyl hexane, 2,2,4-trimethyl hexane and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The separation of naphthalene in high purity from coal tar or petroleum fractions by an adsorptive chromatographic process and liquid phase with lithium-exchanged X zeolite as the adsorbent and aromatic desorbents.

Abstract: A process for the regeneration of oxygenate containing adsorbents uses regenerant streams such as LPG and isomerate products for the desorption of oxygenate compounds. The process discloses arrangements for the integration of regenerant treatment into the adsorption scheme and for the enhancement of the isomerate product. The integrated flowscheme can be used to remove sulfur and water from contaminated regenerants or to deliver the oxygenates into the gasoline pool.

Abstract: In the process flow scheme for chromatographically separating paraxylene from C.sub.8 isomers containing substantial amounts of C.sub.9 aromatic hydrocarbon impurities with an X or Y zeolite adsorbent and heavy desorbents, e.g., tetralin and derivatives thereof and diethyltoluene, a drag stream is split from the extract fractionation column bottoms stream, containing desorbent and C.sub.9 aromatic hydrocarbon impurities for recycling to the separation unit, and is directed to the raffinate fractionation column, where C.sub.9 aromatic hydrocarbons are removed to prevent C.sub.9 aromatic hydrocarbons from building up in the desorbent input to the separation unit. A fractionator for the extract column stream is eliminated, lowering capital costs.

Abstract: A process for purifying linear paraffins in which a hydrocarbon feedstream containing linear paraffins contaminated with aromatics, sulfur-, nitrogen-, and oxygen-containing compounds, and color bodies, and also containing up to about 5 wt % desorbent from effluent recycle, is contacted with a solid adsorbent such as a NaX zeolite or zeolite MgY; after adsorption the adsorbent is desorbed with an alkyl-substituted aromatic desorbent, such as toluene. As the adsorent bed is being desorbed, the initial effluent from the adsorption cycle will contain levels of desorbent and may be recycled to the hydrocarbon feedstream. Previous to the removal of impurities from the adsorbent by desorption, the desorbent displaces interstitial linear paraffins which are also recycled to the hydrocarbon feedstream.

Abstract: A chromatographic process able to separate para-xylene from C.sub.8 isomers and C.sub.9 aromatics. In the process, the para-xylene-containing feed mixture is contacted with an X zeolite adsorbent having barium or barium and potassium ions, at exchangeable cationic sites. The para-xylene components are selectively adsorbed onto the adsorbent. The non-adsorbed feed is then removed from the adsorbent and the para-xylene recovered by desorption with indan or an alkyl derivative of indan. Any C.sub.9 aromatic hydrocarbons and the other xylene isomers in the raffinate can be separated from these heavy desorbents by fractionation of the raffinate and the desorbent can be recycled to the process.

Abstract: An improved adsorption-desorption process is disclosed for separating low octane components from field natural gasoline and virgin naphthas. The low octane materials may be further separated into chemical feed stocks, fluid catalytic cracking feed stocks, steam active reforming feed stocks, paraffinic solvents, and diesel and jet fuel blend stocks by conventional fractionation and/or solvent extraction processes. The remaining higher octane materials make excellent reformer feed and/or gasoline blend stocks.

Abstract: Substantial proportions of methyl acetate and unreacted polymethylbenzene are recovered from the waste gas produced during the oxidation of a polymethylbenzene to its corresponding polycarboxylic acid by passing the waste gas, after being cooled for removal of water vapor, through at least one bed of activated carbon and subsequently desorbing the methyl acetate and polymethylbenzene from the bed by passing a desorbing medium, such as steam, through the bed. Preferably, the cooled stream is heated to a temperature of at least 21.degree. C. (70.degree. F.) prior to being passed into the bed of activated carbon.There is also disclosed an improved process for the oxidation of a polymethylbenzene to its corresponding aromatic polycarboxylic acid, which process comprises producing the polycarboxylic acid and waste gas comprising methyl acetate, water vapor, and unreacted polymethylbenzene and treating the waste gas according to the above method.

Abstract: The process relates to on-line rejuvenation of adsorbent beds which are used for removing mercury from mercury contaminated feeds.

Abstract: A process for purifying linear paraffins in which a hydrocarbon stream containing linear paraffins contaminated with aromatics, sulfur-, nitrogen-, and oxygen-containing compounds, and color bodies, but essentially free of olefins, is contacted with a solid absorbent such as a NaX zeolite or zeolite MgY. After adsorption the adsorbent is desorbed with an alkyl- substituted aromatic desorbent, such as tuluene. The initial effluent from the adsorb cycle, which will contain a high concentration of residual desorbent, is recycled to a desorbent recovery system. The level of desorbent in the adsorber effluent is monitored on a real time basis until the desorbent level of the adsorber effluent declines from a plateau level, i.e., a 100% plateau level, that correlates with the level of impurities, particularly the aromatic impurities in the feed, which is an indication of aromatics breakthrough, thereby signaling the need to switch the adsorbent beds.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of high octane fuels including a process for separating the high octane components for the gasoline pool from lower octane components, which are recycled to an isomerization reaction by adsorptively separating dimethyl paraffins from an isomerate with an aluminophosphate zeolite and SSZ-24, an all-silica zeolite adsorbent isostructural with AIPO.sub.4 -5, and a C.sub.6-10 normal paraffin desorbent. The lower octane components of the isomerate, normal paraffins and mono-branched paraffins, are recycled to the isomerization reaction zone for further conversion to multi-branched paraffins. The useful aluminophosphates are SAPO-5, AIPO.sub.4 -5 MgAPO-5 and MAPSO-5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metallo gallium silicate zeolite, designated as ECR-9. It also relates to a process for preparation of the zeolite. The zeolite may be employed in catalytic, absorbent or separation applications, particularly in the separation of small molecules, or normal from iso-paraffins, or the preferential reaction of n-paraffins in a mixed hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described whereby a caustic-treated hydrocarbon feed mixture having a contaminating concentration of water and sulfur compounds is treated by separating the hydrocarbon feed into a first stream and a second stream. The first stream is contacted with an adsorbent material to produce a reactor feed stream having a significant reduction in the concentration of the contaminating water and sulfur compounds. The reactor feed stream is thereafter contacted in the presence of hydrogen under suitable isomerization conditions with an isomerization catalyst to produce an isomerate product.

Abstract: Process for the isomerization of a hydrocarbon feed containing hydrocarbons comprising at least 4 carbon atoms, which process comprises isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream; separating the isomerisate thus obtained into a hydrogen-containing gas and a hydrocarbon effluent; separating from the hydrocarbon effluent a product stream containing branched hydrocarbons, leaving non-product hydrocarbons, and passing at least part of these hydrocarbons again to the isomerization step, in which process at least part of the feed is added to at least part of the isomerisate before the isomerisate is separated into the hydrogen-containing gas and the hydrocarbon effluent.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for separating by adsorption lower octane normal and mono-methyl paraffins from hydrocarbon feeds containing normal, mono-methyl and more highly branched paraffin fractions in the pentane and hexane carbon range. Adsorbents capable of adsorbing mono-methyl paraffins but not di-methyl branched paraffins are employed to adsorb normal and mono-methyl branched parafins. Isopentane, although adsorbed along with the mono-methyl hexane paraffins, is preferentially adsorbed and eluted from the adsorber bed and recovered as an adsorption effluent along with di-methyl branched hexane paraffin. In one aspect of the invention adsorbents capable of adsorbing normal paraffins but not mono-methyl paraffins are additionally employed to pretreat the feeds to adsorb normal paraffins. Isomerization processes are disclosed for isomerizing the normal and mono-methyl paraffins to produce higher-octane isopentane and more highly branched paraffins.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for separating by adsorption lower octane normal and mono-methyl paraffins from hydrocarbon feeds containing normal, mono-methyl and more highly branched paraffin fractions in the pentane and hexane carbon range. Adsorbents capable of adsorbing mono-methyl paraffins are used in combination with adsorbents capable of adsorbing normal paraffins but not mono-methyl paraffins. Isopentane, although adsorbed along with the mono-methyl hexane paraffins, is preferentially desorbed and eluted from the adsorber bed and recovered as an adsorption effluent along with di-methyl branched hexane paraffins. Isomerization processes are disclosed for isomerizing the normal and mono-methyl paraffins to produce higher octane isopentane and more highly branched paraffins.

Abstract: A combination isomerization and liquid phase adsorptive separation process is given increased efficiency and cost effectiveness while also improving the product quality by eliminating the columns for the separation of desorbent material from extract and raffinate streams. In this arrangement a C.sub.5 + naphtha stream is split into a heavy hydrocarbon stream comprising normal hexane and higher boiling hydrocarbons and an isomerization zone feedstream comprising isohexane and lower boiling hydrocarbons. The heavy hydrocarbon stream goes directly to a deisohexanizer column. The isomerization zone feedstream is combined with an excess desorbent stream and the extract stream from an adsorptive separation section to form a combined feed. Hydrocarbons in the combined feed are isomerized and after stabilization pass directly into the adsorption section.

Abstract: Methods are provided for regenerating a zeolitic molecular sieve having a sulfur-containing carbonaceous material deposited thereon by contacting the zeolitic molecular sieve with an oxygen-containing regeneration feed gas to remove at least a portion of the carbonaceous deposit material and thereafter absorbing sulfur oxides present in the regeneration gas using soda-lime absorbent. The methods can inhibit the deactivation of zeolitic molecular sieves by avoiding contact thereof with the sulfur oxides. In a specific aspect of the present invention, the regeneration method is incorporated into a method for separating normal paraffins from a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon feed in the gas oil or kerosene carbon range.

Abstract: The present invention is a concentration swing adsorption process for separating a liquid phase feedstock comprising a more adsorbable component (A) and a less adsorbable component (B) with respect to an adsorbent. The process is operated in a system comprising a single or a plurality of adsorption columns containing the adsorbent which are operated in cycle in a predetermined sequence. The following operational steps are performed in the order recited in each of the adsorption columns in its turn. Feedstock is passed through the adsorbent and the more adsorbable component (A) is selectively adsorbed while a stream enriched in component (B) is discharged from the adsorption column. The adsorbent is rinsed in a direction co-current to the feedstock with the more adsorbable component (A) whereby the less adsorbable component (B) is displaced from the adsorbent and a stream comprising a mixture of the more adsorbable component (A) and the less adsorbable component (B) is withdrawn from the adsorption column.

Abstract: A combination isomerization and liquid phase adsorptive separation process is given increased efficiency and cost effectiveness by the elimination of a column for the separation of desorbent material from selectively retained components. By decreasing the ratio of normal paraffin desorbent to the selective pore volume circulation rate, the extract column can be eliminated without providing other means for the rejection or recovery of desorbent material. This reduction in the ratio of normal paraffin desorbent to selective pore volume circulation rate has been found not to decrease the recovery from the adsorption section. The elimination of the column provides a substantial decrease in the cost of the equipment to operate a combination isomerization zone and liquid phase adsorption section. In an alternate arrangement, the extract column is replaced with a deisohexanizer column. The deisohexanizer column can be used to produce a C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 product stream having research octane numbers of 93 or greater.

Abstract: Aromatic hydrocarbons are readily recovered from aqueous solutions by contacting the aqueous solution with an oxidized activated carbon having a low concentration of acidic oxides.The novel oxidized activated carbon is produced by contacting activated carbon with an acidic oxidizing agent which is used in low concentrations.The process can be employed to reduce aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene from aqueous solutions such as industrial effluents or potable water supplies to levels permissible by environmental protection regulations.

Abstract: A process for enriching the fraction of 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene contained in a quantity of mixed dialkylated naphthalenes. The mixed dialkylated naphthalenes are contacted with an adsorbant bed containing one or more molecular sieves which demonstrate shape selective preference for the 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene isomer over other dialkylated naphthalenes. The adsorbant bed is then contacted with a desorbant capable of desorbing the 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene from the pores of the adsorbant.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the separation of light hydrocarbons from a feedstream containing hydrogen, light hydrocarbons and heavy hydrocarbons. The processes employ thermal swing adsorption zone to adsorb heavy hydrocarbons and a pressure swing adsorption zone to remove the remaining light hydrocarbons. At least a portion of the product from the pressure swing adsorption zone is used to purge the thermal swing adsorption zone. Specific applications of the process of the present invention are disclosed with relation to hydrodealkylation processes and dehydrocyclodimerization processes.

Abstract: A process for the separation of 2,7 DIPN from a hydrocarbon feed mixture comprising 2,7 DIPN and one or more other DIPN isomers, which process employs an adsorbent, comprising a type Y zeolite, dried to an LOI less than 10% which has been at least partially cation exchanged, at exchangeable sites, with potassium. The 2,7 DIPN thereafter is removed from the adsorbent by contacting it with an aromatic hydrocarbon desorbent material, comprising a xylene, e.g., para-xylene, benzene or toluene at desorbent conditions, and is recovered as an extract product stream. In a preferred embodiment, the process uses a simulated moving-bed countercurrent flow system.

Abstract: A process of separating the ortho, meta and para isomers of ethyltoluene. One aspect employs a ferrierite absorbent which separates the para isomer from a mixture of the same and at least one of the meta and ortho isomers. A second aspect employs a silicalite absorbent which separates the ortho isomer from a mixture of the same and the meta isomer. A third aspect combines the ferrierite and silicalite absorbents in sequence to separate a mixture of the ortho, meta and para isomers into the essentially pure compounds.

Abstract: The chromatographic adsorption separation of coumarone from indene-containing coal tar distillate feed mixtures with an alkali metal (Group IA) exchanged X-zeolite and polar materials, e.g., ketones, alcohols or esters as desorbents. Also disclosed is a process for separating a coumarone-indene coextract with sodium-exchanged Y zeolite and toluene as desorbent.

Abstract: The separation of normal paraffins from non-normal hydrocarbons wherein the paraffins have from about 10 to about 35 carbon atoms per molecule, using a molecular sieve adsorbent having an effective channel diameter of about 5 angstroms wherein an improvement in the process comprises passing a non-normal hydrocarbon input stream into the adsorption zone at adsorption conditions to promote the selective adsorption of the straight chain hydrocarbon constituents of the feed material in contact with the adsorbent in preference to the lighter straight chain hydrocarbon constituents of the desorbent material also in contact with adsorbent.

Abstract: Trialkyl arsines are removed from fluids, in particular gases, by contacting with a solid sorbent material containing at least one manganese oxide (preferably MnO.sub.2) and at least one Group IB metal oxide (preferably CuO). In a preferred feature, the used solid sorbent material is regenerated by oxidizing treatment, washing with an aqueous liquid, and drying.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating an adsorption system using only two adsorption beds, for control of output quality of a gas containing a hydrocarbon. In the method before complete changeover of one bed A from adsorption to regeneration and of the other bed B from adsorption to regeneration, the adsorption feed gas flow is split into two streams of equal flow rate in the embodiment described, flowing in parallel through the beds and recombining the gas from the adsorbing bed A and the regenerating bed.

Abstract: A process for recovering diamondoid compounds from hydrocarbonaceous minerals and/or from deposits left by such minerals in equipment or otherwise, which comprises dissolving diamondoid compounds in an aromatic distillate fuel oil; extracting aromatics from the solution; and separating diamondoid compounds from the raffinate of the extraction.

Abstract: The invention is a process for separating a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons into normal paraffins, branched chain paraffins, and cyclic paraffins which comprises contacting said mixture with a series of two molecular sieves comprising a first silicalite and a second silicalite which have different retention conditions. One of the silicalites is selected so that it will retain normal paraffins and pass through branched chain paraffins and cyclic paraffins. The second silicalite is selected so that it will retain normal and branched chain paraffins and pass through cyclic paraffins. The two molecular sieves are employed in series so that the mixture of saturated hydrocarbons can be separated into normal paraffins, branched chain paraffins, and cyclic paraffins.

Abstract: In the purification of light hydrocarbons to remove carbonyl sulfide impurity by selective adsorption thereof on molecular sieve adsorbents, significant losses of the hydrocarbon are incurred by its coadsorption on the adsorbent with the COS impurity. Conventional desorption procedures produce a desorbate which is a non-commercial mixture of COS and hydrocarbon. The purge desorption method of the present invention utilizing a mixture of CO.sub.2 and a non-sorbable purge gas permits recovery of the coadsorbed hydrocarbon in a pure and commercially useful form.

Abstract: Supported metal oxide catalysts such as lead oxide catalysts are rejuvenated after absorbing arsenic compounds from hydrocarbon steams (such as propylene) by heating them in an inert, oxygen-free atmosphere, optionally with moisture present.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for separating by adsorption lower octane normal and mono-methyl paraffins from hydrocarbon feeds containing normal, mono-methyl and more highly branched paraffin fractions and isomerizing the normal and mono-methyl paraffins to produce higher octane isopentane and more highly branched paraffins. Adsorbents capable of adsorbing both normal and mono-methyl paraffins are used either alone or in combination with adsorbents capable of adsorbing normal paraffins but not mono-methyl paraffins. Isopentane, although adsorbed along with the mono-methyl paraffins, is preferentially eluted from the adsorber and recovered as an adsorption effluent.

Abstract: According to this invention, substantially hydrocarbonaceous fractions comprising diamondoid compounds are peculiarly suitable for separation by a thermal gradient diffusion process. Applicability of this process to this service is dependent upon the fact that the diamondoid compounds exhibit a large change in viscosity relative to temperature, that is, their viscosity goes down significantly per degree of increase in temperature.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for extracting diamondoid compounds from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The process includes two stages, each of which alone is effective to remove diamondoids from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The first stage comprises contacting the diamondoid-laden hydrocarbon gas with a suitable solvent to preferentially dissolve the diamondoids into the solvent. Diesel fuel is the preferred solvent for this first stage. The second stage comprises sorbing diamondoids from the diamonoid-laden hydrocarbon gas with silica gel. The most preferred embodiment of the invention is a serial process in which a diamondoid-laden gas is first treated in the solvation stage and the partially purified gas is further resolved in the silica gel sorption stage. The invention still further includes a process for segregating adamantane and diamantane when both are separated from a hydrocarbon gas stream.

Abstract: A process for the removal of hydrogenatable hydrocarbonaceous compounds comprising a component selected from the group consisting of halogen, metal, sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen from a hydrocarbonaceous stream which comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the hydrocarbonaceous stream with an adsorbent to remove at least a portion of the hydrogenatable hydrocarbonaceous compounds from the hydrocarbonaceous stream to provide a hydrocarbonaceous stream having a reduced concentration of hydrogenatable hydrocarbonaceous compounds; (b) contacting spent adsorbent with an elution solvent to remove the hydrogenatable hydrocarbonaceous compounds from the spent adsorbent thereby regenerating the adsorbent; (c) contacting the elution solvent in admixture with the hydrogenatable hydrocarbonaceous compounds in the presence of hydrogen with a hydrogenation catalyst; (d) contacting the effluent with an aqueous scrubbing solution; (e) introducing a resulting admixture of the reaction zone effluent and the aqueous scrubbing solu

Abstract: A process for recovering diamondoid compounds from a fluid mixture thereof with other hydrocarbonaceous compounds which comprises contacting said mixture with a porous solid, for example, a zeolite, having pore opening large enough to admit said diamondoid compounds thereinto and small enough so that at least 50% of the external atoms of said diamondoid compounds are capable of simultaneously contacting the internal walls of the pores of said solid under conditions conducive to absorption of diamondoid compounds by said solid; and then desorbing the absorbate comprising diamondoid compounds from said solid absorbant.

Abstract: Trialkyl arsines are removed from fluids, in particular gases, by contacting with a solid sorbent material containing at least one silver component (preferably nitrate and/or oxide and/or metal) and a support material (preferably alumina, fluorided alumina, silica, fluorided silica, titania or magnesium aluminate).

Abstract: Processing and apparatus are provided for upgrading the octane of a mixed hydrocarbon gasoline feedstock by an integrated adsorption-isomerization process which catalytically isomerizes normal paraffinic hydrocarbons and concentrates non-normals in a product stream, in both the reactor-lead and adsorber-lead configuration.The process includes passing an adsorber feed stream comprising hydrogen as well as hydrocarbons to an adsorbent bed to adsorb normal hydrocarbons. The hydrogen is preferably obtained from a hot hydrogen-containing process stream which is not cooled or separated into component parts prior to forming the adsorber feed. In some embodiments, the hot-hydrogen containing stream comes from reactor effluent and in others from desorption effluent.According to the invention, the only hydrogen which will require cooling and separation from a hydrocarbon component is that which is recycled for desorption. The invention provides improved energy efficiency and can reduce equipment size and complexity.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing mercury from hydrocarbon fluids by high temperature reactive adsorption. A hydrocarbon feed passed through an adsorbent mass including a reactive adsorbent such as silver or copper sulfide on an alumina support. The optimum temperature of the feed to be treated depends upon the 90% boiling points corresponding to heavier feeds. A hydrocarbon condensate feed may be drawn from a stabilizer column in a natural gas processing plant at a temperature in excess of 400.degree. F. If a metallic silver/alumina adsorbent is employed, the adsorbent may be regenerated through high temperature oxidation. Once oxidation is complete, the temperature is lowered in a reducing or inert atmosphere.