Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the recovery as a feedstock of an alpha-olefin from a mixture containing mainly hydrocarbon compounds, such as is obtained by Fischer-Tropsch-synthesis after an at least crude separation of components boiling higher and/or lower than the alpha-olefin, wherein tertiary olefins of the mixture, after superstoichiometrical addition of a low alcohol, are subjected to catalytic etherification and a stream derived by etherification is fed jointly with the alpha-olefin and the ethers produced and other high boiling reaction products to a distillative separation of components boiling higher than the olefin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of hydroxylamine, its acid salts or mixtures thereof to increase carbonyl extraction during the basic washing of hydrocarbons containing oxygenated compounds. More specifically, oxygenated compounds such as carbonyl containing organics are typically an impurity and have a tendency to polymerize, producing fouling elements during processing. The hydroxylamine and its salts are quite effective for increasing the extraction of the carbonyl impurities during the caustic washing of hydrocarbon streams.

Abstract: A method for separating at least a benzothiophene compound from a hydrocarbon mixture is disclosed. The method includes contacting the mixture of a fraction obtained therefrom with a reagent including an acceptor complexing agent &pgr;, to obtain a donor-acceptor complex between the acceptor complexing agent and the benzothiophene compound; and separating the complex from the mixture, or from the fraction, to obtain a fraction depleted or purified in the benzothiophene compound.

Abstract: A method for concentrating the amount of alkylated mono-aromatics in a lubricating oil feedstock useful as a feedstock for sulfonation. The method comprises extracting a feedstock rich in aromatics with a solvent selected from NMP, phenol and furfural, said feedstock containing sufficient water to provide a raffinate having a target VI between about 86 and 97 under extraction conditions of treat and temperature selected to achieve the target VI. The raffinate is then hydrofmed and solvent dewaxed.

Abstract: The processing oil contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, which is a substance known to be toxic to the human body, in an amount of less than 3 wt. % and an aromatic hydrocarbon in an amount of 25 wt. % or more, and has a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of 10-30 mm2/s, a density of 0.870-970 g/cm3, and a 5 vol. % recovery temperature of 370-530° C. The processing oil exhibits excellent performance which has conventionally been obtained. The processing oil can be produced by a method in which oil mixture comprising an extract obtained through extraction from mineral oil by use of a polar solvent in an amount of 40-97 vol. % and lubricating base oil in an amount of 3-60 vol. % is subjected to extraction treatment by use of a polar solvent.

Abstract: A process is described for extracting carotenes from carotene-containing materials, in particular from fats and oils of biological origin, which provides for extraction of carotene-containing material with an extractant comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of acetonitrile, N-methylpyrrolidone, N,Ndimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, 4-formylmorpholine, 4-acetylmorpholine, 4-methylmorpholine, 4-phenylmorpholine.

Abstract: A process for the isolation of high-boiling monomers from distillation residue formed in the cyclodimerization and/or cyclotrimerization of 1,3-butadiene after target products of cyclooctadiene, vinylcyclohexene and/or cyclododecatriene have been separated off, comprising extracting the distillation residue with a nonpolar or slightly polar solvent, separating off insoluble oligomers and polymers that have at least partly crystallized by mechanical separation, removing the extractant, and isolating the high-boiling monomers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recovering high purity olefins from cracked gas effluents or other paraffin/olefin gaseous mixtures by use of a chemical absorption process.

Abstract: Processes for producing a purified conjugated diene comprise feeding a petroleum fraction containing the conjugated diene to an extractive distillation column, feeding an extraction solvent to the extractive distillation column, and extractive-distilling the conjugated diene from the petroleum fraction containing the conjugated diene in the extractive distillation column. The extraction solvent comprises an amide compound, and a heterocyclic aldehyde, aromatic nitro compound or aromatic aldehyde is contained in the extraction solvent within a range of 0.01 to 10 wt. % based on the weight of the extractive solvent. An oxygen concentration in a gas phase of a distillate discharged from the top of the extraction distillation column is controlled to 10 ppm or lower.

Abstract: A process for the purification of polyethers prepared by acid catalyzed condensation of polyhydroxy compounds includes the steps of: (a) heating the polyether with water for a time and at temperature sufficient to substantially hydrolyze esters formed during polymerization; and (b) separating the polyether from the water. The heating of the polyether and water may be conducted under reflux at a temperature of 60 to 100° C. for a period of 2 to 20 hours. The polyether recovered from step (b) may be subjected to further washing with hot water to remove residual acid.

Abstract: A process for producing a high VI/low volatility lubricating oil basestock and a lubricating oil basestock prepared by said process. The process comprises subjecting the raffinate from a solvent extraction step to a two step, single stage hydroconversion process wherein the first step involves severe hydroconversion of the raffinate followed by a cold hydrofinishing step.

Abstract: A multi-step process for desulfurizing liquid petroleum fuels that also removes nitrogen-containing compounds and aromatics. The process steps are: thiophene extraction; thiophene oxidation; thiophene-oxide and -dioxide extraction; raffinate solvent recovery and polishing; extract solvent recovery; and recycle-solvent purification. The thiophene oxidation is accomplished with hydrogen peroxide and the extraction solvent is acetic acid in combination with secondary solvents. The operating conditions in the process are relatively mild at near ambient pressure and less than 145 ° C. throughout the process, and the only chemical consumed in the process is hydrogen peroxide. The process design can be modified to accommodate a variety of liquid hydrocarbon feeds.

Abstract: A method of removing at least one inert reaction diluent and/or wash solvent from a waste stream from a catalyst precursor production unit is disclosed, where the waste stream includes at least one reaction diluent or wash solvent, at least one titanium alkoxide, at least one magnesium alkoxide, and at least one alkanol. At least one inert reaction diluent and/or wash solvent is removed by contacting the waste stream with a solubilization solvent, and then subjecting the resulting stream to distillation. The solubilization solvent: (i) is present in an amount sufficient to maintain solubility of residual titanium and magnesium alkoxide species; (ii) has a boiling point higher than that of the one or more reaction diluent and/or wash solvent; and optionally but preferably (iii) does not form an azeotrope with the one or more reaction diluent and/or wash solvent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for separating and isolating olefins from saturated hydrocarbons, and in particular, to a process for separating and isolating olefins from saturated hydrocarbons in a Fisher-Tropsch stream.

Abstract: A C4-hydrocarbon mixture essentially containing 1,3-butadiene, butenes, butanes and other C4-hydrocarbons is separated into at least 4 fractions, a) the fraction (a) essentially comprising 1,3-butadiene, b) the fraction (b) essentially comprising butenes, c) the fraction (c) essentially comprising butanes and d) one or more fractions (d) essentially comprising 1,3-butadiene and the other C4-hydrocarbons, by extractive distillation by means of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone or an aqueous solution of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP).

Abstract: Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other contaminants are removed from petroleum distillates by mixing a solvent with petroleum distillate to extract the contaminants therefrom. The solvent is recovered and distilled to separate the contaminants therefrom, and is then reused. The petroleum distillate having the contaminants separated therefrom is also distilled to remove any remaining solvent therefrom, with the recovered solvent being reused.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating finely divided solids from a hydrocarbon slurry by using an additive that comprises a polymer and, optionally, an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid; and a composition of the additive thereof. The polymer is a polymer having (a) a polymeric backbone comprising polyol units and at least one unsaturated polycarboxylic unit, (b) acrylate units coordinated via unsaturated polycarboxylic units, and (c) oxyalkylated alkyl phenol units.

Abstract: A process is provided for the concentration and recovery of ethylene and heavier components from an oxygenate conversion process. A separation process such as a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process is used to remove hydrogen and methane from a demethanizer overhead stream comprising hydrogen, methane, and C2 hydrocarbons and subsequently return the recovered C2 hydrocarbons to be admixed with the effluent from the oxygenate conversion process. This integration of a separation zone with a fractionation scheme in an ethylene recovery scheme using an initial demethanizer zone resulted in significant capital and operating cost savings by the elimination of cryogenic ethylene-based refrigeration from the overall recovery scheme.

Abstract: A process is provided by the invention which comprises: (a) providing a tubular reactor having an inlet and an outlet, a furnace for heating the reactor, and a cooler having an inlet in communication with the reactor outlet and also having an outlet; (b) introducing a substantially constant flow of feed gas comprising steam to the reactor inlet while the reactor is heated by the furnace to produce a predetermined and substantially constant reactor outlet temperature; and (c) controlling, during at least a portion of (b), the concentration of an antifoulant in the feed gas based on cooler outlet temperature.

Abstract: A process for eliminating at least pollutants including polar compounds present in a first fluid, with said first fluid sent to a subsequent treatment, e.g., an etherification process: a) the first fluid containing pollutants is contacted with an auxiliary fluid such as a vapor phase, under operating conditions that are selected so as to obtain, at the end of this first stage, said first fluid that is purified and freed of, for the most part, pollutants, and a vapor phase that is loaded with pollutants, said vapor phase being produced during one phase of the process, and b) at least a portion of said first purified fluid is recycled to a subsequent treatment stage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for separating and isolating saturated hydrocarbons from olefins, and in particular, to a process for separating and isolating saturated hydrocarbons from olefins in a Fisher-Tropsch stream.

Abstract: A method for the removal of sulfur and nitrogen containing compounds from petroleum distillates. Sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds are oxidized using a selective oxidant to create compounds that can be preferentially extracted from a petroleum distillate due to their increased relative polarity. Oxidation is accomplished by contacting an oxidant with a distillate under optimum conditions for that distillate and continuing the reaction until oxidized sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds are confirmed. Extraction is accomplished by contacting oxidized distillate with a non-miscible solvent that is selective for the relatively polar oxidized sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds. The oxidized compounds and solvent are separated from the distillate by gravity separation or centrifugation. The distillate is water washed and polished using clay filtration. The extraction solvent is separated from the solvent/oxidized compound mixture by a simple distillation for recycling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for separating and isolating saturated hydrocarbons from olefins, and in particular, to a process for separating and isolating saturated hydrocarbons from olefins in a Fisher-Tropsch stream, and thereafter treating the olefins to separate linear alpha olefins from internal olefins.

Abstract: In a method of efficiently removing mercury from a liquid hydrocarbon, the liquid hydrocarbon is contacted with water contacted in advance with a crude oil and a sludge contacted in advance with a crude oil. Alternatively, the liquid hydrocarbon is contacted with a substance having ability of ionizing elemental mercury and a sulfur compound having the formula: MM′S, wherein M and M′ are identical or different and are each hydrogen, alkali metal or ammonium group. When the liquid hydrocarbon to be treated contains no dissolved oxygen or contains dissolved oxygen in an amount in equilibrium with a gas containing 8% by volume of oxygen, the increase in the mercury concentration of a liquid hydrocarbon after the removing treatment is effectively prevented.

Abstract: The processing oil contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, which is a substance known to be toxic to the human body, in an amount of less than 3 wt. % and an aromatic hydrocarbon in an amount of 25 wt. % or more, and has a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of 10-30 mm2/s, a density of 0.870-970 g/cm3, and a 5 vol. % recovery temperature of 370-530° C. The processing oil exhibits excellent performance which has conventionally been obtained. The processing oil can be produced by a method in which oil mixture comprising an extract obtained through extraction from mineral oil by use of a polar solvent in an amount of 40-97 vol. % and lubricating base oil in an amount of 3-60 vol. % is subjected to extraction treatment by use of a polar solvent.

Abstract: Described is a process for separating sulfone from a hydrocarbon having a small concentration of said sulfone by use of water as an extraction solvent.

Abstract: There is provided a process for separating olefins from saturated hydrocarbons in a feedstock containing saturated hydrocarbons, internal olefins, and alpha olefins characterized by steps of selectively forming of olefin-linear polyaromatic compound adducts and steps of dissociation of these adducts.

Abstract: Low-sulfur aliphatic compounds are obtained from olefin-rich starting materials contaminated with organic sulfur compounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for separating and isolating saturated hydrocarbons from olefins, and in particular, to a process for separating and isolating saturated hydrocarbons from olefins in a Fisher-Tropsch stream.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for separating functionalized alpha olefins from functionalized internal olefins. The process achieves by a step of contacting a feedstock containing functionalized alpha olefins and functionalized internal olefins with a linear polyaromatic compound to form a linear polyaromatic compound-functionalized alpha olefin adduct and a step of dissociating the linear polyaromatic compound-functionalized alpha olefin adduct to form linear polyaromatic compounds and a functionalized alpha olefin composition.

Abstract: A method for controlling the deposition of foulants such as polynuclear aromatic compounds on the internal surfaces of equipment in a processing train used to process a product stream obtained by dehydrogenating an aliphatic compound containing from 2 to 5 carbon atoms wherein there is introduced into the processing train an effective amount of a liquid solvent having at least one hydroxyl group and a minimum boiling point of about 64.7.degree. C., the solvent being passed through at least a portion of the processing train, after which it is removed from the processing train.

Abstract: A method for the removal of sulfur and nitrogen containing compounds from petroleum distillates. Sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds are oxidized using a selective oxidant to create compounds that can be preferentially extracted from a petroleum distillate due to their increased relative polarity. Oxidation is accomplished by contacting an oxidant with a distillate under optimum conditions for that distillate and continuing the reaction until oxidized sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds are confirmed. Extraction is accomplished by contacting oxidized distillate with a non-miscible solvent that is selective for the relatively polar oxidized sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds. The oxidized compounds and solvent are separated from the distillate by gravity separation or centrifugation. The distillate is water washed and polished using clay filtration. The extraction solvent is separated from the solvent/oxidized compound mixture by a simple distillation for recycling.

Abstract: A process for reducing the Mutagenicity Index and/or the PCA content of a lubricating oil extract by re-extracting a lubricating oil extract with a second extraction solvent, different from the first extraction solvent, to form a secondary raffinate and a secondary extract mix; separating the secondary raffinate from the secondary extract mix; and separating the secondary raffinate and the secondary extract from said second extraction solvent.

Abstract: Mesitylene is difficult to separate from 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene because of the proximity of their boiling points. They are readily separated by azeotropic distillation. Effective agents are isopropyl acetate, 2-pentanol and acetonitrile.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for generating pure aromatic compounds from a reformed gasoline which contains aromatic compounds, olefins, diolefin, and triolefins, which comprises the steps of:(a) selectively hydrogenating the olefins, diolefins and triolefins in the reformed gasoline to obtain a mixture of hydrogenated, non-aromatic compounds and aromatic compounds; and(b) separating the aromatic compounds from the hydrogenated, non-aromatic compounds in the mixture formed during step (a) by either extractive distillation, liquid--liquid extraction or both to obtain the pure aromatic compounds.

Abstract: A process is provided by the invention which comprises: (a) providing a tubular reactor having an inlet and an outlet, a furnace for heating the reactor, and a cooler having an inlet in communication with the reactor outlet and also having an outlet; (b) introducing a substantially constant flow of feed gas comprising steam to the reactor inlet while the reactor is heated by the furnace to produce a predetermined and substantially constant reactor outlet temperature; and (c) controlling, during at least a portion of (b), the concentration of an antifoulant in the feed gas based on cooler outlet temperature.

Abstract: A column of solvent containing foaming contaminants is provided. Gas is injected into the solvent in the column so as to generate foam in the column. Foam generation continues so as to push the foam up in the column, wherein much of the solvent that is in the foam is allowed to drain back down into the column. The drier foam is pushed out of the column and into a container. The foam is broken up into gas and the liquid foaming contaminants. The gas is vented and recirculated for injection into the column for foaming purposes. A portion of the liquid in the container is recirculated as a spray, which spray breaks up the foam. Another portion of the liquid in the container is recirculated into the column as reflux. Another portion of the liquid in the container is removed from the system in order to remove foaming contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: A process for the separation of propylene from an input stream of C3 hydrocarbons containing propylene and methyl acetylene and/or propadiene and, optionally, C4 and/or higher hydrocarbons is described. The process includes subjecting the input stream to fractional distillation to separate propylene as an overhead stream leaving a bottoms stream containing the methyl acetylene and/or propadiene and the C4 and/or higher hydrocarbons, when present. A propane-containing stream is added to said input stream whereby propane is separated as part of the bottoms stream. The propylene content of the bottoms streams is maintained at less than 10% weight. The amount of propane added to the input stream is such that the weight of propane, propylene, and C4 and/or higher hydrocarbons, when present, in the bottoms stream is greater that the total weight of methyl acetylene and propadiene in the bottoms stream.

Abstract: A process for separating 1,3-butadiene from a crude C.sub.4 stream containing butanes, butenes, butadienes and acetylenes has been developed. The process begins with introducing hydrogen, a solvent, and the crude C.sub.4 stream to a catalytic extractive distillation unit having a reaction zone containing a catalyst capable of hydrogenating acetylenes. Butanes and butenes, being less soluble in the solvent, are distilled in an overhead stream from the catalytic extractive distillation unit. Butadienes and acetylenes, being more soluble in the solvent, are carried with the solvent to the reaction zone located within the catalytic extractive distillation unit. In the reaction zone the acetylenes are converted to hydrogenation products. The hydrogenation products other than butadiene are separated from the butadienes by the extractive distillation occurring in the unit. The solvent and butadiene mixture is removed from the catalytic extractive distillation unit in a distillate stream.

Abstract: Mesitylene cannot be separated from 4-ethyl toluene by distillation because of the proximity of their boiling points. They are readily separated by azeotropic distillation. Effective agents are isopropyl palmitate, triacetin and methyl salicylate.

Abstract: A feedstock of linear internal olefins and branched internal olefins are converted to a primarily linear internal olefin composition having a lower concentration of branched internal olefins than present in the feedstock, by:a) contracting the feedstock with linear polyaromatic compound under conditions effective to form a reaction mixture comprising an linear polyaromatic compound-linear internal olefin adduct;b) separating the linear polyaromatic compound-linear internal olefin adduct from the reaction mixture;c) dissociating the linear polyaromatic compound-linear internal olefin adduct to form linear polyaromatic compound and a linear internal olefin composition, andd) separating the linear polyaromatic compound formed in step c) from a linear internal olefin composition.

Abstract: A process to remove polymeric by-products from the product of an acetylene selective hydrogenation reactor has been developed. The product is generated by introducing hydrogen and a liquid hydrocarbon stream containing largely butadiene and some acetylenes to a reactor containing a catalyst effective for the selective hydrogenation of acetylenes. The product contains at least hydrogen, butadiene, and polymeric by-products. The pressure of the product is reduced and the product cooled. The cooled product is conducted to a low pressure flash drum to produce a hydrogen enriched stream and a butadiene and polymeric by-product-enriched stream. The hydrogen-enriched stream is removed. The butadiene and polymeric by-product is passed to a knockout drum to produce a stream enriched in butadiene and polymeric by-products having less than about 12 carbon atoms and a stream enriched in polymeric by-products having about 12 or more carbon atoms.

Abstract: An extraction method is disclosed, where organic impurities are removed from a phase essentially containing sulfuric acid, by means of supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide. In particular, the spent sulfuric acid from a process for production of alkylate fuel may be regenerated for re-introduction into the process without incineration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for separating at least one cycloalkane containing 5-10 carbon atoms per molecule from at least one close-boiling alkane by extractive distillation of a feed consisting essentially of said at least one cycloalkane and said at least one alkane, the improvement comprising the use of certain pyrrolidones, certain morpholines, sulfoxides, sulfolanes, glycol compounds, or mixtures thereof, and optionally water; wherein said extractive distillation process produces (i) an overhead distillate product which contains a smaller volume percentage of said at least one cycloalkane and a larger volume percentage of said at least one alkane than said feed, and (ii) a bottoms product which contains said solvent and a larger volume percentage of said at least one cycloalkane and a smaller volume percentage of said at least one alkane than said feed; and wherein said at least one cycloalkane is separated from said solvent and recovered from said bottoms product.

Abstract: Secondary explosive materials, particularly nitramines, are recovered from an explosive composition containing a mixture of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and at least one secondary explosive by the steps of heating the explosive composition to melt the TNT, preferably using steam, separately collecting and recovering the melted TNT, treating the thus-separated secondary explosive with a material which is a solvent for TNT and a non-solvent for the secondary explosive to dissolve the TNT, removing the non-solvent from the secondary explosive, and recovering the secondary explosive.

Abstract: This invention relates to inhibiting corrosion in systems of condensing hydrocarbons which contain water and chlorides, and, more particularly, in the overhead of crude oil atmospheric pipestills, with blends of amines. Preferred blends are 2-amino-1-methoxypropane, sec-butylamine, n-butylamine, dipropylamine and monoamylamine; 2-amino-1-methoxypropane, sec-butylamine, monoamylamine, n-butylamine and isobutylamine; and sec-butylamine, 2-amino-1-methoxypropane and 3-amino-1-methoxypropane.

Abstract: An extraction process and an apparatus for separating aromatic compounds contained in a liquid hydrocarbon feedstock where the feedstock feed into the lower part of an extraction column is brought into intimate countercurrent contact therein with a third liquid and at least partially with at least one structured packing element (31) of the static mixer type contained in the upper part of the extraction column. Such third liquid (feed to the top of said column) is in the form of a solvent which is immiscible with the feedstock except for being capable of extracting the aromatic compounds. At least part of the extract phase rich in solvent and aromatic compounds is separated by liquid--liquid separation (26), preferably by gravity type decantation, into a phase rich in solvent and essentially depleted of raffinate, which is removed, and a phase rich in raffinate and impoverished in solvent, which is recycled to the extraction step. The extraction process is typically to be used to formulate lubricant oils.

Abstract: A solution comprising a polar solvent and C.sub.60 in which the solubility of C.sub.60 is at least 2 mg/ml of solvent. The polar solvent has a low toxicity, high boiling point, high thermal and electrochemical stability, low viscosity, low freezing point, a high dielectric constant, and is relatively inexpensive. Preferably the polar solvent is N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone.

Abstract: A process for vinylation of an organic acidic-hydrogen compound, which entails reacting an organic acidic-hydrogen compound with acetylene or an acetylene-containing gas under elevated pressure and at elevated temperature in the presence of a base, wherein reactor regions initiating decomposition of acetylene are treated with an effective amount of a chemically inert oil of medium viscosity.

Abstract: Linear alpha olefins are separated from 2-branched alpha olefins and/or 3-branched alpha olefins. A feedstock of linear alpha olefins, branched alpha olefins, and internal olefins is converted to a linear alpha olefin composition having a lower concentration of branched alpha olefins than present in the feedstock bya) contacting the feedstock with anthracene under conditions effective to form a reaction mixture comprising an anthracene-linear alpha olefin adduct;b) separating the anthracene-linear alpha olefin adduct from the reaction mixture;c) disassociating the anthracene-linear alpha olefin adduct to form anthracene and a linear alpha olefin composition, andd) separating the anthracene formed in step c) from a linear alpha olefin composition.