An aqueous caustic composition comprising: a caustic component; an additive adapted to provide an extended buffering effect to the caustic composition when such is exposed to acid; and water. Methods of using such compositions are also disclosed.

An aqueous caustic composition comprising: a caustic component; an additive adapted to provide an extended buffering effect to the caustic composition when such is exposed to acid; and water. Methods of using such compositions are also disclosed.

An aqueous caustic composition comprising: a caustic component; an additive adapted to provide an extended buffering effect to the caustic composition when such is exposed to acid; and water. Methods of using such compositions are also disclosed.

An aqueous caustic composition comprising: a caustic component; an additive adapted to provide an extended buffering effect to the caustic composition when such is exposed to acid; and water. Methods of using such compositions are also disclosed.

An aqueous caustic composition comprising: a caustic component; an additive adapted to provide an extended buffering effect to the caustic composition when such is exposed to an acid; and water. Methods of using such compositions are also disclosed.

An aqueous caustic composition comprising: a caustic component; an additive adapted to provide an extended buffering effect to the caustic composition when such is exposed to an acid; and water. Methods of using such compositions are also disclosed.

The present technology provides a process that includes heating a first mixture of elemental sulfur and particles comprising an alkali metal sulfide in a liquid hydrocarbon to a temperature of at least 150 C., to provide a sulfur-treated mixture comprising agglomerated particles; and separating the agglomerated particles from the sulfur-treated mixture to provide a desulfurized liquid hydrocarbon and separated solids. This process may be used as part of a suite of processes for desulfurizing liquid hydrocarbons contaminated with organosulfur compounds and other heteroatom-based contaminants. The present technology further provides processes for converting carbon-rich solids (e.g., petroleum coke) into fuels.

The present technology provides a process that includes heating a first mixture of elemental sulfur and particles comprising an alkali metal sulfide in a liquid hydrocarbon to a temperature of at least 150 C., to provide a sulfur-treated mixture comprising agglomerated particles; and separating the agglomerated particles from the sulfur-treated mixture to provide a desulfurized liquid hydrocarbon and separated solids. This process may be used as part of a suite of processes for desulfurizing liquid hydrocarbons contaminated with organosulfur compounds and other heteroatom-based contaminants. The present technology further provides processes for converting carbon-rich solids (e.g., petroleum coke) into fuels.

An aqueous caustic composition comprising: a caustic component; an additive adapted to provide an extended buffering effect to the caustic composition when such is exposed to acid; and water. Methods of using such compositions are also disclosed.

An aqueous caustic composition comprising: a caustic component; an additive adapted to provide an extended buffering effect to the caustic composition when such is exposed to acid; and water. Methods of using such compositions are also disclosed.