An apparatus and process for hydrodesulfurizing hydroprocessed naphtha from an overhead stream of a product fractionation column and/or from an overhead stream of a product stripping column in which an overhead stream may be condensed and fed to a post treat hydrodesulfurization reactor. Hydrogen may be supplied from an upstream separator for separating the hydroprocessed stream. Accordingly, naphtha may be hydrodesulfurized within the hydroprocessing recovery unit.

An apparatus and process for hydrodesulfurizing hydroprocessed naphtha from an overhead stream of a product fractionation column and/or from an overhead stream of a product stripping column in which an overhead stream may be condensed and fed to a post treat hydrodesulfurization reactor. Hydrogen may be supplied from an upstream separator for separating the hydroprocessed stream. Accordingly, naphtha may be hydrodesulfurized within the hydroprocessing recovery unit.

An apparatus and process for hydrodesulfurizing hydroprocessed naphtha from an overhead stream of a product fractionation column and/or from an overhead stream of a product stripping column in which an overhead stream may be condensed and fed to a post treat hydrodesulfurization reactor. Hydrogen may be supplied from an upstream separator for separating the hydroprocessed stream. Accordingly, naphtha may be hydrodesulfurized within the hydroprocessing recovery unit.

Methods for upgrading a hydrocarbon feed are disclosed. The methods include a hydrocarbon feed having an insolubility number, I.sub.feed, with at least a first fluid to form a fluid-feed mixture; and inducing a centrifugal force to the fluid-feed mixture sufficient to form at least a higher density portion and a lower density portion, said lower density portion having an insolubility number, I.sub.LD, wherein I.sub.LD/I.sub.feed≦0.95. Methods and apparatus for hydroprocessing the treated feed and blending with a fuel oil blend-stock are also described.

Methods for upgrading a hydrocarbon feed are disclosed. The methods include a hydrocarbon feed having an insolubility number, I.sub.feed, with at least a first fluid to form a fluid-feed mixture; and inducing a centrifugal force to the fluid-feed mixture sufficient to form at least a higher density portion and a lower density portion, said lower density portion having an insolubility number, I.sub.LD, wherein I.sub.LD/I.sub.feed≦0.95. Methods and apparatus for hydroprocessing the treated feed and blending with a fuel oil blend-stock are also described.

In a broad aspect the present disclosure relates to a process plant and a process for upgrading a hydrocarbon mixture, withdrawn as a direct stream from a crude distillation unit and an initial boiling point below 200° C., and a fraction of at least 5% boiling above 500° C., 550° C. or 650° C. comprising the steps of a. directing said hydrocarbon mixture to a vacuum flasher unit, b. withdrawing a heavy hydrocarbon fraction from said vacuum flasher unit, c. withdrawing a light hydrocarbon mixture for hydrocracking from said vacuum flasher unit, d. directing said light hydrocarbon mixture for hydrocracking and a stream rich in hydrogen to con-tact a material catalytically active in hydrocracking, e. withdrawing a hydrocracked stream of hydrocarbon from said hydrocracker. with the associated benefit of limiting the amount of asphaltenes, metals and other heavy components contacting said material catalytically active in hydrocracking.

In a broad aspect the present disclosure relates to a process plant and a process for upgrading a hydrocarbon mixture, withdrawn as a direct stream from a crude distillation unit and an initial boiling point below 200° C., and a fraction of at least 5% boiling above 500° C., 550° C. or 650° C. comprising the steps of a. directing said hydrocarbon mixture to a vacuum flasher unit, b. withdrawing a heavy hydrocarbon fraction from said vacuum flasher unit, c. withdrawing a light hydrocarbon mixture for hydrocracking from said vacuum flasher unit, d. directing said light hydrocarbon mixture for hydrocracking and a stream rich in hydrogen to con-tact a material catalytically active in hydrocracking, e. withdrawing a hydrocracked stream of hydrocarbon from said hydrocracker. with the associated benefit of limiting the amount of asphaltenes, metals and other heavy components contacting said material catalytically active in hydrocracking.

Provided herein is a unique process that prepares a saturated hydrocarbon mixture with well-controlled structural characteristics that address the performance requirements driven by the stricter environmental and fuel economy regulations for automotive engine oils. The process allows for the branching characteristics of the hydrocarbon molecules to be controlled so as to consistently provide a composition that has a surprising CCS viscosity at −35° C. (ASTM D5329) and Noack volatility (ASTM D5800) relationship. The process comprises providing a specific olefinic feedstock, oligomerizing in the presence of a BF.sub.3 catalyst, and hydroisomerizing in the presence of a noble-metal impregnated, 10-member ring zeolite catalyst.

Provided herein is a unique process that prepares a saturated hydrocarbon mixture with well-controlled structural characteristics that address the performance requirements driven by the stricter environmental and fuel economy regulations for automotive engine oils. The process allows for the branching characteristics of the hydrocarbon molecules to be controlled so as to consistently provide a composition that has a surprising CCS viscosity at −35° C. (ASTM D5329) and Noack volatility (ASTM D5800) relationship. The process comprises providing a specific olefinic feedstock, oligomerizing in the presence of a BF.sub.3 catalyst, and hydroisomerizing in the presence of a noble-metal impregnated, 10-member ring zeolite catalyst.

A method for removing alkali metal from a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising alkali metal, non-alkali metal and sulfur. The method includes separating out at least a portion of any alkali metal sulfide and a portion of any non-alkali metal from the hydrocarbon feedstock. Hydrogen sulfide can be added to the remaining hydrocarbon feedstock to form alkali hydrosulfide from any alkali metal remaining in the hydrocarbon feedstock. The alkali hydrosulfide is then separated from the hydrocarbon feedstock. Alkali metal may be removed from the alkali metal sulfide separated out from the hydrocarbon feedstock. Alkali hydrosulfide may be treated to form alkali metal sulfide, and alkali metal may also be removed from the formed alkali metal sulfide.