The present invention describes an extractive oxidation process for removing contaminants from hydrocarbon streams using an ionic liquid combined with an organometallic ionic complex of iron(II), which comprises a complex of iron(II) cation with an ionophilic binder, catalyst of iron(II) with ionophilic binder in its molecular structure, oxidation of which is performed with an oxidizing agent and is catalysed by the organometallic iron(II) complex present in the phase of the ionic liquid.

Besides maintaining its characteristics of selective solvent of oxidizing compounds, the ionic liquid combined with the organometallic complex of iron(II) with catalytic ionophilic binder of the oxidizing agent, stimulating the reactive phenomenon taking place in the ionic liquid phase, with the effect that the iron remains stable in the ionic liquid phase, without being leached into the oily phase. This measure results in a considerable improvement in removal of the heteroatoms from the hydrocarbon medium.

The present invention describes an extractive oxidation process for removing contaminants from hydrocarbon streams using an ionic liquid combined with an organometallic ionic complex of iron(II), which comprises a complex of iron(II) cation with an ionophilic binder, catalyst of iron(II) with ionophilic binder in its molecular structure, oxidation of which is performed with an oxidizing agent and is catalysed by the organometallic iron(II) complex present in the phase of the ionic liquid.

Besides maintaining its characteristics of selective solvent of oxidizing compounds, the ionic liquid combined with the organometallic complex of iron(II) with catalytic ionophilic binder of the oxidizing agent, stimulating the reactive phenomenon taking place in the ionic liquid phase, with the effect that the iron remains stable in the ionic liquid phase, without being leached into the oily phase. This measure results in a considerable improvement in removal of the heteroatoms from the hydrocarbon medium.

An integrated controlled catalytic oxidation process converts low value disulfide oil (DSO) compounds produced as a by-product of a generalized mercaptan oxidation (MEROX) process into oxidized DSO (ODSO) compounds including sulfoxides, sulfones, sulfonates and sulfinates that are completely or partially water soluble and which have utility, e.g., as lubricity additives in diesel fuel and as a solvent in aromatic solvent separation processes.

An integrated controlled catalytic oxidation process converts low value disulfide oil (DSO) compounds produced as a by-product of a generalized mercaptan oxidation (MEROX) process into oxidized DSO (ODSO) compounds including sulfoxides, sulfones, sulfonates and sulfinates that are completely or partially water soluble and which have utility, e.g., as lubricity additives in diesel fuel and as a solvent in aromatic solvent separation processes.

Methods for the use of peroxyacid for enhancing downstream processes through the enhanced removal of fine particulates from petroleum oils and refinery feedstocks and/or streams are disclosed. The methods beneficially minimize fouling and improve waste water quality. Methods for mitigating heavy metal concentrations in petroleum oil and for preventing solid loading in various streams resulting from use of a metal based H.sub.2S scavenger, aluminum and/or zinc salts, or other commonly applied metal-based additives are also disclosed. In addition, methods for enhancing coke quality by the contaminant removal, reducing bacteria in slop oil and crude tanks, as well as reducing downstream catalyst poisoning and prolonging catalyst lifetimes are also disclosed. The compositions for use in the methods are provided.

Methods for the use of peroxyacid for enhancing downstream processes through the enhanced removal of fine particulates from petroleum oils and refinery feedstocks and/or streams are disclosed. The methods beneficially minimize fouling and improve waste water quality. Methods for mitigating heavy metal concentrations in petroleum oil and for preventing solid loading in various streams resulting from use of a metal based H.sub.2S scavenger, aluminum and/or zinc salts, or other commonly applied metal-based additives are also disclosed. In addition, methods for enhancing coke quality by the contaminant removal, reducing bacteria in slop oil and crude tanks, as well as reducing downstream catalyst poisoning and prolonging catalyst lifetimes are also disclosed. The compositions for use in the methods are provided.

The present application relates to a method to prevent the emission of hydrogen sulphide in the production of hot bitumen or asphalt having a temperature of between 150 and 200 C., wherein the method comprises the steps of providing a bituminous or asphalt mixture, heating the mixture until a temperature of between 150-200 C. and adding an aqueous calcium nitrate solution or a calcium nitrate powder while mixing the bituminous or asphalt mixture. The present application furthermore relates to the use of an aqueous calcium nitrate solution or a calcium nitrate powder during mixing of a bituminous or asphalt mixture in the production of a hot bitumen or asphalt having a temperature of between 150 and 200 C. to prevent the emission of hydrogen sulphide.

An apparatus and process for desulfurization of hydrocarbon feeds is disclosed in which pure nitrous oxide, or a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen or air, is used as a gaseous oxidant. Organosulfur compounds are converted to their corresponding oxides sulfones and/or sulfoxides in an oxidation reactor, and oxides are subsequently removed from the oxidation reactor effluent to recover a reduced sulfur-content hydrocarbon product.

An apparatus and process for desulfurization of hydrocarbon feeds is disclosed in which pure nitrous oxide, or a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen or air, is used as a gaseous oxidant. Organosulfur compounds are converted to their corresponding oxides sulfones and/or sulfoxides in an oxidation reactor, and oxides are subsequently removed from the oxidation reactor effluent to recover a reduced sulfur-content hydrocarbon product.

The invention is an integrated process for treating residual oil of a hydrocarbon feedstock. The oil is first subjected to delayed coking and then oxidative desulfurization. Additional, optional steps including hydrodesulfurization, and hydrocracking, may also be incorporated in to the integrated process.