The present invention relates to a method for reducing the cloud point of a Fischer-Tropsch derived fraction to below 0 C., wherein the method comprises subjecting the Fischer-Tropsch derived fraction to a cloud point reduction step comprising mixing the Fischer-Tropsch derived fraction, which comprises more than 80 wt. % of paraffins and 90 wt. % of saturates, with a solvent mixture (16), wherein the solvent mixture (16) comprises a paraffinic naphtha fraction (7) and a co-solvent (15); and subjecting the solvent treatment mixture (23) to a solvent de-waxing step (17).

A process for preparing C.sub.2 to C.sub.3 olefins includes introducing a feed stream having a volumetric ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide from greater than 0.5:1 to less than 5:1 into a reactor, and contacting the feed stream with a bifunctional catalyst. The bifunctional catalyst includes a Cr/Zn oxide methanol synthesis component having a Cr to Zn molar ratio from greater than 1.0:1 to less than 2.15:1, and a SAPO-34 silicoaluminophosphate microporous crystalline material. The reactor operates at a temperature ranging from 350 C. to 450 C., and a pressure ranging from 10 bar (1.0 MPa) to 60 bar (6.0 MPa). The process has a cumulative productivity of C.sub.2 to C.sub.3 olefins greater than 15 kg C.sub.2 to C.sub.3 olefins/kg catalyst.

A process for the generation of energy and/or hydrocarbons and other products utilizing carbonaceous materials. In a first process stage (P1) the carbonaceous materials are supplied and are pyrolysed, wherein pyrolysis coke (M21) and pyrolysis gas (M22) are formed. In a second process stage (P2), the pyrolysis coke (M21) from the first process stage (P1) is gasified, wherein synthesis gas (M24) is formed, and slag and other residues (M91, M92, M93, M94) are removed. In a third process stage (P3), the synthesis gas (M24) from the second process stage (P2) is converted into hydrocarbons and/or other solid, liquid, and/or gaseous products (M60), which are discharged. The three process stages (P1, P2, P3) form a closed cycle. Surplus gas (M25) from the third process stage (P3) is passed as recycle gas into the first process stage (P1), and/or the second process stage (P2), and pyrolysis gas (M22) from the first process stage (P1) is passed into the second process stage (P2), and/or the third process stage (P3).

The present invention provides for a low pressure, low temperature process for the production of middle distillate products, including aviation fuel and diesel, from the hydrocracking of a hydrocarbon feedstock consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons, wherein a significant fraction of said mixture is C25+ hydrocarbons including hydrocarbons selected from Fischer-Tropsch wax, long chain paraffin and/or olefin, wherein the feedstock may include a water component.

A hydrocarbon conversion catalyst composition which comprises dealuminated ZSM-48 and/or EU-2 zeolite and a refractory oxide binder essentially free of alumina, processes for preparing such composition and processes for converting hydrocarbon feedstock with the help of such compositions.

The present invention describes a process for the isomerization of paraffinic feedstocks operating at a temperature of between 200 C. and 500 C., at a total pressure of between 0.45 MPa and 7 MPa, at a hydrogen partial pressure of between 0.3 and 5.5 MPa, at an hourly space velocity of between 0.1 and 10 kilograms of feedstock introduced per kilogram of catalyst and per hour and using a catalyst comprising at least one metal of group VIII of the periodic table of elements, at least one matrix and at least one zeolite IZM-2, in which the ratio between the number of moles of silicon and the number of moles of aluminium of the zeolite IZM-2 network is between 25 and 55, preferably between 25 and 50, and preferably between 30 and 50.

Described are processes to produce base oils with one more improved properties, e.g., lower aromatics, economically and/or efficiently. In some embodiments the processes comprise a step that reduces the amount of residual refractory sulfur compounds prior to or simultaneous with a hydrofinishing step which advantageously provides base oils with lower aromatics than comparable processes.

The present invention relates to a process for trapping silicon compounds in a gaseous or liquid feedstock, comprising bringing the feedstock into contact with a trapping mass with a liquid hourly space velocity LHSV of less than 5 h.sup.1 or a gas hourly space velocity GHSV of less than 500 h.sup.1.

Provided is a process for preparing base oil from a waxy hydrocarbon feedstock by contacting the hydrocarbon feedstock in a hydroisomerization zone under hydroisomerization conditions. The reaction is in the presence of hydrogen and an inert gas, with the total pressure in the hydroisomerization zone being at least 400 psig. A product from the hydroisomerization zone is collected and separated into base oil products and fuel products. The inert gas can comprise any suitable inert gas, but is generally nitrogen, methane or argon. Nitrogen is used in one embodiment.

A process for the manufacture of a useful product from carbonaceous feedstock of fluctuating compositional characteristics, the process comprising the steps of: continuously providing the carbonaceous feedstock of fluctuating compositional characteristics to a gasification zone; gasifying the carbonaceous feedstock in the gasification zone to obtain raw synthesis gas; sequentially removing ammoniacal, sulphurous and carbon dioxide impurities from the raw synthesis gas to form desulphurised gas and recovering carbon dioxide in substantially pure form; converting at least a portion of the desulphurised synthesis gas to a useful product. Despite having selected a more energy intensive sub-process i.e. physical absorption for removal of acid gas impurities, the overall power requirement of the facility is lower on account of lower steam requirements and thereby leading to a decrease in the carbon intensity score for the facility.