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EP 0 883 663 A1

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(43) Date of publication: 16.12.1998 Bulletin 1998/51 (21) Application number: 97905697.0 (22) Date of filing: 30.01.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B01J 23/ 88( . ) B01J 35/ 10( . ) C10G 45/ 12( . ) B01J 23/ 882( . ) C10G 45/ 08( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1997/001594 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/040120 (30.10.1997 Gazette 1997/46)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE DE FR GB NL (30) Priority: 02.02.1996 US 19960583725 02.02.1996 US 19960601274 (71) Applicant: EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY Florham Park, New Jersey 07932-0390 (US)

(72) Inventors: LAPINSKI, Mark, P. Aurora, IL 60504 (US) RILEY, Kenneth, L. Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (US) HALBERT, Thomas, R. Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (US) LASKO, William Flanders, NJ 07836 (US) KAUFMAN, Jeffrey, L. Baton Rouge, LA 70817 (US) ALDRIDGE, Clyde, L. Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (US) TOUVELLE, Michele, S. Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (US) (74) Representative: Somers, Harold Arnold, et al  ESSO Engineering (Europe) Ltd. Patents & Licences Mailpoint 72 Esso House Ermyn Way Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8XE Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8XE (GB)