Bitumen processing and transport
US10190062B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF17D1/088
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods for preparing, converting, and/or transporting bitumen are provided. Asphaltene prills, prilling processes, and converted bitumen suitable for transport are disclosed. One method for preparing bitumen for transport comprises: separating asphaltene from the bitumen to generate a deasphalted oil and asphaltene; separating the asphaltene into a first asphaltene fraction and a second asphaltene fraction, the first asphaltene fraction being less soluble in deasphalted oil and the second asphaltene fraction being more soluble in deasphalted oil; and forming an asphaltene prill comprising an inner core comprising the second asphaltene fraction and an outer layer comprising the first asphaltene fraction. Asphaltene prills disclosed herein may comprise an inner core comprising an asphaltene fraction having more solubility in deasphalted oil, and an outer layer comprising an asphaltene fraction having less solubility in deasphalted oil. Methods for the transport of bitumen via a pipeline are disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.