Patent · US Expired

Solids removal from viscous liquids

US3951771A · kind A · utility

14Cited by
4References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 21, 1975
Grant dateApr 20, 1976
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 21, 1995

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC10G32/02
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

What is disclosed is a method for treating a hydrophobic viscous feed, such as a syncrude fraction containing solids, to remove at least a portion of the solids having a minimum syncrude fraction therewith, characterized by a multi-step process. First, water is mixed with the feed to provide two liquid phases in the mixture. The mixture is then subjected to at least one electric field in at least one electrostatic zone to produce a first overflow containing product, such as the syncrude fraction, that is reduced in solids content as compared to the original feed, and an overflow containing water, solids and residual feed. Next, the first underflow is centrifuged to produce a second overflow containing residual feed and water and a second underflow containing primarily solids, with a minor amount of liquids. At least a part of the second overflow is returned to electrostatic zone for recovery of at least part of the residual feed. Also disclosed are improvements in the basic process; including those in which, singly or in combination, a diluent is added; a plurality of electrostatic zones and centrifuging zones are employed; a flashing step is employed; and specific apparatus for ca…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.