Process for upgrading heavy crude oil production
US5948242A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10G53/04
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for upgrading heavy crude oil production is described which involves adding a diluent, or solvent, which is a light hydrocarbon to reduce the viscosity and specific gravity of the crude oil being processed. After dilution, the emulsions in the crude are broken and the separation of the crude into the components follows, aided by a second injection of diluent. This upgrades the crude and enhances the amount recovered for processing at a refinery. A high asphalt content of a heavy crude can also be tolerated in the practice of this invention resulting in environmentally-benign solids and water exiting a process which due to the modularization of equipment can be practiced at the well-head itself.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.