Treatment of interface rag produced during heavy crude oil processing
US9023213B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 2009 |
| Grant date | May 5, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10G33/04
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for treating an interface rag includes the steps of removing a volume of rag at a controlled rate from an upstream rag source and passing the rag through a high pressure pump and a heater. The heater heats the rag to a temperature of at least 350° F. to thermally decomposing any chemicals that had been added to the interface rag to promote separation. Diluent is then mixed with the heated rag to cool the rag to a temperature less than 300° F. and produce a 30 API rag. The cooled diluted rag is then treated in an electrostatic treater or sent directly to a hydrocyclone cluster. The electrostatic treater is preferably a vertical electrostatic treater with a conical-shaped lower portion and a means for agitating the solid-laden water within the treater to prevent the solids from settling on the bottom of the treater.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.