Optimal asphaltene conversion and removal for heavy hydrocarbons
US9481835B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 5, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10G2300/1033
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention provides improved apparatus and method for producing a pipeline-ready or refinery-ready feedstock from heavy, high asphaltene crude, comprising a pre-heater for pre-heating a process fluid to a design temperature at or near the operating temperature of a reactor; moving the process fluid into the reactor for conversion of the process fluid by controlled application of heat to the process fluid in the reactor so that the process fluid maintains a substantially homogenous temperature to produce a stream of thermally affected asphaltene-rich fractions, and a stream of vapor. The stream of vapor is separated into two further streams: of non-condensable vapor, and of light liquid hydrocarbons. The thermally affected asphaltene-rich fraction is deasphalted using a solvent extraction process into streams of heavy deasphalted oil liquid, and concentrated asphaltene, respectively. The deasphalted oil liquid and the light liquid hydrocarbons produced are blended to form a pipeline or refinery-ready feedstock.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.