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Asphaltene conversion, separation, removal and transport preparation for heavy hydrocarbons

a technology of asphaltene and hydrocarbons, applied in the field of asphaltene conversion, separation, removal and transport preparation of heavy hydrocarbons, to achieve the effects of improving separation and removal process, reducing coke production, and increasing gas yield

Inactive Publication Date: 2021-10-07
SUNCOR ENERGY INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a process for upgrading heavy crude oil to produce a pipeline-ready crude and a refinery feedstock. The process involves optimal conversion of asphaltenes in the bitumen to produce a thermally affected asphaltene-rich fraction, a minimum non-condensable vapor stream, and an increased refinery-feed liquid stream. The asphaltene-rich fraction is then separated from the non-condensables and converted to produce a refinery feed. The process also involves agglomerating the solid asphaltenes to reduce volume and dust for transport to a gasifier, power, cement or asphalt plant. The resulting agglomerated solid asphaltene is a more convenient and manageable solid for handling and transportation. Overall, the process allows for improved efficiency and reduced costs in upgrading heavy crude oil to pipeline-ready crude and refinery feedstock.

Problems solved by technology

Dust and handling of the small particles can be a challenge with agglomeration providing an opportunity to reduce the handling volume of the solid asphaltenes and suppressing the tendency for dust formation.

Method used

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  • Asphaltene conversion, separation, removal and transport preparation for heavy hydrocarbons
  • Asphaltene conversion, separation, removal and transport preparation for heavy hydrocarbons
  • Asphaltene conversion, separation, removal and transport preparation for heavy hydrocarbons

Examples

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example 1

[0064]An apparatus is provided for achieving a continuous process of forming useful solid pieces of agglomerated asphaltene powder produced in an earlier series of process steps, which apparatus extrudes cohesive, solid pieces of the thermally affected asphaltene powder, comprising:[0065]a. An extruder barrel[0066]b. An extruder screw disposed within the barrel[0067]c. Feeding means at a feeding portion of the barrel to introduce a mixture of thermally affected asphaltene solid particulate powder and as required an extrinsic binder into the barrel[0068]d. Means for driving the screw and powder in the barrel, rotating the screw and motivating the powder to travel under compression forces along the length of the barrel toward a discharge portion of the barrel a distance further along the length of the barrel[0069]e. Die means disposed adjoining the discharge portion of the barrel for receiving and shaping the powder and any binder together as the powder is forced by the screw's motion...

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Abstract

A process to convert asphaltenes found in heavy hydrocarbon sources, remove the converted solid asphaltene portion from the hydrocarbon source at operating conditions and to prepare the separated solid asphaltenes for easier handling, storage or bulk transport, with a minimal amount of heavy hydrocarbon remaining with the asphaltenes to serve as an inherent binder for larger and robust formed solid asphaltene pieces.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]A process to convert asphaltenes found in heavy hydrocarbon sources, remove the converted solid asphaltene portion from the hydrocarbon source at operating conditions and to prepare the separated solid asphaltenes for easier handling, storage or bulk transport, with a minimal amount of heavy hydrocarbon remaining with the asphaltenes to serve as an inherent binder for larger and robust formed solid asphaltene pieces.DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART[0002]U.S. Pat. No. 3,655,350 describes a process to produce a coal pellet containing fine particles of coal, and a coal tar pitch binder having a softening point between 90° F. (32.2° C.) and 190° F. (87.8° C.). The coal pellet is produced by spraying coal tar pitch heated to a temperature between 300° F. (148.9° C.) and 600° F. (315.6° C.) onto fine particles of coal having a moisture content of between 12% and 30% in a mixing vessel, pelletizing the resultant mixture and drying the pellets to the desired moisture con...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): C10C3/14C10L5/10C10G21/00C10L5/04C10G55/04
CPCC10C3/14C10L5/10C10G55/04C10L5/04C10G21/003
Inventor CORSCADDEN, TOMDENTON, DAVIDKEARNS, JIMREMESAT, DARIUS
Owner SUNCOR ENERGY INC