Aqueous-Solvent Hydrothermal Upgrading for Heavy Oils and Plastics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are inefficient in upgrading heavy and extra-heavy crude oils and residues into valuable fuel products, and there is a need for methods to convert plastic waste into biofuels or other products, as current processes result in significant waste and limited utilization of resources.
Innovation Solution
A method involving hydrothermal treatment of heavy oils and residues with an aqueous solvent at temperatures above 370°C and pressures above 20 bar, followed by depressurization, to produce upgraded products with lower boiling points, reduced viscosity, and lower specific gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional refining methods are used to process heavy oils and residues, then the process is simple and energy-efficient, but the upgrading efficiency is low and valuable fuel products are not produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by operating at elevated temperatures (300-500°C) and pressures (20-200 bar) to enable hydrothermal treatment that converts heavy oils and residues into upgraded fuel products. These parameter changes facilitate chemical reactions that improve upgrading efficiency while managing energy consumption through controlled reaction conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions in the hydrothermal treatment process, where water and oil phases interact under high temperature and pressure conditions. The phase behavior of the aqueous solvent and heavy oil components enables effective mass and heat transfer, improving upgrading efficiency while the controlled phase changes help manage energy requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If heavy oils and residues are processed using existing technologies, then the process equipment is simple, but the product quality is insufficient and distillability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by controlling temperature (300-500°C), pressure (20-200 bar), and residence time to achieve desired product quality. These parameter adjustments enable the production of fuel products with improved distillability and reduced viscosity, while the equipment design reflects moderate complexity to accommodate these controlled conditions.
3Productivity
If plastic waste is disposed of in landfill, then the environmental problem is not addressed, but the resource utilization is lost and no valuable products are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts plastic waste, which represents an environmental problem and lost resource, into valuable fuel products through hydrothermal treatment. This process transforms the harmful accumulation of plastic waste into beneficial energy-containing products, simultaneously addressing environmental concerns and improving resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent demonstrates multi-functionality by processing both heavy oils/residues and plastic waste through the same hydrothermal treatment system. This universal approach allows the process to handle diverse feedstocks and produce valuable fuel products from multiple sources, improving overall resource utilization while reducing environmental impact.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively upgrades heavy oils and residues into fuel products with improved distillability, reduced viscosity, and increased specific gravity, while also converting plastic waste into biofuel.
Implementation Method 1
treating a mixture of the oil and an aqueous solvent at a temperature of more than 370° C. and at a pressure of more than 20 bar
Implementation Method 2
depressurizing the mixture to obtain an upgraded product
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to upgrading heavy petroleum oils, their residues, and/or polymeric materials. More specifically the present invention relates to a method for upgrading heavy petroleum oils, their residues, and/or polymeric materials by hydrothermal treatment with an aqueous solvent.