Bitumen Diluent Blends for Viscosity Reduction and Vapor Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation of heavy oils by pipeline is challenging due to high viscosity, requiring significant amounts of diluents that increase costs and complicate processing, while current diluents often result in high vapor pressure and poor gasoline blending qualities.
Innovation Solution
A low vapor pressure hydrocarbon blend is created by combining a high-octane, low-boiling point diluent fraction with a high-boiling point bitumen fraction, allowing for thermal separation and reducing the need for excessive diluent usage, with the diluent fraction having an elevated octane rating and distinct distillation characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If significant amounts of diluents are added to reduce viscosity for pipeline transportation, then the bitumen becomes transportable, but the vapor pressure increases and gasoline blending qualities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the diluent by using specific hydrocarbon fractions (C7-C12 range) with controlled boiling points and vapor pressure characteristics. This parameter optimization allows achieving the desired viscosity reduction while maintaining acceptable vapor pressure levels and gasoline blending qualities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite diluent system by blending multiple hydrocarbon fractions with specific properties. This composite approach combines the viscosity-reducing capability of lighter fractions with the vapor pressure control of heavier fractions, achieving a balanced diluent that satisfies multiple requirements simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If significant amounts of diluents are added to reduce viscosity for pipeline transportation, then the bitumen becomes transportable, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-selecting and characterizing specific hydrocarbon fractions before blending. The diluent is prepared in advance with known boiling point ranges and compositional characteristics, which simplifies the subsequent blending and separation processes rather than dealing with uncharacterized materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the diluent into specific hydrocarbon fractions (C7-C12 range) with distinct boiling point characteristics. This segmentation allows for more controlled blending and easier separation during processing, reducing overall processing complexity compared to using undifferentiated diluents.
3Ease of operation
If conventional diluents are used to transport bitumen, then transportation is enabled, but the diluent requires expensive production or complex transportation from other locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by selecting hydrocarbon fractions that serve multiple functions: they act as effective viscosity reducers for bitumen transportation, maintain acceptable vapor pressure characteristics, and possess high gasoline blending values. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized diluents and can lower overall costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by identifying hydrocarbon fractions that can be derived from common refining streams and existing feedstocks. The diluent components are substances that would otherwise require processing or disposal, turning a cost center into a value-added transportation enabler.
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 blend achieves reduced viscosity and vapor pressure, enabling efficient pipeline transportation and separation of the diluent for use as a high-octane gasoline blendstock, while maintaining chemical integrity and reducing environmental concerns.
Implementation Method 1
The distinct boiling points of the bitumen and diluent fractions facilitates a separation that substantially recaptures the diluent with its high octane characteristics
Implementation Method 2
combining a high-octane, low-boiling point diluent fraction with a high-boiling point bitumen fraction, allowing for thermal separation
Data Source
AI summary
Low vapor pressure hydrocarbon blends are provided, comprising miscible and separable hydrocarbon fractions. A high-octane low-boiling point diluent fraction may be combined with a high-boiling point bitumen fraction. In select embodiments, and the blend may have a viscosity of less than about 350 cSt and a density of less than about 940 kg/m3 over a temperature range of from 7.5° C. to 18.5° C. After transportation, for example by pipeline, the high-octane low-boiling point diluent fraction may be recovered from the blend, and may for example be used as a high-octane gasoline blendstock.