Solvent Deasphalting Dewatering Density Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for dewatering crude oil are capital cost intensive and inefficient, requiring large separation vessels and additional energy inputs to differentiate between oil and water phases.
Innovation Solution
A solvent-based deasphalting and dewatering system where a hydrocarbon feed is mixed with solvents to create a heavier aqueous phase and a lighter oil phase, allowing for efficient separation at ambient conditions without additional energy input, with solvents being recycled for further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large separation vessels are used to phase separate water from oil, then separation capability is improved, but capital cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the density parameter of the hydrocarbon feed by mixing it with a solvent having a different density than water. This creates a sufficient density difference between the aqueous phase and hydrocarbon phase, enabling effective gravity separation without requiring large, complex separation vessels. The density modification allows the system to achieve reliable separation with simpler, more compact equipment.
2Productivity
If heating is applied to increase density difference between oil and water, then separation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing temperature to achieve density difference, the invention changes the compositional parameter by adding a solvent. This approach achieves the same separation efficiency improvement without the energy penalty of heating, as the density modification is accomplished through chemical composition rather than thermal energy input.
3Reliability
If specialty chemicals are used to assist separation, then separation capability is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solvent performs dual functions: it modifies the density of the hydrocarbon phase to enable separation, and it is subsequently recovered and recycled back into the process. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous purchase of specialty chemicals, reducing operational costs while maintaining separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a recovery system where the solvent is separated from the treated hydrocarbon and reused in the process. This recycling approach transforms a potential waste stream into a valuable resource, eliminating ongoing operational costs associated with purchasing fresh separation chemicals.
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
This approach reduces capital investment and operational costs while enhancing the efficiency of crude oil dewatering by facilitating phase separation and allowing for the recycling of solvents, thereby improving the overall dewatering process.
Implementation Method 1
The solvent addition can decrease the density of the hydrocarbons to provide a heavier aqueous phase and a lighter oil phase
Implementation Method 2
provide a heavier aqueous phase and a lighter oil phase, which can be more easily and efficiently separated from one another at ambient conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for dewatering and deasphalting a hydrocarbon feed is provided. A hydrocarbon feed containing one or more hydrocarbons, asphaltenes and water can be mixed or otherwise combined with one or more solvents. The addition of the solvent sufficiently decreases the density of the hydrocarbon feed to enable gravity settling of the water phase, providing an oil phase containing one or more hydrocarbons, asphaltenes and solvents. The asphaltenes can be separated from the oil phase to provide an asphaltene mixture containing asphaltenes and a portion of the solvents and a deasphalted oil containing one or more hydrocarbons and the balance of the solvents. The solvents can be separated from the asphaltenes and deasphalted oil, and recycled to the initial mixing step wherein the solvent is mixed or otherwise combined with one or more solvents.