Abstract: A novel apparatus for producing sweet synthetic crude from a heavy hydrocarbon feed includes: an upgrader for receiving the heavy hydrocarbon feed and producing a distillate fraction including sour products, and high-carbon content by-products; a gasifier for receiving the high-carbon content by-products and producing synthetic fuel gas and sour by-products; a hydroprocessing unit for receiving the sour by-products and hydrogen gas, thereby producing gas and sweet crude; and a hydrogen recovery unit for receiving the synthetic fuel gas and producing further hydrogen gas and hydrogen-depleted synthetic fuel gas, the further hydrogen gas being supplied to the hydroprocessing unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing pellets from hot heavy hydrocarbon or asphaltene, in accordance with the present invention, includes flow means that supplies the hot heavy hydrocarbon or asphaltene through a conduit to its outlet; and pellet producing medium or means that breaks up the liquid stream of the hot asphaltene flowing out of the outlet of the conduit and produces pellets of asphaltene. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a reservoir or container that collects the pellets of heavy hydrocarbon or asphaltene together with some fluid producing a slurry; and transporting means that transports the slurry to the required location. Preferably, the fluid is liquid water. In addition, the pellet producing medium preferably is liquid water.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for producing sweet synthetic crude from a heavy hydrocarbon feed comprising: an upgrader for receiving said heavy hydrocarbon feed and producing a distillate fraction including sour products, and high-carbon content by-products; a gasifier for receiving the high-carbon content by-products and producing synthetic fuel gas and sour by-products; a hydroprocessing unit for receiving the sour by-products and hydrogen gas, thereby producing gas and sweet crude; and a hydrogen recovery unit for receiving said synthetic fuel gas and producing further hydrogen gas and hydrogen-depleted synthetic fuel gas, said further hydrogen gas being supplied to said hydroprocessing unit.

Abstract: Upgrading of a hydrocarbon feed containing sulfur, metals, and asphaltenes involves applying the feed to a distillation column for producing a substantially asphaltene-free, and metal-free fraction and a non-distilled fraction containing sulfur, asphaltenes, and metals. At least some of the substantially asphaltene-free, and metal-free distillate fraction is converted to a hydrogen donor diluent. The non-distilled fraction is processed in a solvent deasphalting unit for producing a deasphalted oil stream and an asphaltene stream. After a combined stream is formed from the hydrogen donor diluent and the deasphalted oil stream, the combined stream is thermally cracked forming a thermally cracked stream that is applied to the distillation column.

Abstract: Upgrading of a hydrocarbon feed containing sulfur, metals, and asphaltenes involves applying the feed to a distillation column for producing a substantially asphaltene-free, and metal-free distillate fraction and a non-distilled fraction containing sulfur, asphaltenes, and metals. At least some of the substantially asphaltene-free, and metal-free distillate fraction is converted to a hydrogen donor diluent. The non-distilled fraction is processed in a solvent deasphalting unit for producing a deasphalted oil stream and an asphaltene stream. After a combined stream is formed from the hydrogen donor diluent and the deasphalted oil stream, the combined stream is thermally cracked forming a thermally cracked stream that is applied to the distillation column.