Deasphalting Patents (Class 208/309)
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Publication number: 20110127196Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating viscous hydrocarbon containing asphaltenes, which consists in performing the following steps: precipitating at least part of the asphaltenes by adding into the hydrocarbon an appropriate solvent; adding into the hydrocarbon polymerization products adapted to encapsulate the precipitated asphaltenes to inert same.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2005Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: INSTITUTFRANCAIS DU PETROLEInventors: Isabelle Henaut, Jean-Francois Argillier, Francois Henry
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Patent number: 7927479Abstract: Performance of equipment, such as a desalter, in a refinery is monitored in real-time and on-line to minimize fouling of downstream equipment. Using an instrument to measure particles and droplets in-process allows monitoring of the various operations to optimize performance. Such measurement can also be used during crude oil blending to detect asphaltene precipitates that can cause fouling and can be used for monitoring other fouling streams.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Mark A. Greaney, Glen B. Brons, Chris A. Wright, Daniel P. Leta
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Publication number: 20110073528Abstract: Provided herein are processes for deasphalting and extracting a hydrocarbon oil. The processes comprise providing an oil comprising asphaltenes and/or other impurities, combining the oil with a polar solvent an extracting agent to provide a mixture, and applying a stimulus to the mixture so that at least a portion of any asphaltenes and/or impurities in the oil precipitate out of the oil.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: John Aibangbee Osaheni, Thomas Joseph Fyvie
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Patent number: 7854836Abstract: A process for upgrading a heavy hydrocarbon includes the steps of obtaining a heavy hydrocarbon; contacting the heavy hydrocarbon with a solvent at upgrading conditions so as to produce a first product comprising a mixture of upgraded hydrocarbon and solvent and a second product comprising asphaltene waste, water and solvent; and feeding the first product to a separator to separate the upgraded hydrocarbon from the solvent. A system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: INTEVEP, S.A.Inventors: Manuel Chirinos, Felix Silva, Gerson Siachoque, Miguel Marquina, Miguel A. Paraco, Galanda Morfes, Carlos Conde
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Patent number: 7846324Abstract: The invention relates to a process for upgrading tar using a heat exchanger in series with a vapor/liquid separator to separate tar into a heavy tar asphaltenic material and a deasphalted tar material.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Exxonmobil Chemical Patents Inc.Inventors: Subramanian Annamalai, Paul F. Keusenkothen, Alok Srivastava, James N. McCoy
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Patent number: 7837854Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for upgrading steam cracked tars. The invention also relates to a steam cracking process and apparatus for reducing the yields of tars produced from steam cracking while increasing yields of higher value products, heating cooled steam cracker tar containing asphaltenes, to a temperature, e.g., above about 300° C., which is sufficient to convert at least a portion of the steam cracked tar to lower boiling molecules. The resulting heat-treated tar can be separated into gas oil, fuel oil and tar streams.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.Inventors: John D. Y. Ou, Glenn A. Heeter
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Patent number: 7749378Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the upgrading of heavy oils and bitumens, where the total feed to the process can include heavy oil or bitumen, water, and diluent. The process can include the steps of solvent deasphalting 110 the total feed 105 to recover an asphaltene fraction 116, a deasphalted oil fraction 118 essentially free of asphaltenes, a water fraction 112, and a solvent fraction 114. The process allows removal of salts from the heavy oils and bitumens either into the aqueous products or with the asphaltene product.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLCInventors: Rashid Iqbal, Anshumali, Raymond H. Floyd
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Patent number: 7744743Abstract: A feedstream comprising tar is fed to a solvent deasphalter wherein it is contacted with a deasphalting solvent or fluid to produce a composition comprising a mixture or slurry of solvent containing a soluble portion of the tar, and a heavy tar fraction comprising the insoluble portion of the tar. These fractions may be separated in the deasphalter apparatus, such as by gravity settling wherein the heavy tar fraction is taken off as bottoms, and the solvent-soluble fraction taken as overflow or overheads with the solvent. The overflow or overheads is sent to a solvent recovery unit, such as a distillation apparatus, wherein solvent is recovered as overheads and a deasphalted tar fraction is taken off as a sidestream or bottoms. The solvent or a portion thereof, recovered as overheads, may be then be recycled to the solvent deasphalter, or in a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the solvent is steam cracked to produce a product comprising light olefins.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Exxonmobil Chemical Patents Inc.Inventors: James N. McCoy, Paul F. Keusenkothen, Alok Srivastava
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Patent number: 7736493Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving a deasphalting unit process by producing an improved feedstream for the deasphalting process via ultrafiltration of a vacuum resid-containing feedstream. In particular, the present invention produces an improved quality feedstream to a solvent deasphalting process which results in improved deasphalted oil (DAO) production rates and/or higher quality deasphalted oils. The present invention can be particularly beneficial when used in conjunction with an existing deasphalting equipment to result in improved deasphalted oil (DAO) production rates and/or higher quality deasphalted oils from the existing deasphalting equipment without the need for significant equipment modifications to the existing deasphalting unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Daniel P. Leta, Lisa M. Rogers, Merryl J. Miranda, Keith K. Aldous, Stephen M. Cundy, MaryKathryn Lee, Edward W. Corcoran
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Patent number: 7722758Abstract: Process for separating colour bodies and/or asphalthenic contaminants from a hydrocarbon mixture using a membrane having a feed side and a permeate side, by contacting the hydrocarbon mixture with the feed side of the membrane, and by removing at the permeate side a hydrocarbon permeate having a reduced content of colour bodies and/or asphalthenic contaminants, wherein the membrane is arranged in a spirally wound membrane module.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Johannes Leendert Willem Cornelis Den Boestert, Jeroen Van Westrenen
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Patent number: 7622035Abstract: A method of deresinating a crude oil comprises contacting the crude oil with a carbon dioxide containing fluid, the crude oil having an initial API gravity and comprising an oil phase, resins, and asphaltenes, and wherein the carbon dioxide containing fluid enters the oil phase of the crude oil in a manner such that the resins and asphaltenes precipitate out of the crude oil such that the final API gravity of the crude oil is higher than the initial API gravity of the crude oil.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Nael Naguib Zaki, Peter Kelley Kilpatrick, Ruben Guillermo Carbonell
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Patent number: 7601253Abstract: A process oil comprising a 95/5 to 5/95 by weight mixture of: an extract having a DMSO extractable content less than 3 wt % obtained by solvent-extracting an oil obtained by deasphalting a vacuum distillation bottom; and either a mineral oil base having a DMSO extractable content less than 3 wt % which is a raffinate obtained by the solvent refining of a vacuum distillate or a mineral oil base having a DMSO extractable content less than 3 wt % obtained by subjecting a raffinate obtained by the solvent refining of a vacuum distillate to hydrorefining and/or dewaxing. The process oil has a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of less than 32 mm2/s, % CA of 15 to 30, aniline point of 100° C. or lower, weight change through evaporation of 0.5% or less, and mutagenicity index of less than 1.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Japan Energy CorporationInventors: Takashi Kaimai, Yoshiyuki Morishima, Kenji Fujino
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Patent number: 7597794Abstract: The present invention is a separation method and system in which granulation of coupled post-extraction asphalt residue is used to achieve deep separation of heavy oil. A dispersion solvent is introduced into the asphalt phase after separation by solvent extraction and the asphalt phase undergoes rapid phase change in a gas-solid separator and is dispersed into solid particles while the solvent vaporizes, resulting in low temperature separation of asphalt and solvent with adjustable size of the asphalt particles. The separation method of this invention also includes a three-stage separation of heavy oil feedstock, in which the deasphalted oil phase separated from heavy oil is treated with supercritical solvent and results in the further separation of the resin portion of the deasphalted oil, maximizing the yield and quality of the deasphalted oil.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2005Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Inventors: Suoqi Zhao, Chunming Xu, Ren′an Wang, Zhiming Xu, Xuewen Sun, Keng H. Chung
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Patent number: 7566394Abstract: A solvent deasphalting of crude oil or petroleum heavy fractions and residues is carried out in the presence of a solid adsorbent, such as clay, silica, alumina and activated carbon, which adsorbs the contaminants and permits the solvent and oil fraction to be removed as a separate stream from which the solvent is recovered for recycling; the adsorbent with contaminants and the asphalt bottoms is mixed with aromatic and/or polar solvents to desorb the contaminants and washed as necessary, e.g., with benzene, toluene, xylenes and tetrahydrofuran, to clean adsorbant which is recovered and recycled; the solvent-asphalt mixture is sent to a fractionator for recovery and recycling of the aromatic or polar solvent. The bottoms from the fractionator include the concentrated PNA and contaminants and are further processes as appropriate.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Omer Refa Koseoglu
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Patent number: 7560020Abstract: Tar is contacted with stripping agent, such as steam or tail gas, in a stripping tower. A product comprising deasphalted tar is recovered as overheads and a product comprising heavy tar is recovered as bottoms from the stripping tower.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.Inventors: Subramanian Annamalai, James N McCoy, Paul F Keusenkothen
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Publication number: 20090173668Abstract: Embodiments of a method and a system for recovering energy, materials or both from asphaltene-containing tailings are disclosed. The asphaltene-containing tailings can be generated, for example, from a process for recovering hydrocarbons from oil sand. Embodiments of the method can include a flotation separation and a hydrophobic agglomeration separation. Flotation can be used to separate the asphaltene-containing tailings into an asphaltene-rich froth and an asphaltene-depleted aqueous phase. The asphaltene-rich froth, or an asphaltene-rich slurry formed from the asphaltene-rich froth, then can be separated into a heavy mineral concentrate and a light tailings. Hydrophobic agglomeration can be used to recover an asphaltene concentrate from the light tailings. Another flotation separation can be included to remove sulfur-containing minerals from the heavy mineral concentrate. Oxygen-containing minerals also can be recovered from the heavy mineral concentrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2009Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: Marathon Oil Canada CorporationInventors: Willem P.C. Duyvesteyn, Julian Kift, Raymond L. Morley
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Publication number: 20090166266Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: ANAND SUBRAMANIAN, Raymond Floyd
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Patent number: 7540951Abstract: A process for preparation of synthetic crude from a deposit of heavy crude, comprises: (a) the extraction of heavy crude by technology using steam; (b) the separation of crude extract and water; (c) the separation of crude into at least one light fraction and one heavy fraction; (d) the conversion of the heavy fraction of separation into a lighter product, said converted product, and a residue; (e) optionally, the partial or total hydrotreatment of the converted product and/or the light fraction (or fractions) obtained during the separation c), (f) the combustion and/or gasification of the conversion residue; the converted product and the light fraction (or fractions) for separation, optionally having been subjected to a hydrotreatment e), constituting the synthetic crude; said combustion allowing the generation of steam and/or electricity and said gasification allowing the generation of hydrogen; the steam and/or electricity thus generated being used for the extraction a) and/or the electricity and/or hydrogType: GrantFiled: August 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Arnault Selmen, Thierry Gauthier, Mathieu Pinault, Eric Benazzi
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Publication number: 20090127166Abstract: Method of isolating active resins from a high solvency dispersive power (HSDP) crude oil includes providing a HSDP crude oil, deasphalting the HSDP crude oil into at least a deasphalted oil (DAO) fraction and a first asphaltenes fraction, deasphalting the first asphaltenes fraction to isolate active resins from a second asphaltenes fraction, and combining the DAO fraction and the second asphaltenes fraction to form a de-resinated crude. Method of using components isolated from a high solvency dispersive power (HSDP) crude oil includes providing a HSDP crude oil, deasphalting the HSDP crude oil into at least a deasphalted oil (DAO) fraction and a first asphaltenes fraction, deasphalting the first asphaltenes fraction to isolate active resins from a second asphaltenes fraction, and selecting at least one of the DAO fraction, the active resins, or the second asphaltenes fraction for use in a refinery process.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Chris A. Wright, Glen B. Brons, Sharon Feiller
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Publication number: 20090057203Abstract: This invention relates to an ultrafiltration process for separating a heavy hydrocarbon stream to produce an enriched saturates content stream(s) utilizing an ultrafiltration separations process. The enriched saturates content streams can then be further processed in refinery and petrochemical processes that will benefit from the higher content of saturated hydrocarbons produced from this separations process. The invention may be utilized to separate heavy hydrocarbon feedstreams, such as whole crudes, topped crudes, synthetic crude blends, shale oils, oils derived from bitumen, oils derived from tar sands, atmospheric resids, vacuum resids, or other heavy hydrocarbon streams into enriched saturates content product streams. The invention provides an economical method for separating heavy hydrocarbon stream components by molecular species instead of molecular boiling points.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Daniel P. Leta, Eric B. Sirota, Edward W. Corcoran, Anjaneya S. Kovvali, Stephen H. Brown, Stephen M. Cundy
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Publication number: 20090057192Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving a deasphalting unit process by producing an improved feedstream for the deasphalting process via ultrafiltration of a vacuum resid-containing feedstream. In particular, the present invention produces an improved quality feedstream to a solvent deasphalting process which results in improved deasphalted oil (DAO) production rates and/or higher quality deasphalted oils. The present invention can be particularly beneficial when used in conjunction with an existing deasphalting equipment to result in improved deasphalted oil (DAO) production rates and/or higher quality deasphalted oils from the existing deasphalting equipment without the need for significant equipment modifications to the existing deasphalting unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Daniel P. Leta, Lisa M. Rogers, Merryl J. Miranda, Keith K. Aldous, Stephen M. Cundy, MaryKathryn Lee, Edward W. Corcoran
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Patent number: 7491314Abstract: A process for the production of a pipeline-transportable crude oil from a bitumen feed, the process comprising: (1) dividing the bitumen feed into two fractions, the first fraction comprising between 20 and 80 wt % of the feed, the second fraction comprising between 80 and 20 wt % of the total feed, (the two fraction together forming 100 wt % of the feed), (2) distillation of the first fraction obtained in step (1) (preferably under vacuum) into a light fraction boiling below 380° C. (preferably the 450° C. fraction, more preferably the 510° C. fraction) and a residual fraction; (3) thermal cracking (of at least part of, preferably all of,) the residual fraction obtained in the distillation process described in step (2); (4) distillation of the product obtained in step (3) into one or more light fractions (boiling below 350° C.), optionally one or more intermediate fractions (boiling between 350 and 510° C.) and a heavy fraction (boiling above at least 350° C.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Petrus Johannes Walterus Maria Van Den Bosch, Franciscus Antonius Maria Schrijvers
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Publication number: 20090014359Abstract: Process for separating colour bodies and/or asphalthenic contaminants from a hydrocarbon mixture using a membrane having a feed side and a permeate side, by contacting the hydrocarbon mixture with the feed side of the membrane, and by removing at the permeate side a hydrocarbon permeate having a reduced content of colour bodies and/or asphalthenic contaminants, wherein the membrane is arranged in a spirally wound membrane module.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2005Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Johannes Leendert Willem Den Boestert, Jeroen Van Westrenen
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Publication number: 20080289999Abstract: For pre-refining a crude oil P, which P is fractionated into several fractions, typically hydrotreating, hydrocracking or hydroconverting some thereof, then re-composing said fractions and in general producing at least two pre-refined oils Pa, Pc, Pa being a high quality non-asphaltenic oil and Pc being a residual oil. The process typically comprises at least one initial distillation step and one deasphalting step SDA with a solvent with a molecular weight of at least 50 to separate a deasphalted oil DAO from a virgin asphalt stream AS. AS is hydroconverted in at least 2 ebullated bed reactors in series, with a moderate conversion of less than 56%, mixed with a virgin diluent comprising light fractions. The DAO is typically hydrocracked with a limited conversion of less than 80%.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2006Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventor: Eric Lenglet
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Patent number: 7455763Abstract: A recycling process for the demetalization of hydrocarbon oil comprises recycling the following steps: a demetalizing composition for hydrocarbon oil or an aqueous solution thereof is sufficiently mixed with hydrocarbon oil in a desired proportion, and the resultant mixture is subjected to a conventional electrically desalting process to obtain a demetalized hydrocarbon oil and an aqueous desalted solution containing the desalted metal salts; the aqueous desalted solution containing the metal salts is then sufficiently mixed with a precipitating agent in a desired proportion and is subjected to a displacement reaction, and an aqueous solution containing the demetalizing composition is recovered by separating out the residue of the metal salts produced in the displacement reaction, which is poorly soluble or insoluble in water, with a solid-liquid separator; and the recovered aqueous solution containing the demetalizing composition for hydrocarbon oil, which meets the requirements for metal ions in demetalizedType: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Karamay Jinshan Petrochemical Limited CompanyInventors: Lailong Luo, Chunge Niu, Shuyan Yu, Zhongting Ma, Xiangsheng Meng, Bo Ouyang, Yun Han
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Patent number: 7438797Abstract: A method of reducing the aggregation and deposition of asphaltene from a fluid containing asphaltene, such as crude oil, which method comprises the addition to the fluid of a compound of formula (1): wherein A is an optionally substituted ring system containing 6 to 14 carbon atoms; n is at least 1 and may equal the number of positions available for substitution in A; each X is independently a linker group; and each R is independently a hydrocarbyl group containing 10 to 25 carbon atoms.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: iC16 LimitedInventors: Rodney John Gochin, Alec Smith
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Publication number: 20080149534Abstract: The invention relates to a method of conversion of heavy oil feedstock with 5 wt. % boiling less than 343C and at least 40 wt.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Thierry Gauthier, Serge Coatanea, Pierre Danial-Fortain
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Patent number: 7381320Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the upgrading and demetallizing of heavy oils and bitumens. A crude heavy oil and/or bitumen feed is supplied to a solvent extraction process 104 wherein DAO and asphaltenes are separated. The DAO is supplied to an FCC unit 106 having a low conversion activity catalyst for the removal of metals contained therein. The demetallized distillate fraction is supplied to a hydrotreater 110 for upgrading and collected as a synthetic crude product stream. The asphaltene fraction can be supplied to a gasifier 108 for the recovery of power, steam and hydrogen, which can be supplied to the hydrotreater 110 or otherwise within the process or exported. An optional coker 234 can be used to convert excess asphaltenes and/or decant oil to naphtha, distillate and gas oil, which can be supplied to the hydrotreater 220.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLCInventors: Rashid Iqbal, Anshumali, Odette Eng, Phillip Niccum
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Patent number: 7347051Abstract: Residual oil supercritical extraction (ROSE) 10 and integrated gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) power systems 70, 114 are cooperatively integrated. High-level heat from the IGCC is used via a heat transfer fluid 84 for high level process heating requirements in the ROSE unit. This can eliminate the fired heater normally required in the ROSE unit, and reduces the size of the gasifier 62 waste heat boiler 72 and/or the high-pressure steam coil 134 and steam turbine generator 144 in the IGCC.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLCInventor: Keld Georg Christensen
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Patent number: 7297250Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for processing a heavy hydrocarbon feed including: supplying the heavy hydrocarbon feed to a heater for heating the heavy hydrocarbon feed; supplying the heated heavy hydrocarbon feed to an atmospheric fractionating tower for fractionating the heated heavy hydrocarbon feed fed to the inlet of the atmospheric fractionating tower producing light atmospheric fractions and atmospheric bottoms; supplying the atmospheric bottoms to a further heater for heating the atmospheric bottoms and producing heated atmospheric bottoms; supplying the heated atmospheric bottoms to a vacuum fractionating tower for fractionating the heated atmospheric bottoms and producing light vacuum fractions and vacuum residue; supplying the vacuum residue to a solvent deasphalting (SDA) unit for producing deasphalted oil (DAO) and asphaltenes from the vacuum residue; supplying the deasphalted oil to a deasphalted oil thermal cracker for thermally cracking the deasphalted oil and producing a thermallyType: GrantFiled: October 25, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Ormat Industries Ltd.Inventor: Yoram Bronicki
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Patent number: 7261810Abstract: A method and a system for transporting a flow of fluid hydrocarbons containing wax and/or asphaltenes or any other precipitating solids through a treatment and transportation system including a pipeline are disclosed. The flow of fluid hydrocarbons is introduced into a reactor (4), where it is mixed with another fluid flow having a temperature below a crystallization temperature for the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids and containing particles or crystals acting as nucleating and/or growth cores for the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids, the mixing temperature providing precipitation of the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids from the flow of fluid hydrocarbons, and the effluent flow of hydrocarbons and particles is conveyed from the reactor (4) to a pipeline (6) for transportation.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignees: Sinvent AS, BP Exploration Operating Company Limited, BP AmericaInventors: Carl B. Argo, Phaneendra Bollavaram, Kai W. Hjarbo, Taras Yurievich Makogon, Nita Oza, Marita Wolden, Are Lund, Roar Larsen
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Patent number: 6878263Abstract: Disclosed is a rubber process oil in which the content of polycyclic aromatics (PCAs) as determined by the IP 346 method is less than 3% by mass and which is rich in aromatic hydrocarbons, and a method for producing the same. The aniline point of the rubber process oil is 80° C. or less, and the % CA value as determined by ring analysis according to the Kurtz method is from 20 to 50%. The rubber process oil is produced by using extraction of lube oil fraction with a solvent having a selective affinity for aromatics. The extraction conditions are determined so that the extraction yield is regulated to a predetermined requirement defined by the PCAs content of the lube oil fraction. Alternatively, the extract is cooled to further separate into the extract and the raffinate, and the second raffinate is used for the rubber process oil.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Japan Energy CorporationInventors: Takashi Kaimai, Kazumitsu Fujihara, Yoshiyuki Morishima
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Publication number: 20040168956Abstract: A refined oil is obtained by using a heavy oil having a hydrogen content of 12 wt % or less as a feed oil, and after carrying out a solvent extraction process such that the hydrogen content increases by 0.2 wt % over that of the feed oil, hydrorefining process is carried out such that the hydrogen content increases by 0.5 wt % over the extracted oil. Thereby, an inexpensive heavy oil can be used as a feedstock, and using a simple and reliable method, refined oil can be produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Makoto Inomata, Tsuyoshi Okada, Akira Higashi, Hajime Sasaki, Susumu Kasahara, Yasushi Fujimura
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Patent number: 6673234Abstract: A combined process of low degree solvent deasphalting and delayed coking, which comprises feeding a deasphalting stock and a solvent into an extractor and making the yield of the deasphalted oil 70 wt %-95 wt %, and introducing a part or all of the deasphalted oil and optionally a conventional coking stock into a delayed coker. This process increases the yield of liquid products, removes the heavy asphaltene which is prone to coke, extends the run length of the delayed coker, and at the same time, lowers the content of impurities in coke, enlarges the sources of the stocks for producing the needle coke.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignees: China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, SinopecInventors: Rui Li, Zijun Wang, Jun Long
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Patent number: 6652739Abstract: An improved process for deasphalting a residua feedstock by use of a short vapor residence time process unit comprised of a horizontal moving bed of fluidized and/or stirred hot particles. The vapor phase product stream from said process unit is passed to a soaker drum where a high boiling fraction is separated and recycled to the process unit after undergoing reactions causing molecular weight growth. This reactive recycle using the soaker drum results in substantially improved qualities of the liquid products compared with what is achieved by once-through residua deasphalting process alternatives.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Mitchell Jacobson, Willibald Serrand, Norman H. Sweed, Hans J. M. Weiss, Ingo W. Dreher, Udo Zentner, Jorg H. Schmalfeld
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Publication number: 20030134018Abstract: A process for the selective extraction of desired compounds from solid materials, and more particularly, a process for oil extraction from oil-bearing materials with a hydrocarbon solvent composition is provided. The method includes contacting the oil-containing solids with a particular type of hydrocarbon solvent to form an extraction mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2001Publication date: July 17, 2003Applicant: Cargill, Inc.Inventors: Matthew S. Turner, Leroy Venne
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Publication number: 20030121828Abstract: An improved process for deasphalting a residua feedstock by use of a short vapor residence time process unit comprised of a horizontal moving bed of fluidized and/or stirred hot particles. The vapor phase product stream from said process unit is passed to a soaker drum where a high boiling fraction is separated and recycled to the process unit after undergoing reactions causing molecular weight growth. This reactive recycle using the soaker drum results in substantially improved qualities of the liquid products compared with what is achieved by once-through residua deasphalting process alternatives.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Mitchell Jacobson, Willibald Serrand, Norman H. Sweed, Hans J.M. Weiss, Ingo W. Dreher, Udo Zentner, Jorg H. Schmalfeld
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Patent number: 6554995Abstract: A method of separating a petroleum-containing material into at least two fractions, an extraction system, and an extraction fluid therefor are provided. Petroleum-containing material as well as a solvent mixture comprising 50%-99% by volume sub-critical carbon dioxide and 1%-50% by volume of at least one co-solvent are introduced into an extraction column. The co-solvent can be propane, ethane, butane, propylene 2 methylpropane, 2,2 dimethylpropane, propadiene, dimethylether, chlorodifluoromethane, difluoromethane and methylfluoride. A fraction containing solvent mixture and solvated petroleum-containing material is removed from the top portion of the extraction column, while a dense fraction of the petroleum-containing material, as well as solvent mixture, is withdrawn from the bottom portion of the extraction column. Solvent mixture is recovered from the solvated petroleum-containing material.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: SM Technologies, Inc.Inventors: George H. Sprenger, Teddy J. Martinez
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Patent number: 6533925Abstract: This invention involves heat integration of a solvent deasphalting process with a gasification process and an improved process for separating a resin phase from a solvent solution comprising a solvent, deasphalted oil (DAO) and resin. This improved process comprises heating the solvent solution so as to precipitate the resin from the solvent solution, and then separating the resin and some solvent from the solvent solution. This will produce a resin product and a mixture comprising the DAO and the remaining solvent. The DAO/solvent mixture is then boiled so as to vaporize a fraction of the solvent, with waste heat from a gasification unit providing the heat source for the boiling. The vaporized solvent is removed from the DAO/solvent mixture leaving a resin-free DAO product that contains any unvaporized solvent. The vaporized solvent is used for heating the aforementioned solvent solution and preheating the resin-free DAO/solvent mixture.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Texaco Development CorporationInventors: Paul S. Wallace, Kay A. Johnson, Clint F. Penrose, Jacqueline G. Niccum
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Patent number: 6524469Abstract: An improved heavy oil conversion process is disclosed in which the heavy oil feed is first thermally cracked using visbreaking or hydrovisbreaking technology to produce a product that is lower in molecular weight and boiling point than the feed. The product is then deasphalted using an alkane solvent at a solvent to feed ratio of less than 2 wherein separation of solvent and deasphalted oil from the asphaltenes is achieved through the use of a two-stage membrane separation system in which the second stage is a centrifugal membrane.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Trans Ionics CorporationInventor: Robert C. Schucker
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Publication number: 20030024857Abstract: A method of refining a petroleum product to remove aromatics and to separate paraffinic oils and waxes is provided. The method involves the utilization of phase equilibria wherein crystallized or solidified waxes, normally present in the petroleum product, are used to remove oils from a liquid solvent phase containing dissolved aromatics present in the unrefined petroleum product. The wax containing the oils is separated from the aromatic-containing solvent and is further processed to separate the waxes and oils. For petroleum products containing little, if any, wax, additional wax may be added and recycled back for further use in removing oils from the petroleum product. The method has particular application in preparing lubricating oils having a high viscosity index, where the presence of aromatics and wax can be detrimental.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Michael D. Ackerson, Michael Steven Byars
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Patent number: 6511937Abstract: The invention described herein is directed to (a) slurry hydroprocessing (SHP) of a feed under SHP conditions; (b) deasphalting, under deasphalting conditions the product obtained from said step (a) and recovering a solvent deasphalted oil and solvent deasphalted rock; (c) calcining said solvent deasphalted rock at a temperature of ≦about 1200° F. to produce an ash catalyst precursor; (d) recycling said ash catalyst precursor to said step (a).Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Roby Bearden, Jr., Zhiguo Hou, Martin Leo Gorbaty, David Thomas Ferrughelli, Ronald Damian Myers
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Patent number: 6464856Abstract: An improved process for the total separation and recovery of four constituents, namely, 1) insoluble pitches and tars also known as asphaltenes, 2) a kerosene based oil fraction, 3) clays and silts of less than 80 &mgr;m mesh and 4) sands of greater than 80 &mgr;m mesh. Recombination of the hydrocarbon fractions is the bitumen portion of tar sands. A further process for the extraction and separation of plant resins from cellulose and kerogen from oil shale that on thermal depolymerization become a source for aromatic and kerosene based oil fractions respectively.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Deinking/ Solvent Extraction TechnologiesInventor: Venanzio Di Tullio
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Publication number: 20020096453Abstract: A method of deresinating a crude oil comprises contacting the crude oil with a carbon dioxide containing fluid, the crude oil having an initial API gravity and comprising an oil phase, resins, and asphaltenes, and wherein the carbon dioxide containing fluid enters the oil phase of the crude oil In a manner such that the resins and asphaltenes precipitate out of the crude oil such that the final API gravity of the crude oil is higher than the initial API gravity of the crude oil.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: Nael Naguib Zaki, Peter Kelley Kilpatrick, Ruben Guillermo Carbonell
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Patent number: 6357526Abstract: A process and system which integrates on-site heavy oil or bitumen upgrading and energy recovery for steam production with steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) production of the heavy oil or bitumen. The heavy oil or bitumen produced by SAGD is flashed to remove the gas oil fraction, and the residue is solvent deasphalted to obtain deasphalted oil, which is mixed with the gas oil fraction to form a pumpable synthetic crude. The synthetic crude has an improvement of 4-5 degrees of API and lower in sulfur, nitrogen and metal compounds. The synthetic crude is not only more valuable than the heavy oil or bitumen, but also has substantial economic advantage of reducing the diluent requirement since it has lower viscosity than the heavy oil or bitumen. The asphaltenes, following an optional pelletizing and/or slurrying step, are used as a fuel for combustion in boilers near the steam injection wells for injection into the heavy oil or bitumen reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root, Inc.Inventors: Tayseer Abdel-Halim, Murugesan Subramanian
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Publication number: 20010045377Abstract: A novel process for the production of an extract useful as a process oil and a raffinate useful as a high-viscosity base oil by solvent refining is provided, characterized in that reduced pressure distillation is effected under the condition that the end point of distillate is 580° C. or higher as calculated in terms of atmospheric pressure or the initial boiling point of the residue is 450° C. or higher as calculated in terms of atmospheric pressure, the resulting residual oil is deasphalted under the condition that the carbon residue content in the deasphalted oil reached 1.6% or less, and the resulting deasphalted oil is subjected to solvent refining under the condition that the yield of extract is from 35% to 60%. It is a novel and economically excellent process for the preparation of a rubber process oil having a high safety, a high penetrating power with respect to rubber polymer and the content of PCA extract of less than 3%.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventors: Yoshiyuki Morishima, Kenji Fujino
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Patent number: 6313367Abstract: It has been discovered that various ester and ether reaction products are excellent asphaltene deposition inhibitors or dispersants for use in hydrocarbons such as crude oils. The asphaltene inhibiting compounds may be (1) esters formed from the reaction of polyhydric alcohols with carboxylic acids; (2) ethers formed from the reaction of glycidyl ethers or epoxides with polyhydric alcohols; and (3) esters formed from the reaction of glycidyl ethers or epoxides with carboxylic acids.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Patrick J. Breen
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Patent number: 6303842Abstract: Olefins may be produced by thermally steam cracking residuum containing a short residuum having a boiling point range greater than 565° C. wherein at least 3 weight percent of the short residuum has a boiling point greater than or equal to 650° C. The residuum has pentane insolubles less than or equal to 1.2, ASTM 893. Further, the weight percent of hydrogen of the residuum is greater than or equal to 12.5. Such feedstocks are produced by hydrotreating, where necessary, a petroleum residuum having pentane insolubles less than 1.0, ASTM 893, until the weight percent of hydrogen of the petroleum residuum is 12.5. Where necessary, the petroleum residuum may be deasphalted prior to subjecting it to hydrotreatment.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LPInventors: Robert S. Bridges, Richard B. Halsey, Don H. Powers
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Patent number: 6274030Abstract: The invention is a process of removing solids, particularly catalyst fines, from an asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon liquid. The process comprises contacting an asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon liquid with a solvent to create a mixture. The solvent is typically an alkane such as, propane to pentanes. Then, solids are removed from the mixture by any known process. Finally, additional solvent may be added, and the mixture heated until asphaltenes precipitate into a separate phase. The asphaltenes are removed from the mixture. The mixture is then further heated to recover the solvent from the deasphalted hydrocarbon liquid. The asphaltenes are advantageously gasified.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventors: Paul S. Wallace, Kay Anderson Johnson
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Patent number: 6274032Abstract: A hydrocarbon source feed is upgraded using a solvent deasphalting (SDA) unit employing a solvent having a critical temperature Tc by initially separating from a first hydrocarbon input stream fractions with an atmospheric equivalent boiling temperature less than about Tf° F. for producing a stream of Tf−fractions and a residue stream (Tf+ stream), where Tf is greater than about Tc−50° F. In the SDA unit, a second hydrocarbon input stream which includes the residue stream is deasphalted for producing a first product stream of substantially solvent-free asphaltenes, and a second product stream containing substantially solvent-free deasphalted oil (DAO). The source feed may be included in either the first or second input streams. The DAO in the second product stream is thermally cracked for producing an output stream that includes thermally cracked fractions and by-product asphaltenes produced by thermally cracking the DAO.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Ormat Industries Ltd.Inventors: Richard L. Hood, Phillip B. Rettger, Randall S. Goldstein, Lucien Y. Bronicki