Abstract:
A system is provided that enables a continuous process that involves the introduction of particles into a reactor drum having a low oxygen environment. Heavy hydrocarbons are boiled off of the particles during the heating of the particles. The boiled off heavy hydrocarbons mix with a heated gas stream that heats the particles within the reactor drum. The heated gas stream (with the boiled off heavy hydrocarbons) exit the drum and are recirculated back to a heat source for reheating the gas stream prior to reentering the reactor drum. Repeated exposure to the elevated temperatures within the reactor drum cracks the heavy hydrocarbons into lighter hydrocarbons. The lighter hydrocarbons may then be separated out of the heated gas stream and collected for sale or use.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to decreasing the amount of diluent needed to convert a heavy oil to a bitumen product that can be transported by pipeline. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for partially upgrading heavy oil into a lower viscosity bitumen product.
Abstract:
Non-condensable gas is used as an alternate to steam at hydrocarbon processing facilities removing any steam requirements thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving profitability through capital and operating cost reductions. The non-condensable gas serves at least two functions sequentially in heavy hydrocarbon processing; firstly, providing the non-condensable gas as a stripping medium to evolve lighter hydrocarbons from the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock followed by secondly directing the same non-condensable gas and any evolved non-condensable gas at operating conditions for use as at least one of heat through combustion or power through electricity generation.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to decreasing the amount of diluent needed to convert a heavy oil to a bitumen product that can be transported by pipeline. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for partially upgrading heavy oil into a lower viscosity bitumen product.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a process for cracking a hydrocarbon-containing feed in a cracking furnace. A plurality of heat exchangers are arranged in the convection zone of the cracking furnace to utilize the heat of flue gas formed in the radiation zone by combustion. Depending on the type and state of matter of the hydrocarbon-containing feed, flow occurs through the heat exchangers to achieve, independently of the type and state of matter of the hydrocarbon-containing feed, an exit temperature of the flue gas in the range from 80° C. to 150° C.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for recovering hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from nonrubilized oil shale and oil/tar sands. One or more initial condensation steps are performed to recover crude-oil products from the effluent gas, followed by one or more subsequent condensation steps to recover additional, non-crude-oil products. At least a portion of the exhaust gas from a combustor may be routed through a heat exchanger to produce the processing gas, the composition of which may be adjusted so that it contains approximately 1% oxygen or less. The subsequent condensation steps may be carried out in at least one cooled chamber having a sequence of critical orifices maintained at a negative pressure. Carbon sequestration steps may be performed wherein recovered carbon dioxide is delivered down the hole following the recovery of the hydrocarbonaceous products. Various physical parameters may be adjusted to vary the recovery of crude oil or other products or contaminants from the effluent gas.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a method for on-line decoking of flame-cracking reactors whereby decoking is achieved without interruption of the normal operation of such reactors and without the necessity to change feed equipment and/or disassemble reactor components. While maintaining the temperature of the effluent at 1000.degree. C. to 2000.degree. C., the flow of the hydrocarbon feedstock in the reactor is periodically stopped for a time sufficient to reduce the carbon deposits to an acceptable level.