Patent US4502944A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4502944A
Expired / Lapsed
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Fractionation of heavy hydrocarbon process material
Assignee: Kerr McGee Corp
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Filing: 1982-09-27
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Granted: 1985-03-05
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Expires: 2002-09-27
Abstract
Abstract A method of separating a process material comprising oils, resins and asphaltenes into at least three fractions. The process material is mixed in a mixing zone with a solvent selected from the group consisting of paraffinic hydrocarbons having between about 3 and about 8 carbon atoms. The process material-solvent mixture is introduced into a first separation zone to form an asphaltene-rich first heavy fraction and a resin-rich intermediate fraction, separated by a first liquid-liquid interface, and to form a first light fraction, rich in solvent and oils, separated from the intermediate fraction by a second liquid-liquid interface. The first heavy fraction and the intermediate fraction are withdrawn from the first separation zone. The first light fraction is introduced into a second separation zone to separate a second heavy fraction, rich in oils, and a second light fraction, rich in solvent.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen R. Nelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 21:36
CPC Classifications
C; C10; C10G; C10G21/00; C10G21/003; C10G21/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
182 words
A method of separating a process material comprising oils, resins and asphaltenes into at least three fractions, comprising: mixing the process material in a mixing zone with a solvent selected from the group consisting of paraffinic hydrocarbons having between about 3 and about 8 carbon atoms, in a solvent:process material ratio of at at least about 3:1; introducing the process material-solvent mixture into a first separation zone maintained at a pressure at or above the critical pressure of the solvent, and at a temperature within about 30° F. of the critical temperature of the solvent, to form an asphaltene-rich first heavy fraction and a resin-rich intermediate fraction, separated by a first liquid-liquid interface, and to form a first light fraction rich in solvent and oils, separated from the intermediate fraction by a second liquid-liquid interface; withdrawing the first heavy fraction from the first separation zone; withdrawing the intermediate fraction from the first separation zone; and introducing the first light fraction into a second separation zone to separate a second heavy fraction, rich in oils, and a second light fraction, rich in solvent.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
182 words
A method of separating a process material comprising oils, resins and asphaltenes into at least three fractions, comprising: mixing the process material in a mixing zone with a solvent selected from the group consisting of paraffinic hydrocarbons having between about 3 and about 8 carbon atoms, in a solvent:process material ratio of at at least about 3:1; introducing the process material-solvent mixture into a first separation zone maintained at a pressure at or above the critical pressure of the solvent, and at a temperature within about 30° F. of the critical temperature of the solvent, to form an asphaltene-rich first heavy fraction and a resin-rich intermediate fraction, separated by a first liquid-liquid interface, and to form a first light fraction rich in solvent and oils, separated from the intermediate fraction by a second liquid-liquid interface; withdrawing the first heavy fraction from the first separation zone; withdrawing the intermediate fraction from the first separation zone; and introducing the first light fraction into a second separation zone to separate a second heavy fraction, rich in oils, and a second light fraction, rich in solvent.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 in which the second light fraction is separated from the second heavy fraction by vaporization.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 in which the second separation zone is maintained at a temperature higher than that of the first separation zone, said temperature above the critical temperature of the solvent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising: withdrawing the second light fraction from the second separation zone; and recycling solvent from the second light fraction to the mixing zone.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-03-04 | 1988-09-03 | 1989-03-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-03-04 | 1992-09-03 | 1993-03-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-03-04 | 1996-09-03 | 1997-03-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |