Process for extraction of bitumen from oilsands
AssigneesThe Governors of the University of Alberta, Imperial Oil Resources
InventorsSteven M. KUZNICKI, William C. McCAFFREY, Murray R. GRAY, James A. DUNN
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Abstract
Bitumen within raw oilsands may be cracked and fully recovered by light hydrocarbon extraction following exposure to modified natural zeolite catalysts under cracking conditions. The recovered bitumen is reduced in viscosity, with lower boiling point distributions. Effective cracking of oilsands bitumen using economical, abundant and readily disposable natural zeolites represents a significant step towards a waterless and environment friendly extraction process.
Claims27
A method for recovering bitumen from a petroleum feedstock, the method comprising the steps of:
- exposing the petroleum feedstock to an acidified zeolite catalyst;
- heating the feedstock and catalyst to a cracking temperature;
- and
- contacting the cracked feedstock with a light hydrocarbon solvent to extract bitumen therefrom.
A method for recovering hydrocarbons from asphaltene-bearing feedstock, comprising the steps of:
- exposing the asphaltene-bearing feedstock to an acidified zeolite catalyst;
- heating the feedstock and catalyst to a cracking temperature;
- and
- contacting the cracked feedstock with a light hydrocarbon solvent to extract soluble cracked products from the feedstock.
A method for cracking asphaltenes and recovering cracked products, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a starting material containing asphaltenes;
- exposing the starting material to an acidified zeolite catalyst;
- heating the starting material and catalyst to a cracking temperature to produce a cracked material containing cracking products;
- and
- contacting the cracked material with a light hydrocarbon solvent to extract soluble cracking products from the cracked material.
An acidified natural zeolite catalyst, for use in catalytic cracking of asphaltenes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.