US 2014/0197071 A1 · FIELD ENHANCED SEPARATION OF HYDROCARBON FRACTIONS

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for using field enhanced separations to produce multiple fractions from a petroleum input. A liquid thermal diffusion and/or electric field separation is used to produce the fractions. The fractions can then be used to form multiple outputs that share a first feature while being different with regard to a second feature. For example, a first fraction from the plurality of fractions can have a desired value for a first property such as viscosity index. Two or more additional fractions from the plurality of fractions can then be blended together to make a blended fraction or output. The blended fraction can have a value for the first property that is substantially similar to the value for the first fraction. However, for a second property, the first fraction and the blended fraction can have distinct values. As a result, multiple output fractions can be formed that share a first feature but differ in a second feature.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for processing a feedstock, comprising:

treating a feedstock with a T5 boiling point of at least 350° C., the feedstock comprising a recycled portion, in one or more hydroprocessing stages under effective hydroprocessing conditions to form a hydroprocessed effluent;
passing at least a portion of the hydroprocessed effluent into a gap between a first surface and a second surface in a thermal diffusion separator;
performing thermal diffusion separation by maintaining the at least a portion of the hydroprocessed effluent in the gap with a temperature differential between the first surface and the second surface of at least 5° C. for a residence time;
withdrawing a plurality of fractions from the thermal diffusion separator including a first fraction having a viscosity index of at least 80, a second fraction having a viscosity index less than the first fraction and less than 90, and a third fraction having a viscosity index less than the second fraction;
and
recycling at least a portion of the second fraction to form the recycled portion.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Field enhanced separation of hydrocarbon fractions

Life of this patent

Field enhanced separation of hydrocarbon fractions

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20