US 2022/0275293 A1 · APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR UPGRADING HEAVY HYDROCARBONS

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for partial upgrading of heavy hydrocarbon feeds to meet transport specifications, such as pipeline transport specifications. The systems and methods can allow for one or more types of improvement in heavy hydrocarbon processing prior to transport. In some aspects, the systems and methods can produce a partially upgraded heavy hydrocarbon product that satisfies one or more transport specifications while incorporating an increased amount of vacuum gas oil and a reduced amount of pitch into the partially upgraded heavy hydrocarbon product. In other aspects, the systems and methods can allow for increased incorporation of hydrocarbons into the fraction upgraded for transport, thereby reducing or minimizing the amount of hydrocarbons requiring an alternative method of disposal or transport. In still other aspects, the systems and methods can allow for reduced incorporation of external streams into the final product for transport while still satisfying one or more target properties.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A method for upgrading a heavy hydrocarbon feed, comprising:

separating a heavy hydrocarbon feed to form a first fraction comprising a 566° C.+ portion and one or more additional fractions comprising a 177° C.+ portion, the heavy hydrocarbon feed comprising an API gravity of 15° or less;
exposing at least a portion of the first fraction to hydroconversion conditions in a hydroconversion stage to form a hydroconverted effluent, the hydroconversion conditions comprising a net conversion of less than 90 wt % relative to 524° C.;
separating at least a pitch fraction comprising a 566° C.+ portion and an olefin-containing fraction from the hydroconverted effluent;
hydrotreating the olefin-containing fraction to form a hydrotreated product, the olefin-containing fraction optionally comprising a 177° C.+ portion;
and blending at least the one or more additional fractions and at least a portion of the hydrotreated product to form a processed heavy hydrocarbon product having a kinematic viscosity at 7.5° C. of 360 cSt or less, an API gravity of 18° or more, the processed heavy hydrocarbon product comprising 20 wt % or less of a 177° C.-fraction relative to a weight of the processed heavy hydrocarbon product.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus and process for upgrading heavy hydrocarbons

Life of this patent

Apparatus and process for upgrading heavy hydrocarbons

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16