Method for anodically decreasing conradson carbon content of petroleum streams
AssigneeExxon Research & Engineering Co.
InventorsMark Alan Greaney, Michael Charles Kerby
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Abstract
The present invention provides for a method for decreasing the Conradson carbon content of petroleum streams by forming a mixture of the petroleum stream and an essentially aqueous electrolysis medium, and passing an electric current through the mixture at an anodic voltage and pH sufficient to produce a petroleum fraction having decreased Conradson carbon content. The anodic voltage is from +0.5 to +1.5V vs. SCE. Preferably the pH is acidic. The invention provides a method for enhancing the value of petroleum feeds that traditionally have limited use in refineries.
Claims10
A process for decreasing the Conradson content of a petroleum stream, comprising:
- passing an electric current through a mixture of a petroleum stream having a Conradson carbon content and an aqueous electrolysis medium at a sufficient anodic potential and at a pH sufficient to oxidatively decrease the Conradson carbon content of the petroleum stream.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.