Method and apparatus for mixing and atomizing a hydrocarbon stream using a diluent/dispersion stream

A method for mixing and atomizing a hydrocarbon stream using a diluent/dispersion stream, said method comprising:

• providing an apparatus comprising:
• an inner conduit having an inlet for receiving the diluent/dispersion stream;
• an outer conduit having an inlet for receiving the hydrocarbon stream and an outlet for dispensing a mixture comprising the hydrocarbon and the dispersion/diluent streams;
• said outer conduit concentric surrounding the inner conduit to define at least a first annular space and a second annular space;
• the first annular space being located downstream of the inlet of the outer conduit, said first annular space enabling formation of a thin film of the hydrocarbon stream between an outer surface of the inner conduit and an inner surface of the outer conduit;
• the second annular space being located downstream of the first annular space, said second annular space having a width greater than a width of the first annular space;
• and
• the inner conduit located at about the second annular space comprises a first set orifices disposed on a periphery thereof for dispensing a first portion of the dispersion/diluent stream into the thin film of hydrocarbon stream to cross shear the film and form the mixture comprising the hydrocarbon and the dispersion/diluent streams;
• introducing the diluent/dispersion stream into the inlet of the inner conduit;
• and
• introducing the hydrocarbon stream into the inlet of the outer conduit.