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Petroleum upgrading process

  • US 9,382,485 B2
  • Filed: 09/14/2010
  • Issued: 07/05/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/14/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for upgrading of petroleum feedstock, comprising the steps of:

  • providing a pressurized and heated petroleum feedstock, wherein said petroleum feedstock is maintained at a temperature of between about 10°

    C. and 250°

    C. and a pressure of at least about 22.06 MPa;

    providing a pressurized and heated water feed, wherein said water feed is maintained at a temperature of between about 250°

    C. and 650°

    C. and a pressure of at least about 22.06 MPa;

    combining said pressurized and heated petroleum feedstock and said pressurized and heated water feed to form a combined petroleum and water feed stream;

    supplying the combined petroleum and water feed stream to a hydrothermal reactor to produce a first product stream, wherein said reactor is maintained at a temperature of between 380°

    C. and 550°

    C., the combined petroleum and water feed stream being maintained within the hydrothermal reactor for a residence time operable to crack hydrocarbons present in the combined petroleum and water feed stream;

    transferring the first product stream to a post-treatment device to produce a second product stream, wherein said post-treatment device is maintained at a temperature of between about 100°

    C. and 300°

    C., wherein water present in the post-treatment device is maintained in a liquid phase;

    collecting the second product stream from the post treatment device, the second product stream comprising hydrocarbon product and water, wherein the hydrocarbon product has a reduced sulfur content relative to the petroleum feedstock.

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