Advances in predicting heavy feedstock process ability

Abstract EN

Upgrading of heavy oils and residua can be designed in an optimal manner by performing selected evaluations of chemical and structural features of these heavy feedstocks.

The evaluation schemes do not need to be complex, but must focus on key parameters which affect processability.

For example, the identification of the important features can be made with a saturates, aromatics, polars, asphaltenes (SAPA) separation and subsequent analysis of the fractions, with emphasis on the asphaltenes since the solubility of asphaltenes and asphaltene products during upgrading has a dramatic affect on solids deposition and coke formation.

Further evaluation of the asphaltenes can lead to correlation with process behavior.

Useful information can be gained from knowledge of elemental composition and molecular weight, and size exclusion chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography profiles