Patent ID: 8273581
Filing Date: 2012-09-25
Classification: C10G,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method comprising the steps of: providing a vessel having a substantially chemically inert stationary phase established therein and having at least one vessel inlet, said substantially chemically inert stationary phase forming a fixed bed in said vessel; inputting a precipitant solvent into said vessel through at least one vessel inlet; inputting a hydrocarbonaceous material into said vessel through at least one vessel inlet; intentionally precipitating asphaltenes within said vessel and in the presence of said substantially chemically inert stationary phase, wherein said substantially chemically inert stationary phase is substantially chemically inert relative to said asphaltenes such that substantially all said precipitated asphaltenes do not adsorb onto said substantially chemically inert stationary phase; generating a remnant liquid upon performing said step of intentionally precipitating said asphaltenes; inputting a material dissolving solvent into said vessel through at least one vessel inlet; and dissolving at least a portion of said asphaltenes with said material dissolving solvent to generate a dissolved material solution.