Patent ID: 6217207
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: B01F,B08B

Abstract:
A method for recovering crude oil from thickened crude oil or from sludgy to compact sediments of crude oil in a vessel is which crude oil is stored or transported, the method comprising the steps ofpositioning a plurality of nozzles in the vessel so that the nozzles are oriented in a single direction substantially tangential relative to walls of the vessel;ejecting from the plurality of nozzles a plurality of jets of a liquid solvent under pressure in a direction which is substantially horizontal or at a shallow downward angle, the solvent comprising crude oil or refinery products, to form a generally horizontal current circulating in one direction around the interior of the vessel above the sediment for eroding and liquefying the thickened or sludgy crude oil sediment and dissolving the sediment to the extent it can be dissolved, the liquid jets driving surrounding liquid section-wise in a common direction, moving and uniting with the liquid in a joint current.