Patent ID: 8535518
Filing Date: 2013-09-17
Classification: C10G

Abstract:
1. A method of upgrading a hydrocarbon feedstock, the method comprising the steps of: supplying a mixed stream comprising the hydrocarbon feedstock and water to a hydrothermal reactor, wherein the mixed stream is maintained at a pressure between about 22.06 and 25 MPa and a temperature of between about 372° C. and about 425° C., wherein the hydrothermal reactor does not include a catalyst; maintaining the mixed stream in the hydrothermal reactor at said pressure and temperature for a period of at least about 10 minutes to produce a first product stream, said first product stream comprising water and a higher concentration of lighter hydrocarbons than the hydrocarbon feedstock; supplying the first product stream from the hydrothermal reactor to an adsorptive reaction stage to produce an trimmed stream, and where the adsorptive reaction stage temperature is maintained at a sub-critical water temperature that is equal to or greater than about 120° C.; separating the trimmed stream into a gas-phase stream and a liquid-phase stream; and separating the liquid stream into a water stream and an upgraded hydrocarbon product stream.