Patent ID: 8197673
Filing Date: 2012-06-12
Classification: C10G

Abstract:
1. A process for upgrading crude oil feed containing sulfur comprising the steps of: (a) mixing the crude oil feed with a catalyst in a mixer to produce a dispersion stream, the dispersion stream being characterized by a dispersion of particles of the catalyst distributed substantially throughout the crude oil feed, the particles defining a particle size range; (b) feeding the dispersion stream to a filtration cavitation system having a cavitation reactor and a filter; (c) cavitating and filtering the dispersion stream in the presence of hydrogen gas to produce a mixed stream; (d) controlling cavitation pressure and cavitation temperature during the cavitating and filtering step such that the cavitation pressure is maintained substantially within a pre-defined pressure range and the cavitation temperature is maintained substantially within a pre-defined temperature range, the cavitating and filtering step being performed during a pre-determined residence time sufficient to reduce the amount of sulfur in the crude oil; (e) separating the mixed stream into a spent catalyst stream and a product stream, the spent catalyst stream comprising catalyst-sulfided particles, and the product stream having a reduced sulfur content in comparison with sulfur content of the crude oil feed; and (f) feeding the product stream to an equilibrium separator for separating gaseous sulfur products from the product stream to produce a useable product.