Patent ID: 6194472
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: C08L,C10L,Y10S

Abstract:
A continuous process for forming a colloidal dispersion in water of hydrocarbons having a mean softening point exceeding about 95.degree. C. in said dispersion comprising:(a) initiating and maintaining the flow of an aqueous solution of a dispersion agent having a temperature from about 80.degree. C. to the boiling point of the solution through a high energy mixing device having an inlet through which said solution of dispersion agent is introduced and an outlet from which it is removed;(b) introducing melted normal asphalt into said mixing device through said inlet of said mixing device with said dispersion agent and mixing said melted normal asphalt with said dispersion agent in said mixing device so as to create an asphalt emulsion and removing said asphalt emulsion from said outlet of said mixing device;(c) creating a pressure at said outlet of said mixing device in excess of the vapor pressure of the emulsion;(d) ceasing the introduction of said normal asphalt into said mixing device and in lieu thereof introduce hydrocarbons heated above a temperature of about 200.degree. C. into said mixing device with said aqueous solution of dispersion agent, said hydrocarbons having a mean softening point in colloidal aqueous dispersion exceeding about 95.degree. C.;(e) mixing said heated hydrocarbons with said aqueous solution of dispersion agent and maintaining the mixture at a temperature of between from about 120.degree. C. to about 170.degree. C., so as to form a colloidal dispersion comprising petroleum hydrocarbon particles;(f) cooling said dispersion to a temperature below about 90.degree. C.; and(g) reducing the pressure to atmospheric.