Patent ID: 6274032
Filing Date: 2001-08-14
Classification: C10G

Abstract:
Apparatus for upgrading a hydrocarbon source feed, comprising:a) a fractionator for receiving a first hydrocarbon input stream and separating the same into fractions with an atmospheric equivalent boiling temperature less than about T.sub.f .degree.F. (T.sub.f.sup.- fractions) thereby producing a product stream that consists of T.sub.f.sup.- fractions, and a residue stream (T.sub.f.sup.+ stream);b) a solvent deasphalting (SDA) unit utilizing a solvent having a critical temperature T.sub.c for receiving a second hydrocarbon input stream which includes said residue stream for producing a first product stream of substantially solvent-free asphaltenes, and a second product stream containing substantially solvent-free deasphalted oil (DAO), and wherein T.sub.f is greater than about T.sub.c -50.degree. F., such that said source feed is included in said first or second input streams;c) a thermal cracker for thermally cracking the DAO in said second product stream for producing an output stream that includes thermally cracked fractions and by-product asphaltenes produced by thermally cracking the DAO, whereby at least some of said thermally cracked fractions are fed back to said first input stream; andd) a prime mover operating on a non-asphaltene product stream produced by said apparatus for generating power and exhaust gases, wherein said apparatus is responsive to heat contained in said exhaust gases.