Patent ID: 8691083
Filing Date: 2014-04-08
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 an amount of sulfur in the crude oil; and (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 (f) splitting the product stream into a recycle stream and an improved product stream; (g) returning the recycle stream to mix with the dispersion stream and enter the filtration cavitation system; and (h) hydrotreating the improved product stream using hydrogen gas to produce hydrotreated-product stream.