Patent ID: 10570341

Abstract:
An apparatus for separation of asphaltenes from an oil-containing fuel, has a mixing element for intensive mixing of the oil-containing fuel with a solvent to form a solution supersaturated with asphaltenes, a vessel for reducing the oversaturation by depositing the asphaltenes out of the supersaturated solution, a growth zone formed within the vessel for growth of asphaltene particles present via the asphaltenes separated out of the supersaturated solution, and a classifying unit connected in terms of flow to the vessel for separation of the asphaltene particles grown in the growth zone in terms of their particle size, wherein the vessel is formed and set up such that a stream containing asphaltene particles circulates between the mixing element and the growth zone of the vessel. A corresponding process has a stream containing asphaltene particles that circulates between the mixing element and the growth zone of the vessel.