Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2017-2023
Title: Alvaro Blanco: Innovator in High Temperature Paraffinic Froth Treatment
Introduction
Alvaro Blanco is a notable inventor based in Calgary, Canada. He has made significant contributions to the field of solvent recovery processes, particularly in the treatment of paraffinic froth. With a total of 3 patents to his name, his work has implications for improving efficiency in bitumen extraction.
Latest Patents
One of Alvaro Blanco's latest patents is the High Temperature Paraffinic Froth Treatment (HTPFT) process. This innovative process utilizes an unheated flash vessel as the first stage of solvent recovery in a paraffinic solvent recovery unit (PSRU). The HTPFT process is designed to minimize asphaltene precipitation and fouling in subsequent stages of solvent recovery. It may also incorporate a heat pump circuit for heat integration, allowing the first stage of solvent recovery to operate at a lower temperature than the second stage. Additionally, froth entering separation vessels can be heated using heat from a tailings stream via a heat pump. The froth separation vessels are engineered to effectively collect a bitumen-containing overflow, utilizing either a collector pot and conventional feedwell combination or a collection ring and nozzle arrangement to reduce disturbance and enhance overflow collection.
Career Highlights
Alvaro Blanco is currently employed at Canadian Natural Resources Limited, where he continues to develop and refine innovative processes in the field of solvent recovery. His expertise and contributions have positioned him as a key figure in advancing technologies related to bitumen extraction.
Collaborations
Alvaro has collaborated with notable coworkers such as William Nicholas Garner and Guillaume Viguie, contributing to a dynamic team focused on innovation in the industry.
Conclusion
Alvaro Blanco's work in high temperature paraffinic froth treatment exemplifies the importance of innovation in the field of solvent recovery. His patents and ongoing contributions continue to influence advancements in bitumen extraction processes.