Resource Technology Associates

Daniel W Gillespie

Joseph J Leto

Dennis D Gertenbach

Richard L Bain

John R Larson

A method is disclosed for improving the transportability of a hydrocarbon composition by passing an influent feed stream of composition into a downcomer to provide a hydrostatic column of fluid. The influent stream is heated by heat exchange with an effluent product stream wherein at least one of the streams is in turbulent flow. The feed stream is pressurized by the hydrostatic pressure head to a reaction pressure of at least about 1000 psi. The heated and pressurized feed stream is contacted with an active heat source in a reaction zone to increase the temperature of the feed stream to a reaction temperature of between about 300.degree. C. and the coking temperature of the hydrocarbon composition. The temperature differential between the active heat source and the feed stream in the reaction zone is maintained at less than about 30.degree. C. to provide a treated effluent stream which is brought into heat exchange contact with the influent stream. The treated composition has a lower viscosity than the feed composition.

Viscosity reduction processing at elevated pressure

A process suitable for separating the hydrocarbon fraction from a tar sands froth is provided. The process comprises heating a fluid stream comprising the froth to above about 300.degree. C., pressurizing the stream to above about 1000 psig and separating the hydrocarbon fraction, having less than 1 percent solids and less than 5 percent water, from the treated stream. Separation is preferably by gravitational settling in a settler and occurs substantially instantaneously. The heat/pressure treatment can be optionally followed by addition of a diluent, such as naphtha. The pressure is preferably produced by the hydrostatic head of a column of froth.

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Wheatridge, CO, United States of America

Daniel W Gillespie