Rashid M Khan

Title: Innovations by Rashid M Khan in Crude Oil Processing

Introduction

Rashid M Khan is a notable inventor based in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. He has made significant contributions to the field of crude oil processing, particularly in the area of desulfurization. With a total of 4 patents to his name, his work focuses on enhancing the quality and value of heavy crude oils.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is titled "Microwave-promoted desulfurization of crude oil." This innovative process upgrades heavy crude oils with high sulfur content and viscosities through a hydrodesulfurization (HDS) method. The process involves microwave irradiation of a mixture of sour heavy crude oil with at least one catalyst and optionally, one or more sensitizers, while also applying hydrogen. This method is particularly effective for treating hard-to-break emulsions, whether above ground or below ground, where water-in-oil emulsions are initially formed. The catalytic hydrodesulfurization is further enhanced by applying additional microwave energy to the demulsified crude oil stream.

Another significant patent by Rashid M Khan is focused on "Methods for making higher value products from sulfur containing crude oil." This process refines high sulfur heavy hydrocarbon crude oil into a lighter oil with a lower sulfur concentration, thus creating a higher value product. The method involves reacting the high sulfur heavy hydrocarbon crude oil in the presence of a catalyst and low pressure hydrogen to produce a reaction product stream from which the light oil is recovered. The upgrading process also yields residual oil suitable for producing olefins, carbon fiber, or road asphalt.

Career Highlights

Rashid M Khan is currently employed at the Saudi Arabian Oil Company, where he continues to innovate in the field of crude oil processing. His work has been instrumental in developing methods that not only improve the quality of crude oil but also enhance its economic value.

Collaborations

He has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Mazen Mashhour and Emad Naji Al-Shafei, contributing to advancements in their shared field of expertise.

Conclusion

Rashid M Khan's innovative patents and contributions to crude oil processing demonstrate his commitment to enhancing the efficiency and value of heavy crude oils. His work is paving the way for more sustainable and economically viable methods in the oil industry.