Abstract

Methods and apparatus for refining feedstocks, such as crude or synthetic oil, and like feedstocks, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a reactor for refining a feedstock includes: a chamber having an inner volume to hold a liquid feedstock, a feedstock inlet port, a process gas inlet port, and an outlet port; a gas diffuser housed within the chamber and coupled to the process gas inlet port; and a radical generator coupled in fluid communication with the inner volume via the gas diffuser. In some embodiments, a method for refining feedstock includes: providing liquid feedstock to an inner volume of a reactor; flowing a radicalized process gas from a radical generator into the inner volume and into contact with the feedstock via a gas diffuser to fractionate the feedstock and produce one or more fractions of product in a vaporous mixture; and collecting a desired product from the vaporous mixture.

IPC Classes  ?

• C07C 5/03 - Preparation of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbons containing the same number of carbon atoms by hydrogenation of non-aromatic carbon-to-carbon double bonds
• C07C 2/56 - Addition to acyclic hydrocarbons
• B01J 19/08 - Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiationApparatus therefor
• B01J 19/12 - Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiationApparatus therefor employing electromagnetic waves
• B01J 19/24 - Stationary reactors without moving elements inside
• B01J 10/00 - Chemical processes in general for reacting liquid with gaseous media other than in the presence of solid particlesApparatus specially adapted therefor

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for refining feedstocks, such as crude or synthetic oil, and like feedstocks, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a reactor for refining a feedstock includes: a chamber having an inner volume to hold a liquid feedstock, a feedstock inlet port, a process gas inlet port, and an outlet port; a gas diffuser housed within the chamber and coupled to the process gas inlet port; and a radical generator coupled in fluid communication with the inner volume via the gas diffuser. In some embodiments, a method for refining feedstock includes: providing liquid feedstock to an inner volume of a reactor; flowing a radicalized process gas from a radical generator into the inner volume and into contact with the feedstock via a gas diffuser to fractionate the feedstock and produce one or more fractions of product in a vaporous mixture; and collecting a desired product from the vaporous mixture.

IPC Classes  ?

• C10G 27/00 - Refining of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by oxidation
• C10G 7/00 - Distillation of hydrocarbon oils