초록

Method for the formation, processing, transportation and end use of a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion.

대표청구항 ▼

A process for the preparation of a naturally occurring viscous hydrocarbon material for further processing comprising the steps of: (a) forming a first hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion from said naturally occurring viscous hydrocarbon material using an emulsifier wherein said hydrocarbon-in-water emuls

A process for the preparation of a naturally occurring viscous hydrocarbon material for further processing comprising the steps of: (a) forming a first hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion from said naturally occurring viscous hydrocarbon material using an emulsifier wherein said hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion has a water content of at least 15 wt. %, a viscosity of no more than 5000 centipoise at 122°F. and an oil droplet size of no more than 300 microns; (b) degassing said first hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion at a temperature of as low as 95°F. at a pressure of at least 20 psi so as to obtain a degassing efficiency of said hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion of greater than or equal to 90% so as to produce a degassed hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion having a gas content of less than 5 cubic ft. of gas per barrel of emulsion; (c) adjusting the density difference between the hydrocarbon-in-water phases of said degassed hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion such that the density difference between the phases is greater than or equal to 2×10-3 g/cm3 at a temperature T wherein the temperature T is greater than or equal to 15°C. below the cloud point of said emulsifier used in the formation of the first hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion; (d) breaking said density adjusted hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion in a separator at said temperature T and recovering said naturally occurring hydrocarbon material separated; (e) re-emulsifying said separated naturally occurring hydrocarbon material using an emulsifier and conditioning same for further processing so as to form a stable second hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion suitable for transportation; and (f) transporting said second hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion.