EP1169412B1

EP1169412B1 - Rapid thermal processing of bitumen feedstocks

Info

Publication number: EP1169412B1
Application number: EP00916713.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Barry A. Freel; Robert G. Graham
Original assignee: Ivanhoe HTL Petroleum Ltd
Current assignee: Ivanhoe HTL Petroleum Ltd
Priority date: 1999-04-07
Filing date: 2000-04-07
Publication date: 2013-06-19
Anticipated expiration: 2020-04-07
Also published as: DK1169412T3; DK2336274T3; EP1169412A1; CA2369288C; BR0009652B1; PT1169412E; NO20014868D0; US20120279825A1; BR0009652A; NO20014868L; PT2336274E; ES2429816T3; AU3798300A; MXPA01010120A; EP2336274B1; EP2336274A1; ES2429508T3; CA2369288A1; WO2000061705A1

Description

The present invention relates to the rapid thermal processing of viscous oil feedstocks. More specifically, this invention relates to the use of pyrolysis in order to upgrade and reduce the viscosity of these oils.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heavy oil and bitumen resources are supplementing the decline in the production of conventional light and medium crude oil, and production form these resources is expected to dramatically increase. Pipeline expansion is expected to handle the increase in heavy oil production, however, the heavy oil must be treated in order to permit its transport by pipeline. Presently heavy oil and bitumen crudes are either made transportable by the addition of diluents or they are upgraded to synthetic crude. However, diluted crudes or upgraded synthetic crudes are significantly different from conventional crude oils. As a result, bitumen blends or synthetic crudes are not easily processed in conventional fluid catalytic cracking refineries. Therefore, in either case the refiner must be configured to handle either diluted or upgraded feedstocks.
Many heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks are also characterized as comprising significant amounts of BS&W (bottom sediment and water). Such feedstocks are not suitable for transportable by pipeline, or upgrading due to the sand, water and corrosive properties of the feedstock. Typically, feedstocks characterized as having less than 0.5 wt. % BS&W are transportable by pipeline, and those comprising greater amount of BS&W require some degree of processing and treatment to reduce the BS&W content prior to transport. Such processing may include storage to let the water and particulates settle, followed by heat treatment to drive of water and other components. However, these manipulations are expensive and time consuming. There is therefore a need within the art for an efficient method for upgrading feedstock comprising a significant BS&W content prior to transport or further processing of the feedstock.
Heavy oils and bitumens can be upgraded using a range of rapid processes including thermal (e.g. US 4,490,234 ; US 4,294,686 ; US 4,161,442 ), hydrocracking ( US 4,252,634 ) visbreaking ( US 4,427,539 ; US 4,569,753 ; US 5,413,702 ) or catalytic cracking ( US 5,723,040 ; US 5,662,868 ; US 5,296,131 ; US 4,985,136 ; US 4,772,378 ; US 4,668,378 , US 4,578,183 ) procedures. Several of these processes, such as visbreaking or catalytic cracking, utilize either inert or catalytic particulate contact materials within upflow or downflow reactors. Catalytic contact materials are for the most part zeolite based (see for example US 5,723,040 ; US 5,662,868 ; US 5,296,131 ; US 4,985,136 ; US 4,772,378 ; US 4,668,378 , US 4,578,183 ; US 4,435,272 ; US 4,263,128 ), while visbreaking typically utilizes inert contact material (e.g. US 4,427,539 ; US 4,569,753 ), carbonaceous solids (e.g. US 5,413,702 ), or inert kaolin solids (e.g. US 4,569,753 ).
The use of fluid catalytic cracking (FCC), or other, units for the direct processing of bitumen feedstocks is known in the art. However, many compounds present within the crude feedstocks interfere with these process by depositing on the contact material itself. These feedstock contaminants include metals such as vanadium and nickel, coke precursors such as Conradson carbon and asphaltenes, and sulfur, and the deposit of these materials results in the requirement for extensive regeneration of the contact material. This is especially true for contact material employed with FCC processes as efficient cracking and proper temperature control of the process requires contact materials comprising little or no combustible deposit materials or metals that interfere with the catalytic process.
To reduce contamination of the catalytic material within catalytic cracking units, pretreatment of the feedstock via visbreaking ( US 5,413,702 ; US 4,569,753 ; US 4,427,539 ), thermal ( US 4,252,634 ; US 4,161,442 ) or other processes, typically using FCC-like reactors, operating at temperatures below that required for cracking the feedstock (e.g US 4,980,045 ; US 4,818,373 and US 4,263,128 ;) have been suggested. These systems operate in series with FCC units and function as pre-treaters for FCC. These pretreatment processes are designed to remove contaminant materials from the feedstock, and operate under conditions that mitigate any cracking. This ensures that any upgrading and controlled cracking of the feedstock takes place within the FCC reactor under optimal conditions.
Several of these processes (e.g. US 4,818,373 ; US 4,427,539 ; US 4,311,580 ; US 4,232,514 ; US 4,263,128 ;) have been specifically adapted to process "resids" (i.e. feedstocks produced from the fractional distillation of a whole crude oil) and bottom fractions, in order to optimize recovery from the initial feedstock supply. The disclosed processes for the recovery of resids, or bottom fractions, are physical and involve selective vaporization or fractional distillation of the feedstock with minimal or no chemical change of the feedstock. These process are also combined with metals removal and provide feedstocks suitable for FCC processing. The selective vaporization of the resid takes place under non-cracking conditions, without any reduction in the viscosity of the feedstock components, and ensures that cracking occurs within an FCC reactor under controlled conditions. None of these approaches disclose the upgrading of feedstock within this pretreatment (i.e. metals and coke removal) process. Other processes for the thermal treatment of feedstocks involve hydrogen addition (hydrotreating) which results in some chemical change in the feedstock.
US 4,294,686 discloses a steam distillation process in the presence of hydrogen for the pretreatment of feedstock for FCC processing. This document also indicates that this process may also be used to reduce the viscosity of the feedstock such that the feedstock may be suitable for transport within a pipeline. However, the use of short residence time reactors to produce a transportable feedstock is not disclosed.
US 4, 080, 285 discloses a process for the non-catalytic rises cracking of retorted shale oil to produce ethylene in the presence of entrained hot, inert solids.
There is a need within the art for a rapid and effective upgrading process of a bitumen feedstock that involves a partial chemical upgrade or mild cracking of the feedstock in order to obtain a product characterized in having a reduced viscosity over the starting material. Ideally this process would be able to accommodate feedstocks comprising significant amounts of BS&W. This product would be transportable for further processing and upgrading. Such a process would not involve any catalytic-cracking activity due to the known contamination of catalyst contact materials with components present in heavy oil or bitumen feedstocks. The rapid and effective upgrading process would produce a product characterized in having reduced viscosity, reduced metal content, increased API, and an optimal product yield.
The present invention is directed to the upgrading of bitumen feedstocks, that utilizes a short residence pyrolytic reactor operating under conditions that cracks and chemically upgrades the feedstock. The feedstock used within this process may comprise significant levels of BS&W and still be effectively processed, thereby increasing the efficiency of feedstock handling. The process of the present invention provides for the preparation of a partially upgraded feedstock exhibiting reduced viscosity and increased API gravity. The process described herein selectively removes metals, salts, water and nitrogen from the feedstock, while at the same time maximizes the liquid yield, and minimizing coke and gas production. Furthermore, this process reduces the viscosity of the feedstock to an extent which can permit pipeline transport of the feedstock without addition of diluents. The partially upgraded product optionally permits transport of the feedstock offsite, to locations better equipped to handle refining. Such facilities are typically located at a distance from the point where the crude feedstock is obtained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the rapid thermal processing of bitumen feedstocks. More specifically, this invention relates to the use of pyrolysis in order to upgrade and reduce the viscosity of these oils.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of producing an upgraded liquid product from bitumen for transport of said upgraded liquid product by pipeline to an offsite location for refining, said method comprising:

i) providing silica sand as a particulate heat carrier into an upflow reactor;
ii) introducing said bitumen in a preheated state into said upflow reactor at at least one location above that of said particulate heat carrier so that a loading ratio of said particulate heat carrier to said heavy oil or bitumen is from 10: 1 to 200: 1; wherein said upflow reactor is run at a temperature of from 480 °C to 620 °C;
iii) allowing said bitumen to interact with said heat carrier with a residence time of less than about 5 seconds, to produce a product stream;
iv) separating said product stream from said particulate heat carrier;
v) regenerating said particulate heat carrier; and
vi) collecting a gaseous product and said upgraded liquid product from said product stream, wherein said upgraded liquid product exhibits an increased API gravity, a reduced pour point, a reduced viscosity and a reduced level of contaminants over that of said bitumen.

The present invention also relates to the method as defined above, wherein the residence time is from 0.5 to 2 seconds,
This invention is also directed to the above method wherein the contaminants, including Conradson carbon (coke), BS&W, nickel and vanadium are removed from the feedstock or deposited onto the heat carrier
The present invention also includes the method as defined above, wherein said product stream of a first pyrolysis run is separated into a lighter fraction and a heavier fraction, collecting the lighter fraction from the product stream, and recycling the heavier fraction back into the upflow reactor for further processing within a second pyrolysis run to produce a second product stream. Preferably, the further processing includes mixing the heavier fraction with the particulate heat carrier, wherein the temperature of the particulate heat carrier of the second pyrolysis run is at about, or above, that used in the processing of the feedstock within the first pyrolysis run. The residence time of the second pyrolysis run is the same as, or longer than, the residence time of the first pyrolysis run. Furthermore, the heavier fraction may be added to unprocessed feedstock prior to being introduced into the upflow reactor for the second pyrolysis run.
A upgraded bitumen is characterized by the following properties:

i) an API gravity from 10 to 21;
ii) a density from 0.93 to 1.0;
iii) a viscosity at 40°C (cSt) from 15 to 300; and
iv) a reduced Vanadium content of 60 to 100 ppm; and
v) a reduced Nickel content of 10 to 50 ppm.

The liquid product is characterized in having at least one of the following properties:

i) less than 50% of the components evolving at temperatures above 538°C during simulated distillation;
ii) from 60% to 95% of the product evolving below 538° during simulated distillation;
iii) from 1.0% to 10% of the liquid product evolving below 193 °C during simulated distillation;
iv) from 2% to 6% of the liquid product evolving between 193-232°C during simulated distillation;
v) from 10% to 25% of the liquid product evolving between 232-327°C during simulated distillation;
vi) from 6% to 15% of the liquid product evolving between 327-360°C during simulated distillation; and
vii) from 34.5% to 60% of the liquid product evolving between 360-538°C during simulated distillation.

An upflow pyrolysis reactor for heavy hydrocarbon feedstock upgrading comprises.

i) a means for pre-heating the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock;
ii) at least one injection means at at least one of a plurality of locations along the upflow reactor, the at least one injection means for introducing the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock into the upflow reactor;
iii) an inlet for introducing a particulate heat carrier, the inlet located below the at least one injection means, the particulate heat carrier present at a loading ratio of at least 10:1;
iv) a conversion section within the upflow reactor;
v) a separation means at an outlet of the upflow reactor to separate the gaseous and liquid products from the particulate heat carrier;
vi) a particulate heat carrier regeneration means;
vii) a particulate heat carrier recirculation line from the regeneration means to the inlet for supplying the particulate heat carrier to said mixing section;
viii) a condensing means for cooling and condensing the liquid products;

In the upflow reactor as defined above, the plurality of locations, includes locations distributed along the length of said reactor. Furthermore, the upflow reactor may comprise a hot condenser means prior to the condensing means. Preferably, the particulate heat carrier is silica sand, and the loading ratio is from 20:1 to 30:1. The upflow reactor as defined above may also comprise a heavy fraction product recirculation means from the hot condensing means to the injection means of the upflow reactor.
The present invention addresses the need within the art for a rapid upgrading process of bitumen feedstock involving a partial chemical upgrade or mild cracking of the feedstock. This product may, if desired, be transportable for further processing and upgrading. The process as described herein also reduces the levels of contaminants within feedstocks, thereby mitigating contamination of catalytic contact materials with components present in bitumen feedstocks.
Furthermore, a range of heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks may be processed by the methods as described herein, including feedstocks comprising significant amounts of BS&W. Feedstocks comprising significant BS&W content are non-transportable due to their corrosive properties. Current practices for the treatment of feedstocks to decrease their BS&W content are time consuming and costly, and still require further processing or partial upgrading prior to transport. The methods described herein permit the use of feedstocks having a substantial BS&W component, and produce a liquid product that is partially upgraded and suitable for pipeline or other methods, of transport. The present invention therefore provides for earlier processing of bitumen and reduces associated costs and processing times.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of the present invention relating to a system for the pyrolytic processing of feedstocks.
FIGURE 2 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of the present invention relating to the feed system for introducing the feedstock to the system for the pyrolytic processing of feedstocks.
FIGURE 3 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of the present invention relating to the feed system for introducing feedstock into the second stage of a two stage process using the system for the pyrolytic processing of feedstocks as described herein.
FIGURE 4 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of the present invention relating to the recovery system for obtaining feedstock to be either collected from a primary condenser, or recycled to the second stage of a two stage process using the system for the pyrolytic processing of feedstocks as described herein.
FIGURE 5 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of the present invention relating to a multi stage system for the pyrolytic processing of feedstocks.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to the rapid thermal processing of bitumen. More specifically, this invention relates to the use of pyrolysis in order to upgrade and reduce the viscosity of these oils.
The following description is of a preferred embodiment by way of example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect.
The feedstock may comprise significant amounts of BS&W (Bottom Sediment and Water), for example, but not limited to, a BS&W content of greater than 0.5% (wt%). These bitumen feedstocks are typically viscous and difficult to transport. Bitumens typically comprise a large proportion of complex polynuclear hydrocarbons (asphaltenes) that add to the viscosity of this feedstock and some form of pretreatment of this feedstock is required for transport. Such pretreatment typically includes dilution in solvents prior to transport.
Typically tar-sand derived feedstocks (see Example 1 for an analysis of examples, which are not to be considered limiting, of such feedstocks) are pre-processed prior to upgrading, as described herein, in order to concentrate bitumen. However, pre-processing may also involve methods known within the art, including hot or cold water treatments, or solvent extraction that produces a bitumen-gas oil solution. These pre-processing treatments typically reduce the sand content of bitumen. For example one such water pre-processing treatment involves the formation of a tar-sand containing bitumen- hot water/NaOH slurry, from which the sand is permitted to settle, and more hot water is added to the floating bitumen to dilute out the base and ensure the removal of sand. Cold water processing involves crushing tar-sand in water and floating the bitumen containing tar-sands in fuel oil, then diluting the bitumen with solvent and separating the bitumen from the sand-water residue. A more complete description of the cold water process is disclosed in US 4,818,373 . Such pre-processed or pre-treated feedstocks may also be used for further processing as described herein.
The liquid product arising from the process as described herein may be suitable for transport within a pipeline to permit further processing of the feedstock elsewhere. Typically, further processing occurs at a site distant from where the feedstock is obtained. However, it is considered within the scope of the present invention that the liquid product produced using the present method may also be directly input into a unit capable of further upgrading the feedstock, such as, but not limited to, FCC, coking, visbreaking, hydrocracking, or pyrolysis etc. In this capacity, the pyrolytic reactor of the present invention partially upgrades the feedstock while at the same time acts as a pre-treater of the feedstock for further processing, as disclosed in, for example, but not limited to US 5,662,868 ; US 4,980,045 ; US 4,818,373 ; US 4,569,753 ; US 4,435,272 ; US 4,427,538 ; US 4,427,539 ; US 4,328,091 ; US 4,311,580 ; US 4,243,514 ; US 4,294,686 .
The feedstocks of the present invention are processed using a fast pyrolysis reactor, such as that disclosed in US 5.792,340 ( WO 91/11499 ; EP 513,051 ) involving contact times between the heat carrier and feedstock from 0.01 to 2 sec. Other known riser reactors with short residence times may also be employed, for example, but not limited to US 4,427,539 , 4,569,753 , 4,818,373 , 4,243,514
It is preferred that the heat carrier used within the pyrolysis reactor exhibits low catalytic activity. Such a heat carrier is silica sand. By silica sand it is meant a sand comprising greater than 30% silica, preferably greater than 95% silica, and more preferably greater than 99% silica. Other components of the silica sand may include, but are not limited to, from 0.01% (about 100 ppm) to 0.04% (400 ppm) iron oxide, preferably about 0.035% (358 ppm); about 0.00037% (3.78 ppm) potassium oxide; about 0.00688% (68.88 ppm) aluminum oxide; about 0.0027 (27.25) magnesium oxide; and about 0.0051% (51.14 ppm) calcium oxide. It is to be understood that the above composition is an example of a silica sand that can be used as a heat carrier as described herein, however, variations within the proportions of these ingredients within other silica sands may exist and still be suitable for use as a heat carrier. are
Processing of feedstocks using fast pyrolysis results in the production of product vapours and solid byproducts associated with the heat carrier. After removal of the heat carrier from the product stream, the product vapours are condensed to obtain a liquid product and gaseous by-products.
Following the methods as described herein, a liquid product obtained from processing bitumen feedstock, is characterized as having:

an API gravity from 10 to 21;
a density @ 15°C from 0.93 to 1.0;
greatly reduced metals content, including V and Ni.
a greatly reduced viscosity of more than 20 fold lower than the feedstock (for example as determined at 40°C), and
yields of liquid product of at least 60 vol%, preferably the yields are greater than about 75 vol%.

The high yields and reduced viscosity of the liquid product produced according to this invention may permit the liquid product to be transported by pipeline to refineries for further processing with the addition of little or no diluents. Furthermore, the liquid products exhibit reduced levels of contaminants (e.g. metals and water), with the content of sulphur and nitrogen slightly reduced. Therefore, the liquid product may also be used as a feedstock, either directly, or following transport, for further processing using, for example, FCC, hydrocracking etc.
Furthermore, the liquid products of the present invention may be characterised using Simulated Distillation (SimDist) analysis, as is commonly known in the art, for example but not limited to ASTM D 5307-97 or HT 750 (NCUT). SimDist analaysis, indicates that liquid products obtained following processing of bitumen can be characterized by any one of, or a combination of, the following properties (see Examples 1, 2 and 5):

having less than 50 % of their components evolving at temperatures above 538 °C (vacuum resid fraction);
comprising from 60% to 95 % of the product evolving below 538°. Preferably, from 62% to 85% of the product evolves during SimDist below 538°C (i.e. before the vacuum resid. fraction);
having from 1.0% to 10% of the liquid product evolve below 193°C. Preferably from 1.2% to 6.5% evolves below 193°C (i.e. before the naphtha/kerosene fraction);
having from 2% to 6% of the liquid product evolve between 193-232°C. Preferably from 2.5% to 5% evolves between 193-232°C (kerosene fraction);
having from 10% to 25% of the liquid product evolve between 232-327°C. Preferably, from 13 to 24% evolves between 232-327°C (diesel fraction);
having from 6% to 15% of the liquid product evolve between 327-360°C. Preferably, from 6.5 to 11 % evolves between 327-360°C (light VGO fraction);
having from 34.5% to 60% of the liquid product evolve between 360-538°C. Preferably, from 35 to 55% evolves between 360-538°C (Heavy VGO fraction);

A first method for upgrading a feedstock to obtain liquid products with desired properties involves a one stage process. With reference to Figure 1, briefly, the fast pyrolysis system includes a feed system generally indicated as (10; also see Figures 2 and 3), that injects the feedstock into a reactor (20), a heat carrier separation system that separates the heat carrier from the product vapour (e.g.100 and 180) and recycles the heat carrier to the reheating/regenerating system (30), a particulate inorganic heat carrier reheating system (30) that reheats and regenerates the heat carrier, and primary (40) and secondary (50) condensers that collect the product. The pre-heated feedstock enters the reactor just below the mixing zone (170) and is contacted by the upward flowing stream of hot inert carrier within a transport fluid, typically a recycle gas supplied by a recycle gas line (210). A through and rapid mixing and conductive heat transfer from the heat carrier to the feedstock takes place in the short residence time conversion section of the reactor. The feedstock may enter the reactor through at least one of several locations along the length of the reactor. The different entry points indicated in Figures 1 and 2 are non-limiting examples of such entry locations. By providing several entry points along the length of the reactor, the length of the residence time within the reactor may be varied. For example, for longer residence times, the feedstock enters the reactor at a location lower down the reactor, while, for shorter residence times, the feedstock enters the reactor at a location higher up the reactor. In all of these cases, the introduced feedstock mixes with the upflowing heat carrier within a mixing zone (170) of the reactor. The product vapours produced during pyrolysis are cooled and collected using a suitable condenser means (40, 50) in order to obtain a liquid product.
It is to be understood that other fast pyrolysis systems, comprising differences in reactor design, that utilize heat carrier separators, different numbers or size of condensers, or different condensing means, may be used for the preparation of the upgraded product of this invention. For example, which is not to be considered limiting, reactors disclosed in US 4,427,539 , 4,569,753 , 4,818,373 , 4,243,514 may be modified to operate under the conditions as outlined herein for the production of a chemically upgraded product with an increased API and reduced viscosity.
Following pyrolysis of the feedstock in the presence of the inert heat carrier, some contaminants present within the feedstock are deposited onto the inert heat carrier. These contaminants include metals (especially nickel and vanadium), coke, and to some extent nitrogen and sulphur. The inert heat carrier therefore requires regeneration (30) before re-introduction into the reaction stream. The heat carrier may be regenerated via combustion within a fluidized bed at a temperature of 600 to 900°C. Furthermore, as required, deposits may also be removed from the heat carrier by an acid treatment, for example as disclosed in US 4,818,373 (which is incorporated by reference). The heated, regenerated, heat-carrier is then re-introduced to the reactor (20) and acts as heat carrier for fast pyrolysis.
The feed system (10) provides a preheated feedstock to the reactor (20). An example of a feed system which is not to be considered limiting in any manner, is shown in Figure 2, however, other embodiments of the feed system are within the scope of the present invention, for example but not limited to a feed pre-heater unit as shown in Figure 5 (discussed below) and may be optionally used in conjunction with a feed system (10; Figure 5). The feed system (generally shown as 10, Figures 1 and 2) is designed to provide a regulated flow of pre-heated feedstock to the reactor unit (20). The feed system shown in Figure 2 includes a feedstock pre-heating surge tank (110), heated using external band heaters (130) to 80°C, and is associated with a recirculation/transfer pump (120). The feedstock is constantly heated and mixed in this tank at 80°C. The hot feedstock is pumped from the surge tank to a primary feed tank (140), also heated using external band heaters (130), as required. However, it is to be understood that variations on the feed system may also be employed, in order to provide a heated feedstock to the reactor. The primary feed tank (140) may also be fitted with a recirculation/delivery pump (150). Heat traced transfer lines (160) are maintained at about 150°C and pre-heat the feedstock prior to entry into the reactor via an injection nozzle (170). Atomization at the injection nozzle (70) positioned near the mixing zone (170) within reactor (20) may be accomplished by any suitable means. The nozzle arrangement should provide for a homogeneous dispersed flow of material into the reactor. For example, which is not considered limiting in any manner, mechanical pressure using single-phase flow atomization, or a two-phase flow atomization nozzle may be used. With a two phase flow atomization nozzle, pre-heated air, nitrogen or recycled by-product gas may be used as a carrier. Instrumentation is also dispersed throughout this system for precise feedback control (e.g. pressure transmitters, temperature sensors, DC controllers, 3-way valves gas flow metres etc.) of the system.
Conversion of the feedstock is initiated in the mixing zone (170; e.g. Figure 1) under moderate temperatures and continues through the conversion section within the reactor unit (20) and connections (e.g. piping, duct work) up until the primary separation system (e.g. 100) where the bulk of the heat carrier is removed from the product vapour stream. The solid heat carrier and solid coke by-product are removed from the product vapour stream in a primary separation unit. Preferably, the product vapour stream is separated from the heat carrier as quickly as possible after exiting from the reactor (20), so that the residence time of the product vapour stream in the presence of the heat carrier is as short as possible.
The primary separation unit may be any suitable solids separation device, for example but not limited to a cyclone separator, a U-Beam separator, or Rams Horn separator as are known within the art. A cyclone separator is shown diagrammatically in Figures 1, 3 and 4. The solids separator, for example a primary cyclone (100), is preferably fitted with a high-abrasion resistant liner. Any solids that avoid collection in the primary collection system are carried downstream and recovered in a secondary collection system (180). The secondary separation unit may be the same as the primary separation unit, or it may comprise an alternate solids separation device, for example but not limited to a cyclone separator, a 1/4 turn separator, for example a Rams Horn separator, or an impingement separator, as are known within the art. A secondary cyclone separator (180) is graphically represented in Figures 1 and 4, however, other separators may be used as a secondary separator unit.
The solids that have been removed in the primary and secondary collection systems are transferred to a vessel for regeneration of the heat carrier, for example, but not limited to a direct contact reheater system (30). In a direct contact reheater system (30), the coke and by-product gasses are oxidized to provide processes thermal energy which is directly carried to the solid heat carrier, as well as regenerating the heat carrier. The temperature of the direct contact reheater is maintained independent of the feedstock conversion (reactor) system. However, as indicated above, other methods for the regeneration of the heat carrier may be employed, for example but not limited to, acid treatment.
The hot product stream from the secondary separation unit is quenched in a primary collection column (or primary condenser, 40; Figure 1). The vapour stream is rapidly cooled from the conversion temperature to less than 400°C. Preferably the vapour stream is cooled to about 300°C. Product is drawn from the primary column and pumped (220) into product storage tanks. A secondary condenser (50) can be used to collect any material that evades the primary condenser (40). Product drawn from the secondary condenser (50) is also pumped (230) into product storage tanks. The remaining non-condensible gas is compressed in a blower (190) and a portion is returned to the heat carrier regeneration system (30) via line (200), and the remaining gas is returned to the reactor (20) by line (210) and acts as a heat carrier, and transport, medium.
It is preferred that the reactor used with the process of the present invention is capable of producing high yields of liquid product for example at least greater than 60 vol%, preferably the yield is greater than 70 vol%, and more preferably the yield is greater than 80%, with minimal byproduct production such as coke and gas. Without wishing to limit the scope of the invention in any manner, an example for the suitable conditions for a the pyrolytic treatment of feedstock, and the production of a liquid product is described in US 5,792,340 , This process utilizes sand (silica sand) as the heat carrier, and a reactor temperature ranging from 480° to 620°C, loading ratios of heat carrier to feedstock from 10:1 to 200:1, and residence times from 0.35 to 0.7 sec. Preferably the reactor temperature ranges from 500° to 550°C. The preferred loading ratio is from 15:1 to 50:1, with a more preferred ratio from 20:1 1 to 30:1. Furthermore, it is to be understood that longer residence times within the reactor, for example up to 5 sec, may be obtained if desired by introducing the feedstock within the reactor at a position towards the base of the reactor, by increasing the length of the reactor itself, by reducing the velocity of the heat carrier through the reactor (provided that there is sufficient velocity for the product vapour and heat carrier to exit the reactor), or a combination thereof. The preferred residence time is from 0.5 to 2sec.
Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that the chemical upgrading of the feedstock that takes place within the reactor system as described above is in part due to the high loading ratios of feedstock to heat carrier that are used within the method of the present invention. Prior art loading ratios typically ranged 5:1 to 12.5:1. However, the loading ratios as described herein, of from 15:1 to 200:1, result in a very rapid, ablative and consistent transfer of heat from the heat carrier to the feedstock. The high volume and density of heat carrier within the mixing and conversion zones, ensures that a rapid and even processing temperature is achieved and maintained. In this way the temperatures required for cracking process described herein are easily controlled. This also allows for the use of relatively low temperatures to minimize over cracking, while ensuring that mild cracking of the feedstock is still achieved. Furthermore, with an increased density of heat carrier within the reactor, contaminants and undesired components present in the feedstock and reaction by-products, including metals (e.g. nickel and vanadium), coke, and to some extent nitrogen and sulphur, are readily adsorbed due to the large surface area of heat carrier present. This ensures efficient and optimal removal of contaminants from the feedstock, during the pyrolytic processing of the feedstock. As a larger surface area of heat carrier is employed, the heat carrier itself is not unduly contaminated, and any adsorbed metal or coke and the like is readily stripped during regeneration of the heat carrier. With this system the residence times can be carefully regulated in order to optimize the processing of the feedstock and liquid product yields.
Following the methods as described herein, a liquid product obtained from processing bitumen feedstock following a single stage process, is characterized as having, and which is not to be considered as limiting, an increase in API gravity of at least 10 (feedstock API is typically about 8.6). Again, higher API gravities may be achieved with a reduction in volume. The product obtained from bitumen is also characterised as having a density from 0.93 to 1.0 and a greatly reduced viscosity of at least 20 fold lower than the feedstock (i.e. from 15 g/ml to 60 g/ml at 40°C in the product, v. the feedstock comprising about 1500 g/ml). Yields of liquid product obtained from bitumen are at least 60% by vol, and preferably greater than 75% by vol. SimDist analysis also demonstrates significantly different properties between the bitumen feedstock and liquid product as produced herein. Highlights from SimDist analysis indicates that for a bitumen feedstock, approx. 1% (wt%) of the feedstock was distilled off below 232°C (Kerosene fraction), approx. 8.6% from 232° to 327°C (Diesel fraction), and 51.2 % evolved above 538°C (Vacuum resid fraction; see Example 2 for complete analysis). SimDist analysis of the liquid product produced from bitumen as described above may be characterized, but is not limited to the following properties: approx. 5.7% (wt%) is evolved below 232°C (Kerosene fraction), approx. 14.8% from 232° to 327°C (Diesel fraction), and 29.9% within the vacuum resid fraction (above 538°C). Again, these results may differ depending upon the feedstock used, however, they demonstrate the significant alteration in many of the components within the liquid product when compared with the bitumen feedstock, and the general trend to lower molecular weight components that evolve earlier during SimDist analysis in the liquid product produced from rapid thermal processing.
Therefore, the present invention is directed to a liquid product obtained from single stage processing of bitumen which is characterised by having at least one of the following properties:

having less than 50 % of their components evolving at temperatures above 538°C (vacuum resid fraction);
comprising from 60 % to 95% of the product evolving below 538°. Preferably, from 60% to 80% evolves during Simulated Distillation below 538°C (i.e. before the vacuum resid. fraction);
having from 1.0% to 6% of the liquid product evolve below 193°C. Preferably from 1.2% to 5% evolves below 193°C (i.e. before the naphtha/kerosene fraction);
having from 2 % to 6 % of the liquid product evolve between 193-232°C. Preferably from 2.0% to 5% evolves between 193-232°C (diesel fraction);
having from 12 % to 25% of the liquid product evolve between 232-327°C. Preferably, from 13 to 18% evolves between 232-327°C (diesel fraction);
having from 5% to 10% of the liquid product evolve between 327-360°C. Preferably, from 6.0 to 8.0% evolves between 327-360°C (light VGO fraction);
having from 40% to 60% of the liquid product evolve between 360-538°C. Preferably, from 30 to 50% evolves between 360-538°C (Heavy VGO fraction);

The liquid product produced as described herein also exhibits a high degree of stability. Analysis of the liquid product over a 30 day period indicates negligible change in SimDist profile, viscosity, API and density for liquid products produced from either heavy oil or bitumen feedstocks (see Example 1 and 2).
Because the crack is not as severe, and the residence time short, unwanted reactions that can generate excessive amounts of undesirable aromatics and olefines. Furthermore, it has been found that contaminants such as metals and water are significantly reduced. There is no concentration of contaminants in the liquid product.
Also as disclosed herein, further processing of the liquid product obtained from the process of bitumen feedstock may take place following the method of this invention. Such further processing may utilize conditions that are very similar to the initial fast pyrolysis treatment of the feedstock, or the conditions may be modified to enhance removal of lighter products (a single-stage process with a mild crack) followed by more severe cracking of the recycled fraction (i.e. a two stage process).
In the first instance, that of further processing under similar conditions the liquid product from a first pyrolytic treatment is recycled back into the pyrolysis reactor in order to further upgrade the properties of the final product to produce a lighter product. In this arrangement the liquid product from the first round of pyrolysis is used as a feedstock for a second round of pyrolysis after the lighter fraction of the product has been removed from the product stream. Furthermore, a composite recycle may also be carried out where the heavy fraction of the product stream of the first process is fed back (recycled) into the reactor along with the addition of fresh feedstock (e.g. Figure 3, described in more detail below).
The second method for upgrading a feedstock to obtain liquid products with desired properties involves a two-stage pyrolytic process (see Figures 2 and 3). This two stage processes comprises a first stage where the feedstock is exposed to conditions that mildly cracks the hydrocarbon components in order to avoid overcracking and excess gas and coke production. An example of these conditions includes, but is not limited to, injecting the feedstock at about 150°C into a hot gas stream comprising the heat carrier at the inlet of the reactor. The feedstock is processed with a residence time less than about one second within the reactor at less than 500°C, for example 300°C. The product, comprising lighter materials (low boilers) is separated (100, and 180, Figure 3), and removed following the first stage in the condensing system (40). The heavier materials (240), separated out at the bottom of the condenser (40) are collected subjected to a more severe crack within the reactor (20) in order to render a liquid product of reduced viscosity and high yield. The conditions utilized in the second stage include, but are not limited to, a processing temperature of 530° to 590°C. Product from the second stage is processed and collected as outlined in Figure 1 using a primary and secondary cyclone (100, 180, respectively) and primary and secondary condensers (40 and 50, respectively).
Following such a two stage process, an example of the product, which is not to be considered limiting, of the first stage (light boilers) is characterized with a yield of about 30 vol%, an API of about 19, and a several fold reduction in viscosity over the initial feedstock. The product of the high boiler fraction, produced following the processing of the recycle fraction in the second stage, is typically characterized with a yield greater than 75 vol% , and an API gravity of about 12, and a reduced viscosity over the feedstock recycled fraction. SimDist analysis for liquid product produced from bitumen feedstock is characterized with approx. 10.6% (wt %) of the feedstock was distilled off below 232°C (Kerosene fraction v. 1.0% for the feedstock), approx. 19.7% from 232° to 327°C (Diesel fraction v. 8.6% for the feedstock), and 19.5 % evolved above 538°C (Vacuum resid fraction v. 51.2% for the feedstock; see Example 2 for complete analysis).
Alternate conditions of a two stage process may include a first stage run where the feedstock is preheated to 150°C and injected into the reactor and processed at 530° to 620°C, and with a residence time less than one second within the reactor (see Figure 2). The product is collected using primary and secondary cyclones (100 and 180, respectively, Figures 2 and 4), and the remaining product is transferred to a hot condenser (250). The condensing system (Figure 4) is engineered to selectively recover the heavy ashphaltene components using a hot condenser (250) placed before the primary condenser (40). The heavy alsphaltenes are collected and returned to the reactor (20) for further processing (i.e. the second stage). The second stage utilizes reactor conditions operating at higher temperatures, or longer residence times, or at higher temperatures and longer residence times (e.g. injection at a lower point in the reactor), than that used in the first stage to optimize the liquid product. Furthermore, a portion of the product stream may be recycled to extinction following this method.
Yet another modification of the composite and two stage processing systems, termed "multi-stage" processing, comprises introducing the primary feedstock (raw feed) into the primary condenser (see figure 5) via line 280, and using the primary feedstock to rapidly cool the product vapours within the primary condenser. Product drawn from the primary condenser, is then recycled to the reactor via line 270 for combined "first stage" and "second stage" processing (i.e. recycled processing). The recycled feedstock is exposed to conditions that mildly crack the hydrocarbon components in order to avoid overcracking and excess gas and coke production. An example of these conditions includes, but is not limited to, injecting the feedstock at about 150°C into a hot gas stream comprise the heat carrier at the inlet of the reactor. The feedstock is processed with a residence time of less than about two seconds within the reactor at a temperature of between 500°C to 600°C. Preferably, the residence time is from 0.8 to 1.3 sec., and the reactor temperature is from 520° to 580°C The product, comprising lighter materials (low boilers) is separated (100, and 180, Figure 5), and removed in the condensing system (40). The heavier materials (240), separated out at the bottom of the condenser (40) are collected and reintroduced into the reactor (20) via line 270. Product gasses that exit the primary condenser (40) enter the secondary condenser (50) where a liquid product of reduced viscosity and high yield (300) is collected (see Example % for run analysis using this method). With multi-stage processing, the feedstock is recycled through the reactor in order to produce a product that can be collected from the second condenser, thereby upgrading and optimizing the properties of the liquid product.
Alternate feeds systems may also be used as required for one, two, composite or multi stage processing. For example, in the system outlined Figure 5, the feedstock (primary feedstock or raw feed) is obtained from the feed system (10), and is transported within line (280; which may be heated as previously described) to a primary condenser (40). The primary product obtained from the primary condenser may also be recycled back to the reactor (20) within a primary product recycle line (270). The primary product recycle line may be heated if required, and may also comprise a pre-heater unit (290) as shown in Figure 5, to re-heat the recycled feedstock to desired temperature for introduction within the reactor (20).
Following the recycle process as outlined above and graphically represented in Figure 5, product with yields of greater than 60, and preferably above 75 % (wt %), and with the following characteristics, which are not to be considered limiting in any manner, may be produced from either bitumen or heavy oil feedstocks: an API from 14 to 19; viscosity of from 20 to 100 (cSt @40°C); and a low metals content (see Example 5).
The liquid product obtained from multi-stage processing of bitumen may be charachterized as having at least one of the following properties:

having less than 50 % of their components evolving at temperatures above 538°C (vacuum resid fraction);
comprising from 60% to 95% of the product evolving below 338°. Preferably, from 60% to 85% evolves during Simulated Distillation below 538°C (i.e. before the vacuum resid. fraction);
having from 1.0% to 8% of the liquid product evolve below 193°C. Preferably from 1.5% to 7% evolves below 193 °C (i.e. before the naphtha/kerosene fraction);
having from 2% to 6% of the liquid product evolve between 193-232°C. Preferably from 2.5% to 5% evolves between 193-232°C (diesel fraction);
having from 12% to 25% of the liquid product evolve between 232-327°C. Preferably, from 15 to 20% evolves between 232-327°C (diesel fraction);
having from 5% to 12% of the liquid product evolve between 327-360°C. Preferably, from 6.0 to 10.0% evolves between 327-360°C (light VGO fraction);
having from 40% to 60% of the liquid product evolve between 360-538°C. Preferably, from 35 to 50% evolves between 360-538°C (Heavy VGO fraction);

The present invention will be further illustrated in the following examples. However it is to be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only, and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention in any manner.

Example 1: Heavy Oil (Single Stage)

Examples relating to heavy oil are not according to the invention.

Pyrolytic processing of Saskatchewan Heavy Oil and Athabasca Bitumen (see Table 1) were carried out over a range of temperatures using a pyrolysis reactor as described in US 5,792,340 .

Table 1: Characteristics of heavy oil and bitumen feedstocks

Compound	Heavy Oil¹⁾	Bitumen²⁾
Carbon (wt%)	84.27	83.31
Hydrogen (wt%)	10.51	10.31
Nitrogen (wt%)	<0.5	<0.5
Sulphur (st%)	3.6	4.8
Ash (wt%)	0.02	0.02
Vanadium (ppm)	127	204
Nickel (ppm)	nd	82
Water content (wt%)	0.8	0.19
Gravity API°	11.0	8.6
Viscosity @ 40°C (cSt)	6343	30380
Viscosity @ 60°C (cSt)	892.8	1268.0
Viscosity @ 80°C (cSt)	243.4	593.0
Aromaticity (C13 NMR)	0.31	0.35

1) Saskatchewan Heavy Oil
2) Athabasca Bitumen (neat)

Briefly the conditions of processing include a reactor temperature from 500° to 620°C. Loading ratios for particulate heat carrier (silica sand) to feedstock of from 20:1 to 30:1 and residence times from 0.35 to 0.7 sec. These conditions are outlined in more detail below (Table 2).

Table 2: Single stage processing of Saskatchewan Heavy Oil

Crack Temp °C	Viscosity @ 40°C (cSt)	Yield wt%	Density @ 15° g/ml	API°	Yield Vol%
620	4.6¹⁾	71.5	0.977	13.3	72.7
592	15.2¹⁾	74.5	0.970	14.4	76.2
590	20.2	70.8	0.975	13.6	72.1
590	31.6	75.8	0.977	13.3	77.1
560	10.0¹⁾	79.9²⁾	0.963	15.4	82.3²⁾
560	10.0¹⁾	83.0³⁾	0.963	16.2³⁾	86.3³⁾
550	20.8	78.5	0.973	14.0	80.3
550⁴⁾	15.7	59.8²⁾	0.956	16.5	61.5²⁾
550⁴⁾	15.7	62.0³⁾	0.956	18.3^2,3	65.1³⁾
530	32.2	80.9²⁾	0.962	15.7	82.8²⁾
530	32.2	83.8³⁾	0.962	16.6³⁾	87.1³⁾

1) Viscosity @ 80°C
2) Yields do not include overhead condensing
3) Estimated yields and API with overhead condensing
4) Not all of the liquids were captured in this trial.

The liquid products of the runs at 620°C, 592°C and 560°C were analysed for metals, water and sulphur content. These results are shown in Table 3. Nickel, Vanadium and water levels were reduced 72, 69 and 87%, respectively, while sulphur and nitrogen remained the same or were marginally reduced. No metals were concentrated in the liquid product.

Table 3: Metal Analysis of Liquid Products (ppm)¹⁾

Component	Saskatchewan Heavy Oil	Run @ 620°C	Run @ 592°C	Run @ 560°C
Aluminum	<1	<1	11	<1
Iron	<1	2	4	<1
Nickel	44	10	12	9
Zinc	2	<1	2	1
Calcium	4	2	3	1
Magnesium	3	1	2	<1
Boron	21	42	27	<1
Sodium	6	5	5	4
Silicon	1	10	140	4
Vanadium	127	39	43	39
Potassium	7	7	<1	4
Water(wt%)	0.78	0.19	0.06	.10
Sulphur (wt%)	3.6	3.5	3.9	3.5

1) Copper, tin, chromium, lead, cadmium, titanium, molybdenum, barium and manganese all showed less than 1 ppm in feedstock and liquid products.

The gas yields for two runs are presented in Table 4. Table 4: Gas analysis of Pyrolysis runs

Gas (wt%) Run @620°C Run @ 560°C

Total Gas Yield 11.8 7.2

Ethylene 27.0 16.6

Ethane 8.2 16.4

Propylene 30.0 15.4

Methane 24.0 21.0
The pour point of the feedstock improved and was reduced from 32°F to about -54°F. The Conradson carbon reduced from 12. wt% to about 6.6 wt%.
Based on the analysis of these runs, higher API values and product yields were obtained for crack temperatures of 530 to 560°C. At these temperatures, API gravities of 14 to 18.3, product yields of from 80 to 87 vol%, and viscosities of from 15 to 35 cSt (@40°C) or about 10 cST (@80°C) were obtained (the yields from the 550°C run are not included in this range as the liquid yield capture was not optimized during this run). These liquid products reflect a significant degree of upgrading, and exhibit qualities suitable for pipeline transport.

Simulated distillation (SimDist) analysis of feedstock and liquid product obtained from several separate runs is present in Table 5. SimDist analysis followed the protocol outlined in ASTM D 5307-97, which reports the residue as anything with a boiling point higher than 538°C. Other methods for SimDist may also be used, for example HT 750 (NCUT; which includes boiling point distribution through to 750°C). These results indicate that over 50 % of the components within the feedstock evolve at temperatures above 538°C. These are high molecular weight components with low volatility. Conversely, in the liquid product, the majority of the components, approx 62.1 % of the product are more volatile and evolve below 538°C.

Table 5: SimDist anlaysis of feedstock and liquid product after single stage processing (Reactor temp 538°C)

Fraction	Temp (°C)	Feedstock	R245
Light Naphtha	<71	0.0	0.5
Light/med Naphtha	71-100	0.0	0.3
Med Naphtha	100-166	0.0	1.4
Naphtha/Kerosene	166-193	0.1	1.0
Kerosene	193-232	1.0	2.8
Diesel	232-327	8.7	14.2
Light VGO	327-360	5.2	6.5
Heavy VGO	360-538	33.5	35.2
Vacuum Resid.	> 538	51.5	37.9

The feedstock can be further characterized with approx. 0.1 % of its components evolving below 193°C (naphtha/kerosene fraction), v. approx. 6% for the liquid product. The diesel fraction also demonstrates significant differences between the feedstock and liquid product with 8.7% and 14.2 % evolving at this temperature range (232-327 °C), respectively. Collectively these results show that a substantial proportion of the components with low volatility in the feedstock have been converted to components of higher volatitly (light naphtha, kerosene and diesel) in the liquid product.

Stability of the liquid product was also determined over a 30 day period (Table 6). No significant change in the viscosity, API or density of the liquid product was observed of a 30 day period. Table 6: Stabilty of liquid products after single stage processing

Fraction Time=0 7 days 14 days 30days

Density @ 15.6°C (g/cm³) 0.9592 0.9590 0.9597 0.9597

API (deg. API) 15.9 15.9 15.8 15.8

Viscosity @40°C (cSt) 79.7 81.2 81.2 83.2

Example 2 Bitumen (single stage)

Several runs using Athabaska Bitumen were conducted using the pyrolysis reactor described in US 5,792,340 . The conditions of processing included a reactor temperature from 520° to 590°C. Loading ratios for particulate heat carrier to feedstock of from 20:1 to 30:1, and residence times from 0.35 to 1.2 sec. These conditions, and the resulting liquid products are outlined in more detail below (Table 7).

Table 7: Single Stage Processing with Undiluted Athabasca Bitumen

Crack Temp	Viscosity @ 40°C (cSt)	Yield wt%	Density @ 15°C	Metals V (ppm)*	Metals Ni (ppm)**	API
519°C	205	81.0	nd	nd	nd	13.0
525°C	201	74.4	0.979	88	24	12.9
528°C	278	82.7	nd	nd	nd	12.6
545°C	151	77.4	0.987	74	27	11.8
590°C	25.6	74.6	0.983	nd	nd	12.4

* feedstock V 209 ppm
** feedstock Ni 86 ppm

These results indicates that undiluted bitumen may be processed according to the method of this invention to produce a liquid product with reduced viscosity from greater than 1300 cSt (@40°C) to 25.6 - 200 cSt (@40°C (depending on the run conditions; see also Tables 8 and 9), with yields of over 75 % to 85%, and an improvement in the product API from 8.6 to about 12 - 13. Again, as per Example 1, the liquid product exhibits substantial upgrading of the feedstock. SimDist analysis,and other properties of the liquid product are presented in Table 8, and stability studies in Table 9.

Table 8: Properties and SimDist anlaysis of feedstock and liquid product after single stage processing (Reactor temp. 545°C).

Fraction	Temp (°C)	Feedstock	R239
			14 days	30 days
Density @15.5°C	-		0.9871	0.9876
API	-		11.7	11.6
Viscosity @40°C	-		162.3	169.4
Light Naphtha	<71	0.0	0.2	0.1
Light/med Naphtha	71-100	0.0	0.2	0.2
Med Naphtha	100-166	0.0	1.5	1.4
Naphtha/Kerosne	166-193	0.1	1.0	1.0
Kerosene	193-232	0.9	3.1	3.0
Diesel	232-327	8.6	15.8	14.8
Light VGO	327-360	5.2	7.9	7.6
Heavy VGO	360-538	34.0	43.9	42.0
Vacuum Resid.	>538	51.2	26.4	29.9

Table 9: Stabilty of liquid products after single stage processing (reactor temperature 525 °C)

		R232
Fraction	Temp (°C)	Feedstock	day 0	7 days	14 days	30days
Density @ 15.6°C*	-	1.0095	0.979	0.980	0.981	0.981
API	-	8.5	12.9	12.7	12.6	12.6
Viscosity @40C*	-	30380	201.1	213.9	214.0	218.5
Light Naphtha	<71	0.0	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1
Light/med Naphtha	71-100	0.0	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1
Med Naphtha	100-166	0.0	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.4
Naphtha/Kerosne	166-193	0.1	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.1
Kerosene	193-232	1.0	2.6	2.6	2.6	2.7
Diesel	232-327	8.7	14.1	14.1	14.3	14.3
Light VGO	327-360	5.2	7.3	7.3	7.4	7.4
Heavy VGO	360-538	33.5	41.3	41.3	41.7	42.1
Vacuum Resid.	>538	51.5	32.0	32.0	31.2	30.8

*g./cm³
**cSt

The slight variations in the values presented in the stability studies (Table 9 and other stability studies disclosed herein) are within the error of the test methods employed, and are acceptable within the art. These results demonstrate that the liquid products are stable.
These results indicate that over 50 % of the components within the feedstock evolve at temperatures above 538°C (vacuum resid fraction). This fraction is characterized by high molecular weight components with low volatility. Conversely, over several runs, the liquid product is characterized as comprising approx 68 to 74% of the product that are more volatile and evolve below 538°C. The feedstock can be further characterized with approx. 0.1 % of its components evolving below 193°C (naphtha/kerosene fraction), v. approx. 2.7 to 2.9% for the liquid product. The diesel fraction also demonstrates significant differences between the feedstock and liquid product with 8.7% (feedstock) and 14.1 to 15.8% (liquid product) evolving at this temperature range (232-327°C). Collectively these results show that a substantial proportion of the components with low volatility in the feedstock have been converted to components of higher volatitly (light naphtha, kerosene and diesel) in the liquid product. These results demonstrate that the liquid product is substantially upgraded, and exhibits properties suitable for transport.

Example 3: Composite/recycle of feedstock

The pyrolysis reactor as described in US 5,792,340 may be configured so that the recovery condensers direct the liquid products into the feed line to the reactor (see Figures 3 and 4).

The conditions of processing included a reactor temperature ranging from 530° to 590°C. Loading ratios for particulate heat carrier to feedstock for the initial and recycle run of about 30:1, and residence times from 0.35 to 0.7 sec were used. These conditions are outlined in more detail below (Table 10). Following pyrolysis of the feedstock, the lighter fraction was removed and collected using a hot condenser placed before the primary condenser (see Figure 4), while the heavier fraction of the liquid product was recycled back to the reactor for further processing (also see Figure 3). In this arrangement, the recycle stream (260) comprising heavy fractions was mixed with new feedstock (270) resulting in a composite feedstock (240) which was then processed using the same conditions as with the initial run within the pyrolysis reactor.

Table 10: Composite/Recycle operation using Saskatchewan Heavy Crude Oil and Undiluted Athabasca Bitumen

Feedstock	Crack Temp °C	Yield Vol %	API°	Recycle⁴⁾ Yield vol%	Recycle⁴⁾ API°
Heavy Oil	590	77.1¹⁾	13.3	68.6	17.1
	560	86.3²⁾	16.2	78.1	21.1
	550	50.1¹⁾	14.0	71.6	17.8
	550	65.1^2,3)	18.3	56.4	22.9
	530	87.1²⁾	16.6	78.9	21.0
Bitumen	590	75.2²⁾	12.4	67.0	16.0

1) Yield and API gravity include overhead condensing (actual)
2) Yield and API gravity include overhead condensing (estimated)
3) Not all of the liquid was recovered in this run
4) These values represent the total recovery of product following the recycle run, and presume the removal of approximately 10% heavy fraction which is recycled to extinction. This is therefore a conservative estimate of yield as some of the heavy fraction will produce lighter components that enter the product stream, since not all of the heavy fraction will end up as coke.

The API gravity increased from 11.0 in the heavy oil feedstock to 13 to 18.5 after the first treatment cycle, and further increases to 17 to 23 after a second recycle treatment. A similar increase in API is observed for bitumen having a API of about 8.6 in the feedstock, which increase to about 12.4 after the first run and to 16 following the recycle run. With the increase in API, there is an associated increase in yield from 77 to 87% after the first run, to 67 to 79% following the recycle run. Therefore associated with the production of a lighter product, there is a decrease in liquid yield. However, an upgraded lighter product may be desired for transport, and recycling of liquid product achieves such a product.

Example 4: Two-Stage treatment of Heavy Oil

Heavy oil or bitumen feedstock may also be processed using a two-stage pyrolytic process which comprises a first stage where the feedstock is exposed to conditions that mildly crack the hydrocarbon components in order to avoid overcracking and excess gas and coke production. Lighter materials are removed following the processing in the first stage, and the remaining heavier materials are subjected to a more severe crack at a higher temperature. The conditions of processing within the first stage include a reactor temperature ranging from 510 to 530°C (data for 515°C given below), while in the second stage, a temperature from 590° to 800°C (data for 590°C presented in table 11) was employed. The loading ratios for particulate heat carrier to feedstock range of about 30:1, and residence times from 0.35 to 0.7 sec for both stages. These conditions are outlined in more detail below (Table 11).

Table 11: Two-Stage Runs of Saskatchewan Heavy Oil

Crack Temp. °C	Viscosity @ 80°C (cSt)	Yield wt%	Density @ 15°C g/ml	API°	Yield Vol%¹⁾
515	5.3	29.8	0.943	18.6	31.4
590	52.6	78.9	0.990	11.4	78.1
515 &590	nd	nd	nd	13.9	86.6

"nd" means not determined
1)Light condensible materials were not captured. Therefore these values are conservative estimates.

These results indicate that a mild initial crack which avoids overcracking light materials to gas and coke, followed by a more severe crack of the heavier materials produces a liquid product characterized with an increased API, while still exhibiting good product yields.
Other runs using a two stage processes, involved injecting the feedstock at about 150°C into a hot gas stream maintained at about 515°C and entering the reactor at about 300°C (processing temperature). The product, comprising lighter materials (low boilers) was separated and removed following the first stage in the condensing system. The heavier materials, separated out at the bottom of the cyclone were collected subjected to a more severe crack within the reactor in order to render a liquid product of reduced viscosity and high yield. The conditions utilized in the second stage were a processing temperature of between 530° to 590°C. Product from the second stage was processed and collected.
Following such a two stage process the product of the first stage (light boilers) is characterized with a yield of about 30 vol%, an API of about 19, and a several fold reduction in viscosity over the initial feedstock. The product of the high boiling point fraction, produced following the processing of the recycle fraction in the second stage, is typically characterized with a yield greater than about 75 vol%, and an API gravity of about 12, and a reduced viscosity over the feedstock recycled fraction.

Example 5: "Multi-Stage" treatment of Heavy Oil and Bitumen, using Feedstock for Quenching within Primary Condenser.

Heavy oil or bitumen feedstock may also be processed using a "Multi-stage" pyrolytic process as outlined in Figure 5. In this system, the pyrolysis reactor described in US 5,792,340 is configured so that the primary recovery condenser directs the liquid product into the feed line back to the reactor, and feedstock is introduced into the system at the primary condenser where it quenches the product vapours produced during pyrolysis.

The conditions of processing included a reactor temperature ranging from 530° to 590°C. Loading ratios for particulate heat carrier to feedstock for the initial and recycle run of from about 20:1 to about 30:1, and residence times from 0.35 to 1.2 sec were used. These conditions are outlined in more detail below (Table 12). Following pyrolysis of the feedstock, the lighter fraction is forwarded to the secondary condenser while the heavier fraction of the liquid product obtained from the primary condenser is recycled back to the reactor for further processing (Figure 5).

Table 12: Charaterization of the liquid product obtained following Multi-Stage processing of Saskatchewan Heavy Oil and Bitumen

Crack Temp. °C	Viscosity @ 40°C (cSt)	Yield wt%	Density @ 15.6°C g/ml	API°	Yield Vol%¹⁾
Heavy Oil
543	80	62.6	0.9592	15.9	64.9
557	24	58.9	0.9446	18.2	62.1
561	53	70.9	0.9568	16.8	74.0

Bitumen
538	40	61.4	0.9718	14.0	71.1

The liquid products produced from multi-stage processing of feedstock exhibit properties suitable for transport with greatly reduced viscosity down from 6343 cSt (@40°C) for heavy oil and 30380 cSt (@40°C) for bitumen. Similarly, the API increased from 11 (heavy oil) to from 15.9 to 18.2, and from 8.6 (bitumen) to 14.7. Furthermore, yeilds for heavy oil under these reaction conditions are from 59 to 68 % for heavy oil, and 82 % for bitumen.

Table 13: Properties and SimDist of liquid products prepared from Heavy Oil using the multi- stage Process (for feedstock properties see Tables 1 and 5).

		R241*		R242**	R244***
Fraction	Temp (°C)	Day 0	Day 30	Day 30
Density @ 15.6°C	-	0.9592	0.9597	0.9465	0.9591
API	-	15.9	15.8	17.8	15.9
Viscosity @40°C	-	79.7	83.2	25.0	49.1
Light Naphtha	<71	0.0	0.2	0.3	0.3
Light/med Naphtha	71-100	0.0	0.1	0.2	0.3
Med Naphtha	100-166	0.1	0.4	2.5	1.8
Naphtha/Kerosne	166-193	0.6	0.6	1.8	1.5
Kerosene	193-232	2.8	2.5	5.0	3.5
Diesel	232-327	21.8	21.0	23.1	18.9
Light VGO	327-360	10.8	10.2	9.9	8.8
Heavy VGO	360-538	51.1	45.0	44.9	43.2
Vacuum Resid.	>538	12.7	20.0	12.3	21.7

* reactor temp. 543°C
** reactor temp. 557°C
*** reactor temp.561°C

Under these run conditions the API increased from 11 to about 15.9 to 17.8. Product yields of 62.6 (wt%; R241), 58.9 (wt%; R242) and 70.9 (wt%; R244) were achieved along with greatly reduced viscosity levels. These liquid products have been substantially upgraded over the feedstock and exhibit properties suitable for pipeline transport.

SimDist results indicate that over 50% of the components within the feedstock evolve at temperatures above 538°C (vacuum resid fraction), while the liquid product is characterized as comprising approx 78 to 87 % of the product that are more volatile and evolve below 538°C. The feedstock can be further characterized with approx. 0.1 % of its components evolving below 193 °C (naphtha/kerosene fraction), v. approx. 1.3 to 4.8% for the liquid product. The kerosene and diesel fractions also demonstrates significant differences between the feedstock and liquid product with 1% of the feedstock fraction evolving between 193-232°C v. 2.8 to 5% for the liquid product, and with 8.7% (feedstock) and 18.9 to 23.1% (liquid product) evolving at this temperature range (232-327°C; diesel). Collectively these results show that a substantial proportion of the components with low volatility in the feedstock have been converted to components of higher volatitly (light naphtha, kerosene and diesel) in the liquid product. These results demonstrate that the liquid product is substantially upgraded, and exhibits properties suitable for transport.

Table 14: Properties and SimDist of liquid products prepared from Bitumen following "Two Stage" processing (reactor temp. 538°C; for feedstock properties see Tables 1, 8 and 9).

Fraction	Temp (°C)	R243
Density @ 15.6°C	-	0.9737
API	-	13.7
Viscosity @40°C	-	45.4
Light Naphtha	<71	0.3
Light/med Naphtha	71-100	0.4
Med Naphtha	100-166	3.6
Naphtha/Kerosne	166-193	1.9
Kerosene	193-232	4.4
Diesel	232-327	19.7
Light VGO	327-360	9.1
Heavy VGO	360-538	41.1
Vacuum Resid.	>538	19.5

Under these run conditions the API increased from 8.6 to about 14. A product yield of 68.4 (wt%) was obtained along with greatly reduced viscosity levels (from 30380 cSt @40°C in the feedstock, to approx. 45 cSt in the liquid product).
Simulated distillation analysis demonstrates that over 50% of the components within the feedstock evolve at temperatures above 538 ° C (vacuum resid fraction) while 80.5% of the liquid product evolves below 538°C. The feedstock can be further characterized with approx. 0.1 % of its components evolving below 193°C (naphtha/kerosene fraction), v. 6.2% for the liquid product. The diesel fraction also demonstrates significant differences between the feedstock and liquid product with 8.7% (feedstock) and 19.7% (liquid product) evolving at this temperature range (232-327°C). Collectively these results show that a substantial proportion of the components with low volatility in the feedstock have been converted to components of higher volatitly (light naphtha, kerosene and diesel) in the liquid product. These results demonstrate that the liquid product is substantially upgraded, and exhibits properties suitable for transport.
The present invention has been described with regard to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.

Claims

A method of producing an upgraded liquid product from bitumen for transport of said upgraded liquid product by pipeline to an offsite location for refining, said method comprising:
i) providing silica sand as a particulate heat carrier into an upflow reactor;

ii) introducing said bitumen in a preheated state into said upflow reactor at at least one location above that of said particulate heat carrier so that a loading ratio of said particulate heat carrier to said heavy oil or bitumen is from 10: 1 to 200: 1; wherein said upflow reactor is run at a temperature of from 480 °C to 620 °C;

iii) allowing said bitumen to interact with said heat carrier with a residence time of less than about 5 seconds, to produce a product stream;

iv) separating said product stream from said particulate heat carrier;

v) regenerating said particulate heat carrier; and

vi) collecting a gaseous product and said upgraded liquid product from said product stream, wherein said upgraded liquid product exhibits an increased API gravity, a reduced pour point, a reduced viscosity and a reduced level of contaminants over that of said bitumen.
The method of claim 1, wherein in said step of introducing (step ii)), said loading ratio is from 20: 1 to 30: 1.
The method of claim 1, wherein said residence time is from 0.5 to 2.0 seconds.
The method of claim 1, wherein, in said step of allowing (step iii)), said product stream of a first pyrolysis run is separated into a lighter fraction and a heavier fraction, said lighter fraction is collected from said product stream, and said heavier fraction is recycled back into said upflow reactor for further processing within a second pyrolysis run to produce a second product stream.
The method of claim 4, wherein said further processing includes mixing said heavier fraction with said particulate heat carrier, wherein said particulate heat carrier of said second pyrolysis run is at a temperature at about, or above, that used in the processing of said feedstock within said first pyrolysis run.
The method of claim 5, wherein said heavier fraction is added to unprocessed feedstock prior to being introduced into said upflow reactor for said second pyrolysis run.
The method of claim 6, wherein in said first pyrolysis run, said bitumen is injected at a temperature of 150°C into the upflow reactor, the temperature of said upflow reactor is from less than 500°C, and the residence time is less than one second, and in said second pyrolysis run the temperature of said upflow reactor is from 530°C to 590°C, and wherein said residence time of said second pyrolysis run is the same as, or
longer than, the residence time of said first pyrolysis run.
The method of claim 4, wherein said particulate heat carrier is separated from said second product stream, and a second product is collected from said second product stream.
The method of claim 4, wherein said product stream of said first pyrolysis run is treated within a hot condenser prior to recovery of said light fraction and said heavy fraction.
The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said residence time is less than 1 second, and wherein said feedstock is obtained from the direct contact between said product stream and a bitumen with a condenser.
The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising the step of transporting the upgraded liquid product by pipeline to the offsite location for refining without the addition of diluents.