Supercritical Solvent Extraction of Heavy Oils: A Bibliographical Review

摘要

Supercritical solvent extraction is a chemical engineering separation process that can offer substantial advantages in certain situations. One possible application of this separation technology is to remove asphaltenes and heavy metals from petroleum residues. Although this process was first investigated some 30 years ago, very few studies have been reported in this area. In this review work, we collected related literatures about supercritical solvent extraction published in the past several decades. Important solubility data and phase diagrams in binary, ternary and multi-component systems were presented. This report also introduced the development of thermodynamic framework for understanding the solvent extraction theory at supercritical conditions. Applications of supercritical solvent extraction technology to heavy oils deasphalting/demetallization and other separation processes (such as solvent coal liquefaction, tar sand/oil shale extraction, natural product extraction, low-volatility substance purification, etc.) were discussed. Finally, recommended research activities on supercritical solvent extraction of heavy oils were given. 328 refs. (ERA citation 10:048159)