INTEGRATED THERMAL PROCESSING FOR MESOPHASE PITCH PRODUCTION, ASPHALTENE REMOVAL, AND CRUDE OIL AND RESIDUE UPGRADING

摘要

A method for producing mesophase pitch includes the steps of flushing a vessel with an at least substantially inert gas to remove air and oxygen from the vessel; charging the vessel with a hydrocarbon feed; pressurizing the vessel to an initial increased pressure; heating the vessel to a pre-determined temperature; and maintaining the vessel at the pre-determined temperature for an amount of time operable to upgrade the hydrocarbon feed to a product comprising mesophase pitch.