Process and apparatus for upgrading crude oil and residual fractions thereof

摘要

A process and apparatus for upgrading a petroleum charge of crude oil or residual fractions thereof to provide a product with substantially reduced heavy metals content and Conradson Carbon number. The charge is dispersed into a descending curtain of heated, substantially inert contact material. This contact material preferably has a conversion rate not substantially greater than 10% in the CAT D test. The vapors generated on contact of the charge with the curtain are collected immediately from the side of the curtain opposite from where the charge is dispersed. The collected vapors are cooled to avoid thermal cracking. The product is suitable for catalytic cracking or use as heavy fuel or heavy fuel precursor.