Process and apparatus for the conversion of heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter oils

摘要

275,120. Northrup, V. W. March 21. 1927. Mineral oils. - In a process for converting heavier hydrocarbon oils into lighter hydrocarbon oils, a mixture of the vapours of the heavier hydrocarbons and gas having available hydrogen is passed through an electrified zone and thereafter through a catalyzing zone independent of the electrifying zone. Heavier hydrocarbon vapours from a vaporizer A are passed up a tube B to which hydrogen, methane, natural gas, &c. is admitted at C1. An insulated wire D is suspended within the tube B and a source of high tension alternating current is connected between the wire D and the tube, the potential difference being from 2000 to 8000 volts according to the type of heavy petroleum employed. From the tube B, the electrified mixture passes to a catalyzing chamber comprising converters consisting of lagged and heated tubes I in which are supported corrugated tubes J; the tubes I, J are composed of, or coated with catalytic material, for example, nickel, cobalt, palladium, aluminium, iron, or mixtures thereof, for example, nickel containing 5 per cent of iron and 5 per cent aluminium. The temperature of the catalyzing chamber depends upon the type of heavy petroleum used and may be from about 725‹ to about 1000‹ F., the temperature of the various converters within the catalyzing chamber being successively slightly higher. From the catalyzing chamber, the mixture passes to a dephlegmating tower M, and thence to a cooler O maintained at about 200‹ F. to 400‹ F., whereby heavier vapours are condensed, the light product passing in vapour form to a condenser Q1.