ROLE OF SOLVENT DEASPHALTING IN PROCESSING PETROLEUM RESIDUES IN REFINERIES
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Abstract
Solvent Oeasphalting (SOA) is basically a liquid-liquid extraction process. The
conventional applications are in producing extra heavy viscosity grade lube oils called
bright stock/cylinder oils and in upgrading bottom of barrel by recovering incremental/
additional feedstocks from vacuum residues for secondary conversion units like Fluid
CatalyticCracking/Hydrocracking. Some newer applicationsinclude making of quality
bitumen from waxy crudes, low sulpher fuel oils etc. Industrially,propane, butane and
pentane (C3-CJ solvents, either alone or there combinationsfor greater flexibility,are
being used widely. To improve the process economics, novel features like supercritical
solvent recovery, better counter current columns, etc. are being incorporatedin existing
and new grass-root deasphalting plants. The SOA process in combination with thermal
cracking processes etc. is further contributing in reducing the availabilityof short/vacuum
residues in refinerie