Cavitation induced upgrading of heavy oil and bottom-of-the-barrel: A review.

Abstract

Heavy and extra-heavy oil upgrading has become an indispensable activity in the prevailing scenario in petroleum refineries. Petroleum refiners have been exploring new options in tandem with conventional upgrading processes to efficiently utilize heavy and extra heavy crude oils. Cavitation (acoustic and/or hydrodynamic) induced chemical and physical transformations have generated lot of curiosity and opportunities in various fields of science and technology. Of late, hydrocarbon cracking especially related to complex components of crude oil and petroleum residua via cavitation is receiving tremendous attention. The present communication overviews the past investigations related to heavy oil and bottom-of-the-barrel upgrading facilitated by acoustic and hydrodynamic cavitation. The investigations with regard to the upgrading of heavy oil and bottom-of-the-barrel via acoustic and hydrodynamic cavitation have touched upon various aspects, viz. viscosity reduction, enhancement in °API, reduction in asphaltenes aggregation, incremental yield in light and middle distillates, reduction in sulfur, nitrogen, and metals etc. Further, heavy oil upgrading efficacy of thermal cracking, acoustic cavitation, and hydrodynamic cavitation has been analyzed in the form of a case study. The present study revealed that hydrodynamic cavitation is a potentially attractive option as a process intensifying technique for heavy oil upgrading in conjunction with established processes. Recommendations to make further inroads in heavy oil and bottom-of-the barrel upgrading via cavitation have also been made. The present communication is expected to be a single point source for further researches in cavitation assisted upgrading of heavy oil and petroleum residua.