Heavy oil upgrading: Unlocking the future fuel supply

CATEGORY: HEAVY CRUDE
Heavy oil upgrading: Unlocking the future fuel supply

Type	Journal Article
Author	Ayhan Demirbas
Author	Abdullah Bafail
URL	http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10916466.2015.1136949
Volume	34
Issue	4
Pages	303-308
Publication	Petroleum Science and Technology
Date	February 16, 2016
Abstract	Asphaltenes are one of the most complex and heavy organic compounds present in heavy crude. Heavy crude is defined as having an American Petroleum Institute scale index equal or smaller than 20°. In conventional refining procedures, heavy oil poses many challenges. Recycling and re-refining are applied techniques for the processing of petroleum based heavy oils into reusable light oils such as gasoline and diesel fuel. Catalytic pyrolysis and thermal cracking are promising technologies for light oil production. Authors review the heavy crude upgrading processes and their associated challenges with the goal of finding cost-effective ways to ensure a constant future fuel supply.