The AQUAFORM unit is designed for pelletizing heavy hydrocarbons including asphaltenes from ROSE solvent deasphalting process.
AQUAFORM has been designed for easy integration with the KBR ROSE solvent deasphalting unit. Asphaltenes from the ROSE asphaltene product drum are pumped through an exchanger to the AQUAFORM pelletizing vessel. A rotating head inside the vessel produces small droplets of asphaltene, which are quenched in a water bath. The pellets are removed on screen separators and then transferred to storage using conveyer systems. The water is filtered, cooled and returned to the pelletizing vessel.
The unit is constructed of carbon steel metallurgy and operates at moderate temperatures and at near atmospheric pressure. An asphaltene pelletizing vessel is designed for up to 1,000 tpd of asphaltene feed. Pellet size can be controlled by adjusting key operating conditions.
Properties of pellets: The pellets have ~ 30% higher heating value than petroleum coke. The crush strength is high thus allowing for storage in silos.
Process applications: The asphaltene pellets can be stored at ambient conditions and can be transported using bulk transporters. The pellets are suitable for use in cement plants and steel mills. The higher heating value of the pellets as compared to coke can help in the debottlenecking of cement and steel mills. The pellets can be melted again after transportation for gasification and cracking in cokers.
Licensor: KBR.
