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Ceramic Membrane Process for Upgrading Vacuum Residual Oil--CeraMem Corporation, 12 Clematis Avenue, Waltham, MA  02453; 781-899-4495

Dr. Robert L. Goldsmith, Principal Investigator, goldsmith@ceramem.com

Dr. Robert L. Goldsmith, Business Official, goldsmith@ceramem.com  

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-00ER82970

Amount:  $600,000

The world supply of light crudes and those having only minor concentrations of sulfur and contaminant metals is quickly decreasing, and the refining of heavier crudes produces “bottom of the barrel” residual oils. These oils are unsuitable for conventional processing techniques such as catalytic cracking and therefore require an alternative process for upgrading. This project will develop a residual oil purification process based on the use of unique, low-cost ceramic membranes to separate residual oils into two fractions: (1) a product stream in which asphaltenes and metals are reduced to the level where this stream can be processed by cat cracking, and (2) a reject stream that can be disposed of in the same manner as residual oil.   Laboratory experiments in Phase I demonstrated that the ceramic membranes can achieve the required purification  at economically attractive filtration rates.  In Phase II, extensive laboratory scale experiments will be conducted to optimize the operating variables.  A pilot plant will be built and operated on alternative residual oil feedstocks.  Lastly, more extensive investment analyses will be performed to validate the Phase I economic studies.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The process should be applicable to the treatment of both atmospheric and vacuum residual oils.  The process will also be useful for purification of waste lubricating oils, dewaxing petroleum products, removal of catalyst fines from hydrocarbon streams, and other filtration applications for heavy oils.