METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING PELLETS FROM HEAVY HYDROCARBON LIQUID

摘要

Apparatus for producing pellets from hot heavy hydrocarbon or asphaltene includes flow means that supplies the hot heavy hydrocarbon or asphaltene through a conduit (102) to its outlet (104); and pellet producing medium or means (106,108) that breaks up the liquid stream of the hot asphaltene flowing out of the outlet of the conduit an produces pellets of asphaltene. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a reservoir or container (112) that collects the pellets (110) together with some fluid producing a slurry (114); and transporting means (115,116) that transports the slurry to the required location (118). Preferably, the fluid is liquid water. In addition, the pellet producing medium preferably is liquid water.