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Title: Method for cracking hydrocarbon compositions using a submerged reactive plasma system

Abstract

A method is described for cracking a liquid hydrocarbon composition (e.g. crude oil) to produce a cracked hydrocarbon product. A liquid hydrocarbon composition is initially provided. An electrical arc is generated directly within the hydrocarbon composition so that the arc is entirely submerged in the composition. Arc generation is preferably accomplished using a primary and secondary electrode each having a first end submerged in the composition. The first ends of the electrodes are separated from each other to form a gap there between. An electrical potential is then applied to the electrodes to generate the arc within the gap. A reactive gas is thereafter delivered to the arc which forms a bubble around the arc. Gas delivery may be accomplished by providing a passageway through each electrode and delivering the gas through the passageways. The arc and gas cooperate to produce a plasma which efficiently cracks the hydrocarbon composition. 6 figs.

Inventors:
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
EG & G Idaho Inc; Lockheed Idaho Technologies Company
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
504931
Patent Number(s):
5626726
Application Number:
PAN: 8-534,602
Assignee:
Lockheed Idaho Technologies Co., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
DOE Contract Number:  
AC07-94ID13223; AC07-76ID01570
Resource Type:
Patent
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 6 May 1997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
02 PETROLEUM; PETROLEUM; THERMAL CRACKING; ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS; ELECTRIC ARCS; PLASMA HEATING

Citation Formats

Kong, P C. Method for cracking hydrocarbon compositions using a submerged reactive plasma system. United States: N. p., 1997. Web.
Kong, P C. Method for cracking hydrocarbon compositions using a submerged reactive plasma system. United States.
Kong, P C. Tue . "Method for cracking hydrocarbon compositions using a submerged reactive plasma system". United States.
@article{osti_504931,
title = {Method for cracking hydrocarbon compositions using a submerged reactive plasma system},
author = {Kong, P C},
abstractNote = {A method is described for cracking a liquid hydrocarbon composition (e.g. crude oil) to produce a cracked hydrocarbon product. A liquid hydrocarbon composition is initially provided. An electrical arc is generated directly within the hydrocarbon composition so that the arc is entirely submerged in the composition. Arc generation is preferably accomplished using a primary and secondary electrode each having a first end submerged in the composition. The first ends of the electrodes are separated from each other to form a gap there between. An electrical potential is then applied to the electrodes to generate the arc within the gap. A reactive gas is thereafter delivered to the arc which forms a bubble around the arc. Gas delivery may be accomplished by providing a passageway through each electrode and delivering the gas through the passageways. The arc and gas cooperate to produce a plasma which efficiently cracks the hydrocarbon composition. 6 figs.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue May 06 00:00:00 EDT 1997},
month = {Tue May 06 00:00:00 EDT 1997}
}

Patent:
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