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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method of storing heavy hydrocarbon materials in subterranean facilities

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6540243
A method of storing high-vicosity, nonpumpable, hydrocarbon materials in subterranean storage facilities is described. The method consists of the sequential steps of (1) purging the storage facilities with a carbon dioxide-containing fluid to provide a carbon dioxide atmosphere therein, (2) admixing an effective amount of carbon dioxide with the hydrocarbon material to sufficiently lower the viscosity of the hydrocarbon material, (3) injecting the carbon dioxide-containing hydrocarbon material into the storage facilities, and (4) maintaining a carbon dioxide atmosphere in the facilities while they contain the carbon dioxide-containing hydrocarbon. (5 claims)
Assignee:
Continental Oil Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3922863
OSTI ID:
6540243
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English