Abstract

A method and apparatus for separation of hydrocarbon oil and wax from a hydrocarbon waxy feedstock is disclosed. The method comprises cooling the feedstock by a cooling agent so as to induce crystallization of hard wax crystals containing some quantity of oil. The method comprises the steps of - providing a vessel defined by a tubular shell closed at its opposite ends by a front cover and by a rear cover, - providing a plurality of hollow partitions dividing said vessel into plurality of compartments, each of said partitions having an inlet port for introducing the cooling agent thereinto and an outlet port for evacuating the cooling agent therefrom, - providing a plurality of branch pipes having bridging portions, which allow flow communication between adjacent partitions such that the inlet port of a one hollow partition is in fluid communication with the outlet port of an adjacent hollow partition, - providing a flow of the feedstock mixture along the vessel in a direction from the forward port to the rear port, - providing a flow of the cooling agent through said plurality of hollow partitions in a counter-current direction. The method further comprises orientation of said vessel horizontally and deployment of said branch pipes outside the vessel and at the same side from longitudinal axis of the vessel.

IPC Classes  ?

• C10G 73/32 - Methods of cooling during de-waxing
• B01D 9/00 - Crystallisation
• B01J 19/06 - Solidifying liquids