Desalter Configuration Integrated with Steam Cracker

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for processes for producing light hydrocarbons. In an embodiment, a process includes pressurizing the hydrocarbon feed in one or more pumps producing a pressurized hydrocarbon feed and heating the pressurized hydrocarbon feed in one or more heat exchangers to produce a heated hydrocarbon feed. The process includes mixing the heated hydrocarbon feed with water and separating an inter-stage hydrocarbon feed from interstage water. The process includes mixing the inter-stage hydrocarbon feed with water and separating a desalted hydrocarbon feed from outlet water. The process includes pyrolysing the desalted hydrocarbon feed in a steam cracker.

1 . A desalting process, the process comprising:
 providing a hydrocarbon feed comprising heavy hydrocarbon;   pressurizing the hydrocarbon feed to produce a pressurized hydrocarbon feed;   heating the pressurized hydrocarbon feed in one or more heat exchangers producing a heated hydrocarbon feed;   mixing the heated hydrocarbon feed with water and separating an inter-stage hydrocarbon feed from inter-stage water;   mixing the inter-stage hydrocarbon feed with water and separating a desalted hydrocarbon feed from outlet water; dividing the desalted hydrocarbon stream into at least first and second portions, at least one hydrocarbon-recycle stream away from the desalted hydrocarbon feed;   pyrolysing at least part of the first portion of the desalted hydrocarbon feed in a steam cracker; and   combining at least part of the second portion of the desalted hydrocarbon feed with at least a portion of the hydrocarbon feed.   
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the pressurization includes pressurizing the hydrocarbon feed in at least one pump to a pressure of from about 101 kPa (abs) to about 2000 kPa (abs). 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein heating comprises heating the pressurized hydrocarbon feed to a temperature from about 100° C. to about 150° C. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1 , further comprising storing at least a portion of the desalted hydrocarbon feed in a surge drum. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein 1 wt. % to 50 wt. % of the desalted hydrocarbon feed resides in the second portion, and wherein the second portion is combined with the hydrocarbon feed in at least one storage tank. 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the pyrolysis is performed at a temperature from about 760° C. to about 1100° C., and wherein the first portion contains ≤4 wppm of salt. 
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 1 , further comprising a pyrolysis pressure from about 60 kPa (gauge) to about 500 kPa (gauge). 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus for removing contaminants from a hydrocarbon feed containing heavy hydrocarbons, the apparatus comprising:
 a first desalter;   a second desalter in fluid connection with the first desalter;   a steam cracker in fluid connection with the second desalter,   a storage tank in fluid connection with the first desalter, and   a hydrocarbon recycle line in fluid connection with the second desalter and the storage tank.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising, a vapor-liquid separator fluidically and thermally integrated with the steam cracker, and wherein the first and/or second desalters utilize water injection for the desalting. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising a surge drum in fluid connection with the second desalter and the steam cracker. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising a third desalter situated between the second desalter and the steam cracker and in fluidic communication with the second desalter and the steam cracker. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising a recycle line in fluid connection with the steam cracker and the first desalter. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus  claim 12 , further comprising a recycle line in fluid connection with the steam cracker and the storage tank. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising a recycle line in fluid connection with the steam cracker and the hydrocarbon recycle line. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus for removing contaminants from a hydrocarbon feed containing heavy hydrocarbons, the apparatus comprising:
 a desalter having an established electric field;   a storage tank in fluid connection with the desalter;   a hydrocarbon recycle line in fluid connection with the desalter and the storage tank; and   a steam cracker in fluid connection with the desalter.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising a surge drum in fluid connection with the desalter and the steam cracker. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising a recycle line in fluid connection with the steam cracker and the storage tank. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising a recycle line in fluid connection with the steam cracker and the desalter. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising a recycle line in fluid connection with the steam cracker and the hydrocarbon recycle line. 
     
     
         20 .- 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A process for producing light hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon feed containing heavy hydrocarbons, the process comprising:
 pressurizing the hydrocarbon feed to produce a pressurized hydrocarbon feed;   heating the pressurized hydrocarbon feed in one or more heat exchangers producing a heated hydrocarbon feed;   mixing the heated hydrocarbon feed with water to produce an emulsion,   separating from the emulsion at least a desalted hydrocarbon feed;   storing at least a portion of the desalted hydrocarbon feed in one or more surge drums, and   pyrolysing in at least one steam cracking furnace at least a portion of the desalted hydrocarbon feed and/or at least a portion of the stored desalted hydrocarbon feed.   
     
     
         28 . (canceled)