Importance

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Abstract

The process for treating a hydrocarbon-based heavy residue (1), in particular bituminous residues with a high asphaltene content, comprises the following operations: A) bringing the heavy residue to be treated to a temperature within the range of 325-500° C.; B) subjecting the heavy residue to be treated to a substantially adiabatic expansion in an environment at a pressure equal to or lower than about 0.1 bara, and at a temperature equal to or lower than 450° C., so as to separate, from the heavy residue to be treated, a first less volatile fraction (17) having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure equal to or higher than 540° C. and whose solid and/or anhydrous residue prevalently contains asphaltenes insoluble in pentane and/or other residues insoluble in tetrahydrofuran. It allows a more effective flushing, and also to actuate the process in an extremely simple plant and without centrifugations.

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First Claim