Pilot plant program for upgrading heavy oils by hydropyrolysis

The primary separation technique for the production of synthetic fuels from such sources as oil shale, tar sand, and black oils, produces a hydrocarbon liquid that is similar in properties to the heavier fractions of crude oil or heavy crudes. Extensive processing of these materials is required to bring them to a stage suitable for further processing in a normal oil refinery. This general problem seems to hold true for both in-situ as well as mined materials. Coal-derived liquids generally must undergo an even more drastic upgrading prior to reforming into transportation fuels.