Viscosity Reduction Solution for Heavy Oil in Petrochemical Enterprises

Problem to Solve: A large petrochemical enterprise faced the problem of excessively high kinematic viscosity of vacuum residual oil (1500 mm²/s), which restricted its subsequent utilization and reduced economic benefits. It was necessary to develop an efficient viscosity reduction solution with stable operation and considerable economic returns, with a target annual processing capacity of 100,000 tons.

Solution Implementation: The enterprise adopted a conical wiped film evaporator as the core equipment for vacuum residual oil viscosity reduction treatment. Key operating parameters were strictly controlled to ensure treatment effect: evaporation liquid surface temperature was maintained at 380–385℃, vacuum degree was controlled at -0.099 MPa, and wiper blade speed was set at 300 rpm. The wiped film evaporator efficiently realized the separation of light and heavy components in vacuum residual oil through rapid film formation and evaporation, thereby reducing the viscosity of the material.

Solution Effect: After the implementation of the solution, the kinematic viscosity of vacuum residual oil was reduced from 1500 mm²/s to 350 mm²/s, with a viscosity reduction rate of 76.7%, which fully met the subsequent utilization requirements. The separated light components were effectively recycled as diesel blending components, with an annual output of 25,000 tons. The solution brought an annual economic benefit of more than 30 million yuan to the enterprise, achieving both environmental protection and economic benefits.