| (19) |
 |
|
(11) |
EP 1 016 704 A3 |
| (12) |
EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| (88) |
Date of publication A3: |
|
12.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/28 |
| (43) |
Date of publication A2: |
|
05.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/27 |
| (22) |
Date of filing: 20.12.1999 |
|
|
| (84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
|
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE |
|
Designated Extension States: |
|
AL LT LV MK RO SI |
| (30) |
Priority: |
19.12.1998 GB 9827986
|
| (71) |
Applicant: University of Strathclyde |
|
Glasgow G1 1YQ, Scotland (GB) |
|
| (72) |
Inventors: |
|
- Snape, Colin Edward
Paisley PA2 6SR (GB)
- Love, Gordon Davidson
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE2 2DL (GB)
|
| (74) |
Representative: Szczuka, Jan Tymoteusz et al |
|
Cruikshank & Fairweather 19 Royal Exchange Square
Glasgow G1 3AE Scotland
Glasgow G1 3AE Scotland (GB) |
|
| |
|
| (54) |
Improvements in hydropyrolysis |
(57) The invention provides an improved two stage process for use on kerogen bearing and/or
"heavy oils" wherein the process comprises a two-stage catalytic hydropyrolysis process
for recovering biomarkers from a geological oil-bearing sample, said process comprising
the steps of:
- in a first stage heating a geological oil-bearing sample incorporating a dispersed
hydrotreating catalyst up to a temperature of from 450°C to 520°C, in the presence
of hydrogen at a pressure of from 5 MPa to 15 MPa so as to release into the vapour
phase from said geological oil-bearing sample organic compound material containing
biomarkers; and
- in a second stage contacting the material released in the first stage with a hydrotreating
catalyst at a temperature in the range of from 300°C to 350°C in the presence of hydrogen
at a pressure of from 5 MPa to 15 MPa so as to release chemically bonded biomarkers.