Visbreaking: A technology of the past and the future

Because of their relative simplicity of design and straightforward thermal approach, visbreaking processes will not be ignored or absent from the refinery of the future. However, new and improved approaches are important for the production of petroleum products. These will include advances in current methods, minimization of process energy losses, and improved conversion efficiency. In addition, the use of additives to encourage the preliminary deposition of coke-forming constituents is also an option. Depending upon the additive, disposal of the process sediment can be achieved by a choice of methods.