Primary upgrading involves the removal or conversion of asphaltenes in the bitumen process stream.
This is accomplished by either removing the asphaltenes, via coking or solvent deasphalting, or by breaking down the asphaltenes into other hydrocarbon products via hydro-conversion. Instrumentation needs to be carefully selected as the bitumen is extremely corrosive, and must be able to withstand extremely high heat and high vibration environments.
