Asphaltenes are the heaviest and most polar fraction of oil. They are composed of polycondensed aromatic rings carrying aliphatic chains that contain acid-base and polar groups or functional groups at their edges. They differ through polarity, aromaticity, molecular weight, and molecular structure. They tend to agglomerate or overlap. In crude oil, they are surrounded by a sea of maltenes. The spatial organization of maltenes and asphaltenes result in the macro and micro structural properties, with the macromolecular organization causing the high viscosities.

The industry has traditionally treated or upgraded heavy oils with techniques that require high severity such as hydrocracking, vis-breaking, or high-solvent use as in deasphalting.

Rather than breaking the larger molecule structures by thermal action (leading to de-alkylation, cracking and coke formation), Fractal uses a hybrid approach which the company has patented as the Jetshear™ technology. Thermal disorder is first introduced, and through a combination of solvation, high shear forces, and near sonic velocities, kinetic energy is transformed into chemical energy. The consequence is that the oil is structurally modified.

The above reactions are carried through well-engineered, orifice-restricted jet nozzles. Other parts of the process are “off-the-shelf” proven equipment such as high pressure positive displacement pumps and heat exchangers.