Dr. Speight is currently editor of the journal Petroleum Science and Technology (formerly Fuel Science and Technology International) and editor of the journal EnergySources. He is recognized as a world leader in the areas of fuels characterization and development. Dr. Speight is also Adjunct Professor of Chemical and Fuels Engineering at the University of Utah.James Speight is also a Consultant, Author and Lecturer on energy and environmental issues. He has a B.Sc. degree in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, both from University of Manchester. James has worked for various corporations and research facilities including Exxon, Alberta Research Council and the University of Manchester. With more than 45 years of experience, he has authored more than 400 publications--including over 50 books--reports and presentations, taught more than 70 courses, and is the Editor on many journals including the Founding Editor of Petroleum Science and Technology.

• Part One – Primary Upgrading Technologies 1. Visbreaking 2. Delayed Coking 3. Fluid Coking and Flexicoking 4. Fluid Catalytic Cracking 5. Hydroconversion Part Two – Secondary Upgrading Technologies 6. Hydrocracking 7. Hydrotreatment for Bitumen-Derived Liquids Part Three – Enhanced Upgrading 8. Solvent Deasphalting and Supercritical Extraction 9. Gasification 10. Hydrovisbreaking and Fast Pyrolysis

"Written in plain language, this slim book explains the different processes for refining heavy feedstocks, highlighting recent improvements in thermal cracking, catalytic cracking, catalytic hydrotreating, hydrocracking, and solvent processes." --Research and Reference Book News, August 2013