Catalysts Evaluation for Catalytic Steam Cracking of De-asphalted Oil in a Fixed Bed Reactor

Abstract

The present study aims to show performance of a catalytic steam cracking unit when processing de-asphalted oil, as part of a proposed upgrading scheme. Improve in the properties of the oil regarding viscosity and API gravity is intended, in order to make it pipeline transportable. All the experiments were performed in a continuous bench scale plant fitted with a fixed bed reactor, working at 150-400 psi and temperatures between 350 °C and 400 °C. The results from the evaluation of the catalysts, shows capability for catalytic water dissociation, hydrogen production, hydrocarbon cracking and hydrogenation, especially one catalyst containing Mo2C. This catalyst, working at 370°C and 400 psi, generated a product able to meet viscosity specification at 14°C. The Syncrude produced required 16% less diluent to be pumped and improvement in sulphur content and Total Acid Number (TAN) was also observed.