Modeling and Evaluating Zeolite and Amorphous Based Catalysts in Vacuum Gas Oil Hydrocracking Process

Abstract

Hydrocracking is a significant process in a refinery which is commonly used for converting heavy fractions such as vacuum gas oil (VGO) to the valuable products such as naphtha and diesel. In this research, VGO hydrocracking process was studied in a pilot scale plant in the presence of a zeolite and two amorphous based commercial catalysts called RK-NiY, RK-MNi and KF-101, respectively. In order to study the effect of support on the yield of the process, a discrete 4-lump kinetic model, including feed (vacuum gas oil and unconverted materials), distillate (diesel and kerosene), naphtha and gas was proposed for each catalyst. At first, each network had six reaction paths and twelve kinetic coefficients, and then by using the model reduction methodology, only four main routes for RK-MNi and RK-NiY, and three ones for KF-101 were designated. Results showed that the absolute average deviation (AAD%) of reduced models decreased from 5.11 %, 10.1 % and 21.8 % to 4.54 %, 8.9 % and 19.67 % for RK-MNi, KF-101 and RK-NiY, respectively. Moreover, it was confirmed that amorphous and zeolite catalysts could be selected for producing middle distillate and naphtha products, respectively.

A six-lump kinetic model for HDPE/VGO blend hydrocracking

“…Therefore, we have focused on the models available for the hydrocracking of each feed separately. In this way, the kinetic modeling of the VGO has been extensively studied, either by discrete [39][40][41] or continuous lump models [42,43]; whereas few references about the hydrocracking of plastics are available in the literature [34,44]. Hence, the kinetic models for the hydrocracking of neat VGO [45,46] have been considered as a starting point for modeling the HDPE/VGO blend, since it is mainly composed of VGO (see Section 2.1).…”

Catalytic advances in vacuum gas oil hydrocracking

“…Except the study conducted by Camblor et al [17] who utilized 10nm crystal size of β-zeolite, generally both Y and β zeolites displays low MD selectivity, resulting in excessive light gas production and low heavy naphtha yield because of their over cracking activity in C10-C20 distillate [21]. According to Taufiqurrahmi et al [18], Y zeolites commercialized in cracking processes for the cleavage of C-C bonds, which was proved by Faraji et al [19] who tested three catalyst types: RK-NiY (zeolite), KF-101 and RK-MNi (two amorphous based). As result, zeolite type catalysts exhibited higher susceptibility to temperature rise in terms of coke deposition, affinity to generate lighter products (naphtha) and low residue amount compared to amorphous catalysts.…”

Graphene supported NiMo catalyst: A promising novel hydrocracking catalyst

“…Hence, it is necessary to upgrade them in order to convert large molecules (mainly asphaltenes and metal porphyrins) into low molecular weight fractions through the catalytic beds. 2 Thus, the reactor design and thermal stability of catalysts are important parameter during HDC of vacuum residue and heavy oil fractions. 3 Key factors for the HDC optimization and process development are the chemical natures of the support, the catalyst activity, and cost of the used catalyst.…”

“…Moreover, hydrocracking (HDC) rate of atmospheric or vacuum residue into more profitable commodities is a momentous goal for oil refineries. Hence, it is necessary to upgrade them in order to convert large molecules (mainly asphaltenes and metal porphyrins) into low molecular weight fractions through the catalytic beds 2 . Thus, the reactor design and thermal stability of catalysts are important parameter during HDC of vacuum residue and heavy oil fractions 3 …”