Simulation of Petroleum Residue Hydroconversion in a Continuous Pilot Unit Using Batch Reactor Experiments and a Cold Mock-Up

Abstract

SSCI-VIDE+ECI2D+TJA:DGU:ELE:MLA:CGE:MTFInternational audienceThe kinetics of atmospheric petroleum residue hydroconversion with a dispersed catalyst was studied. A methodology has been developed in order to transpose the chemical kinetics (reaction network, stoichiometry, and kinetic constants) obtained with a batch reactor by Nguyen et al. to a continuous reactor [Nguyen, T. S.; Tayakout-Fayolle, M.; Ropars, M.; Geantet, C. Chem. Eng. Sci. 2013, 94, 214]. Their five-lump kinetic model takes into account vaporliquid mass transfer, vaporliquid equilibriums, and hydrogen consumption. Consequently, hydrodynamics and vaporliquid mass transfer of the micropilot unit's reactor were studied in a cold mock-up by tracer experiments. The same thermodynamic model given by Nguyen et al. was used, and the flash calculations were performed using ProSimPlus software. Experimental data were obtained in the micropilot unit at 420, 430, and 440 degrees C with a dispersed catalyst for residence times of 1 and 2 h. The catalyst precursor, an oil-soluble molybdenum naphthenate, was added to obtain a molybdenum concentration of 600 wt ppm in the feedstock. The total pressure was 12 MPa with a hydrogen-to-feed ratio of 500 N m(3)/m(3). The methodology was validated by comparing the model's output with the experimental results

Impact of Unconverted Residue Recycling on Slurry-Phase Hydroconversion Performance in a Continuous Microscale Pilot Unit

“…Figure presents the flow diagram of the continuous micropilot unit. This unit was previously used for the slurry-phase hydroconversion of an Arabian light AR. , Some technical modifications were made to adapt this unit to heavier feeds such as Safaniya VR. The micropilot unit is equipped with two high pressure double-piston pump systems: feed pumps and recycle pumps.…”

“…However, good modeling results were obtained for the reactor system without recycling with a kinetic model developed using data from batch experiments. 33 Although the works cited above have improved the understanding of different phenomena that take place during the recycle of unconverted residues, the impact of ROM on reactor (single-pass) and process (overall) performances has not been clearly delineated. In view of this, we carried out this study to evaluate the impact of unconverted residue recycling on residue conversion, hydrodesulfurization rate, and product yields and selectivities.…”

“…This was due to the low efficiency of the separation system. However, good modeling results were obtained for the reactor system without recycling with a kinetic model developed using data from batch experiments …”

A Review of Thermal Cracking, Hydrocracking, and Slurry Phase Hydroconversion Kinetic Parameters in Lumped Models for Upgrading Heavy Oils

“…For example, this is the method used in the ENI process. Several authors have studied the recycle of catalyst and unconverted residues for slurry phase hydroconversion. − An alternative application is to perform slurry phase hydroconversion on crude oils or bitumens before distillation . This is to improve their handling properties and is performed under milder conditions than for AR and VR feedstocks.…”

“…15 Slurry phase hydroconversion is an attractive technology, capable of treating the heaviest feeds, which also contain the most heteroatoms (S, N, Ni, and V) and coke precursors (asphaltenes and Conradson carbon). It is typically performed under severe temperature (400−450 °C) and hydrogen pressure (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20). The use of an unsupported catalyst overcomes the disadvantages associated with deactivation by coke and metal deposition.…”