Mild hydrocracking in heavy oils in the 80's
Many refiners have determined that mild hydrocracking (MHC) is an attractive alternative for converting heavy fuel oils to lighter mid-distillates which are increasingly in demand. Important advantages of MHC are the selective formation of high quality diesel blendstock and the ability to apply this technology in existing vacuum gas oil (VGO) desulfurizers. This paper discusses the criteria for optimizing both catalyst choice and utilization to maximize the economic benefits of MHC. The MHC performance of conventional hydrotreating catalysts and a new generation of MHC catalysts developed by AKZO Chemie's Ketjen Catalyst Group is compared. By applying these new catalysts, conversion levels of 45%, representing an absolute increase of up to 12% over conventional catalysts, may be realized. The improved MHC catalysts have excellent stability. Application studies demonstrate that more than one catalyst type may be needed to optimize conversion for a specific application. Reactor configuration (e.g. single versus multiple bed), feedstock and processing conditions determine the choice of the optimal catalyst(s). Process studies and economic evaluations by Lummus-Crest Inc. indicate that the mild hydrocracking process is an effective way to upgrade heavy oils. For a 20,000 BPSD unit, additional revenue as high as 15 million dollars per year may be realized when going from the HDS to MHC mode of operation. Payout times for revamp investments, when necessary to optimize either conversion and/or the refiner's product slate, are estimated to be about one year.
- Research Organization:
- Akzo Chemie Nederland-Ketjen Catalysts, Amsterdam
- OSTI ID:
- 6423693
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8403125-
- Journal Information:
- Natl. Pet. Refiners Assoc., (Tech. Pap.); (United States), Vol. AM-84-60; Conference: National Petroleum Refiners Association annual meeting, San Antonio, TX, USA, 25 Mar 1984
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
CATALYSTS
STABILITY
CATALYTIC COMBUSTORS
RETROFITTING
HYDROCRACKING
PETROLEUM
CAPITALIZED COST
OPTIMIZATION
PETROLEUM DISTILLATES
VISCOSITY
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTORS
COST
CRACKING
DECOMPOSITION
DISTILLATES
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
PETROLEUM FRACTIONS
PYROLYSIS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
020400* - Petroleum- Processing