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Low severity upgrading of F-T waxes with solid superacids. Progress report, March 1, 1992--May 30, 1992

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10179865· OSTI ID:10179865
We have previously reported the isomerization and hydrocracking of n-hexadecane and a n-C{sub 32} straight chain paraffin with a Pt/ZrO{sub 2}/SO{sub 4} catalyst at 170{degrees}C and 350 psig of hydrogen. This study has now been extended to the treatment of a Fisher-Tropsch wax with a carbon number range from C{sub 55}-C{sub 62}. The results reported in Table 1 show that the Pt/ZrO{sub 2}/SO{sub 4} catalyst is active for the isomerization and hydrocracking of this substrate. At an 88.6 wt% conversion level, an 86.1% selectivity to isoparaffins was achieved. The products consisted mainly of C{sub 4}-C{sub 9} and C{sub 10}-C{sub 14} fractions, suitable as gasoline and diesel fuels. A feed/catalyst ratio of 6:1 was used; there was no evidence of catalytic deactivation. The melted wax is viscous and there was a decrease in conversion with time, indicating that diffusion might be a limitation for chains of very high molecular weight.
Research Organization:
Pittsburgh Univ., PA (United States). Dept. of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
FG22-91PC91304
OSTI ID:
10179865
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/91304--T2; ON: DE92040662
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English