Catalytic conversion of canola oil to fuels and chemical feedstocks: Part II Effect of co-feeding steam on the performance of HZSM-5 catalyst

Ca lola oil and steam were co-fed continuously to a 15.5 mm i.d. fixed-bed reactor loaded with HZSM-5 catalyst at varying process conditions. The liquid hydrocarbon product contained 60–70 wt% aromatics. The gas product was highly olefinic, while for canola oil alone it was mostly paraffinic. The C₂-C₅ olefin selectivity increased with an increase in the steam/canola oil ratio in the feed. In addition, co-feeding with steam resulted in a two-fold increase in the catalyst life. Though the exact role of steam in altering the chemistry of the reaction is not known, it is probable that the rates of olefin formation and aromatization reactions are affected by the presence of steam. The product pattern suggests the possibility of propene being the initial olefin in the reaction scheme.