COPROCESSING OF COAL WITH HEAVY PETROLEUM CRUDES AND RESIDUA

This work investigates the coprocessing of coal in six different heavy petroleum crudes and residua. Coprocessing reactions of coal and the petroleum solvents are performed under three sets of constant reaction conditions, yielding informative comparative data for processing applications. Definitive comparisons of coal reactivity and solvolysis in the petroleum solvents have been obtained using solvent fractionation which provides a measure of the degree of upgrading achieved by the liquefied coal. Regressive reactions and low coal conversions are observed in coprocessing reactions in N₂ at 400^°C. Higher conversions and a reduction in regressive reactions are observed in H₂ at 400^°C. Catalytic hydrotreatment and higher temperature, 425^°C, result in increased coal conversion and a net production of pentane soluble materials. The amount of product fractions obtained from the upgrading of the coal alone is calculated. The effect of reaction temperature using different solvents and reaction conditions on the product slate is also examined.     

HYDROLIQUEFACTION OF TEXAS LIGNITE IN COAL- AND PETROLEUM-DERIVED SLURRY OILS

ABSTRACT

Hydroliquefaction of Texas lignite (68.5%. C daf) was conducted in a batch autoclave under hydrogen in a coal–derived slurry oil at 90 bar initial pressure for temperatures of 380–460^° C and residence time of 15–60 minutes, or a vacuum distillate from petroleum at 435^° C for 60 minutes and initial H₂–pressure of 60–150 bar, or a vacuum residue from the same petroleum at 435 and 460^° C for 60 minutes and initial H₂–pressure of 90–150 bar or tetralin at 435^°C, 60 minutes and 90 bar initial H₂–pressure. Red mud plus sodium sulfide were added as a catalyst for all experiments. Lignite conversion ranged from 50 to 83%. The products were separated into gases, residue, asphaltenes, oils B,P. above 200^° C, oils B.P. below 200^° C. Total liquid products from coal reached 57% in coal-derived slurry-oil, 56% in vacuum distillate and 64% in vacuum residue at optimum conditions with 32% of product oil B.P. below 200^° C in vacuum distillate and 24% in vacuum residue. When coprocessing lignite with vacuum residue at 120 bar initial pressure, 435^°C and 60 minutes residence time the total mass balance presented an oil yield of 73%. with 32% boiling below 200^°C.     

Downhole Upgrading of Extra-heavy Crude Oil Using Hydrogen Donors and Methane Under Steam Injection Conditions

Abstract

An extra-heavy crude oil underground upgrading process is described which involves the downhole addition of a hydrogen donor additive under steam injection conditions (280–315°C and residence times of at least 24-h). Laboratory experiments showed a 4° increase in the API gravity (from 9 to 12°) of the upgraded product, a two-fold reduction in the viscosity and, an approximately 8% decrease in the asphaltene content with respect to the original crude. Further increases on the temperature led to products with improved properties reaching 15°API at 315°C. It was found that the presence of the natural formation (catalysts) and methane (natural gas) is necessary to enhance the properties of the upgraded crude oil. From GC and GC-MS results a reaction pathway is proposed that involves hydrogen transfers from tetralin to the extra-heavy crude oil resulting in the formation of 1,2-dihydronaphthalene. This compound is then transformed into naphthalene, further upgrading of crude oil through hydrogen donation. The results of the experiments carried out in the presence and absence of the mineral formation and with an inert solid (SiC) strongly indicate that the former acts as a catalyst and not as a heat transfer matrix. Isotopic labeling studies (CD₄ and ¹³CH₄) give evidences that, most probably, methane is involved in the upgrading reactions.     

Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Methanol on Chromium Oxide/Montmorillonite K10 Catalysts

Abstract

Methanol conversion was carried out on a mesoporous material—chromia/montmorillonite K10 (MK10)—in a pulse microcatalytic system. Methanol was converted to formaldehyde and ethylene by two different mechanisms. Methanol dehydrogenation increases by increasing reaction temperature (300–400°C) and as chromia loading decrease. On the other hand, the dehydration of methanol occurs at a higher temperature (400–500°C) and as chromia loading increase, 3–18% Cr. Redox and exposed nonredox Cr³⁺ are responsible for formaldehyde formation. There is a relationship between increased C₂H₄ production and the increase of Cr⁶⁺ phase according to the acidity of chromia catalysts 34 and 76 μL tert-Butylamine/g catalyst for 3% Cr and 18% Cr, respectively. Formaldehyde formation is diffusionally controlled at high temperatures (400–500°C) and kinetically controlled at a lower reaction temperature (300–400°C), while methanol dehydration to ethylene is surface reaction controlled at 400–500°C.     

DIRECT HYDROGENATION OF A SPANISH LOW RANK COAL. THE EFFECT OF PROCESS VARIABLES

ABSTRACT

The effect of operating conditions on the liquefaction behaviour of a Spanish lignite was studied using a 250 ml stirred autoclave, and the following operating conditions (except otherwise specified): 400 °C, 1 hour, 3.5 MPa initial (cold) H₂ pressure, 400 rpm and 40 g/10 g tetralin/coal charge. The liquefaction products were fractionated into oils, asphaltenes, preasphaltenes and solid residue using pentane, toluene and THF as extractive solvents

The influence of temperature was explored in the 300–475 °C range, observing little further improvement in liquefaction yields over 400 °C, and retrogressive reactions over 450 °C. The effect of time was studied from 0 to 180 minutes and was concluded that 1 hour is an appropriate period for liquefying a black lignite, since there is little further conversion for longer times. The influence of pressure and gas type was studied using 0, 3.5 and 7.0 MPa initial (cold) pressure of H₂ and of N₂, and the effect of stirring using 0 and 400 rpm. Little influence of these variables was observed, which is attributed to the strong H-donor solvent, high solvent/coal ratio and long reaction time used.     

SOLID STATE 13C NMR STUDY OF THERMALLY UPGRADED LOW RANK COALS

ABSTRACT

The results of solid-state ¹³C NMR study aimed at evaluating the chemical changes and extent of upgrading achieved in the thermal treatment of two western Canadian low rank coals are discussed. The coals were thermally treated at varying temperatures (200 - 500°C) using different process media (nitrogen, steam and products of combustion)

Apparent aromaticity of the two coals was increased after the thermal treatment and increased with treatment temperature. Significant chemical changes, such as loss of the protonated aromatic carbons, quaternary carbons in alkylated rings and aliphatic ethers, were observed at 400°C and above. Condensation and polymerization of the chemical components were also evident. The effect of process medium was found to depend on the coal feed and the treatment temperature.     

An improved gravimetric method applied to co-processing of polyethylene terephtalate and petroleum blend using HY zeolite as a catalyst

The co-processing of petroleum and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was carried out in the presence and absence of a catalyst in an open vessel batch reactor at temperatures of 200, 300, 400, and 500 °C, which corresponds to temperatures of distillation and cracking. The catalyst used was the acidic HY zeolite, which is widely used in petroleum refining. The catalytic co-processing was carried out with the PET–oil charge, at a mass ratio of 1:1, containing 10% of HY zeolite. The conversion degree was measured by knowing the initial sample mass and amount of degraded material for each temperature and reaction time, using an improved gravimetric method consisting of a precision balance and an oven with a heating rate controller. The conversion values obtained were compared for petroleum and PET samples with and without the zeolite catalyst. At temperatures of 200 and 300 °C, the PET showed low conversions, about 5–10%. However, for the catalytic co-processing of PET–oil/HY at these same temperatures, an increase in conversion to about 25–30% was observed. At temperatures of 400 and 500 °C, conversions above 90% were obtained for the two samples, with a subsequent reduction in the activation energy, from 76 kJ mol^?1 (PET) to 56 kJ mol^?1 (PET–oil/HY). The decrease in the activation energy proved the efficiency of the HY zeolite and the synergistic effect when PET was blended to the oil for the catalytic co-processing, proving to be a viable alternative for the chemical recycling of PET in the petroleum industry.     

CHARACTERIZATION OF COAL CHARS FROM A FLASH PYROLYSIS PROCESS BY CROSS POLARIZATION/MAGIC ANGLE SPINNING 13C NMR

ABSTRACT

Chars from the Illinois Springfield (No. 5) Coal are prepared by flash pyrolysis at progressively higher charring temperatures. The results of a study of these chars by ¹³C NMR with CP/MAS indicate that the initial stage of heating (300^°C) produces a char with aromatic carbon fraction (f_ar) of 68%, and successive heating gives chars with f_ar of 70% (400^°C), 73% (500^°C), 89% (600^°C), 95% (700^°C), and 96% (800^°C). However, the actual amount of aromatic and aliphatic carbon in the char can be calculated by using the NMR measurements, the organic carbon content of the char, and the weight of the char. The calculated values show that the amount of aromatic carbon in char remains relatively constant at each temperature, but the amount of aliphatic carbon in char is reduced during higher temperature charring. At 600^°C, both a large reduction of the aliphatic carbon content and a maximum weight loss occur. Evidently, the aliphatic-bond carbon in coal is the principal source of volatiles derived from coal. The apparent increase in aromaticity (f_ar) of the char heated to progressively higher temperatures is due to the loss of aliphatic-bond moieties and reduction in volume of materials.     

COMPARATIVE REACTION STUDY OF METHYLCYCLOHEXANE AND 3-METHYLHEXANE IN H2 AND N2 ON Pt/Al2O3 CATALYST

ABSTRACT

The reaction of methylcyclohexane and 3-methylhexane were studied in a pulse microcatalytic reactor using H₂ and N₂ carriers on Pt/Al₂O₃ catalyst at temperatures from 350 to 500°C, contact times (W/F) of 1.25 × 10^?3–3.75 × 10^?3 g min/ml and a total pressure of 4.0 kg/cm². In N₂, there was complete conversion of methylcyclohexane to methane, benzene and toluene while similar products were produced for 3-methylhexane, albeit with diminished conversion level. In H₂, methane was produced from 3-methylhexane conversion while aromatization without demethylation was obtained in addition to some cracking for methylcyclohexane at the low temperature range (350–400°C); a higher temperature range (460–500°C) resulted in complete fragmentation for methylcyclohexane. In H₂–N₂ mixtures, the presence of N₂ of not less than 50% in the carrier gas stream yielded an aromatic catalyst at conditions where only cracking activity was previously evident. The differences in product distribution and/or product types for the two reactants in H₂ and N₂ suggest a different reaction mechanism for both reactants.     

RAPID PYROLYSIS OF EASTERN CANADIAN COALS BY FREE FALL REACTORS

Abstract

The effect of temperature was investigated on the rapid pyrolysis of Prince, Lingan and No. 26 coals in the temperature range of 525^° to 750^°C using a 600 cm high stainless-steel free fall reactor at atmospheric pressure.

The yields of char, condensibles and gaseous products were determined at 25^°C intervals. Gaseous products were analysed for H₂, CO, CO₂, CH₄ and C₂+.

Volatile product (condensible and gas) yields exceeded the volatile product in the A.S.T.M. methods at and above 700^°C.

Some experiments using Prince coal were repeated at reduced pressure (50 mm mercury) in both the 600 cm height stainless-steel and a 140 cm height quartz reactor in order to find out the effect of pressure and retention time.

The experimental results indicated that the condensable yield was higher at the lower pressure and at the shorter retention time. The effect of retention time was far more pronounced.     

VARIATION IN THE CHEMICAL NATURE OF ASPHALTENES WITH THE PROCESS,THE COAL AND THE REACTION CONDITIONS

ABSTRACT

Average structure data for twelve asphaltenes are reported, based on ¹³C- and H- n.m.r. spectroscopy combined with elemental, molecular weight and functional group analyses. The asphaltenes were from supercritical gas extraction, flash pyrolysis and hydrogenation of a brown and a bituminous coal. The effect of the reaction temperature and, for hydrogenation, the catalyst and solvent on the nature of the asphaltene produced was studied. The asphaltene obtained from supercritical gas extraction of the brown coal at 350°C was the least aromatic (f_a = 0.44) with the highest H/C atomic ratio (1.16) and probably consists mainly of single ring aromatlcs with about half of the aromatic sites substituted. A significant proportion of the carbon in this asphaltene is in long alkyl chains and the hydroxyl content is high. Whereas, the asphaltenes produced by hydrogenatlon of the bituminous coal at 450°C were far more aromatic with more highly condensed but less substituted aromatic ring systems and few, if any, long alkyl chains, together with a lower hydroxyl content. The asphaltenes obtained from the brown coal are less aromatic with less condensed aromatic ring systems but a higher degree of aromatic substitution than those produced from the bituminous coal under the same conditions. The asphaltenes formed at 450°C had lower H/C atomic ratios, molecular weights and degree of aromatic substitution, but higher aromaticities Ohan those produced at 35O°C or 400°C under like processing conditions. The asphaltene produced in the presence of both stannous chloride catalyst and tetralin was less aromatic than when either of these species was absent.     

SOLVENT EXTRACTION OF COALS THROUGH ATD3 REACTION UNDER AMBIENT PRESSURE CONDITION

ABSTRACT

A novel reaction such as ATD³ reaction which has been recently found to be an attractive reaction for rendering more 50% coal extractable, has been tested on different bituminous coals and a lignite. The reaction has been found to be generally applicable on coals and lignite to render about 50% coal extractable. The reaction proceeds under industrially convenient conditions and involves the use of only coal or petroleum derived solvents. Reaction of % carbon, % volatile matter and atomic O/C ratio of coals with the extractability of coal through ATD³ reaction has been drawn.     

PROGRESSIVE HYDROTREATMENT OF HOKKAIDO COALS (JAPAN)

ABSTRACT

Hokkaido coals were subjected to benzene extraction and non-catalytic hydrotreatment, alternatively, under progressive increase of temperature from 200 to 400 °C. For Taiheiyo coal the aliphatic materials in the hydrogen-rich part of the coal were converted to benzene soluble products at lower temperatures. With the increasing reaction temperature, aromaticity of the benzene solubles increased gradually. On the other hand, for Ohyubari coal, the structure of the benzene solubles were essentially the same for products obtained under all temperatures. Also, in the case of Taiheiyo coal (C : 76.9 %) the plastic state was not observed up to 400 °C, but for Ohyubari coal (C : 85.6 %) the onset of the plastic state was evident. It was assumed that there was an intimate relationship between the occurrence of plastic state and the structural uniformity of coal.     

MODELING FOR PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION IN THERMAL CONVERSION OF HEAVY OIL

ABSTRACT

A laboratory scale microstatic reactor was developed for heavy oil thermal conversion. This apparatus can be temperature programmed quickly and smoothly in the range of 400–500°C. The product distribution was determined with Soxhlet apparatus and liquid chromatography. It is assumed that both cracking and condensation reactions are first order reactions and no secondary reaction occurred for the product. A twelve lumped reaction model for product distribution in thermal conversion of heavy stock was developed. The regression coefficient R and F test indicate that the model was fit well to the experimental data at low thermal conversion. Therefore, the model can predict the cracking and condensation reactions of heavy stock occurring in the inner tube of a coking heater.     

Olefin Reduction of FCC Naphtha Using β-zeolite Catalyst in the Absence of Hydrogen

Abstract

In order to fulfill the requirement of environmental protection, experimentation of reducing FCC gasoline olefin content and optimization of the process operating conditions were studied in a small fixed vector. Under the action of a macroporous molecular sieve catalyst, which consists of active composition of Ni and Mo metal in β-zeolite supporter, when the reaction temperature was 140°C, reaction pressure was 2.0 MPa, and space velocity was 1.0 h^?1–2.0 h^?1, aromatization reactions, isomerization reactions, and hydrogen transfer reactions happened, so that the olefin, benzene, and arene in product gasoline were no more than 35%, 2.5%, and 40%, respectively. The octane number of petroleum is slightly increased. And it overcomes the disadvantage of losing octane by hydrogenation process. The catalyst could be regenerated using a multi-cycle with an average running cycle of about 96 hr. The results show that the process reaction condition is relaxation, process is non-hydrogenation, process flow is simple, technical and economic target is advanced, benefit is high, and cost is low.     

SOLUBILITY STUDIES OF PARAFFIN WAXES IN SELECTED PETROLEUM FRACTIONS AND TOLUENE

ABSTRACT

Solubility studies of paraffin waxes with melting point range of 43^°C to 57^°C in two undefined petroleum fractions and Toluene have been carried out. An Attempt was made to develop a correlation for predicting the solubility of the waxes in these solvents. The one parameter ideal solubility law expression has been successfully used to represent the experimental data.     

Aromatization of FCC Gasoline Over Modified HZSM-5 Catalyst

Abstract

Zinc and phosphorus incorporated HZSM-5 catalyst was prepared by adopting incipient wet co-impregnation (Zn-P/HZSM-5). Zn-P/HZSM-5 catalyst exhibited the lowest acidity but the highest aromatization activity with stable performance in the studied period of 16 hr. The process conditions on aromatization reaction and the coke deactivation mechanism of Zn-P/HZSM-5 catalyst were studied on a small-scale, fixed bed reactor using FCC naphtha (75–120°C). The weight contents of ZnO and P₂O₅ were 2% and 4%, respectively. Results showed that Zn-P/HZSM-5 catalyst under a temperature of 450°C, liquid hourly space velocity of 1.0 h^?1, and pressure of 0.1 MPa, the conversions of olefins and alkanes are 96.77% and 88.94%, respectively, the contents of olefins, aromatics in liquid product are 6.79% and 74.57%, respectively. Carbon deposition was the major reason for catalyst deactivation due to the catalyst's good performance as a fresh catalyst after regeneration. All of the blending products fitted the standards of Chinese gasoline.     

Production of Lubricating Base Oil Using a Moist SiO2/γ-Al2 O3 Catalyst

Abstract

The catalyst SiO₂/γ-Al₂ O₃ treated by micro-wetness air to produce lubricating base oil was studied in this article. The satisfactory reaction temperature, the treatment temperature, and the proper content of active composition was researched. Under the best reaction conditions with a reaction temperature of 170°C, a reaction pressure at 6.0 Mpa, the volume velocity at 0.5 h^?1. The polymerization of α-olefin was performed at a microreactor and produced lubricating base oil with the kinetic viscosity at 38.19 mm² · s^?1, the bromine number at 5.78 g(Br) · (100 g)^?1, and the pour point at ?43.0°C. Then the structure of the catalyst was determined by Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) technology. The result shows that when the optimal micro-wetness air was 45°C, the reaction temperature was 800°C, and the amount of active composition was 12%, and the catalyst has high catalytic activity and wide market prospect.     

COAL LIQUEFACTION WITH ANTHRACENE OIL. INFLUENCE OF SOLVENT PRETREATMENT,TEMPERATURE, CATALYST AND PRESSURE

ABSTRACT

The effect of solvent pretreatment, temperature, a CoMo/Al₂O₃ catalyst and pressure on coal liquefaction with anthracene oil has been evaluated. The experiments were conducted in a 500 ml autoclave with 10 g of a Spanish subbituminous A coal. 30 g of solvent, 1 hour reaction time and 400 rpm stirring speed. The liquefaction products were fractionated into oils, asphaltenes and preasphaltenes using pentane, toluene and THF as extractive solvents. The behaviour of anthracene oil as coal liquefaction solvent is very much enhanced by prehydrogenating it and by the addition ot an active catalyst. The influence of temperature depends on the operating conditions such as solvent pretreatment, catalyst, pressure etc. The addition of an active catalyst greatly improves conversion and the quality of the liquefaction products and diminishes repotimerization reactions. Hydrogen pressure is essential for coal liquefaction with anthracene oil, although over 16 MPa no further increase in coal conversion is observed.     

EFFECT OF IRON CATALYST ON THE COMPOSITION OF OIL FROM COAL LIQUEFACTION

ABSTRACT

The effect of two iron catalysts, red mud and CGS S-G, as well as C0-Mo/AI₂O3 and Ni-Mo/Al₂03 commercial catalysts on the composition of oil derived from the liquefaction of Japanese subbituminous coal have been investigated comparatively by conventional autoclave experiments at 440 and 450^°C under initial hydrogen pressure of 85kg/cm² G with tetralin to coal weight ratio of 3. From the results obtained at 450^°C, total conversion and the yield of gas revealed almost same level with four catalysts, but the oil product from molybdenum catalysts showed higher yield than that from iron catalysts. CGS S-G catalyst also showed higher yield of oil product than red mud catalyst. Reaction behavior of two iron catalysts were also tested by solvent recycle mode experiments.