Coking threshold in hydroprocessing of asphaltenic oils

The coking propensity of asphaltenic oils is quantitatively described using experimentally determined threshold values for temperature and hydrogen pressure. Results using this method are compared with more conventional information based on solubility properties. The threshold values are shown to be more pertinent for quantitative analyses. A model exponential function based on a simple mechanistic consideration is fitted through experimental points and used to explain curve patterns.