Detailed Characterization of Refractory Refinery Streams for Use as Feedstocks for Diesel Production in Low-Pressure Hydrotreating Units

Abstract

Two refinery streams named light cycle oil and light coker gas oil were deeply characterized to determine their possible use for hydrotreatment to produce commercial diesel. Typical straight-run gas oil feedstocks were also analyzed. Various physical and chemical analyses were performed with standard methods. Some properties were calculated using reported ASTM correlations. Identification of the different sulfur species was also carried out, and sulfur compounds were classified according to their structure and refractiveness. It was found that light cycle oil is a highly aromatic stream, with a high content of highly refractory sulfur compounds. Light coker gas oil exhibited a more olefinic nature with a high content of nitrogen and sulfur compounds. A discussion based on the properties of the streams was elaborated, from which the effect on hydrogen consumption, reactor conditions, usage of quenching streams, temperature rise, and catalyst selection is discussed.

Honoring Prof. Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

“…A case study demonstrates the application and usefulness of these ideas, emphasizing their importance for industrial settings. The report from Alonso et al extensively characterizes two refinery streams, light cycle oil, and light coker gas oil, for their potential in hydrotreatment to produce commercial diesel, compared to typical straight-run gas oil feedstocks. The implications on hydrogen consumption, reactor conditions, temperature rise, and catalyst selection, which are crucial for process optimization in diesel production, are discussed.…”