Tight oils (TOs) occurring in low-permeability
formations are produced
by the fracking method. The content of atmospheric distillates (AD)
may approach 80% of the TO crude, while that of vacuum residue may
be as low as 5%. A waxy behavior of TOs results from a high content
of n-paraffins. Blending of TOs and/or TO-derived
feeds requires attention because of compatibility issues. Safety precautions
must be taken during all stages of the TO handling because of a high
content of C1–C4 hydrocarbons. Hydroprocessing
(HPR) of naphtha from TOs is necessary to increase octane number and
that of middle distillates to attain cold flow properties of diesel
fuel. HPR of atmospheric residue (AR) from TOs yields additional naphtha
and middle distillate feeds. Because of a great variability in properties,
the pre-HPR of TO feeds may be necessary. Hydroisomerization (HIS)
is the principal reaction during the HPR of AD feeds, while hydrocracking
(HCR) and ring opening (RO) are the principal reactions during the
HPR of AR from TOs. A wide range of catalyst formulations has been
evaluated for conversion of model compounds typical of those present
in TOs. High paraffinic feeds such as syncrude from Fischer−Tropsch
(FT) synthesis and wax from dewaxing of base oil were tested as well.
Bifunctional catalysts comprising acidic supports and noble metals
were tested for HIS, HCR, and RO reactions. Conventional HPR catalysts
have limited applications because of a low content of sulfur in TO
feeds.