Modes of Operation in Hydrodemetallization

Abstract

Some important chemical and engineering principles are examined in this paper to provide a basis for comparing various bottom-of-the-barrel process alternatives. The extent of how successfully the various hydroconversion approaches can cope with asphaltene conversion and metal removal is examined. Typical representative hydrogen-addition technologies are compared, including fixed-bed (FBR), back-mixed (BMR), and liquid-phase reactor approaches.The emphasis on catalysis for these approaches varies widely. Noncatalytic thermal (hydro-) demetallization appears to be the most attractive approach from an economic standpoint for stand-alone, grass-roots situations. BMR technology comes in second place, and FBR technology is third. Taking into account the sequence of historical developments and the apparent relation between economic attractiveness and the use of catalysis, the fundamental reasons for the observed trends are discussed.Some important chemical and engineering principles are examined in this paper to provide a basis for comparing various process alternatives for the conversion of the "bottom-of-the-barrel." Key economic issues are highlighted to facilitate the discussion.Coking is presently the most widely used primary upgrading process. In coking, a significant fraction of the feed, however, is converted to gas and coke. Hydroconversion offers the potential of complete or nearly complete recovery of the feed, including the asphaltene coke precursors. Hydroconversion using extended conventional technology has not become competitive with coking, however, mainly because of the presence of vanadium and nickel in the asphaltenes. In thermal hydroconversion, the removal of metals also plays an important role. The extent of how

Refining Technology Selection

“…3) Hydrodemetallization (HDM) [24,25]. The metals and their levels present in syncrudes depend mainly on the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (Section 4.5).…”

Fischer–Tropsch refining: technology selection to match molecules

“…123 (f) Hydrodemetallisation (HDM). 127 The main metals in Fischer-Tropsch syncrude are iron and sodium, which are present as metal carboxylates. Unfortunately HDM catalysts are ineffective at the removal of these metals.…”

Catalysis in the Upgrading of Fischer–Tropsch Syncrude

“…Hydrodemetallisation (HDM). [543][544][545] The main metals present in Fe-HTFT and Fe-LTFT syncrudes are iron and sodium. These metals are present as metal carboxylates that are produced during corrosion and catalyst loss by leaching.…”