Production of Light Olefins by Catalytic Pyrolysis of Heavy Oil

Abstract

Catalytic pyrolysis is a promising technology for the production of light olefins. In this article, current advances in catalytic pyrolysis with respect to pyrolysis catalysts, technologies and reaction mechanisms are summarized. An experimental laboratory method, based on a confined fluidized bed reactor, has been used to study catalytic pyrolysis of Chinese Daqing atmospheric residue over three different catalysts: LCM-5, CEP-1, and RSCC-29. Analysis of pyrolyzed gases shows that product yields are strongly dependent on catalyst type. The optimal operating conditions vary with catalyst type, but in each case, the yields of total light olefins show maxima with increasing temperature. Pyrolyzed liquids are primarily aromatic components, indicating that the degree of catalytic pyrolysis is very deep. Hydrogen balance analysis shows that the catalytic pyrolysis of heavy oil is capable of producing light olefins with high hydrogen contents.

Energy from Waste Materials and Unconventional Sources

“…Moreover, the catalysts are expensive in comparison to common silica sand used in this new process. This upgrading makes a syncrude, which can easily flow and contain less density and contamination in the form of S and metals in comparison to the initial phase of heavy oil (Meng et al 2006).…”

“…In this regard, pyrolysis, cracking and hydrocracking processes are considered appropriate and promising. According to Meng et al (2006), the catalytic pyrolysis is an emerging technology for the conversion of heavy oil into light olefins. Figure 4.28 shows heavy oil upgrading via thermochemical conversion processes.…”

Waste Energy for Life Cycle Assessment

“…The optimum process combination was 100 % catalyst quantity (based on oil weight) with 56:1 molar ratio of methanol to oil at temperature of 303 K, which reduced product specific gravity from an initial value of 0.912 to a final value of 0.864 in about 4 h of reaction time (Xu et al 2006).…”

“…Large amount of microalgal oil was efficiently extracted from the heterotrophic cells by using n-hexane, and then transmuted into biodiesel by acidic transesterification (Xu et al 2006). To increase the biomass and reduce the cost of alga, corn powder hydrolysate instead of glucose was used as organic carbon source in heterotrophic culture medium in fermenters.…”

“…Xu et al (2006) cultivated the algae Chlorella protothecoids in a light deprived, heterotrophic environment with inexpensive hydrolyzed corn starch as the sole food source. Xu et al (2006) cultivated the algae Chlorella protothecoids in a light deprived, heterotrophic environment with inexpensive hydrolyzed corn starch as the sole food source.…”