Low Boiling Point Aromatic Solvent Hydroprocessing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydroprocessing methods for heavy hydrocarbon oils face challenges in achieving long catalyst run lengths and selective conversion of high-boiling molecules to lower-boiling products while minimizing the formation of C4- hydrocarbon compounds and coke byproducts.
Innovation Solution
A process involving a combined feed of heavy hydrocarbon oil and a low-boiling point solvent containing single-ring aromatic compounds, such as trimethylbenzene, is used in a hydroprocessing zone with a hydroprocessing catalyst in the presence of hydrogen, optimizing temperature and pressure conditions to produce a hydroprocessed product with reduced sulfur, nitrogen, and metals content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydroprocessing methods are used for heavy hydrocarbon oils, then the process can remove sulfur, nitrogen, and metals, but the catalyst run length is limited and selectivity to desired products is poor with excessive formation of C4- hydrocarbon compounds and coke
Solution Approach 1:
A solvent acts as an intermediary substance in the hydroprocessing system. The solvent modifies the reaction environment by interacting with both the heavy hydrocarbon feed and the catalyst, thereby extending catalyst run length and reducing coke formation without compromising the hydroprocessing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of solvent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the reaction system, including viscosity, boiling point distribution, and reaction kinetics. These parameter changes enable extended catalyst operation and improved selectivity by modifying how the feed interacts with the catalyst.
2Productivity
If conventional hydroprocessing is applied to convert high-boiling molecules to lower-boiling products, then some conversion occurs, but selectivity is poor with excessive formation of C4- hydrocarbon compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The solvent serves as a mediator that influences the hydroprocessing reactions to favor desired product formation. By adjusting the solvent composition and properties, the reaction pathways are steered toward producing target products with higher selectivity while suppressing excessive cracking to C4- hydrocarbons.
Solution Approach 2:
Changing the solvent parameters (composition, boiling point, aromaticity) modifies the reaction conditions to achieve better selectivity. The solvent parameters are optimized to promote conversion of high-boiling molecules while controlling the product distribution to minimize light gas formation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This process extends catalyst run length, improves selectivity to desired products, and minimizes the formation of undesirable C4- hydrocarbon compounds and coke, achieving efficient conversion of high-boiling molecules to lower-boiling products with reduced impurities.
Implementation Method 1
The combined feed is contacted with hydroprocessing catalyst in the presence of hydrogen to yield a hydroprocessed product
Implementation Method 2
A process involving a combined feed of heavy hydrocarbon oil and a low-boiling point solvent containing single-ring aromatic compounds, such as trimethylbenzene, is used in a hydroprocessing zone with a hydroprocessing catalyst in the presence of hydrogen
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is directed to a process for producing a hydroprocessed product. The invention is particularly advantageous in that substantially less hydrogen is absorbed during the process relative to conventional hydroprocessing methods. This benefit is achieved by using a particular solvent as a co-feed component. In particular, the solvent component contains at least one single ring aromatic compound and has a relatively low boiling point range compared to the heavy hydrocarbon oil component used as another co-feed component.