ISSN:
0930-7516
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Industrial Chemistry
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
A number of topped crude oil residues were subjected to mild thermal cracking in the temperature range between 613 and 673K at N2 pressure of one atmosphere. It was found that the thermal stability of the six topped crude oils decreased in the order Brent 〈 Piper 〈 Auk 〈 Saudi Arabian 〈 Romashkinskaya 〈 Tia Juana Pesado. This was measured in terms of light end production (C1-C5 hydrocarbons). The asphaltene, sulphur and metal (nickel and vanadium) contents were also determined. The production of light ends, exemplified by methane, was found to be related to the metal asphaltene content of the crude oils, but the sulphur content exerted a moderating influence upon the extent of cracking. Hence, metal asphaltenes, probably as metal porphyrins, catalyse cracking but the presence of sulphur reduces that catalytic activity and can inhibit cracking. If cracking of long chain hydrocarbons is to be minimized, metal asphaltenes should be removed (preferably) or reduced in concentration or poisoned, in order to decrease their catalytic activity.
Additional Material:
5 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ceat.270110113