The Role of Ultra-Heavy Petroleum Blends Composition on Hydrocracking Efficiency under Accelerated Catalyst Deactivation Protocol

The deactivation of commercial NiMo/SiO2-Al2O3 hydrocracking catalysts under fast deactivation procedures were investigated. Two blends of atmospheric fuel oil with other heavy oils in different ratios (0-100 %) were utilized as feedstock. The protocol was used to investigate the effect of blend chemical composition on coke and metal deposition. The produced oils and spent catalysts were characterized by several techniques. The results showed that utilizing blend 1 has resulted in a higher coke formation during hydrocracking than blend 2. Furthermore, the catalyst textural properties were declined if compared to the case of blend 2 utilization. The activity was illustrated in the basis of heterocompounds, asphaltene and wax content. The time on stream investigations (4-20 h) revealed the increase in coke formation and dramatic decrease in catalyst's textures along first 4 hours then leveled off. Regeneration catalyst at 450 degrees C for 12 h the catalyst properties were recovered.