Optimization of Microwave-Assisted ZSM-5 (10) Catalytic Cracking Using Taguchi Method: Maximizing Conversion and Energy Efficiency with Nitrogen Activation

Microwave technique used in chemical reactions in order to save energy and increase the conversion with lower temperature due to hot spots created within the catalyst. Microwave power increase reaction rate and increased the reaction conversion compared with conventional techniques. ZSM-5 (10) catalysts cracking experiments performed with and without nitrogen injection. The experiments achieved with various microwave irradiation (750-1250) W, preheating temperatures (150 - 250 ˚C) and space velocities (2 and 6 l/hr). The best result of cracking reaction conversion is (77.6%). The cracking is facilitated due to re-activation effect of nitrogen on acid sites of the catalyst.