Kinetic modeling of catalytic slurry-phase hydrocracking using oil-soluble catalyst: Boiling point distribution approach

The lack of kinetic studies that accurately represent the reactions involved during the slurry phase hydrocracking of crude oil using trimetallic catalysts is a current issue. Therefore, this kinetic study aims to evaluate four 7-lump reaction schemes considering new possible reaction pathways for the slurry-phase hydrocracking of crude oil employing a NiWMo dispersed catalyst. The investigation of reaction order indicated that an order of 0.5 provides a better fit for residue conversion than the typically assumed first order. All kinetic models evaluated succeeded in accurately predicting the yield of all fractions, with Model 4 demonstrating the lowest deviation from expected values. The adequate optimization of the estimated reaction rate coefficients was corroborated through the statistical and sensitivity analyses. The in-series cracking reactions of vacuum residue (VR) to heavy vacuum gas oil (HVGO) to light vacuum gas oil (LVGO) to middle distillates (MD) to naphtha (N) to gas predominate, according to the estimated kinetic parameters in all models, with the naphtha fraction identified as the principal precursor for gas production. The most challenging lump to simulate is coke due to the insignificant amount produced. Overall, these findings support that the NiWMo catalyst enhances the cracking of heavy fractions present in Kakinada crude oil and mitigates polyaddition reactions that may result in coke formation. • Four 7-lump reaction schemes are proposed, including coke formation from HVGO. • 0.5 reaction order better fits the residue conversion than the usual first order. • The in-series reactions from VR into lower molecules up to gas is the main route. • NiWMo enhances the free radical hydrogenation and inhibits recombination reactions.