Determination of Optimal Conditions of High-Voltage Short-Pulse Electrohydraulic Discharge Influence on Catalytic Cracking of Oil Sludge

The paper studied the effect of high-voltage short-pulse electrohydraulic discharge (HVSPED) on the processes of catalytic cracking of oil sludge in order to increase the yield of light hydrocarbon fractions. A set of laboratory experiments was carried out varying the key parameters of HVSPED—discharge voltage, capacitance of capacitor banks and processing time. As a catalyst, the developed nanocomposite catalyst bentonite was used, with nickel packed. The optimal electrophysical parameters of oil sludge treatment by HVSPED were determined, providing the maximum yield of gasoline and kerosene fractions. The effectiveness of HVSPED treatment of oil sludge in the presence of a catalyst was confirmed by DTA–thermogravimetric analysis and chromatographic-mass spectral analysis of the light and middle fractions of the hydrogenate. The proposed approach made it possible to enhance the resource and energy efficiency of oil sludge processing using HVSPED, demonstrating high potential for further industrial application