Hydrodearomatization of Distillates and Heavy Naphtha over a Precious Metal Hydrogenation Catalyst and the Determination of Low Aromatic Content

Because of new regulations on the allowable aromatic content in petroleum products, the saturation of aromatics in distillates and heavy naphtha is gaining more attention. Catalytic hydrodearomatization (HDA) improves the qualities and properties of distillates for health, food, and pharmaceutical applications. In this research, the aromatic content of the four different middle distillate fractions varies from 10 to 12% volume. The goal is to saturate the aromatics to <0.1% volume at pressures, temperatures, and space velocities that are optimized for the lowest operating cost and longest catalyst life. Additionally, this study aims to determine if HDA is more favorable for processing the individual distillate cuts or the comingled products. This study also utilizes a modified high-performance liquid chromatography refractive index (HPLC-RI) method in which an ultraviolet (UV) detector is used to measure low levels of aromatics. A combination of UV and HPLC techniques was able to quantify aromatic levels as low as 0.03% v/v and 0.01% v/v, respectively.