Changes in structural parameters of SARA fractions during heavy oil hydrocracking using dispersed catalysts

Most of the characterization of SARA fractions of heavy crude oils during hydrocracking reactions is focused only on asphaltenes, and scarce works are devoted to analyze the differences in the structural parameters of all SARA fractions. In this work, a heavy crude oil is upgraded by non-catalytic and catalytic hydrocracking in a batch reactor at low severity conditions (3.9 MPa H2 pressure, 380 degrees C temperature, 800 rpm stirring rate, and 4 h reaction time). Three ore catalysts (hematite, magnetite and molybdenite) and one analytical grade catalyst (iron oxide) are employed. After reaction, the upgraded oils are first distilled and then separated into SARA fractions by the ASTM D86-16a and ASTM D2007-11 methods, respectively. NMR (1H and 13C), FTIR and GPC analyses are used to characterize SARA fractions before and after hydrocracking. The hydrocracking products exhibited a reduction in the average molecular weight of all SARA fractions as function of the hydrogenation capacity of each catalyst in the following order: Fe2O3 (analytical grade) > Molybdenite > Hematite > Magnetite. The structural parameters of saturates fraction remains unchanged except for the production of small length aliphatic chains from heavier fractions. For aromatics, resins and asphaltenes fractions, the number of aliphatic carbons is reduced due to dealkylation reactions increasing their aromaticity. For resins and asphaltenes fractions, hydrogenation and ring opening reactions are also carried out. Mo-based catalyst is mainly aimed at the conversion of asphaltenes, while the Fe-based catalysts focused on the conversion of resins.

Automated summary

The characterization of SARA fractions of heavy crude oils during hydrocracking reactions is usually focused on asphaltenes, with limited studies on the structural differences of all SARA fractions. In this study, a heavy crude oil was upgraded by non-catalytic and catalytic hydrocracking, and it was found that the hydrogenation capacity of each catalyst affects the average molecular weight of all SARA fractions, with Fe2O3 (analytical grade) having the most significant impact. The hydrocracking reactions also resulted in a reduction in the number of aliphatic carbons in aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes fractions, increasing their aromaticity.