A study of Cold Lake Vacuum Residue hydroconversion in batch and semi-batch reactors using unsupported MoS 2 catalysts

Abstract

Hydroconversion of Cold Lake Vacuum Residue (CLVR) in both batch and semi-batch slurry reactors using unsupported MoS 2 catalysts is reported. The MoS 2 catalyst precursors were added to the CLVR either as an aqueous solution of ammonium heptamolybdate (AHM) or as molybdenum chloride dispersed in reversed micelles that were stabilized in n-hexane using a surfactant. At the reaction conditions studied in both the batch and semi-batch reactors, the MoS 2 catalyst prepared in the reversed micelles had lower coke yield (toluene-insoluble material), lower gas yield, higher liquid yield and higher H 2 consumption, compared to the AHM-derived MoS 2 catalyst. The coke–catalyst mixture recovered after reaction, characterized by chemical and energy dispersive X-ray analysis, confirmed that most of the added catalyst was captured by the coke. Analysis of the coke by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of highly dispersed MoS 2 that suggests the possibility of catalyst–coke recycle.