Advances in Catalytic Pyrolysis of Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Catalytic pyrolysis, which combines catalytic cracking and steam pyrolysis, is a technique to process petroleum hydrocarbons. Catalytic pyrolysis has the advantages of both catalytic cracking and steam pyrolysis. It can raise the yields of light olefins, expand the flexibility of products distribution, and simultaneously lower reaction temperature and decrease energy consumption for the whole system, so it has broad application prospect. Recent development on catalytic pyrolysis catalysts and technologies are reviewed in this paper, the similarities and differences of various kinds of catalysts are compared, notable processes in home and abroad are introduced, and three kinds of reaction mechanisms about catalytic pyrolysis are summarized for different types of catalysts and technologies. Owing to the shortage in supply and the inferior quality of China's crude oil, the study and development of catalytic pyrolysis techniques are crucial to China. Deep Catalytic Cracking, Catalytic Pyrolysis Process and Heavy-Oil Contact Cracking are introduced with emphasis.