Conversion of high carbon refinery by-products. Quarterly report, July 1--September 30, 1996

Abstract

The overall objective of the project is to demonstrate that a partial oxidation system, which utilizes a transport reactor, is a viable means of converting refinery wastes, byproducts, and other low value materials into valuable products. The primary product would be a high quality fuel gas, which could also be used as a source of hydrogen. The concept involves subjecting the hydrocarbon feed to pyrolysis and steam gasification in a circulating bed of solids. Carbon residue formed during pyrolysis, as well as metals in the feed, are captured by the circulating solids which are returned to the bottom of the transport reactor. Air or oxygen is introduced in this lower zone and sufficient carbon is burned, sub-stoichiometrically, to provide the necessary heat for the endothermic pyrolysis and gasification reactions. The hot solids and gases leaving this zone pass upward to contact the feed material and continue the gasification process. Tests were conducted in the Transport Reactor Test Unit (TRTU) to study gasification and combustion of Rose Bottoms solids using the spent FCC (Fluid Catalytic Cracker) catalyst as the circulating medium and petroleum coke at temperature of 1,750 F. The Rose (Residuum Oil Supercritical Extraction) bottoms was produced in the Kellogg`smore » Rose unit. A dry solid feed system developed previously was used to feed petroleum coke and Rose Bottoms. Studies were also done in the Bench Scale Reactor Unit (BRU) to investigate partial oxidation and gasification of petroleum coke over temperature range of 1,800 F to 2,100 F. Results obtained in the BRU and TRTU on petroleum coke formed the basis to develop a flowsheet to process this material in a transport reactor. Results from these studies are presented in this report.« less