Hydro‐conversion of oleic acid in bio‐oil to liquid hydrocarbons: an experimental and modeling investigation

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study focused on understanding the reaction kinetics for the hydrocracking process. Oleic acid, as the main component of most bio‐oils, was selected as feedstock for the hydrocracking process. The hydrocracking of oleic acid was performed in a laboratory scale trickle‐bed reactor in the presence of a Ni–Zeolite β catalyst and hydrogen for hydrogenation. The concentrations of oleic acid and the three main components of jet fuel range hydrocarbons produced, which are nonane, decane and dodecane (C9, C10 and C12), were measured with GC analysis.RESULTSAccording to the aforementioned component concentrations, the rate of reaction and the related Arrhenius equation parameters were estimated. The reaction kinetic calculations were subjected to hydrocracking reactor modeling to gain a better understanding of hydrocracking. The concentrations of C9, C10 and C12 were assumed to be a separate lump of the hydrocarbons produced, namely middle hydrocarbon (MC). The reactant and MC lump concentrations throughout the reactor were measured and compared with experimental data. The modeling and experimental results are in reasonable agreement in terms of MC lump production and oleic acid conversion. The oleic acid and MC concentration profiles and reactor wall temperature profiles along the reactor were examined in this research.CONCLUSIONThe outcome of this study can be applied in simulation and commercialisation of hydrocracking as a potential process for biofuel production. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry