Modeling and simulation of a bench-scale bubble column reactor for slurry phase hydrocracking of vacuum residue

Abstract

A modeling and simulation were conducted to study the slurry phase hydrocracking of vacuum residue in a bench-scale slurry bubble column reactor (SBCR). The reactor model was based on axial dispersion, and the intrinsic kinetic information was reported in continuous stir tank reactor (CSTR) using the same feedstock in our previous study. The model was validated over a wide range of operating conditions using experimental data from the bench scale unit. The reactor model predicted product yields, sulfur and asphaltenes content with an average error of less than 10%. The bench-scale SBCR demonstrated better hydrocracking (HCK) and hydrotreating (HDT) performance compared to CSTR, mainly due to the mixing behavior in the SBCR. A stability index of asphaltene was proposed from the data reported in our previous study to evaluate the operating conditions. Based on the simulation results, the optimal operating conditions for recycle operating mode were suggested using the simultaneous optimization variables technique.