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Process development and deployment for the direct reforming of crude oil to hydrogen and carbon materials


    Problem Statement

    Hydrogen is a clean energy source and carrier because of its non−polluting combustion, making it an excellent alternative to the current fossil fuel-dominated energy scenario. Nonetheless, there are several critical challenges to implementing a broad sustainable use of hydrogen. In this project, we develop a laboratory−scale setup with stable operation and high hydrogen production.

    We aim at assessing (i) different hydrocarbon feedstock (from n-heptane to crude oil) fed to the reactor with water as emulsions, carried by steam or vaporized; (ii) steam reforming (SR) and auto thermal reforming (ATR); and (iii) stable and energy efficient catalysts for the efficient production of hydrogen inside packed, fluidized, and multifunctional reactors. These, coupled with carbon capture technologies, minimize the carbon footprint of the overall process.

    We support our research with simulations and techno−economic analysis to assess the approach's feasibility. C2H can use the current refinery infrastructure to reduce costs and the impact of market volatility on refinery operations.

    C2H-REF

    Goals

    • Develop and scale up advanced catalysts and reactors for converting crude to hydrogen
    • Model process simulations to analyze the viability of the process 
    • Scaling the technical catalysts for their demanding application: endothermic process, poisoning, massive coke deposition, and fluidized-bed reactors
    • Analyze different process conditions to optimize hydrogen production and stability in the process

    Related People

    Related Publications

    Effect of Pressure on the Hydrocracking of Light Cycle Oil with a Pt-Pd/HY Catalyst

    by Gutierrez, Arandes, Castaño, Olazar, Bilbao
    Energy & Fuels Year: 2012

    Abstract

    The effect of pressure (35–75 bar) has been studied on the hydrocracking of light cycle oil (LCO) on a Pt–Pd/HY catalyst. The remaining operating conditions are as follows: 400 °C; H2/LCO molar ratio (nH2), 10 molH2 (molLCO)−1; space velocity (WHSV), 2 h–1; time on stream, 0–24 h. The reaction indices studied are the conversions of hydrocracking and hydrodesulphurisation, the selectivity of naphtha and medium distillates, and the concentrations of these fractions. It has been proven that once an initial deactivation period has elapsed, the Pt–Pd/HY catalyst is very stable and has a high capacity for producing naphtha and medium distillates at 400 °C. Furthermore, the catalyst is fully regenerated by coke combustion with air at 550 °C. An increase in pressure allows reaching a pseudostable state with higher activity for hydrodesulphurisation (conversion 0.96 under 75 bar) and hydrocracking (conversion 0.87). Naphtha selectivity increases as pressure is increased and is 68% under 75 bar for a conversion of 98%, with overcracking being insignificant. The concentration of aromatics in the naphtha is 30 wt %, and it is therefore suitable for the gasoline pool. Lower values of space velocity are to be used in the hydrocracking to reduce aromatic concentration further.

    Keywords

    REF W2C