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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.

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
C2H-REF2023

Related People

Ali Alkadhem
Jose Ignacio Bielma Velasco
Mohammed Albuali
Naydu Paola Zambrano Urrutia
Talal Aldugman

Related Publications

Assessment of Thermogravimetric Methods for Calculating Coke Combustion-Regeneration Kinetics of Deactivated Catalyst

by Ochoa, Ibarra, Bilbao, Arandes, Castaño
Chem. Eng. Sci. Year: 2017

Abstract

This work compares different methodologies for calculating the kinetic parameters of coke combustion, employed for catalyst regeneration, using thermogravimetric methods. A reference fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) spent catalyst was used as a representative example of the deactivated catalyst for the combustion runs, pre-used in the cracking of a vacuum gas oil at 773 K and 3 s. Three different types of approaches have been performed in order to obtain kinetic combustion parameters: (i) kinetic model-based, (ii) isoconversional and (iii) modulated methods. Additionally, a series of empirical modifications have been proposed to predict the kinetic behavior at different heating rates for the model-based approach. Using the best conditions and methods, the combustion activation energy of coke, deposited after the reaction mentioned, is in the order of ∼114, ∼156, and ∼162 kJ mol−1 for the kinetic model-based, isoconversional and modulated methods, respectively. The recommendations for measuring kinetic parameters are reported together with the benefits/disadvantages using the three mentioned approaches.

Keywords

O2H OLG CHA FCC REF MKM