Vacuum residue upgrading by pyrolysis-catalysis procedure over mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite

A systematic study of two-staged upgrading process of vacuum residue for light fuel production has been carried out in a semi-batch binary reactor apparatus over Y, ZSM-5 and alkaline treated ZSM-5 zeolites. Prepared catalyst samples were characterized with XRD and BET. Density and Viscosity physical properties parameters estimation, as well as GC/SIMDIS analyses were conducted on liquid product to examine the quality of produced fuels. Solid residual product was observed with SEM pictures. Results of catalytic cracking of pyrolysis vapors revealed that liquid product viscosity was reduced by 40 wt% in the presence of alkaline treated ZSM-5 zeolite. Amount of naphtha+kerosene cut produced was elevated from 14.6% in the absence of catalyst to 21.68% over ZSM-5 and 31.4% over mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite. In all the experiments 26% solid residue was remained in pyrolysis reactor which is desirable since preserves the catalyst from deactivation by heavy hydrocarbon molecules and coke precursors.