Preparation of the Natural Zeolite Based Catalyst for Hydrocracking Process of Petroleum Derived Atmospheric Residue

Abstract

This research focused on preparation catalysts by natural zeolite for hydrocracking and to compare their catalytic reactivity with commercial catalyst. Clinoptilolite type natural zeolite of Tsagaantsav and paraffinic atmospheric residue of Tamsagbulag crude oil were used in this research. The Ni or Fe ion was loaded into the zeolite sample which was enriched and calcined previously, by ion exchange method. It is determined by X-ray diffraction analysis that structure of natural zeolite was not broken down during metal loading. The conversion of feedstock in hydrocracking, in with modified zeolite was used, was 22.5% higher than none catalytic process and 8.9% higher than commercial catalyst. It is proved that both of modified zeolite catalysts worked effectively as a catalyst in hydrocracking of atmospheric residue. Even so the contents of sulfur in middle and heavy fraction were 490 - 615 ppm, after hydrocracking with Ni/zeolite, Fe/zeolite catalysts. This result showed that the Ni/zeolite, Fe/zeolite catalysts were inactive at hydrodesulfurization, because the contents of sulfur in middle and heavy fraction were 370 - 478 ppmafter hydrocracking without catalyst. Process for sulfur removal is needed after hydrocracking with Ni/zeolite orFe/zeolite catalyst.