Application: H-OilRC is an ebullated-bed process for hydrocracking atmospheric or vacuum residue. It is the ideal solution for feedstocks having high metal, CCR and asphaltene contents. The process can have two different objectives: at high conversion, to produce stable products; or, at moderate conversion, to produce a synthetic crude oil.
Description: The flow diagram illustrates a typical H-OilRC unit that includes oil and hydrogen fired heaters, an optional inter stage separator, an internal recycle cup providing feed to the ebullating pump, high pressure separators, recycle gas scrubber and product separation and fractionation (not required for synthetic crude oil production).
Catalyst is replaced periodically in the reactor, without shutdown. Different catalysts are available as a function of the feedstock and the required objectives. An H-OilRC unit can operate for three-year run lengths at constant catalyst activity with conversion in the 50 – 80% range and hydrodesulfurization as high as 85%.
Operating conditions:
Temperature, °F 770– 820
Hydrogen partial pressure, psi 1,600 –1,950
LHSV, hr –1 0.25– 0.6
Conversion, wt% 50 – 80
Examples: Ural VR feed: a 540°C+ cut from Ural crude is processed at 66% conversion to obtain a stable fuel oil containing less than 1%wt sulfur, 25% diesel and 30% VGO. The diesel cut is further hydrotreated to meet ULSD specifications using an integrated Prime-D unit. Arab Medium VR feed: a vacuum residue from a blend 70% Arab Light-30% Arab Heavy containing 5.5wt% sulfur is processed at above 75% conversion to obtain a stable fuel oil with 2wt% sulfur.
Licensor: Axens.
