ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the noncatalytic hydrodesulfurization (NHDS), hydrodemetallization (NHDM), and hydrocracking (NHDC) of heavy crude oil and atmospheric residue. Some experiments were carried out in two different bench-scale units equipped with fixed-bed reactors in series operated in adiabatic and isothermal modes. The reactors were loaded with inert material (silicon carbide). Different feedstocks were used for the tests: 13°API heavy crude oil, 21°API crude oil, atmospheric residue from the 13°API heavy crude oil, and atmospheric residue from the 21°API crude oil. The effects of pressure, residence time, temperature, and type of feed on noncatalytic reactions and axial reactor temperature profiles are examined. Reaction kinetics of the different noncatalytic reactions is studied by following the power-law approach.
