ABSTRACT
Hydrocracking is a process which converts high boiling hydrocarbon molecules into low boiling products by simultaneous or sequential hydrogenation (HYD) of C-C bonds breaking. It involves a catalyst and a reactor operated at high hydrogen pressure and moderate temperature. The catalysts used for hydrocracking should have dual functionality, i.e. cracking and hydrogenation functions. Scission of asphaltene alkyl chains generates light petroleum fractions and gases such as CO, CO2, and H2S, as a product of thioeter and carboxylic acid decomposition even at low and moderate conditions, is probably the initial stage in asphaltene hydrocracking. Di Carlo and Janis (1992) have reported the following general behavior during hydrocracking of asphaltenes:
1. Dealkylation of alkyl chains attached to naphthenic and/or aromatic rings predominantly contributes to the formation of gas and gasoline fractions.
