Catalytic cracking of a Gippsland reduced crude on a rare earth exchanged ultrastable Y zeolite Original Research Article

The catalytic cracking of a Gippsland reduced crude on a rare earth exchanged ultrastable Y zeolite is discussed. The cracking behaviour of this crude has only been reported previously for HY and H-ZSM-5 zeolites, and here turns to the use of more industrially applicable catalysts. Light gases and gasoline range products result from extensive cracking of the clarified oil fraction (>C18) of the reduced crude. Detailed PONA analyses of product fractions suggest that aromatics are formed as initial products via dehydrogenation of naphthenic feed components, as well as the oligomerization, cyclisation and dehydrogenation of gasoline range alkenes. The hydrogen thus liberated, together with hydrogen transfer processes results in increased alkane yields particularly for gases. Hydrogen transfer processes are enhanced due to RE exchange resulting in a higher acid site density and also a higher zeolite surface polarity.