Modeling for Product Distribution in Thermal Conversion of Heavy Oil

A laboratory scale microstatic reactor was developed for heavy oil thermal conversion. This apparatus can be temperature programmed quickly and smoothly in the range of 400–500°C. The product distribution was determined with Soxhlet apparatus and liquid chromatography. It is assumed that both cracking and condensation reactions are first order reactions and no secondary reaction occurred for the product. A twelve lumped reaction model for product distribution in thermal conversion of heavy stock was developed. The regression coefficient R and F test indicate that the model was fit well to the experimental data at low thermal conversion. Therefore, the model can predict the cracking and condensation reactions of heavy stock occurring in the inner tube of a coking heater.