Kinetics of aromatics hydrogenation of bitumen‐derived gas oils

Using pilot scale trickle‐bed reactors with commercial NiMo/Al2O3 catalysts, hydrotreating of five bitumen‐derived gas oils was conducted. Aromatic carbon was determined by l3C NMR spectra. A simple power law kinetic model of aromatics hydrogenation was developed, assuming a first order reversible reaction which accounts for both forward and reverse rate constants. The model includes power terms for space velocity and hydrogen partial pressure, and the ratio of naphthenes and aromatics in the feed. The model was tested with our experimental results and kinetic parameters were determined. Aromatic carbon calculated with these parameters is in good agreement with observed results.