Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohammed Alabdullah, Tuiana Shoinkhorova, Alberto Rodriguez-Gomez, Alla Dikhtiarenko, Jullian Vittenet, Ola S. Ali, Isidoro Morales-Osorio, Wei Xu, Jorge Gascon
Summary: The study found that catalysts containing a 1:1 mixture of ZSM-5 and FAU zeolites can achieve high yields in the cracking reaction. Results show that coke deposition and catalyst deactivation can be correlated to the nature and content of each zeolite component.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Galina Nazarova, Elena Ivashkina, Emiliya Ivanchina, Alexandra Oreshina, Eugene Vymyatnin
Summary: The study focuses on improving and predicting unsteady processes of petroleum fuel production by developing a mathematical model considering feedstock composition. By using a specific zeolite-containing catalyst and a new kinetic model, the feasibility of different feedstock types is assessed, impacting catalytic cracking product yield, catalyst deactivation degree, gasoline and gas composition.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qi Xu, Aaron C. Akah, Mansour AlHerz, Abdullah Aitani, Ziyauddin S. Qureshi, M. Abdul Bari Siddiqui, Nabeel Abo-Ghander
Summary: This study presents new experimental results on the direct conversion of crude oil to chemicals via steam-enhanced catalytic cracking. The experimental results were organized using a kinetics model and showed that the steam cracking reaction of heavy oil fractions had an order of 2.0, while the reaction of light oil fractions had an order of 1.0. The estimated activation energies for the steam cracking reactions ranged between 20 and 200 kJ/mol. The study also found that an equal yield of propylene and ethylene was observed between 650 and 670 degrees C, indicating a transition from catalytic cracking to thermal cracking at higher temperatures.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ziyauddin S. Qureshi, M. Abdullbari Siddiqui, Abdulkadir Tanimu, Abdullah Aitani, Aaron C. Akah, Qi Xu, Mansour AlHerz
Summary: In this study, a novel core-shell structured ZSM-5 zeolite was used for the direct conversion of crude oil to basic chemicals. The thickness of the mesoporous silica-alumina shell and its alumina content were controlled by adjusting the ratios of TEOS/zeolite and TEOS/aluminum sulfate. The optimized mesoporous silica-alumina composite showed improved cracking potential and selectivity towards light olefins.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marvin Kusenberg, Martijn Roosen, Azd Zayoud, Marko R. Djokic, Hang Dao Thi, Steven De Meester, Kim Ragaert, Uros Kresovic, Kevin M. Van Geem
Summary: Chemical recycling of plastic waste to base chemicals via pyrolysis and subsequent steam cracking shows potential to overcome limitations in current plastic waste recycling methods. In this study, steam cracking of two types of plastic waste pyrolysis oils was evaluated, and it was found that they have high ethylene yields but also produce significant amounts of heavy products. Contaminants were identified as a key driver for coke formation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daria Fraczak, Grazyna Fabis, Beata Orlinska
Summary: Chemical recycling of polymers can produce a variety of products and play a significant role in the circular economy by using plastic waste as raw materials for valuable materials. The study focused on the continuous cracking of polyolefins and polystyrene in different proportions, along with the addition of other polymers like PET and PVC, at the pilot scale to investigate process parameters and product yields. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for detailed analysis of product compositions, while boiling temperature distribution and bromine number were used for additional product characterization.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Eleni Heracleous, Eleni F. Iliopoulou, Kleoniki Drakaki, Maria C. Papapetrou, Dimitris K. Iatridis, Angelos A. Lappas
Summary: Efficient processes for upgrading low value bio-derived liquid intermediates to high added value products are crucial for the establishment of a robust bio-based economy. This study demonstrates that low quality biofuels can be converted to high quality fuel and chemicals through hydroisomerization and catalytic cracking. Both processes have been validated on a pilot scale, showing good scalability and applicability in thermochemical biorefineries.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yunbo Yu, Tinghao Jia, Yu Ren, Jingdai Wang, Yongrong Yang, Yao Yang
Summary: This study investigates the effect of hyperbranched poly (amidoamine) (PAMAM) on the steam cracking of three C6 hydrocarbons. The results show that PAMAM can significantly promote the cracking conversion of hydrocarbons and reduce the initial cracking temperature. The study also reveals that the efficiency of the initiator depends on the cracking behavior of hydrocarbons.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
B. Rabindran Jermy, Abdulkadir Tanimu, M. Abdulbari Siddiqui, Ziyauddin S. Qureshi, Abdullah Aitani, Aaron Akah, Qi Xu, Mansour AlHerz
Summary: The study demonstrates the conversion of crude oil to basic chemicals using a template-free green synthesis of ZSM-5(40) zeolite. Hierarchical porous structures with high surface areas were achieved using halloysite and bolus alpha as silica and alumina precursors. The addition of a soft template resulted in a zeolite with lower surface area. The synthesized zeolites were impregnated with 2wt%Mn and tested for catalytic cracking of crude oil, achieving high yields of light olefins and aromatics.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tomas Cordero-Lanzac, Cristina Martinez, Andres T. Aguayo, Pedro Castano, Javier Bilbao, Avelino Corma
Summary: This study investigates the synergies between oxygenates (especially dimethyl ether) and n-pentane at low OX/nC(5) ratios, enhancing n-pentane conversion while reducing catalyst coking rate. The analysis of used catalysts reveals that dimethyl ether exhibits higher reactivity than methanol in forming coke structures.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Martin Rodriguez-Fragoso, Shantal Zavala-Salazar, Miriam Moreno-Montiel, Christian Bouchot, Octavio Elizalde-Solis, Edgar Ramirez-Jimenez
Summary: An 8-lumps kinetic model based on feedstock composition is proposed. The model is fitted using a sensitivity analysis to identify reaction pathways contributing significantly to the desired products, resulting in improved fitting. It considers commonly used lumps in the industry, making it useful. An uncertainty analysis is performed to provide a probability bandwidth for experimental data and acknowledge possible errors. The model can predict behavior of different feedstocks using a single set of kinetic parameters differentiated by a deactivation factor.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yangyang Yu, Feng Wang, Bernard Wiafe Biney, Keqi Li, Shouhui Jiao, Kun Chen, He Liu, Aijun Guo
Summary: In this study, needle coke was prepared by co-carbonization of ethylene tar (ET) and refined ethylene tar (ETR) with fluid catalytic cracking decant oil (DO). The results showed that the quality and yield of the needle coke were higher after removing asphaltenes from the ET, indicating improved compatibility between ETR and DO.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Somayeh Mohebi, Ali Darvishi, Shahin Hosseini, Akbar Bolhasani, Soroush Karamian, Ourmazd Dehghani, Faraz Khanbolouk
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) concentration on the formation of coke during the cracking process of HP40 alloy in industrial coils. The results showed that coke deposition is minimized at a concentration of 500 ppm DMDS, and the morphology of coke remains filamentous, but the size of the filaments changes.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Qiang Li, Qian Wang, Yosuke Tsuboi, Jiansheng Zhang, Jizhen Liu
Summary: Steam reforming is an effective method to eliminate tar in the biomass gasification process, as shown in our pilot tests.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Di Zhang, Peijie Zong, Jiaoyang Wang, Hongwei Gao, Jinzhuang Guo, Jingxian Wang, Yuxin Wang, Yuanyu Tian, Yingyun Qiao
Summary: This study investigated the catalytic dehydrogenation cracking of CTO using Py-GC/MS and a fluidized bed reactor, and analyzed the cracking characteristics, kinetics, and product release rules using TG-FTIR. The results showed that the bifunctional catalyst 1Ca/ZSM-5 significantly increased the production of light olefins by adjusting the basicity/acidity.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yannan Wang, Jens N. Dedeyne, Laurien A. Vandewalle, Kevin M. Van Geem
Summary: This study investigates the application of helically ribbed coils in steam cracking furnaces through experimental and numerical simulations. The results show that discontinuously ribbed tubes have lower pressure drop but slightly decreased heat transfer enhancement compared to continuously ribbed tubes. The study also proposes improved helical rib designs to enhance thermal performance, such as enlarging the trailing edge of the ribbed geometry.
Article
Thermodynamics
Kevin De Ras, Marvin Kusenberg, Joris W. Thybaut, Kevin M. Van Geem
Summary: Oxymethylene ethers (OMEs) are synthetic compounds that can replace fossil fuels and contribute to a circular carbon economy. However, little is known about their thermal decomposition behavior. In this study, new insights into the pyrolysis chemistry of oxymethylene ether-2 (OME-2) and the role of carbenes were obtained through high-temperature experiments. The major products of OME-2 pyrolysis included dimethoxymethane, formaldehyde, methyl formate, methane, CO2, CO, and H2. A kinetic model was developed to simulate the experimental results and predict the major product trends.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMBUSTION INSTITUTE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yannick Ureel, Florence H. Vermeire, Maarten K. Sabbe, Kevin M. Van Geem
Summary: Carbenium ions play important roles as intermediates in zeolite and plasma chemistry. Thermodynamic properties of these ions need to be incorporated into kinetic models, resulting in more accurate and general models for zeolite design and plasma process development.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Liang Li, Ruben van de Vijver, Kevin M. Van Geem
Summary: The gas-phase pyrolysis kinetics of syringol, an abundant component in hardwood lignin, were studied using experimental and theoretical approaches. The experimental results revealed that 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde is the most important phenolic product, along with the formation of significant pyrolytic water. The proposed decomposition pathways and the findings from the kinetic model provide new insights into the chemistry of syringyl species during pyrolysis.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hamed Mohamadzadeh Shirazi, Arezoo Ghanbari, Florence Vermeire, Marie-Francoise Reyniers, Kevin M. Van Geem
Summary: This study compared the coking tendencies of recently developed alloys to a conventional material at a higher temperature. The results showed that aluminum-containing alloys exhibited less coke formation and better stability against aging compared to non-aluminum-containing alloys. The protective oxide surface layer of the aluminum-containing alloys remained durable and showed no signs of carburization even at high temperatures. In contrast, the conventional alloy exhibited the highest coking rate and carburization.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Waheed Zeb, Martijn Roosen, Pieter Knockaert, Sven Janssens, Daniel Withoeck, Marvin Kusenberg, Joel Hogie, Pieter Billen, Serge Tavernier, Kevin M. Van Geem, Steven De Meester
Summary: Valorisation of post-consumer plastic pyrolysis oil in steam crackers and their application as precursors to chemicals is hindered by the complexity of these oils, such as boiling range, fouling risk, and contaminations. Vacuum distillation effectively improved most properties of the distilled fractions, making it an essential downstream process step for the application of post-consumer plastic pyrolysis oils as feedstock in steam crackers and precursors to chemicals.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Thermodynamics
Mehrdad Seifali Abbas-Abadi, Yannick Ureel, Andreas Eschenbacher, Florence H. Vermeire, Robin John Varghese, Jogchum Oenema, Georgios D. Stefanidis, Kevin M. Van Geem
Summary: Is full recyclability of polyolefins via chemical recycling a dream, or can it become a reality? The main problem in recycling plastic waste is its complexity and the need for large investments in sorting and purifying solutions. Novel chemical recycling processes can offer solutions to overcome these challenges and achieve higher value products. Thermal pyrolysis and catalytic pyrolysis have shown promise in this regard, but further research is needed to optimize the process and improve the purification and catalyst stability.
PROGRESS IN ENERGY AND COMBUSTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Kevin De Ras, Thomas Panaget, Yann Fenard, Jeroen Aerssens, Laure Pillier, Joris W. Thybaut, Guillaume Vanhove, Kevin M. Van Geem
Summary: Oxymethylene ethers have attracted attention as a potential alternative to fossil fuels. This study investigated the low-temperature oxidation chemistry of oxymethylene ether-2 through experiments and kinetic modeling. Experimental data obtained from stabilized cool flames revealed the formation of various reaction products. A detailed kinetic model was developed, which accurately predicted the experimental observations and ignition delay times.
COMBUSTION AND FLAME
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Evangelos Delikonstantis, Panagiotis Vettas, Fabio Cameli, Marco Scapinello, Anton Nikiforov, Guy B. Marin, Kevin M. Van Geem, Georgios D. Stefanidis
Summary: The conversion of CO2 in steel mill off-gases to syngas using nanosecond pulsed discharges at atmospheric pressure is an effective way to reduce the environmental impact of the steelmaking process. Experimental results show that CO2 conversion is affected by H2 excess, interelectrode distance, and specific energy input (SEI). It is recommended to use a stoichiometric H2:CO2 feed ratio for higher energy efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
L. dos S. Vargette, N. D. Ristic, M. Geerts, G. J. Heynderickx, G. B. Marin, K. M. Van Geem
Summary: The use of heavier feedstocks presents challenges in the steam cracking process due to severe fouling. The Fouling Assessment SeTup (FAST) was developed to understand fouling phenomenon and its relation to feedstock composition. The experimental unit determined fouling tendency in different sections of a steam cracker and tested a mitigation concept using paraffinic fluid injection in the transfer line heat exchanger (TLE) section, which substantially reduced fouling.
HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Siyuan Chen, Paulien Malego, Kevin M. Van Geem, Yi Ouyang, Geraldine J. Heynderickx
Summary: Gas-liquid vortex units (GLVUs) have potential for solvent-based applications due to their exceptional multiphase mixing and mass transfer performance. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are used to optimize the design of GLVU geometry and operating conditions. The optimized designs show significant improvement in gas-liquid contact time and energy consumption efficiency.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Oleksii Mynko, Mike Bonheure, Ismael Amghizar, David J. Brown, Lin Chen, Guy B. Marin, Rodrigo Freitas de Alvarenga, Didem Civancik Uslu, Jo Dewulf, Kevin M. Van Geem
Summary: In the Chemical Process Industry (CPI), hydrogen production from steam methane reforming is the only process that emits more greenhouse gases than light olefins production. Various solutions have been proposed to reduce CO2 emissions from olefins production, but it is unclear which solution is the best. In this study, we conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) to compare three highly promising solutions: a low-emission steam cracking furnace, an electrically driven RotoDynamic reactor (RDR), and a blue hydrogen-fired furnace.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Michiel Van Melkebeke, Tobias De Somer, Tine Van Laere, Thien Nguyen Luu Minh, Hamed Mohamadzadeh Shirazi, Hilde Poelman, Kevin Van Geem, Steven De Meester
Summary: This study explores the potential of using adsorption in a non-aqueous environment as a novel approach for plastic waste dissolution recycling. The results suggest that activated charcoal can effectively remove dyes but has weak adsorption capacity for polystyrene. The adsorption process is predominantly driven by physical forces and is an endothermic process.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
