Выпуск: 1 , Том: 2051 , Год издания: 2018

Catalytic cracking process (CC) of natural bitumen, containing high sulfur (4.7 wt. %) and high-boiling fractions (>360°C), was studied in the presence of Fe₂O₃ and Ni nanosized catalysts under static conditions (autoclave) at 450°C. Both thermal and catalytic cracking experiments were carried out in order to identify CC details and for the reference. Liquid products composition and properties correlation with the process conditions, catalyst nature and quantity have been studied. It is defined that Ni catalyst application in CC result in a higher yield of light fractions in liquid products compared to another thermal cracking, but contributes to increased generation of coke and gas products, which causes reduced liquid products yield. CC in the presence of Fe₂O₃ produces low-viscous semi synthetic oil with low resin and asphaltene content of 8.5 and 3.9 wt. % respectively. Study of high-molecular weight components in bitumen has shown that resin and asphaltene molecules decrease as a result of aliphatic molecules break off and reduction of aromatic cycles.