A single events kinetic model for the hydrocracking of paraffins in a three-phase reactor

Hydrocracking is a very important catalytic hydroconversion process by whic h the heavy ends of crude oil are converted into more valuable products. Ki netic modelling of such a process is particulary difficult given the comple xity of the feedstocks. In this purpose, the application and the validation of a Single Events Kinetic Model for the hydrocracking of paraffins in a t hree phase reactor are performed. This type of model is based on a molecula r approach where the whole reaction network is described. Fundamental kinet ic constants were estimated from experiments carried out on hexadecane. The se parameters do not depend on the chain length and were used to predict th e hydrocracking of a paraffinic mixture (Fischer-Tropsch effluent) in order to validate the methodology. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights res erved.