AM-96-60 MILD HYDROCRACKING OF VIRGIN VACUUM GAS OIL, CYCLE OILS AND COKER GAS OIL WITH THE T-STAR TM PROCESS

Description:

Texaco Fuels and Lubricants Research recently completed a successful pilot plant program demonstrating the use of the T-STAR” process for mild hydrocracking of blends of low value feedstocks (cycle oils, coker gas oils), virgin distillates and vacuum gas oils to generate high quality diesel and improved quality FCC feed. The T-STAR’ Process runs at constant temperature. Catalyst activity is maintained by daily catalyst addition and withdrawal while the unit is on stream. No unit shutdown is needed to replace the catalyst. The possibility of bed plugging or blockage from accumulation of fine solids in the feed is virtually eliminated in this ebullated bed system and the reactor operates with a low and constant pressure drop. The process handles a variety of feedstocks including light and heavy coker gas oils and deasphalted oils. Yields and product properties from a blend of virgin vacuum gas oil: light cycle gas oil and heavy coker gas oil are discussed. A scheme for integrating this process in an existing refinery is also presented.