Naphtha derived from polyolefins

Conversion of polyolefins (HDPE, LDPE and PP) into feedstock naphtha was investigated by hydroliquefaction process. Hydroliquefaction experiments were carried out under cold hydrogen pressure of 5 MPa at the temperatures between 375 and 450 °C in absence and presence of catalyst. Two types commercial catalysts were used, a hydrocracking catalyst (DHC-8) and a hydrogenation catalyst (HYDROBON). The effect of temperature and catalyst type on product yields and composition of gas and liquid products was investigated. The temperature was the main effect in hydroliquefaction. DHC-8 showed good cracking activity, but it gave the liquid product containing high olefin content same as thermal run. Although HYDROBON catalyst produced the sufficient amount of liquid (and naphtha fraction) at the higher temperature, it gave the liquid product with very low olefin content. The naphtha fractions obtained from polyolefins under the optimal hydrocracking conditions were analyzed by PIONA instrument to determine the hydrocarbon groups. PIONA analysis showed that the naphtha obtained from hydroliquefaction over HYDROBON catalyst could be used as a petrochemical feedstock. However, the naphtha obtained in presence of DHC-8 catalyst, which is to be used a feedstock, was needed further hydrogenation treatment.