Kinetic modelling of thermal cracking of petroleum residues: A critique

Several models have been reported in the literature for thermal cracking of petroleum residues. Most of these models are either highly empirical or first principles based models requiring detailed analysis of the feedstock. The present paper is an attempt to put forward a critical appraisal of various published models. The authors have also generated the experimental data on a batch reactor for different feedstocks, and multi-lump parameter models (reported elsewhere) have been developed with the generated data. Three different models for prediction of experimental yields in terms of gas and distillate fractions (i.e. kerosene, LGO and VGO) have been critically evaluated in the light of experimental data.

► Brief account of thermal conversion processes for heavy oil upgradation.
► Critical review of kinetic models in terms of lumping schemes and number of lumps.
► Model evaluation with experimental data.
► Conclusions with further directions in the light of presented discussion.