Kinetics of Catalytic Cracking of Kerosene to Ethylene on CaO-Promoted Z5 Nano-Catalyst

Abstract

Catalytic cracking of kerosene was carried out on CaO-promoted Z5 nano-catalyst with a view to maximize ethylene yield without coke formation within a temperature range of 450±50^oC, a residence time, 't of 24.2s and fluid flow velocity of 0.72m/s. The reaction formulation was based on three separate routes which were inter-related; where the overall reaction showed an overall yield of 96% olefin with a fractional conversion of ethylene at 80% and propylene 16% with no traces of coke and methane in the gas stream. Also a space velocity of 0.041s^-1 was established. The presence of CaO reduced coke formation and promoted hydrogen migration from the catalyst active centre; thereby promoting reduction of hexane and heptene that are usually the primary products of kerosene cracking. Cracking at ?-position on heptane was suitable for C₂ and C₃ fragmentation through route R2.

Keywords: Kerosene, Catalytic cracking, Kinetic, Fragmentation, Ethylene, Propylene, Fractional conversion.