UPGRADING OF PETROLEUM RESIDUES BY VACUUM PYROLYSIS

Abstract

Vacuum pyrolysis of petroleum residues which are classified as hazardous materials was performed in a batch reactor and enabled us to separate an upgraded oil from water and residual solids. Conversion of petroleum wastes to reusable oils reached 85% on an organic basis. The pyrolysis oils and solid products were analysed for maltene, asphaltene and sulfur content. We found a significant increase in the pyrolysis oil maltene content. Much less sulfur was detected in the pyrolysis oil compared with the original organic waste material. The resin content of the pyrolysis oil decreased and the aliphatic, alicyclic and monoaromatic hydrocarbon content increased. The heavy portion of the pyrolysis oil contained approximately 5% of undesirable n-alkenes ranging from n-C14 to n-C38. Only trace amounts of organic and inorganic contamination was found in the solid phase leachate. The aqueous phase contained a small quantity of soluble organics which will be easily removed in a standard refinery water treatment plant. Results showed the merits of vacuum pyrolysis for upgrading petroleum residues.