Simulating VGO, WLO, and WCO co-hydroprocessing: Part 2

• Published in: PTQ pp. 75 - 79
• Main Authors: El-Sawy, Mohamed S, Ashour, Fatma H, Refaat, Ahmed, Aboul-Fotouh, Tarek M, Hanafi, S A
• Format: Magazine Article
• Language: English
• Published: Croydon Emap Limited 01.01.2024
• Subjects: Catalysts; Cooking oils; COVID-19; Crude oil; Economic analysis; Emissions control; Feed conversion; Fractionation; Gas oil; Greenhouse gases; Hydrocracking; Lubricating oils; Oil wastes; Oils & fats; Pandemics; Recycling; Simulation; Simulation models; Social conditions; Trickle beds; Waste materials; Waste recycling

El-Sawy et al discuss their simulation and analytical studies on the cohydroprocessing of vacuum gasoil (VGO), waste lubricating oil (WLO), and waste cooking oil (WCO) over a commercial hydrocracking catalyst. The study explores the use of existing hydroprocessing units to cohydroprocess these waste oils with VGO, rather than installing separate units. Market analysis and economic studies were conducted to demonstrate the flexibility and prevalence of using these unconventional feed mixtures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Waste recycling offers benefits such as reducing emissions and greenhouse gases, as well as stimulating development and aiding social structure. The hydroprocessing unit consists of a reaction section and a fractionation section, with a trickle bed reactor configuration. Modelling and simulation are important for optimizing plant profit and operating conditions. The simulation model accurately predicts feed conversion and product yields. Economic analysis shows that cohydroprocessing WLO and WCO with VGO can increase net profit, especially when crude oil prices increase.