Biofuel upgrading via catalytic deoxygenation in trickle bed reactor: Crucial issue in selection of pressure regulator type

Abstract

Trickle bed reactors (TBRs) are commonly used in various chemical and associated processes. The selection of a proper back pressure regulator (BPR) is crucial for maintaining the system's upstream pressure. In this study, we investigate the impact of BPR selection on deoxygenation reaction in a TBR with two typical types of BPR, including gas-phase type back pressure regulator (Gas-BPR) and multiphase type back pressure regulator (Multi-BPR). Notably, Gas-BPR introduces interruptions and pressure drops during the sampling step, impacting the hydrogen flow rate, while Multi-BPR ensures more consistent hydrogen flow. To examine the performance of BPR systems, hydrotreating experiments were conducted at 330 °C, 50 bar of hydrogen over Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst using crude Pongamia pinnata oil as a feedstock and refined palm olein as a benchmark. Insignificant difference in the reaction performance between Multi-BPR and Gas-BPR systems was observed when using refined palm olein. Interestingly, there was a significant difference between the two systems when feeding with crude Pongamia pinnata oil. The multi-BPR system demonstrated superior performance, achieving 100% conversion of the feedstock over a prolonged period compared to the interrupted hydrogen flow in the Gas-BPR system. Further characterization of fresh and spent catalysts using N2 sorption, XRD, SEM-EDS and TGA-DTG-DSC techniques revealed that a gum and coke formation was a reason for the rapid catalyst deactivation. Furthermore, the interrupted flow in the Gas-BPR system led to substantial gum production, ultimately causing a blockage in the reactor bed. Consequently, for feedstocks with high impurities, a robust continuous flow of hydrogen is essential. Thus, the study strongly recommends selecting Multi-BPR for continuous operation in TBRs to enhance efficiency and avoid catalyst deactivation.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.129456
Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI)
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > School of Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering > Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry
Aston University (General)
Additional Information: This research was supported by Silpakorn University under the Postdoctoral fellowship program; Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council, Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMU-C) under BCG in Action (Contract No. C10F630217). The authors also would like to acknowledge the Research Chair Grant supported by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). Copyright © 2023, Elsevier. This accepted manuscript version is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Uncontrolled Keywords: Bio-hydrogenated diesel,Catalyst deactivation,Nickel catalyst,Reactor configuration,Renewable energy,Energy Engineering and Power Technology,General Chemical Engineering,Fuel Technology,Organic Chemistry
Publication ISSN: 1873-7153
Last Modified: 02 Dec 2024 08:59
Date Deposited: 24 Oct 2023 09:09
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: https://www.sci ... 016236123020707 (Publisher URL)
http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2024-01-01
Published Online Date: 2023-08-14
Accepted Date: 2023-08-07
Authors: Pongsiriyakul, Kanokthip
Kiatkittipong, Worapon
Lim, Jun Wei
Najdanovic, Vesna (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-1035-0982)
Wongsakulphasatch, Suwimol
Kiatkittipong, Kunlanan
Srifa, Atthapon
Eiad-ua, Apiluck
Boonyasuwat, Sunya
Assabumrungrat, Suttichai

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