In situ decomposition of ammonium and tetrabutylammonium thiomolybdate (ATM and TBATM) were used to synthesize unsupported MoS[subscript 2] catalysts, the in situ activation consisted of decomposing the thiomolybdate precursors in the presence of hydrocarbon solvent under H[subscript 2] pressure at 350degrees Celsius during the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of dibenzothiophene (DBT) or 4,6-dimethydibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) as sulfur model compounds. In situ generated MOS[subscript 2] catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET, EDX and SEM. Parameters affecting the HDS reaction were investigated: hydrogen pressure, reaction time, amount of precursor, types of precursor, cobalt and nickel promoters, and water addition. Inhibition of pyridine was also examined. The results showed that, cobalt and nickel addition enhanced HDS activity of both in situ generated MoS[subscript 2] catalysts from ATM and TBATM precursors. The use of ATM precursor with added water for in situ generation of MoS[subscript 2] catalyst can lead to 100% conversion of HDS of 4,6-DMDBT under 30 atm H[subscript 2] pressure at 350degrees celsius. Model reaction suggested that water addition led to a high surface area, highly active MoS[subscript 2] catalyst. The optimal mole ratio of H[subscript 2]O/ATM = 1200 performed the highest surface area (559 m[superscript 2]/g). In addition, the catalysts could reduce the sulfur contents of straight run gas oil (SRGO) from 6100 ppm to 3250 ppm and from 310 ppm to 100 ppm in light cycle oil (LCO).

Heavy oil derived from oil sands is becoming an important resource of energy and transportation fuels due to the depletion of conventional oil resources. However, bitumen and heavy oils have a low hydrogen/carbon ratio and contain a large percentage of sulfur and nitrogen heterocyclic compounds. At the level of deep desulfurization, aromatic poly-nuclear molecules, especially nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, exhibit strong inhibitive effect on hydrodesulfurization (HDS) due to competitive adsorption on catalytically active sites with sulfur-containing molecules. Therefore, it is necessary to study the HDS of refractory sulfur-containing compounds and also the effect of nitrogen-containing species on the deep HDS for achieving the ultra low sulfur specifications for transportation fuels. Additionally, the cost of H2 increased in recent years and a bitumen emulsion upgrading technique using an alternative in-situ H2 generated via the water gas shift (WGS) reaction during the hydro-treating was developed in our group.

This work is based on the proceedings of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers' Spring National Meeting in Houston, Texas, March 28 to April 1, 1993. It details various facets of residue upgrading and distillate hydrotreating, stressing the importance of selective catalysts in aromatics reduction. New aromatics saturation processes for the production of very low-aromatic distillates are introduced.

The development of efficient catalysts for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) processes is an essential and urgent research field. During oil refinement the removal of sulfur and nitrogen compounds from petroleum feedstock is crucial, as the emission of sulfur and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere causes severe environmental problems. In light of the industrial process for hydrocarbons, HDS is indispensable as it eliminates the poisoning of catalysts during hydrotreatment and hydrocracking. In order to develop new catalysts, the mechanism of these reactions as well as the structures and functions of the catalysts need to be elucidated. This book provides an up-to-date and deep insight, which spans kinetic studies, catalytic cycles, structures and properties of catalysts to process engineering. Therefore every chemist and engineer working in this important research field will welcome this valuable source of information.

Catalytic In-Situ Upgrading of Heavy and Extra-Heavy Crude Oils A comprehensive guide to a cutting-edge and cost-effective refinement process for heavy oil Oil sufficiently viscous that it cannot flow normally from production wells is called heavy oil and constitutes as much as 70% of global oil reserves. Extracting and refining this oil can pose significant challenges, including very high transportation costs. As a result, processes which produce and partially refine heavy oil in situ, known as catalytic upgrading, are an increasingly important part of the heavy oil extraction process, and the reduced carbon footprint associated with these methods promises to make them even more significant in the coming years. Catalytic In-Situ Upgrading of Heavy and Extra-Heavy Crude Oils provides a comprehensive introduction to these processes. It introduces the properties and characteristics of heavy and extra-heavy oil before discussing different catalysts and catalyzing processes, their mechanisms and underlying physics, and more. It offers the full sweep of description and analysis required for petroleum and chemical engineers to understand this vital aspect of the modern oil industry. Readers will also find: Detailed discussion of subjects including electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and more Analysis of both liquid catalysts and nanoparticle catalysts A numerical simulation of the catalytic in-situ oil upgrading process Catalytic In-Situ Upgrading of Heavy and Extra-Heavy Crude Oils is a valuable reference for petroleum and chemical engineers as well as advanced undergraduate and graduate students in related fields.

Written by an industry expert with over 50 years of experience, this book details the various solvent processes that are used in crude oil refineries. Providing an in-depth exploration of the different types of processes, as well as the types of feedstocks that can be used with them, this book prepares readers for changes as the industry evolves. Key Features: Describes feedstock evaluation and the effects of elemental, chemical, and fractional composition. Contains an extensive glossary of all related concepts in hydrotreating and hydrocracking processes. Considers next-generation processes and developments. This book is an essential guide for engineers, scientists, and students in the field of petroleum processing and refining technology, including professionals, technicians, management personnel, and academics.