Abstract: Using Yichang residue having high iron/calcium content as a feed, its cracking performance, impurity removal performance and catalyst initial deactivation were investigated by continuously stirred tank reactor simulating ebullated bed. The results show that the reaction temperature is the main factor that affects the cracking rate and impurity removal rate. Pore plugging due to the deposition of coke and sulfide metals effects the catalyst deactivation and further the process economy. The content of iron and calcium is the key factor to determine whether an ebullated bed be adopted to refine high iron/calcium residue.

Key words: iron, calcium, ebullated bed, residue, hydrotreating