PETROLEUM PROCESSING AND PETROCHEMICALS

RESEARCH PROGRESS ON CONTROLLABLE SYNTHESIS AND PRECISE REGULATION OF SiO₂ SHELL IN CORE-SHELL CATALYSTS

2026, 57(10): 1-10.

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In core-shell catalysts with nanoporous materials as the shell layer, SiO₂ material has emerged as a preferred shell material for molecular sieving attributed to its superior structural stability, chemical inertness and facile surface modifiability. Effective control over key structural parameters of the SiO₂ shell, continuity, thickness ,and pore structure are the key factors governing the catalytic performance of core-shell catalysts. Achieving such precise structural control necessitates advanced synthesis strategies. In this regard, the sol-gel method has emerged as a dominant synthetic strategy for fabricating SiO₂ shelled core-shell catalysts, owing to its mild reaction conditions, facile operation and ability to yield tailorable structures. This review focus on the sol-gel method, systematically examining the influence and mechanisms of key preparation parameters (silicon sources, templates, reaction conditions, and post-treatment conditions) on the structural and physicochemical properties of the SiO₂ shell. Furthermore, the challenges encountered in the structural regulation of the SiO₂ shell comprehensively analyzed and future optimization directions are prospected. This work was expected to provide a reference for the precise construction of SiO₂ shell and the enhancement of catalytic performance in core-shell catalysts.

RESEARCH PROGRESS ON THE SEPARATION OF PROPANE AND PROPENE BY ZEOLITE ADSORPTION

2026, 57(10): 11-19.

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The efficient separation of propane and propene represents a critical and persistent technological challenge in the chemical industry. The traditional high-pressure and low-temperature distillation process has inherent defects such as low efficiency and high energy consumption due to their similar physical properties. The separation technology based on zeolite adsorbents, with its advantages of low energy consumption, high selectivity and process flexibility, is regarded as a promising alternative solution. This paper reviews the innovative research progress of zeolite adsorbents for the separation of propane and propene. Starting from the differences in the physicochemical properties of propane and propene, it deeply analyzes the feasible strategies and action mechanisms for efficient separation. Focusing on two major technical routes of equilibrium adsorption separation and non-equilibrium adsorption separation, the paper comprehensively summarizes zeolite modification strategies such as metal ion modification, surface chemical modification, and multi-level pore construction, as well as their structure-performance relationships. Finally, based on current research, it is noted that developing low-cost zeolite synthesis and modification strategies, deepening the microscopic elucidation of adsorption mechanisms, and expanding into complex multi-component separation systems are key development directions for future research.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATION OF SKI-320 CATALYST IN THE UPGRADED REACTOR FOR C₈ AROMATICS ISOMERIZATION

2026, 57(10): 20-25.

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SKI-320 dealkylation type catalyst for C8 aromatics isomerization has been commercialized in a 1.0 Mt/a aromatic combination plant of Company A. To realize the capacity expansion requirements, the internal components of the isomerization reactor were modified by installing perforated isolation baffles, the resulting catalyst bed parameters closely match those of refining Company B’s original design for dealkylation processes, ensuring optimal performance of the SKI-320 catalyst. The loading of the catalyst is controllable and stable, and the catalyst is started up smoothly and easily. After being put into use，the catalyst shows good performance during operation. Performance benchmarking showed: single-pass xylene isomerization rate reached 23.82%, ethylbenzene conversion rate achieved 68.32%, and xylene yield was 98.87%. This marks the first successful industrial-scale demonstration of a upgraded reactor achieving performance comparable to that of an originally designed unit.

EFFECT OF DEPOSITED VANADIUM ON COKE GASIFICATION REACTION OVER CONTACT AGENT

2026, 57(10): 26-31.

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The vanadium-contaminated agents were analyzed using methods such as XRD, XRF, BET, and H₂-TPR, and the effects of deposited vanadium in different valence states on the coke gasification reaction were investigated using a small fixed fluidized bed reactor. The results showed that under oxygen-deficient conditions, vanadium had a significant catalytic effect on reducing the n(CO)/n(CO₂) ratio in the coke gasification products over the contact agent, with higher-valence vanadium exhibiting a stronger catalytic effect. Experiments on CO oxidation indicated that vanadium on the contact agent significantly promoted this reaction, with higher-valence vanadium showing a stronger catalytic effect on CO oxidation. The reaction temperature had a substantial influence on the oxidation of CO to CO₂. Increasing the volume fraction of O₂ in the reactants promoted the formation of CO₂ in this reaction, while increasing the volume fraction of CO2 had a relatively minor effect on the n(CO)/n(CO₂) ratio of the reaction products.

EFFECT OF SYNTHESIS PARAMETERS ON THE STRUCTURE OF Ni@SiO₂ CATALYSTS AND THEIR CATALYTIC PERFORMANCE IN DICYCLOPENTADIENE HYDROGENATION

2026, 57(10): 32-39.

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Ni@SiO₂ catalysts enable efficient hydrogenation of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) to endo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (endo-THDCPD), facilitating the high-yield production of high-density jet fuel JP-10. To scale up the production of Ni@SiO₂ catalysts to the hundred-kilogram level, the synthesis parameters were further optimized by investigating the effects of the silicon source, nickel source, and Si/Ni molar ratio on the catalyst structure and performance. The results show that using silica sol as the silicon source and nickel nitrate as the nickel precursor, with a Si/Ni molar ratio of 2, leads to improved Ni particle dispersion and a richer mesoporous structure in the Ni@SiO₂catalyst. This catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic performance in DCPD hydrogenation, achieving both DCPD conversion and endo-THDCPD yield exceeding 99.9%, with no significant deactivation observed after 2820 h of continuous operation.

SYNTHESIS OF Pt-Sn/Al₂O₃ FIBER CATALYST FOR EFFICIENT HYDROGENATION OF LEVULINIC ACID TO γ-VALEROLACTONE

2026, 57(10): 40-50.

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To address the issues of low gas-liquid mass transfer efficiency, which limits the catalytic hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone in high-pressure reactors, solutions were explored from two aspects: preparing high-performance catalysts and optimizing high-efficiency reactors.Firstly, a series of PtSn_x/Al₂O₃ fiber catalysts were prepared by impregnation-rapid calcination method using Al₂O₃ fibers as carriers.The obtained catalysts were systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption-desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, H₂ temperature programmed reduction and other methods. Furthermore, the catalytic performance in the hydrogenation of levulinic acid was investigated and the kinetics of the catalytic reaction were analyzed. The results indicated that a PtSn alloy was formed on the serface of the prepared catalyst support, with uniform distribution.The optimal PtSn_0.5/Al₂O₃ catalyst achieved 99% levulinic acid conversion with >99% selectivity to γ-valerolactone under mild batch conditions (160 °C, 2 MPa of H₂, 1 h). Kinetic studies revealed first-order dependence on H₂ pressure and zero-order on LA concentration, with an apparent activation energy of 55.7 kJ/mol.Secondly, it is preferred to use a micro packed bed reactor instead of a batch reactor to solve the problem of low gas-liquid mass transfer efficiency. The results showed that with the action of PtSn_0.5/Al₂O₃, the space-time yield was significantly improved and the reaction time was shortened, and the catalyst has excellent performance stability in continuous hydrogenation reactions..

STUDY ON ENHANCED COBALT LOADING BY MODIFIED Mg-Al LAYERED DOUBLE HYDROXIDE AND ITS CATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF POLYCYCLIC COMPOUND

2026, 57(10): 51-59.

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In this study, cobalt was loaded on 2-methylimidazole-modified Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH-MI) to synthesize Co/LDH-MI catalyst, which was employed to activate hydrogen peroxide for the degradation of tetracycline (TC) in aqueous solution. The microstructure, elemental distribution and chemical state of Co/LDH-MI were characterized systematically. The effects of catalyst dosage, solution pH and coexisting interfering ions on catalytic performance were investigated, and the corresponding degradation mechanism was also explored.The results demonstrated that 2-methylimidazole modification obviously increased the surface hydroxyl groups of LDH, which provided sufficient anchoring sites for cobalt species. The cobalt loading capacity of modified Co/LDH-MI was 2.8 times higher than that of unmodified Mg-Al LDH, which enriched catalytic active centers and greatly improved catalytic activity. Under the conditions of a catalyst dosage of 200 mg/L,an initial pH of 5 and a temperature of 25 °C, the removal efficiency of TC reached 98.7% within 10 min. Its pseudo-first-order kinetic constant was 3.02 times that on the unmodified catalyst. After four recycling experiments, the TC removal rate remained above 89%. Electron paramagnetic resonance and radical quenching experiments verified that hydroxyl radical (·OH) was the predominant reactive oxygen species in this system.

ANALYSIS OF DEMETALLIZATION PERFORMANCE IN A FIXED-BEDRESIDUE HYDROTREATING UNIT

2026, 57(10): 60-65.

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In the residue hydrotreating unit of a certain company, a high content of metals (nickel + vanadium) was contained in the feedstock, by which hydrodemetallization was made challenging.In the mid-to-late stage of operation, the metal (nickel and vanadium) content in the hydrotreated heavy oil exceeded 15 μg/g. An analysis of the industrial unit’s demetallization performance revealed that the hydrodemetallization rate was negatively correlated with the (asphaltene and resin) content in the feedstock. Further comparative analysis was conducted on the asphaltene molecular structures of the feedstock for the residue hydrotreating unit in above company (referred to as Residue A) and the feedstock for a reference residue hydrotreating unit (referred to as Residue B). The results show thatthe asphaltenes in Residue A are characterized by a higher naphthenic carbon content and a lower paraffinic carbon content, and a more significant distribution of high double bond equivalent values and high carbon numbers is found in its hydrocarbon components. Overall, the asphaltenes in Residue A exhibit a larger relative molecular weight and a higher degree of polycyclic condensation, making them more difficult to convert, which may affect the metal removal efficiency. Based on the research findings, a novel demetallization catalyst named as RDM-301was developed and a graded catalyst system trial was conducted using Residue A as the feedstock. Compared with the previous catalyst grading, the demetallization rate was improved by 5.3 percentage points and the vanadium removal rate was improved by 7.6 percentage points by the new catalyst grading.

REVAMPING ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF RECONTACT ABSORBER SYSTEM IN CONTINUOUS CATALYTIC REFORMING UNIT

2026, 57(10): 66-71.

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To address the prominent issues of high environmental pressure, excessive energy consumption, and low hydrogen purity in the recontacting system of a 0.6 Mt/a continuous catalytic reforming unit in a refinery, a process revamping was carried out on the recontacting system: a new recontacting absorber was constructed, the original pre-cooler, chiller and ammonia refrigeration system were decommissioned, and the original recontacting drum was repurposed as a knockout drum for the exported hydrogen. The results show that after the revamping, the hydrogen volume fraction in the reformer hydrogen product increased from 92.88% to 95.49%, with significant improvement in light hydrocarbon recovery. To address the operational issues encountered after the revamping, namely difficulty in liquid level establishment in the absorber and liquid entrainment at the top of the column, comprehensive analysis and Aspen simulation of the absorber operating conditions were conducted, and the optimal number of trays for the new absorber was determined to be 20―40. Through strategies such as optimizing tray and downcomer structures, replacing with high-efficiency demisters, reducing the absorber column diameter, and adopting staged absorption, the operational problems after the revamping were effectively resolved, ensuring stable and efficient operation of the continuous catalytic reforming unit.

STUDY ON THE FRACTIONAL SEPARATION AND TARGETED CONVERSION METHOD OF COKER GASOLINE

2026, 57(10): 72-77.

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Addressing the challenges of high olefin, sulfur, and resin content in delayed coker gasoline, which leads to high hydrogen consumption and underutilization of olefin resources in traditional hydroprocessing, a scheme for cascade separation and directional conversion of coker gasoline based on differences in fraction properties is proposed. By adding a side draw to the coker stabilizer to extract coker light gasoline, it can be directly fed into the bottom of the riser in an FCC unit debating increased propylene production; meanwhile, the bottom oil from the coker stabilizer is co-fed with diesel into a diesel hydroprocessing unit. The overhead cut from the fractionator of the diesel hydroprocessing unit, after hydroprocessing, yields coker mid gasoline with a combined mass fraction of aromatics and naphthenes of 48.69%, making it suitable as feed for a catalytic reforming unit fax generating aromatics and high-octane gasoline; the side-draw from the fractionator of the same diesel hydroprocessing unit yields hydrotreated coker heavy gasoline, which can serve as feedstock for a steam cracker fax producing ethylene. Industrial simulation results show that when 15 t/h of coker light gasoline is withdrawn from the coker stabilizer, the stabilizer's energy consumption decreases by 1.51 MW, hydrogen consumption in the diesel hydroprocessing unit drops by 0.26 t/h, and the FCC unit boosts propylene production by 1.1 t/h, thereby generating an annual profit increase of 47.32 million yuan. This strategy achieves cascade separation and directional conversion of coker gasoline into high-value olefins and aromatics with minimal modifications

INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION OF PETROLEUM-BASED CARBON MATERIALS

2026, 57(10): 78-83.

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A series of metal-acid bifunctional catalysts were prepared by impregnation of Pt on γ-Al₂O₃/Y zeolite composite support with controlled Pt loading location and concentration, and their catalytic performance was evaluated in the isomerization of endo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (Endo-THDCPD) to exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (Exo-THDCPD). The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, N₂ adsorption-desorption,CO adsorption infrared spectroscopy, pyridine adsorption infrared spectroscopy, and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia. The results show that Pt loading location does not significantly affect Pt dispersion, catalyst acidity, or pore structure. When Pt is loaded on Y zeolite, the metal-acid contact distance is short, resulting in high Endo-THDCPD conversion but low Exo-THDCPD selectivity; when Pt is loaded on γ-Al₂O₃, the metal-acid contact distance is moderate, giving slightly lower Endo-THDCPD conversion but higher Exo-THDCPD selectivity. The matching of metal-acid concentrations also influences the catalytic performance. At a metal-acid concentration ratio (CPt/CA) of 0.0084, the highest Exo-THDCPD selectivity of 95.10% is achieved.

SIMULATION AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON SEPARATION OF C₁₀—C₁₃ n-ALKANE MONOMERS BY DISTILLATION

2026, 57(10): 107-114.

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To address the drawbacks of traditional liquid paraffin production—high energy consumption, low capacity, and complex operations, this study uses light liquid paraffin as feedstock to produce high-purity C₁₀–C₁₃ n-alkane monomers via distillation. The separation process was simulated, and process parameters were optimized to determine optimal operating conditions for large-scale production. The distillation separation process was preliminarily simulated using Aspen Plus software, and pilot-scale separation experiments were conducted to validate the simulation results. The effects of the theoretical number of trays,feed point,overhead flow rate,and reflux ratio on the distillation separation process were investigated to determine the optimal operating parameters and separation results.Experimental validation confirmed that the simulated values for product quality and yield were in close agreement with the experimental data. The distillation separation scheme is feasible, and the simulation results are relatively accurate. Through subsequent simulation optimization, optimal operating parameters and simulation results were obtained, providing a basis for subsequent industrial-scale production.

ANALYSIS OF LUBRICATING GREASE ADDITIVES IN QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE ASPECTS USING COMBINATORIAL ALGORITHM OPTIMIZATION OF MID-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY

2026, 57(10): 115-124.

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The infrared spectral data preprocessing methods were coupled with machine learning algorithms to construct multiple combined models for qualitative classification and quantitative regression optimization of various lubricating grease additives. The infrared spectral data of lubricating grease formulation samples designed via orthogonal experimental design were used to train and validate the models, thereby achieving qualitative classification of the types and quantitative regression analysis of the contents of three additives in lubricating grease, namely molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate (MoDTC), zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (T202), and potassium borate (T361). The optimal qualitative classification model and quantitative regression model were determined. The results indicate that the combined model of first-derivative (D1) of baseline correction method and random forest (RF) algorithm (D1-RF) achieves the highest classification accuracy for the three additives, with F1 scores of 0.941, 1, and 1 for MoDTC, T202, and T361, respectively, making it the optimal qualitative classification model for lubricating grease additive types. The classification accuracy of the independent modeling system architecture is generally superior to that of the unified modeling system architecture. The partial least squares (PLS) model optimized by genetic algorithm (GA), D1 data preprocessing method, and successive projections algorithm (SPA) (GA-D1-PLS-SPA) yields determination coefficients of fit for the quantitative regression analysis of MoDTC, T202, and T361 contents of 0.8833, 0.9531, and 0.9882, respectively, making it the optimal quantitative regression model for lubricating grease additive contents.

DETERMINATION OF COMPOSITION AND CONTENT OF POLY-α-OLEFIN SYNTHETIC OIL BY HIGH-TEMPERATURE SIMULATED DISTILLATION METHOD

2026, 57(10): 125-130.

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Based on the ASTM D7169 standard method, this paper employs high-temperature simulated distillation to determine the components of poly-α-olefin (PAO) synthetic oil with different viscosities, enabling accurate acquisition of component distribution and content. This method utilizes polymeric wax and n-alkanes as retention time calibration standards for simulated distillation, effectively clarifying the composition and degree of polymerization of the samples. Meanwhile, the response factor was determined through the analysis of reference samples, allowing for further acquisition of sample recovery rate and recovery temperature, thereby achieving precise calculation of the mass percentage of each component. This analytical method demonstrates good accuracy and repeatability. Compared with conventional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method, which can only analyze the components and content of PAO oligomers, high-temperature simulated distillation also enables the simultaneous determination of the content and boiling point of PAO polymers, providing crucial technical support for in-depth investigation of PAO properties.

CONSTRUCTION AND APPLICATION OF AN EVALUATION SYSTEM FOR RESOURCE UTILIZATION CAPABILITY IN PETROCHEMICAL ENTERPRISES

2026, 57(10): 131-138.

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Addressing the lack of plant-wide, multi-dimensional evaluation tools for resource utilization in petrochemical enterprises, this study constructs an evaluation system for resource conservation and efficient utilization capability covering six domains—raw materials, energy, water resources, waste, greenhouse gases, and data resources—with data resources innovatively included as an evaluation dimension. Based on a data-driven and expert-based integration approach, the system employs the analytic hierarchy process to determine indicator weights; establishes a “screening–review–disposal” quality control procedure combining box-plot analysis and expert judgment, together with a dual-track scoring strategy based on kernel density quantile intervals and piecewise linear conversion; and proposes a peer-level weight normalization compensation mechanism to accommodate missing indicators arising from differences in business structure among enterprises. The system was applied to score the resource utilization capability of 32 petrochemical enterprises over 2020—2023. Results show that the average score increased from 45.12 points in 2020 to 54.37 points in 2023, with narrowing inter-enterprise score dispersion. Further analysis of Enterprise A identifies strengths in energy saving, storage and transportation loss control, and wastewater reuse, and weaknesses in seal-point leakage control and hazardous waste utilization. The established evaluation system can guide resource conservation and utilization management in petrochemical enterprises and provide quantitative support for green low-carbon transition and digital-intelligent development.

STUDY ON ACCOUNTING METHODS FOR CO₂ EMISSIONS FROM FCC REGENERATION COKE COMBUSTION

2026, 57(10): 139-143.

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CO₂ generated from coke combustion in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is the major process emission source of the FCC unit. Accurate accounting of its emissions is of great significance for carbon emission reduction management and control, carbon market compliance, and environmental protection compliance in refineries. This paper systematically constructs four types of accounting methods for CO₂ emissions from FCC coke combustion, conducts case verification combined with actual industrial operation data, carries out a comprehensive comparative analysis from multiple dimensions, and proposes an optimal strategy for engineering application. The results show that the direct accounting method based on flue gas composition features high precision and is suitable for daily unit monitoring and accurate accounting for carbon compliance; the coke-combustion-related accounting method balances precision and accuracy, making it a relatively practical approach in industrial applications; the catalyst carbon difference correlation accounting method can be used as an auxiliary verification means; and the unit carbon balance accounting method is applicable to macro estimation and the design stage. This study can provide theoretical support and engineering reference for the scientific accounting, precise management and control of CO₂ emissions from FCC coke combustion, as well as industrial carbon emission reduction.

STUDY AND APPLICATION OF PRODUCT CARBON FOOTPRINT ASSESSMENT FOR FLUID CATALYTIC CRACKING UNIT

2026, 57(10): 144-151.

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The energy utilization status in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit is a crucial factor affecting carbon emissions. Evaluating carbon footprint based on the energy evolution of product materials holds significant scientific value. The coke-burning in the regenerator represents the largest and most concentrated carbon emissions source. Carbon emissions can be allocated based on their energy destinations (the heat carried by flue gas, by catalysts, and steam production). Additionally, considering the heat supply mechanism of catalysts from the regenerator to the reactor, carbon emissions from the reactor are also determined. For the reaction and fractionation processes, carbon footprint could be calculated based on the enthalpy increment of materials and combined with the carbon footprint of raw materials from upstream. It is indicate that the total carbon footprint emissions from the main products of FCC operations amount to 20233.1 kg/h, while steam and heat output amount to 59544.2 kg/h. Among different main products, diesel has the lowest carbon footprint at 13.10 kg/t, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has the highest carbon footprint at 63.69 kg/t. LPG and gasoline have the similar carbon footprints due to their identical processing stages.

RESEARCH ON SYNERGISTIC BENEFIT PATHWAYS FOR GREEN HYDROGEN REPLACING GREY HYDROGEN IN REFINERY UNDER COST CONSTRAINTS

2026, 57(10): 152-160.

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