Foundations of thermal bitumen conversion and fouling

沥青的热转化率超过500？C是Syncrude长期运营的关键技术和科学平台。对这种转化的关键方面的基本理解对于改善现有操作以及考虑沥青转化中的长期工艺变化和机会至关重要。裂化机理、焦化产品质量、反应器条件（温度和停留时间）以及反应器内部结垢导致的反应器可操作性之间的联系需要进一步研究。该项目提出了三项相互关联的研究，为更好地了解现有的流化焦化操作奠定基础，并为长期技术开发提供信息。模型化合物的合成将能够在分子水平上定义裂化和结垢机制，并支持将转化率与产品质量联系起来的反应动力学的发展。动力学测量将使用阿尔伯塔大学即将完成的一种装置，该装置旨在在很宽的温度范围内提供准确的汽相动力学。对沥青馏分和模型化合物的动力学测量将确定所需反应器性能的边界。萨斯喀彻温大学的第三个项目将研究反应器结垢的流体动力学，并将动力学数据和结垢机理的信息联合收割机结合起来，开发预测模型。该项目的第一年将提供一套初始的模型化合物，并定义其焦化和结垢行为，在有限的条件下测量动力学，并确定最有前途的方向，为实验室和中试规模的研究反应器结垢。在随后的两年中，该计划将发展到包括冷流颗粒-液体测量，以了解污垢过程和全面的动力学污垢模型的发展。

Thermal conversion of bitumen at over 500?C is a key platform of technology and science for Syncrude's long-term operations. A fundamental understanding of key aspects of this conversion is essential for improving existing operations and for considering longer term process changes and opportunities in bitumen conversion. The links between the mechanisms of cracking, the quality of the coker products, reactor conditions in terms of temperature and residence time, and reactor operability due to fouling of the reactor internals require further research. This project proposes three linked studies to lay the foundations for improved understanding of existing fluid coking operations, and to inform longer term technology development. Synthesis of model compounds will enable the definition of cracking and fouling mechanisms at a molecular level, and support the development of reaction kinetics that link conversion to product quality. Kinetic measurements will use an apparatus that is nearing completion at the University of Alberta, designed to give accurate vapour-phase kinetics over a wide range of temperatures. Kinetic measurements on bitumen fractions and model compounds will define the boundaries for desirable reactor performance. The third project, at the University of Saskatchewan, will investigate the hydrodynamics of reactor fouling, and combine the kinetic data and information on fouling mechanisms to develop predictive models. The first year of the project will give an initial suite of model compounds and define their coking and fouling behavior, measure kinetics under a limited set of conditions, and determine the most promising direction for laboratory and pilot-scale studies of reactor fouling. In the subsequent two years the program would grow to encompass cold-flow particle-liquid measurements to understand fouling processes and the development of a comprehensive kinetics-fouling model.