A simulation model for high-conversion pyrolysis of normal paraffinic hydrocarbons

Abstract

Pyrolysis of normal paraffins (propane, n-butane, n-hexane, n-heptane, and n-octane) and 1-olefins (1-hexene and 1-heptene) were carried out by using a flow-type apparatus. Hydrocarbons were highly diluted with nitrogen and pyrolyzed over a wide range of conversion at 700°C and under atmospheric pressure. The experimental results clearly showed a self-inhibition effect for pyrolysis of normal paraffins, while it was not significant in 1-olefin pyrolysis. On the basis of experimental results, a simulation model to predict product distributions has been developed by taking into account a self-inhibition coefficient. The model can well predict the amounts of pyrolytic products from normal paraffin and 1-olefin pyrolysis over a wide range of conversion. © 1975, The Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan. All rights reserved.