Nitrogen compounds present in bitumen and petroleum products cause significant inhibitory effects on processes such as catalytic cracking and hydrotreating due to poisoning of the catalyst. They also contribute to certain extend to the low stability and gum formation during fuel storage. Consequently, selective removal of the nitrogen species may improve the efficiency of the above processes. Complexation with metallic copper chloride was studied at 65�C and various reaction times. The effects of the salt composition and water on the nitrogen removal were evaluated.  Addition of water improves the removal efficiency, while increasing the salt to oil weight ratio showed a less significant effect.  Our future plan is to define an effective way for the recovery of the copper salt from the process and use the recycled copper to minimize the cost. In addition we will confirm the benefits of the nitrogen removal on hydrotreating.

Removal of nitrogen compounds from bitumen-derived streams

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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