Hydrogenation of Crude Oil at Elevated Pressure

Significance of the Topic

Understanding the hydrogenation behavior of crude oil under controlled high‐pressure conditions is critical for refining processes, catalyst development and rapid characterization of complex hydrocarbon mixtures. This approach enables targeted conversion of unsaturated and aromatic species, offering insights into feedstock quality and informing industrial upgrading strategies.

Study Objectives and Overview

The primary goal of this application note is to demonstrate how coupling a pyrolysis‐GC/MS system with a catalytic hydrogenation reactor and back‐pressure regulation enhances the analysis of crude oil. A comparative evaluation at different hydrogen pressures (100 PSI vs. 400 PSI) illustrates the selective transformation of unsaturated compounds and the formation of aromatics.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

Crude oil samples (~0.5–1 µL) were rapidly vaporized in a CDS HP‐R Pyroprobe and carried by a reactive gas stream through a platinum‐packed reactor. The setup included:

• Pyroprobe interface: 325 °C for sample transfer
• Pyrolysis step: 600 °C for 15 s
• Catalytic reactor: 500 °C, platinum catalyst
• Back‐pressure regulation: 100 PSI or 400 PSI hydrogen
• Product trap: 325 °C for collection
• Gas chromatography: 30 m × 0.25 mm, 5 % phenyl column, initial 40 °C (2 min), ramp 10 °C/min to 300 °C, helium carrier (50:1 split)
• Detection: Mass spectrometer, scan 35–600 amu

Main Results and Discussion

At 100 PSI hydrogen, GC chromatograms show complete hydrogenation of olefinic peaks to their saturated analogues, evidenced by the disappearance of marked olefin series. Increasing pressure to 400 PSI shifts product distribution toward aromatic species such as benzene, toluene and xylenes. Early‐eluting light compounds increase while the heavier fraction from the native crude diminishes, reflecting enhanced dehydrogenation and cyclization under more severe hydrogenation conditions.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The described method offers:

• Rapid screening of crude oil unsaturation levels
• Assessment of catalyst performance under process‐relevant pressures
• Optimization of hydrogenation conditions for refining streams
• Enhanced structural information for QA/QC and feedstock evaluation

Future Trends and Possibilities for Use

Advancements may include integration with real‐time data analytics, exploration of alternative catalysts (e.g. Ni, Co) and extension to bio‐derived oils. Implementing microreactor designs and automated pressure ramps could further streamline high‐throughput refinery research and development.

Conclusion

This application demonstrates that high‐pressure hydrogenation coupled to pyrolysis‐GC/MS enables selective modification of crude oil constituents. Operating at 100 PSI achieves olefin saturation, while 400 PSI favors aromatic generation, providing a versatile platform for detailed hydrocarbon profiling and catalyst evaluation.

References

No external literature references were provided in the original text.