Siberian Federal University

The catalytic steam cracking of vacuum residue (VR) in a slurry-type reactor at a temperature of 425–450 °C and 2 MPa in the presence of a Mo-based dispersed catalyst was carried out for the first time. The catalyst was introduced into the feedstock through a reverse emulsion, which was previously prepared from VR and an aqueous solution of the Mo-based precursor salt, followed by decomposition and formation of a dispersion of catalyst particles in the VR. In the case of non-catalytic steam cracking, it was found that the use of water leads to a reduction in coke formation and, correspondingly, an increase in the yield of the target liquid products (semisynthetic oil), while reducing the sulfur content, in comparison with thermal cracking. The results of the study also showed that the use of Mo-based dispersed catalyst increases the depth of interaction between water and VR, with an increase in the H:C ratio and a reduction in sulfur content in liquid products (semisynthetic oil)