Optimization of Operational Parameters for Improved Light Olefin Production in Gasoil Cracking over HZSM-5 Catalyst: Temperature and Catalyst Loading Weight as Key Parameters

This study investigates the catalytic cracking of gasoil over HZSM-5 zeolite with an emphasis on gasoil conversion and light olefin selectivity as a function of reaction conditions. For this purpose, the NaZSM-5 zeolite was ion-exchanged to make its protonated form. Then the resulting catalyst was used to evaluate the conversion, selectivity, and propylene/ethylene ratio in reactions carried out at 500, 550, and 600 °C temperatures with catalyst loading weights of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 gr. Both propylene and ethylene selectivity were enhanced by temperature across all catalyst weights, with the propylene enhancement being somewhat milder and a decreasing trend observed in the propylene-to-ethylene ratio. Catalyst weight dominated selectivity, with 0.3 gr producing the highest light olefins (53.57-58.78%), while 0.5 gr at 500 °C provided the lowest (30.55%), increasing secondary reactions. Conversion was maximum at 0.3 gr (87.47% at 600 °C), corresponding to light olefins formation.