Impact of vapor saturation on oil pyrolysis in a fluid coker

[Display omitted] •Liquid accumulation from vapor saturation monitored with hot filter pressure drop.•Vapor accumulation limits liquid vaporization in the fluid coker.•Liquid accumulation depends on liquid volatility.•Liquid accumulation increases with increasing partial/saturated vapor pressure.•Liquid accumulation is mitigated by its reaction to lighter compounds. Fluid Coking is a pyrolytic process that converts heavy oils to lighter hydrocarbons with hot fluidized coke providing the required heat. This study measures liquid accumulation due to vapor saturation in a pilot-scale Fluid Coking Reactor and determines the impact of vapor saturation on liquid product yield and quality. The accumulated liquid due to vapor saturation is estimated by measuring the pressure drop of the hot filter through which hydrocarbon vapors leave the reactor; it can measure accumulated liquid of less than 1 % of the bed mass. Liquid accumulation can be reduced by increasing the bed temperature, reducing the reactor pressure, or decreasing the liquid feedrate. In addition, liquid accumulation is mitigated by the reaction of heavy accumulated liquid to lighter compounds.