Conversion of n-heptane over different catalysts: Effect of catalyst-to-oil ratio and temperature

Catalytic cracking of n–heptane was investigated over various catalysts including ZSM-5, MCM-41, USY and mordenite. The influence of reaction temperature and catalyst-to-oil ratio was investigated in the case of ZSM-5 as more favorable catalyst in terms of conversion and light olefins yield. The highest n-heptane conversion of 97.3 wt.% was achieved over USY zeolite. Both conversion and olefin selectivity were increased by temperature over ZSM-5 zeolite. Increasing catalyst-to-oil ratio enhanced conversion with no significant changes in olefins selectivity. The highest olefin production was achieved over ZSM-5 zeolite in catalyst-to-oil ratios of 1.5 and 3.0 (g/g) at 550°C.