Patent ID: 8303802
Filing Date: 2012-11-06
Classification: B01J,C10G

Abstract:
1. A method of hydroprocessing a heavy oil feedstock, comprising: preparing a heavy oil feedstock comprised of a substantial quantity of liquid hydrocarbons having a boiling point greater than about 650° F. and a colloidal or molecular catalyst dispersed throughout the feedstock, the colloidal or molecular catalyst being prepared by: heating or maintaining the heavy oil feedstock at a hydrocracking temperature within an ebullated bed reactor to yield an upgraded material, the ebullated bed reactor comprising: the colloidal or molecular catalyst being dispersed throughout the liquid phase, including the supported catalyst free zones, and catalyzing reactions between the hydrogen and free radicals formed from the heavy oil feedstock throughout the liquid phase, including the supported catalyst free zones, to yield an upgraded material while increasing asphaltene conversion and/or reducing or eliminating formation of coke precursors and sediment within the ebullated bed reactor compared to an ebullated bed reactor in the absence of the molecular or colloidal catalyst.