Before ConocoPhillips implemented its coke licensing business, extensive pilot-plant studies were performed on a wide variety of residue

qualities and types. Small-scale coker pilot-plant results were compiled to create an extensive empirical model for developing coke yield, gas and liquid product rates, and properties. This enabled generation of a meaningful coker yields prediction model, which benefits licensees in various types of technology studies today. ConocoPhillips utilizes this unique coker yield model to economically design new units as well as optimize existing facilities. Combining distillate recycle and zero natural recycle technologies generates superior liquid yields in comparison to conventional coking practices. Coke yield is reduced by 1 to 3 wt % when operating with 20 percent distillate recycle, depending upon feedstock properties. Coke yield is further minimized (by another 0.5 to 1 wt %) by cutting natural recycle from 5 percent to zero. Table 12.1.2 compares the ConocoPhillips coking process yields for three different residue types against conventional delayed coking technology yields. The ConocoPhillips yields in Table 12.1.2 represent those obtained when utilizing 20 percent light coker gas oil (LCGO) as the distillate recycle material. LCGO is typically selected for the recycle material when the economics of product values and refinery configuration favor gasoline production. In regions where kerosene and diesel production is more economical, it is more profitable to maximize distillate and reduce gas oil yields in the coker. In this marketing scenario and using ConocoPhillips patented distillate recycle technology, a higher-boiling-range material would be used for recycle. Table 12.1.3 highlights coker product yields using a heavy coker gas oil (HCGO) distillate recycle stream with the same feedstock properties as listed in Table 12.1.2. As illustrated by Tables 12.1.2
12.10 VISBREAKING AND COKING CONOCOPHILLIPS DELAYED COKING PROCESS TABLE