Determination of Optimal Conditions of High-Voltage Short-Pulse Electrohydraulic Discharge Influence on Catalytic Cracking of Oil Sludge

The paper studied the effect of high-voltage short-pulse electrohydraulic discharge (HVSPED) on the processes of catalytic cracking of oil sludge in order to increase the yield of light hydrocarbon fractions. A set of laboratory experiments was carried out with varying the key parameters of HVSPED - voltage, pulse frequency and exposure time. A nanocomposite bentonite catalyst impregnated with nickel was used. The optimal electrophysical parameters of oil-sludge treatment by HVSPED were determined, providing the maximum yield of gasoline and kerosene fractions. The effectiveness of HVSPED treatment of oil sludge in the presence of a catalyst was confirmed by DTA–thermogravimetric analysis and chromatographic-mass spectral analysis of the light and middle fractions of the hydrogenate. The proposed approach made it possible to enhance the resource and energy efficiency of oil-sludge processing using HVSPED, demonstrating high potential for further industrial application.