Article: Influence of process parameters on conversion efficiency in plasma cracking of heavy oil residues Journal: International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology (IJOGCT) 2026 Vol.40 No.5 pp.1 - 23 Abstract: This study systematically investigates the influence of key process parameters - feedstock inlet temperature and flow rate - on the conversion efficiency and product distribution during the plasma cracking of heavy oil residues, with a focus on maximising the yield of the diesel fuel fraction (180-330°C). Experiments were conducted in a pilot-scale plasma reactor and it revealed that both parameters significantly affect diesel yield. An optimal feedstock temperature range of 200-350°C was identified, below which conversion is incomplete, and above which excessive gas formation occurs. Similarly, lower feedstock flow rates (0.5-0.75dm3/s) were found to enhance diesel yield by 30%-40% compared to higher rates (1dm3/s), which induce reactor instability and reduce cracking depth. The results provide a clear pathway for scaling plasma cracking technology as an energy-efficient and selective alternative to conventional methods for upgrading heavy residues into valuable middle distillates. [Received: June 3, 2025; Accepted: April 2, 2026] Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Influence of process parameters on conversion efficiency in plasma cracking of heavy oil residues

Authors: Artur Khakimov; Shuxratqodir Gulomov

Addresses: Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology (TICT), Navoi Avenue 32, Tashkent, Uzbekistan ' Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology (TICT), Navoi Avenue 32, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Abstract: This study systematically investigates the influence of key process parameters - feedstock inlet temperature and flow rate - on the conversion efficiency and product distribution during the plasma cracking of heavy oil residues, with a focus on maximising the yield of the diesel fuel fraction (180-330°C). Experiments were conducted in a pilot-scale plasma reactor and it revealed that both parameters significantly affect diesel yield. An optimal feedstock temperature range of 200-350°C was identified, below which conversion is incomplete, and above which excessive gas formation occurs. Similarly, lower feedstock flow rates (0.5-0.75dm³/s) were found to enhance diesel yield by 30%-40% compared to higher rates (1dm³/s), which induce reactor instability and reduce cracking depth. The results provide a clear pathway for scaling plasma cracking technology as an energy-efficient and selective alternative to conventional methods for upgrading heavy residues into valuable middle distillates. [Received: June 3, 2025; Accepted: April 2, 2026]

Keywords: plasma cracking; heavy oil residues; diesel fuel; parametric study; process optimisation; conversion efficiency.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOGCT.2026.157457

International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, 2026 Vol.40 No.5, pp.1 - 23

Received: 11 May 2025
Accepted: 02 Apr 2026
Published online: 04 Nov 2026 *

Title: Influence of process parameters on conversion efficiency in plasma cracking of heavy oil residues

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