AM-02-44 CHANGES TO MAINTAIN FCCU CONVERSION

Description:

Conoco Inc. successfully implemented a major and innovative project to address catalyst circulation and improve yields from the Orthoflow F fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit located at their Lake Charles, Louisiana refinery. A key component of the project was the addition of an external spent catalyst stripper to reduce the load on the existing internal spent catalyst stripper. The project also replaced the regenerated catalyst plug valve and regenerated catalyst J-bend standpipe with a cold wall wye section and UOP’s elevated Optimix feed distribution system. The project improved FCC catalyst circulation, resulted in increased conversion and improved yield selectivity, while also providing the flexibility for processing of heavy aromatic feedstock. The project’s success can be attributed to advanced planning and to the team approach taken by Conoco, International Alliance Group (IAG), Andrews FCC Consulting and UOP. Approximately two and one half years prior to the actual shutdown, Conoco assembled a team of FCC specialists to discuss operational and reliability objectives and apply knowledge learned from previous FCC projects executed at Conoco’s Ponca City and Denver refineries. IAG provided single-point responsibility for meeting the goals of the project through turnkey implementation of technology, engineering, procurement and construction. The team approach not only resulted in a successful revamp, it also allowed Conoco to improve FCC operations and improve unit profitability in the period leading up to the turnaround.