AM-04-06 Conducting EPA Consent Decree FCC Additive Demonstrations

Description:

AM-04-06 EPA Consent Decrees negotiated with many US refiners Require reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions from refinery Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) units. Depending on the negotiated settlement, the refiner may be required to implement hardware solutions, additive solutions or a combination of both to achieve the agreed upon emissions reductions. Additive-based solutions to SO2 and NOx emissions reductions help refiners avoid expensive capital projects such as construction of wet-gas scrubbers or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) units. However, additive solutions require extensive and complex testing and analysis to support eventual negotiation of final emissions limits. This paper examines the issues associated with FCC additive testing, data collection, and analysis required under the Consent Decrees. Lessons learned are also reviewed to aid refiners in successful execution of their testing and demonstration requirements and facilitate successful negotiation of future FCC emissions limits.