AM-11-35 Twenty Questions: Identify Probable Cause of High FCC Catalyst Loss

Description:

Fluid catalytic cracking unit performance and reliability are primary drivers of refinery economics. The containment of the finely powdered catalyst within the circulating FCC unit inventory is a critical element of effective FCC operation. Identifying the probable causes of high catalyst loss from a fluid catalytic cracking unit remains one of the more important yet esoteric challenges that can be faced by FCC operators and engineers. The answers to twenty key questions provide a basis to list the more likely causes of high losses. Armed with a listing of the most likely causes, a refiner can develop cost effective mitigation strategies to relieve if not solve the problem on-line or be prepared to confirm and correct the situation during the next unit shut-down. This can prevent chasing unlikely solutions, while the real culprits escape detection.