AM-14-25 Advances in Propylene Maximization from the FCC Unit

Description:

ZSM-5 containing additives are widely used to increase propylene and butylene yields, as well as gasoline octane, in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) units. The stability of the ZSM-5 additives, both with respect to surface area retention and resistance to dealumination, under FCC operating conditions is key to maximizing their effectiveness and selectivity. This paper discusses the use of unit cell volume (UCV) to understand the fundamentals of ZSM-5 dealumination and stabilization. The fundamental understanding of ZSM-5 deactivation, obtained in these studies, has lead to the development of improved stabilization technologies, which have been incorporated into new ZSM-5 additives with step-out activity and stability. Pilot plant results for the performance of the new additives are presented, along with case studies of how refiners can benefit from applying this technology to increase propylene yield from the FCC.