AM-97-31 CRACKING FCC PARADIGMS: PART ONE CATALYST PERFORMANCE IS FEEDSTOCK DEPENDENT

Description:

Refiners process a wide variety of FCC feedstocks. Optimum catalyst performance can be obtained by matching specific catalyst components with selected feed characteristics. In this paper, we examine the interaction between FCC catalysts and feedstocks and the influence these interactions have in determining FCC product yields. The assumption that relative FCC catalyst performance is independent of feed type is explored and shown to be an incorrect and limiting paradigm. Data from the Davison Circulating Riser (DCR), the standard microactivity test, and commercial units are discussed. Gas oil and resid feeds are characterized in detail by GUMS in addition to traditional methods. The interaction of advanced catalyst matrix technology and feed properties determines tradeoffs between bottoms cracking and coke production.