ENV-05-172 Use of FCC Additives for Implementing EPA Consent Decree Requirements

Description:

The EPA has become more accepting of the use of FCC additives to meet SOx and NOx emissions reductions required under Consent Decree settlements. This is the result of the very successful emissions reductions achieved with FCC additives under previous Consent Decree implementations coupled with the demonstrated performance improvements being achieved by new additive technologies. This paper examines the evolution of Consent Decree requirements for testing and demonstration of FCC SOx and NOx emissions reductions. Various approaches for implementing Consent Decrees are examined, testing, demonstration and reporting requirements imposed by the EPA are discussed, and lessons learned from previous Consent Decrees are evaluated. Developments in FCC additive technologies that help refiners achieve greater emissions reductions at lower cost are also reviewed.