FCC testing at bench scale: New units, new processes, new feeds

• FCC process is adapting to new feeds and new processes.
• Heavy resid feeds and biomass-derived feeds are being extensively tested.
• Operation and process changes allow squeezing maximum value from feeds.
• Naphtha reprocessing, coked catalysts, several independent risers are considered.

As the FCC process has evolved over decades, several laboratory scale equipment have appeared to maintain a proper assessment of catalysts activity. Several laboratory equipments are available for simulating the FCC process, from the well known fixed bed, MicroActivity Test to newer, fluid bed or transported bed units. As well, a number of units have been created to simulate other parts of the process such as regenerator or stripper, The increased pressure for treating non-conventional feeds, from reprocessing gasoline to extra-heavy feeds or oils produced from biomass containing large amounts of heteroatoms, increase the needs to have a laboratory test which is as close as possible to the process so that data extraction from the laboratory test are simplified, thus less prone to errors or misunderstanding.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (217 K)Download as PowerPoint slide