FCC regenerator simulation by Lambda Sweep testing

PETR 41

David M Stockwell, Research Center, Engelhard Corporation, 101 Wood Avenue, Iselin, NJ 08830
An FCC regenerator test method is reported for performance and mechanistic studies on FCC materials that can react with or catalyze the conversion of regenerator gases. Test gases containing combustion products and air are fed in an air/fuel profile over time (lambda sweep) that has the exponential shape of the oxygen concentration in a fluid bed regenerator model. Experimental results demonstrate that CO promotion, oxygen storage and SOx uptake/release are readily measured. The method is able to show that CO promoters make NOx from NH3 and HCN in a fuel-lean environment, as expected, but even larger amounts of N2 can be formed. An FCC catalyst or additive deactivation process for the laboratory is also based on this methodology.