Catalytic cracking: The future of an evolving process

PETR 27

Paul O'Connor, paul.oconnor@bio-e-con.com, BIOeCON, Hogebrinkerweg 15e, 3871KM Hoevelaken, Netherlands
Innovations on the process and the catalyst side have enabled a continuous adaptation of the Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) process to the needs of refining over the more than 80 years of its existence. This evolution continues today with new catalyst and process developments which open up new possibilities for the FCC process in amongst others the following applications:

• Production of Petrochemicals feed stocks (C2,C3 and C4 Olefins)

• Processing of Very heavy Resid, competing with the state-of-the-art Thermal Conversion processes like Coking and Thermal Cracking.

• Production of low Aromatics Gasoil for the diesel pool

• Conversion of biomass into renewable fuel and chemicals

In this paper these new fields will be discussed and the related catalysts and process innovations which are emerging.