Reducing the consumption of microbead cracking catalyst

Abstract

This article attempts to determine the degree to which catalyst consumption depends on its physicochemical characteristics and on the efficiency of the dust collection systems. As a result of high dust content, catalyst circulation is hindered, uncontrolled chemical conversions in the stagnant zones of the vessels in the reactor section become more of a factor, the content of catalyst dust in the cracked products increases sharply, unfavorable conditions are created for operation of the main distillation tower, and it may be plugged with catalyst dust. The factors that influence the average catalyst consumption in the USSR petroleum refining industry are identified. It is concluded that reliable methods do exist for curtailing catalyst consumption.