FCC OPTIMIZATION REVIEW: CATALYST IMPACT ON THE PRODUCTION CHAIN

摘要

In the present review, historical data concerning Brazilian oil market in the last three decades are presented and discussed compared to the world scenario. Although the FCC capacity have been increasing along the years, the quality of the processed feed has been deteriorating, The evolution of the FCC catalysts technology was of paramount importance to the production chain, adapting market offer to demand. The evolution in catalyst technology was a driving force to the development of new evaluation procedures. Besides, changes in the evaluation procedure of catalysts and development of additives played an important role in this history. The data discussed in this paper, strongly indicate that the FCC catalyst (combined with process improvements) plays an essential role in cracking heavier feeds, minimizing metals effect and changing product selectivities to adequate market offer to demand.