MHC-FCC: an economic choice

Conference · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Natl. Pet. Refiners Assoc., (Tech. Pap.); (United States)

OSTI ID:6503186

Desai, P H; van Houtert, F W; Asim, M Y; Nat, P J

While catalytic cracking maximizes gasoline production, hydrocracking can produce mid-distillates. Most U.S. refineries have a fluid catalytic cracking unit and are thus able to capitalize on gasoline demand. However, a hydrocracker is a capital-intensive investment. Consequently, many refiners are unable to reap the benefits of increasing diesel demand. An economically attractive option is to operate the catalytic cracker pretreater in a mild hydrocracking (MHC) mode. The MHC operation offers increased selectivity to mid-distillate production compared to normal hydrotreating (HDT). The unconverted heavy gas oil is an excellent feedstock for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC). This combined MHC-FCC operation allows the refiner to maximize profitability due to increased flexibility without a large investment in a hydrocracker. This paper discusses the technical feasibility and economic benefits of MHC-FCC.

• Research Organization: Akzo Chemie America - Ketjen Catalysts, Pasadena, TX
• OSTI ID: 6503186
• Report Number(s): CONF-8503173-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Natl. Pet. Refiners Assoc., (Tech. Pap.); (United States) Journal Volume: AM-85-33
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020400* -- Petroleum-- Processing
CATALYTIC CRACKING
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMICAL REACTORS
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
CRACKING
DECOMPOSITION
ENERGY SOURCES
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FOSSIL FUELS
FRACTIONATION
FUELS
HYDROCRACKING
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
OIL YIELDS
PERFORMANCE
PETROLEUM
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
PYROLYSIS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
YIELDS