FCCU advanced control and optimization. [Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit]

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States)

OSTI ID:6535017

Lin, T D.V. ^[1]

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1. MaxProfit Co., Houston, TX (United States)

Because the fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) is a complex and difficult process to operate, a small improvement in the process can result in significant gain. In 1989, 40% of gasoline blend stocks in the US were produced from the FCCU. In addition to the large throughput, the FCCU is one of the most complex process units with large catalytic reactions, catalyst regeneration, fractionation and separation equipment. Options to improve FCCU performance include catalyst selection, operating condition adjustment, feedstock pretreatment, reactor and regenerator revamping, etc. One of the most economic alternatives is using a computer to control and optimize the unit operation. Although the discussions are for the FCC process, the philosophic approaches and benefits can generally be applied to any plant or process unit. The paper describes: the complex operation; feedstock and catalyst properties; FCCU constrains and controls; existing FCCU control and optimization systems; why some systems fail; nonlinear technology; FCC data monitoring; FCC advanced control; FCCU on-line optimization; and potential benefits.

• OSTI ID: 6535017
• Journal Information: Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States), Journal Name: Hydrocarbon Processing; (United States) Vol. 72:4; ISSN HYPRAX; ISSN 0018-8190
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020400* -- Petroleum-- Processing
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320303 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Equipment & Processes
CATALYSTS
CATALYTIC CRACKING
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTROL
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
CONTROL SYSTEMS
CRACKING
DECOMPOSITION
DIAGRAMS
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
FLOWSHEETS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GASOLINE
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
LIQUID FUELS
MONITORING
ON-LINE CONTROL SYSTEMS
ON-LINE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
ON-LINE SYSTEMS
OPERATION
OPTIMIZATION
PERFORMANCE
PETROLEUM
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
PROCESS CONTROL
PYROLYSIS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES