Hydrocarbon processing, zeolite fluid catalytic cracking

In petrochemical and oil refining operations, the zeolite is primarily responsible for the catalyst s activity, selectivity and stability (catalytic, thermal and hydrothermal). The fluid catalytic cracking process (FCC) is the most widely used of the oil refining process and is characterized by the use of a finely divided catalyst, which is moved through the processing unit. The catalyst particles are of such a size (about 70 pm) that when aerated with air or hydrocarbon vapor, the catalyst behaves like a liquid and can be moved easily through pipes. 

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