Fluid catalytic cracking units catalyst properties

Fluidized-bed catalytic cracking units (FCCUs) are the most common catalytic cracking units. In the fluidized-bed process, oil and oil vapor preheated to 500 to SOOT is contacted with hot catalyst at about 1,300°F either in the reactor itself or in the feed line (called the riser) to the reactor. The catalyst is in a fine, granular form which, when mixed with the vapor, has many of the properties of a fluid. The fluidized catalyst and the reacted hydrocarbon vapor separate mechanically in the reactor and any oil remaining on the catalyst is removed by steam stripping. 

Through a series of round robin tests conducted by participating laboratories, ASTM Committee D-32 on Catalysts has characterized a variety of catalyst materials using standard test methods. Materials include fluid cracking catalysts, zeolites, silicas, aluminas, supported metals, and a gas oil feedstock. Properties characterized include surface area, crush strength, catalytic microactivity, particle size, unit cell dimensions and metal content. These materials are available from the National Institute of Standards and Technology as reference materials. 

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