How can the FCC unit be upgraded to benefit petrochemical integration?
 

The FCC unit can be upgraded to benefit petrochemical integration through strategies ranging from some that can be easily applied to the existing FCC units, to modifications involving the implementation of new satellite units. An example of easy and quick implementation could be increasing severity and/or using specific catalysts formulations and additives (like ZSM-5 zeolite) with high selectivity to olefin. Besides there is the possibility to evaluate modifications to the unit to maximize the olefins production, which could be: 

• The incorporation of a separated riser (Petroriser™) for light naphtha cracking recycling at higher temperature (operating under more severe conditions) than the main riser to maximize propylene production.  
• The integration of FlexEne™ technology, that is an innovative combination of two well-proven technologies: FCC and Oligomerization, to expand the capabilities of the FCC process to maximize olefins production. This flexibility is achieved by oligomerization of light FCC alkenes (olefins) and by recycling oligomerate for selective cracking in the FCC unit. The FlexEne™ concept can be easily implemented in existing FCC units.

The investment of new FCC technologies like the HS-FCC™ (High Severity Fluid Catalytic Cracking) technology is an excellent prospect for olefins maximization. The HS-FCC unit is an evolution of the well-known Fluid Catalytic Cracking process to reach a considerable higher level of light olefins production, in particular propylene; this technology is therefore bridging the gap between refining and petrochemicals industries.