Back

Tracerco Diagnostics™ Distribution study - FCC stripper

Uniform distribution of catalyst and steam in a stripper is critical to achieve high stripping efficiency (less carry-down of hydrocarbon products from reactor to regenerator). A failure to effectively remove hydrocarbon from the catalyst will result in a loss of product, lower throughput, and lower catalyst activity due to increased regenerator bed temperature.

The Field Test
Tracerco was contacted to conduct distribution studies for a leading refiner that was experiencing issues on their FCC stripper. Identifying maldistribution can be accurately characterised using tracer injections with detectors positioned in the pattern, as shown in Figure 1. Separate injections are made of a gas tracer into the stripping steam, and a catalyst tracer into the riser.

The Analysis
Figures 2 and 3 show vapour and catalyst distribution in the stripper of one FCC. Results from the stripper distribution study showed 62% of the catalyst was passing through the north quadrant at the bottom of the stripper, and only 19% of the steam passing through the same area. This imbalance of steam-to-catalyst ratio in the north quadrant resulted in inadequate stripping of the hydrocarbons from the catalyst. This is a good explanation of why the regen temperatures were too high.

The Conclusion
Proper FCC stripper operation is important for the recovery of as much hydrocarbon as possible. The Tracerco Diagnostics™ Distribution results can help Tracerco customers identify problematic operations, and make modifications to increase efficiency. The study can also identify problem areas for upcoming turnarounds to assist in scheduling maintenance, resulting in on-time turnaround performance.

DOWNLOAD LITERATURE

Sponsor:

Tracerco

Categories:

Tracerco Diagnostics™ Distribution study - FCC stripper

Uniform distribution of catalyst and steam in a stripper is critical to achieve high stripping efficiency (less carry-down of hydrocarbon products from reactor to regenerator). A failure to effectively remove hydrocarbon from the catalyst will result in a loss of product, lower throughput, and lower ...
Using chemical tracers to detect leaks in heat exchangers

Tracerco has been at the forefront of the development of online leak detection for the last 65 years. The method allows the detection of leaks as small as 0.5%. However, the demand to measure smaller leaks that affect product quality, has led to extensive research into alternative online methods. Through ...
Profiler™ TGA

The Profiler™ TGA provides extremely reliable liquid level and interface measurements for alkylation units and other harsh service environments. The Profiler™ TGA is specifically designed to measure the vertical distribution of multiple interfaces in real time and at high resolution. Key features - ...
Tracerco™ Level System

Bulk level measurement. Developed to comply with the latest functional safety standards, the SIL2 certified TracercoTM level system delivers extremely reliable bulk level measurements, regardless of process conditions. Its external modular design, with no moving parts, provides measurement redundancy, ...
Profiler™ GPS

Level, interface and multiphase measurement. The Profiler™ GPS provides a ‘window’ into the vessel to enable the operator to improve production throughput, reduce the number of unscheduled shutdowns and achieve significant cost savings. The Profiler™ GPS has no moving parts and is installed in ...
Optimus™

Bulk level and interface measurement. Optimus™ is designed for liquid level, interface and solids monitoring in upstream and downstream vessels. Optimus™ is suitable for bulk level measurement in the most challenging oil, chemical and petrochemical industry applications, including those with the ...
Hyperion™

Bulk level and density measurement. Designed using innovative scintillator-based technology, Hyperion™ is a non-contact, no moving parts measurement solution that provides accurate and extremely reliable bulk level and density measurements. This enables operators in the oil, gas, petrochemical, refining, ...
Optimise crude processing with the Profiler™

The Challenge: Refiners aim to optimise feedstock blends to improve margins, but variability can bring significant operational challenges during the process. One critical need is the efficient removal of solids, salts and water from crude feedstock. It is essential that washing of the crude is effective ...
Tracerco Diagnostics™ Invaluable insights for gas processing industries

With over 60 years’ experience, Tracerco’s range of diagnostic solutions provides gas processing industries with the insights they need to make informed decisions about their operations. Process Diagnostics™ Tracerco’s ability to diagnose process problems allows you to optimise productivity ...
Tracerco Diagnostics™ for oil and gas processing

Optimising your processes and maximising your profit. Tracerco offers world-leading diagnostic techniques that allow you to make the best decisions about your business. Using innovative technology, we’ll help you see inside the heart of your processes, and provide the insights you need to troubleshoot ...