Question
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In building the petrochemical value chain, how much further can we see the FCC unit being used to increase olefins production with the wide range of feedstocks currently available, including waste plastics-derived pyrolysis oil?
Mar-2023
Answers
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Mel Larson, Becht, mlarson@becht.com
The answer is less about ‘how much further’ and instead shifting the fuels plants only, if location allows, to a more sustainable petrochemical feedstock provider. The FCC currently plays a dual role as both fuels and petrochemical provider. As transportation fuel demand declines, both the reformer and FCC operating modes will shift directionally to meet BTX, styrene, and olefin market demand.
The next step, which is already in deep R&D analysis, is how to adjust the FCC to more of a ‘crude-to-chemical’ engine in a ‘single’ unit as compared to other technologies. Future FCC operations may include more recycling of product back through additional catalytic/thermal processing steps than currently practised. Additionally, if the rules change, the FCC will be the location where synthetic oils can be cracked with the potential addition of partial burn and hydrogen for further circular unit value. This last point may be decades off. However, the system and infrastructure are already present, with selected additions to move in this direction.
Mar-2023
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