Question
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What are the optimal routes to valorisation of olefins-rich FCC unit and coker unit off-gas?
Jun-2023
Answers
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Carel Pouwels, Ketjen, carel.pouwels@ketjen.com
Valorisation routes greatly depend on refinery configurations. FCC units that typically operate in ‘conventional’ gasoline mode are distinctly different from FCC units that operate in max propylene mode or even in very high severity mode. Therefore, it depends on the level of observed olefins. Refiners that aim to maximise propylene, whereby propylene yields are achieved at 9 wt% or higher, commonly operate a C3 splitter. The amount of ethylene produced may be too low for economic recovery, especially in an environment where gasoline demand is relevant. However, not only does ethylene yield count but so do the scale and capacity of the FCC unit.
As refiners pivot to serve the petrochemical market, greater severity can drive both propylene and ethylene yields. In such cases, ethylene recovery may be used to enhance FCC profitability. For those refiners who doubt the economics of their own assets and question whether there is more potential, it is worthwhile to investigate the status quo. Benchmarking against industry peers, as illustrated in the following chart (see Figure 1), provides a health check and valuable insight into a refiner’s current position.
To benefit optimally from such configurations, we strongly recommend working closely with partners to maximise the units in operation. It is advantageous to use the expertise of the licensor of process equipment and supplier of FCC catalysts to tune the operation conditions and reformulate to the optimal FCC catalyst.
Jun-2023
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