Prediction of molecular distribution and temperature profile of FCC process through molecular-level kinetic modeling

Abstract

This work aims to build a molecular-level process model framework to simulate the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process. The process model consists of the riser, regenerator, and separation models. A complex molecular-level kinetic model, including 3,652 molecules and 8,202 reactions, was developed for the heavy oil FCC process. The kinetic model was combined with the riser model, and a set of systematic pilot-scale FCC data was used to tune the kinetic parameter. Afterwards, a two-zone and two-phase regenerator model was built. The regenerator was combined with the riser model, and the coupled modeling and process simulation for the riser-type FCC unit was developed. The results indicate that the calculated values of product yields and key bulk properties agree well with the experimental data. Moreover, the molecular distribution of the product and temperature profile were predicted.