Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) in petroleum refining

Abstract

The catalytic cracking process, commercialized in 1942, has undergone numerous changes. It is the most important refinery process in that it converts the heavy portion of the crude barrel into transportation fuels. The main changes in catalysts, equipment and operations are covered along with the versatility of the process to handle a wide variety of feeds and produce the desired products. The FCCU is the bridge between refining and petrochemicals and the new FCC processes that fill this gap are presented here.