Application of permanent dry high intensity magnetic separation for the processing of spent FCC catalyst

Abstract

This paper discusses the application of permanent dry high intensity magnetic separation to improve the efficiency of Fluidised Catalytic Cracking (FCC) systems used in oil refining, causing preferential removal of deactivated (spent) catalyst from the process. It was shown that this technique can provide efficient separation of spent catalyst from fresh, despite some loss of fine particles. The effects of particle segregation were also investigated, with both magnetic and nonmagnetic particles. Separation was found to be particularly good for material above 90 μm, but efficiency decreased below this particle size. The paper concludes with recommendations for the implementation of the technology.