New technologies exist to reduce operational costs by minimising the need for expensive chemical additives or labour-intensive processes. To reach net zero while main- taining profitability, waste reduction and energy consump - tion need to be compared to traditional separation methods to allow for the dramatic reduction in carbon emissions, leading to reduced operational costs. Focusing on carbon offsetting can be achieved through divesting carbon- intensive assets and investing in separation technology to reduce the emissions from the cracking process. 9 Achieving net zero is often viewed as cost-prohibitive or process-burdening, but selection of the right technology will maintain green in the bottom line. Electrostatic separation is a strategic investment for refineries aiming to optimise productivity, reduce costs, and improve sustainability while supporting the refiner in reducing the environmental foot - print by limiting harmful emissions and waste efficiently. References 1 Paraskos, J., Scalco, V., Optimize value from FCC bottoms, Hydrocarbon Processing, April 4, 2013. pp65-70. 2 Platts, Methodology and Specifications Guide , Petroleum Product & Gas Liquids: US Caribbean and Latin America , Jan 2012. 3 Ketjen FCC Process Course, FCC Catalyst, Introduction into FCC, and Process Equipment modules. 4 Minyard, W. F., Woodson, T. S., Upgrade FCC slurry oil with chemical settling aids, World Refining , November/December 2009. 5 Motaghi M., Shree, K., Krishnamurthy, S., Anode grade coke from traditional crudes, PTQ , Q2, 2010. 6 Elliott, J. D., Impact of feed properties and operating parameters on
delayed coker petcoke quality, presented at the ERTC 2008 Coking and Gasification Conference. 7 Rana, D., Melancon, J., Fluor, Houston, Texas, Decarbonization path - way for net-zero by 2050: Carbon neutrality roadmap strategy for an integrated refinery and petrochemical facility, Hydrocarbon Processing e-article. 8 Ketjen FCCU process database. 9 Delphine Le-Bars, Axens, editorial comments. 10 Tackle operational challenges with FCC coprocessing applications, Hydrocarbon Processing Special Focus: Biofuels, Alternative/ Renewable Fuels May 2024. 11 Yanik, S., Campagna, R., Demmel, E., Humphries, A., A novel approach to octane enhancement via FCC catalysts , NPRA, AM-85- 48, March 1985. Victor M Scalco III is Director International Strategic Commercial Business Development at General Atomics, San Diego, California. He is principally involved in the technical development and training with EPC and FCC/RFCC licensors worldwide. Experience includes program development for commercial applications, scoping studies, and commissioning. Scalco holds an MA degree from San Diego State University and has worked for more than 20 years in the design and implementation of processing systems. Email: vic.scalco@ga.com Clifford Avery is the FCC Process SME for Ketjen, Houston, Texas. He leads the global FCC effort in training, troubleshooting, and perform - ing unit health checks for Ketjen’s FCC customers and sales teams. He has experience in working with FCC units globally, especially in the North American and Asia Pacific regions. Avery holds a BS degree in chemical engineering from California State University, Long Beach, and has more than 39 years of experience in the FCC/hydrocarbon processing industry.
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PTQ Q3 2025
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