Catalysis 2023 Issue

A Peter Andreas Nymann, Senior Solution Specialist, Topsoe, PAN@topsoe.com Topsoe’s proprietary D-Sel series has been selected as the best catalyst for maximum mid-distillate production based on pilot plant studies carried out by third-party pilot plant test facilities. The performance seen in the tests has been confirmed in several operating hydrocrackers around the world for several cycles. Middle distillate has lower hydro- gen content than lighter fractions and a high selectivity to middle distillates, therefore significantly contributing to more effective use of hydrogen. The ability of hydrocracking catalysts to provide optimal performance can be unlocked by applying the appropriate grading/HDM catalyst selec- tion to help prevent contamination of poisonous compo- nents present in heavy fractions such as DAO and HVGO. The high-boiling materials are more refractive than lower- boiling feedstocks. They require high-activity pretreatment catalysts based on the proprietary HyBRIM or HySwell technology, where the HDN and hydrogenation activity has been optimised for heavy molecular hydrogenation. Q In building the petrochemical value chain, how much further can we see the FCC unit being used to increase ole- fins production with the wide range of feedstocks currently available, including waste plastics-derived pyrolysis oil? A Mel Larson, Division Manager, Business Planning, mlarson@becht.com The answer is less about ‘how much further’ and instead

both by feed type and necessary conversion level. High conversions tipping 75% and requiring high N 2 feeds are likely to appear in Stage 2, at the very least. Two types of cracking catalyst exist: amorphous silica alu- mina and alumina silica crystalline zeolites. Amorphous silica alumina shows lower cracking activity and targets more kero/diesel production. In comparison, alumina silica crystal- line zeolites achieve higher activity and target more naphtha production. Thus, amorphous catalyst may predominate die- sel maximisation as limited by achieving adequate activity. The heavier feeds will always favour some type of NiMo catalysts in the lead beds, and a larger percentage of this ‘pretreat’ catalyst will be required as the feed gets heavier and higher in N 2 . If feeds are heavier than DAO/HVGO, both catalyst particle and pore size may increase, making fixed bed units unsuitable. After the interstage H2 S/NH 3 removal, a noble metal catalyst may be used for high-con- version naphtha production units during the downstream stage. Several catalyst vendors offer a tailored combination of catalysts to meet conversion, selectivity, HDS, HDN, and Arosat needs while taking equipment design, H 2 availabil- ity, and cycle length into account. To differentiate between vendors and confirm their proposals, comparative data for catalyst systems can be requested. For example, H 2 consumption data can vary widely. Alternately, pilot plant data compared to a ref- erence catalyst may also be available if requested early enough.

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We are enhancing the applicability of our mesoporized zeolites in a number of green catalysis processes such as ecofriendly energy production and (plastic) waste reduction. Partners or consortia are welcome to jointly embed our catalysis innovations in broader technology developments for realizing new ‘green’ processes, hardware and supply chains.

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www.zeopore.com info@zeopore.com

Catalysis 2023