Catalysis 2023 Issue

Asia. Also notable is the increase in the variance of the yield data over the years, suggesting a diversion in operat- ing strategies between refineries and FCCs that was not seen in the past, with some units pushing the envelope to maximise olefin yields through innovative catalyst designs and unit configuration not seen 10 years ago. In addition to the usage of olefins additives to increase LPG olefins production, the Z/M ratio of the catalyst decreased over the past five years. With refiners favouring The FCC, historically the gasoline machine of the refinery, shows a drastic gasoline selectivity decline over the two-decade history in favour of other more valuable products higher matrix catalysts, this provides higher LPG olefinicity and improved bottoms upgrading. In addition, utilisation of lower REO catalysts, which also favour LPG olefin produc - tion, has increased. The result of these catalyst property changes manifests as higher yields of LPG olefins and higher LPG olefin selec - tivity. With the steady activity and lower Z/M ratio, it seems that refiners recently have focused on obtaining bottoms

upgrading through catalyst selectivity rather than activity and conversion. This trend will likely continue, given the recent and expected future demand for diesel and jet fuels. Finally, we see improvements in bottoms upgrading to LCO. In summary, as we enter the post-pandemic recovery period, we see trends to increase selectivity towards LPG olefins and LCO, as well as reductions in gasoline, bottoms, and LPG saturates (propane and normal butane). References 1 Pope J., Clough M., Shackleford A., Lessons from FCC History, PTQ Catalysis , 2017, 37-45. 2 Kayser, J. C., Versatile fluidized bed reactor, US Pat. 6,069,012, 1998. Jacqueline Pope Bates is an Account Manager in BASF’s refining cata - lyst business. She holds a PhD in chemistry from Texas A&M Universi - ty, an MBA from the University of N. Carolina, and a BS in biochemistry from St. Edward’s University. Email: jacqueline.bates@basf.com Melissa Clough Mastry is the Global Director for Technology and Tech - nical Services in BASF’s refining catalyst business. She holds a PhD in chemistry from Texas A&M University, an MBA from the University of N. Carolina, and a BS in chemistry from the University of Florida. Email: melissa.mastry@basf.com Alexis Shackleford is an Account Manager in BASF’s refining catalyst business. She holds a BS in chemical engineering from Michigan State University. Email: alexis.shackleford@basf.com

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Catalysis 2023