M14.4. Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit

A fluidized catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) is used to produce the majority of gasoline in an oil refinery. A simplified process schematic and instrumentation diagram is shown in Figure M14-4. Heavy oil feedstock from the crude unit is mixed with recirculating catalyst and reacted in a riser tube. The catalyst cracks the oil to form lighter hydrocarbons. The lighter hydrocarbon products are separated from the catalyst in the reactor (which is actually a separator; it is called a reactor for historical purposes). The spent catalysis (which contains a great deal of carbon) is sent to the regenerator, where partial combustion is used to remove the carbon from the catalyst. Regenerated catalyst (manipulated ...

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