Energy & Fuels, Vol.16, No.3, 718-723, 2002
Results of processing VGO-LCO blends in a fluid catalytic cracking commercial unit
We report commercial results about the incorporation of light cycle oil together with vacuum gas oil as FCC (Fluid Catalytic Cracking) feedstock. Four stages were considered in the commercial evaluation: (1) operation with 37000 BPD of VGO (Vacuum Gas Oil), (2) operation with 35000 BPD of VGO, (3) operation with a mixture of 35000 BPD of VGO and 2000 BPD of LCO (Light Cycle Oil), and (4) operation with a mixture of 35000 BPD of VGO and 4000 BPD of LCO. Reductions in conversion, and gasoline, LPG, dry gas, and coke yields were found in those stages using LCO. Similar trends about the increase or decrease in product production were observed in commercial plant compared to MAT (Microactivity Test) unit. The optimum amount of LCO in the feed was defined to be between 5 and 7 vol %, which maximizes the valuable product production.