Effect of hydrotreating FCC feedstock on product distribution

The demand of low-sulfur fuels has been increasing during the last 20 years due to environmental concerns about SOx emissions from processing plants and engines. Due to its high contribution to the gasoline pool, hydrotreating fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) feedstock offers several advantages, such as the increase of conversion and yields of gasoline and liquid-phase gas, meanwhile sulfur content in fuels is diminished. However, there are more important factors to be considered when hydrotreating FCC feedstock. In this work, two FCC feedstocks, typical and hydrotreated, were converted in a microactivity test (MAT) reactor, as described by ASTM D-3907-92, at different severities and using two commercial catalysts. Feedstock conversion, product yields and selectivity to valuable products were compared against industrial-scale results predicted by using commercial FCC simulation software. Expected increment in conversion and yield to profitable products was observed when hydrotreated feedstock was used; simulation results follow acceptably MAT results. Some recommendations are given for looking closely at the overall behavior (riser–regenerator), using reliable kinetic models and simulation programs.