Catalysts circulation improvement

Normally, properly designed cyclones ensure that the circulating FCC catalyst inventory maintains a good particle size distribution for smooth circulation. In case of excessive attrition or damaged cyclones, the loss of FCC catalysts might become excessive and the fines retention too low. Once the fines content drops below a unit specific critical level, the equilibrium catalyst inventory will not fluidize properly. This will cause erratic catalyst circulation and poor catalyst regeneration. The only real remedy in the end will be a unit shutdown to rectify the cause of the poor catalyst retention.

SMOOTHFLOW additive gives the refiner the flexibility to delay the shutdown to an appropriate time by restoring the fines content to an appropriate level while maintaining particulate emission standards.

SMOOTHFLOW has the following typical characteristics:

• Mono-modal product with APS of 50 microns
• 0-20 fraction < 4 wt%
• Genuine catalyst - no dilution effects
• Geldart type "A" powder

It is recommended to add SMOOTHFLOW via an additives hopper.