Cat cracker LCO yield can be increased

Abstract

Refiners can change their fluid catalytic cracker (FCC) operations to increase the yield of light cycle oil. The aim of this article is to present an overview on how to do this and to clear up some misunderstandings about light cycle oil (LCO) yield and quality. The refining industry in the U.S. uses the FCC process primarily to produce gasoline (generally defined as 100/sup 0/ to 430/sup 0/F.-boiling range hydrocarbons). However, in many other areas of the world light cycle oil (generally defined as 430/sup 0/ to 650/sup 0/F. boiling range hydrocarbons) has a higher value because automobiles are less plentiful. And, in the U.S., many refiners seek seasonal means of increasing light cycle oil yields to meet higher winter fuel oil demands. The Davison planning group estimates 1/3 of the LCO produced in the U.S. is derived from cat cracking.