Q&A

(2018) Question 8: Fixed bed reforming and CCR reforming recycle gas compressor washing to remove salt deposits. What is the frequency? What is the typical deposit composition? What is used to wash the compressor?

The recycle compressor is water washed at every catalyst regeneration (typically once per year) after the chlorination step. In addition, if there is any extended outage for mechanical work, the compressor will be water washed anytime there is an opportunity to do so as precaution.

(2018) Question 10: What are the problems with low coke operation in CCR reforming and how is it managed?

10% ethanol in gasoline regulation which lowered the gasoline octane required from the refinery. At 10% blending ethanol raises the (R+M)/2 octane of regular gasoline about 2 numbers.

(2018) Question 48: What is the range of activity for FCC catalysts in the FCCUs? When is catalyst activity considered too low? When do you decide to reformulate versus changes in operating conditions in order to increase unit conversion?

BASF receives ECAT from about 200 FCC units worldwide. Of these, the ECAT activity ranges from 60-80, with approximately 75% of the units operating in the 70-76 activity range. The global average for 2017 was 72.5 and so far in 2018 the global average is 72.7.

(2010) Question 20: How do refiners quantify the impact of sodium on hydroprocessing units, specifically those processing either residuum or VGO feeds?

Sodium generally enters a hydrotreater due to upstream addition of caustic soda or desalter operational problems. Feed sodium content of more than 3-5 ppm should be avoided. Sodium has a significant deactivation effect; 1-3 %wt results in a 50% loss of catalyst activity.

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Q&A

(2018) Question 8: Fixed bed reforming and CCR reforming recycle gas compressor washing to remove salt deposits. What is the frequency? What is the typical deposit composition? What is used to wash the compressor?

(2018) Question 10: What are the problems with low coke operation in CCR reforming and how is it managed?

(2018) Question 48: What is the range of activity for FCC catalysts in the FCCUs? When is catalyst activity considered too low? When do you decide to reformulate versus changes in operating conditions in order to increase unit conversion?

(2010) Question 20: How do refiners quantify the impact of sodium on hydroprocessing units, specifically those processing either residuum or VGO feeds?