Analysis of fluidized bed catalytic cracking regenerator models in an industrial scale unit

Abstract

Abstract Fluidized bed regenerator models, under steady state conditions, have been reconsidered because of recent significant changes in the technology of fluidized bed regenerators. Zeolitic catalysts, temperatures of the dense bed at about 700°C and lower CO/CO 2 relationships are the new characteristics of the units. Following these innovations the operating conditions of the industrial catalytic cracking regenerator of Destileria La Plata, Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales, Argentina, were significantly modified. As a result, an important improvement in the coke conversion was observed. Five different conventional fluidized bed models using experimental data from the industrial regenerator have been tested. The analysis considers bubbles and grid jet regions, and for each model, the prediction of the regenerator performance is shown. The CSTR model is the most successful in this regard.