Hydrothermal Stability of Y Zeolite in Regenerator Condition of FCC Unit

The process of fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is one of the main conversion proceses in the refinary industries where heavy and low-value petroleum feedstocks have become lighter and more valuable. This process is the main method of gasoline production nowadays all over the world and also used as one of the important methods of propylene production in the petrochemical industry. Although the FCC field is quite mature, the research scope is still enormous due to FCC feedstock change, gradual shifts in market demands, and harsh unit operations.In this review, we have described the deactivation mechanism of Y zeolite in thermal and hydrothermal conditions of the FCC process. Moreover, the effects of sodium and vanadium in the hydrolysis of the zeolite framework have been discussed. It has been proved that the simultaneous presence of vanadium and sodium in presence of steam can have an irreversible collapsing effect on zeolite structure. In this study, a comprehensive research has been conducted on the current status and recent progress in increasing the stability of the zeolite framework.

Keywords:

FCC process , FCC catalyst , Y zeolite , Hydrothermal stability , Deactivation mechanism , Contamination , Metal poisons