Axens has formed an alliance with Shaw Stone & Webster and Total to meet the challenges of cracking heavy residues. Important innovations have been developed by Axens in FCC/RFCC reactor technology, catalyst regeneration, high propylene production & distillate operation.
Reactor technology
Key advances incorporated in the design include:
Best available feed injector technology
Riser temperature & catalyst mixing control with MTC & SCM technology
RS2 high containment riser separation system
PetroRiserSM for maximum propylene production
Vapor quench technology for high severity operation
Superior catalyst stripping with structured packing
The Axens/SS&W FCC process provides yields that are unmatched in the industry with the flexibility to process a wide range of feedstocks – from gas oil through residue – in the same unit to meet multiple product scenarios (max distillate, max gasoline, or max light olefins)
Regeneration
Single stage counter-current regeneration technology is offered for VGO feeds and the patented R2R configuration with two-stage catalyst regeneration for residue feedstocks. The R2R design minimizes hydrothermal deactivation and is more metals-tolerant, thereby providing lower catalyst replacement costs. For very heavy feedstocks a widely proven catalyst cooler is offered.
Experience
The Axens/SS&W design offers lower capital, operating, and maintenance costs as compared to competing technologies. To date, Axens and SS&W have designed over forty grassroots RFCC or FCC units. These units have achieved more than 200 years of proven commercial operation in processing over 2 million BPD of feedstocks ranging from gas oils to residues.
