Abstract: A combustion device for meeting the energy demand of processes for producing light olefins (ethylene and propene) in fluidized-bed catalytic cracking units. The combustion device is used to burn heating oil and to keep burning the coke deposited on the catalyst, with a view to heating it to meet the energy demand of the reaction, combustion taking place smoothly and uniformly, preventing the formation of hotspots within the catalytic bed and in the dilute phase following combustion (afterburning), thereby minimizing deactivation of the catalyst and the risk of damage to the equipment inside of the combustion device.

Abstract: A process is described for maximizing the FCC middle distillates comprising the use of two different converters, operating in a coordinated manner that seeks to maximize the production of LCO for diesel, generating a specified gasoline and reducing fuel oil production. Converter “A” operates with a low contact time in the riser, of 0.2 to 1.5 sec. (preferably from 0.5 to 1.0 sec.) making a higher reaction temperature possible even at low severity, from 510° C. to 560° C. (preferably from 530° C. to 550° C.) and with a catalyst suitable to the maximization of LCO. Converter “B” possesses a high activity catalytic system, suited to cracking naphtha and DO generated in the first converter. Preferably, converter “B” has two separate risers, allowing the reaction temperatures of each to be adjusted independently according to the range most recommended for maximizing the cracking of each of the streams: 530° C. to 560° C. for the DO riser and 540° C. to 600° C. for the naphtha riser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combustion device for meeting the energy demand of processes for producing light olefins (ethylene and propene) in fluidized-bed catalytic cracking units. Said combustion device is used to burn heating oil and to keep burning the coke deposited on the catalyst, with a view to heating it to meet the energy demand of the reaction, combustion taking place smoothly and uniformly, preventing the formation of hotspots within the catalytic bed and in the dilute phase following combustion (afterburning), thereby minimizing deactivation of the catalyst and the risk of damage to the equipment inside of the combustion device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the separation of suspensions of spent catalysts and hydrocarbons formed in an FCC unit with multiple ascending flow reaction tubes, comprising interconnections between each of the ascending flow reaction tubes and the separator vessel, each interconnection also comprises two sections. The outside sections of the separator vessel are inclined and are connected to a single vertical section, which penetrates into the interior of the separator vessel, and which has at its lower end an open device for draining the spent catalyst from the suspensions separated in this sector. In the same vertical section, at the end of its internal part at the separator vessel, a series of two sets of cyclones are installed, the first set containing cyclones without sealing legs, and the second set containing conventional cyclones of the first stage.

Abstract: A system for sealing the legs of two stages of cyclones in series used in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes, comprising a terminal leg configuration, which is devoid of moving parts and makes use of a long-radius curve, and which changes the flow direction of the descending mass flow of catalyst in dense phase into a plane orthogonal to the ascending gaseous flow. This prevents the entry of gaseous phase inside the leg, and promotes efficient sealing and preventing the “packing-down” of the dense bed of particulates.

Abstract: An improved cyclone system for disengaging solid and gaseous particles in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes with reduced coke formation in disengager vessels, without favoring release of the disengaged catalyst into cyclones in subsequent stages, said system comprising legless cyclones 42 fitted with external collector pipes 43, is described. The collector pipes 43 optimize the purge of gases coming from the disengager vessel 49, reducing the time the hydrocarbons remain inside the disengager vessel 49, thus preventing overcracking and subsequent coke formation. Positioning of the external collector pipes 43 prevents release of the disengaged catalyst into cyclones in subsequent stages.

Abstract: A system for sealing the legs of two stages of cyclones in series used in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes, comprising a terminal leg configuration, which is devoid of moving parts and makes use of a long-radius curve, and which changes the flow direction of the descending mass flow of catalyst in dense phase into a plane orthogonal to the ascending gaseous flow. This prevents the entry of gaseous phase inside the leg, and promotes efficient sealing and preventing the “packing-down” of the dense bed of particulates.

Abstract: A device and a method for operating it for application in a vertical tube reactor with downward flow (downer), has the aim of ensuring the intimate mixing of the solid particulate catalyst with a reagent fluid. Homogeneous distribution of catalyst is due to the use of a plate having perforations. Said perforated plate normally allows the passage of a portion of the stream of catalyst. The other portion overflows the edge of the plate, flowing in the form of an annular curtain, near the inner surface of the surrounding tube of the device. After passing beyond the perforated plate, the curtain-flow undergoes a deflection produced by an annular screen, to be mixed with the stream originating from the orifices in the perforated plate. A hydrocarbon charge is injected below the perforated plate, forming a certain angle with respect to the direction of the downward flow of catalyst, by means of inlets distributed uniformly about cross sections of the surrounding tube.

Abstract: An improved cyclone system for disengaging solid and gaseous particles in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes with reduced coke formation in disengager vessels, without favoring release of the disengaged catalyst into cyclones in subsequent stages, said system comprising legless cyclones 42 fitted with external collector pipes 43, is described. The collector pipes 43 optimize the purge of gases coming from the disengager vessel 49, reducing the time the hydrocarbons remain inside said disengager vessel 49, thus preventing overcracking and subsequent coke formation. Positioning of the external collector pipes 43 prevents release of the disengaged catalyst into cyclones in subsequent stages.

Abstract: An improved cyclone system for disengaging solid and gaseous particles in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes with reduced coke formation in disengager vessels, without favoring release of the disengaged catalyst into cyclones in subsequent stages, said system comprising legless cyclones 42 fitted with external collector pipes 43, is described. The collector pipes 43 optimize the purge of gases coming from the disengager vessel 49, reducing the time the hydrocarbons remain inside said disengager vessel 49, thus preventing overcracking and subsequent coke formation. Positioning of the external collector pipes 43 prevents release of the disengaged catalyst into cyclones in subsequent stages.

Abstract: An apparatus for downflow fluid catalytic cracking is described, which comprises a regenerated catalyst riser carrying regenerated catalyst and a carrying fluid, those being directed through a crossover section to a distributor that will centrifuge gas and separate catalyst from carrying fluid, the catalyst being directed to a downflow reactor through a distributing basket provided with perforations. The upper part of the reactor is provided with feed injectors, which atomize the feed so that feed vaporization and feed and catalyst admixture is optimized. After the cracking reaction in downflow reactor, reaction products are separated and spent catalyst is directed to stripping and regeneration sections. The FCC process carried out in the apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A feed-dispersion system for hydrocarbon feeds of fluid catalytic cracking units is described, which comprises: a feed-injection system made up of two concentric conduits, where the atomization fluid flows through the inner conduit, while the liquid feed flows through the annular space formed by the outer surface of the inner conduit and the inner surface of the outer conduit; an atomization unit having nozzles arranged in rows, with one row having central nozzles connected to the inner conduit for atomization fluid, and two or more rows of side nozzles, connected to the outer feed conduit, the central nozzles and side nozzles of the atomization unit being geometrically placed so that the energy of the atomization fluid is fully transferred by contact to the flow of feed, this resulting in the complete atomization of the feed; a mixing chamber formed by the edges of the central nozzles, the dimensions of which are able to prevent the coalescence of the formed oil droplets.

Abstract: An improved cyclone system for disengaging solid and gaseous particles in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes with reduced coke formation in disengager vessels, without favoring release of the disengaged catalyst into cyclones in subsequent stages, said system comprising legless cyclones 42 fitted with external collector pipes 43, is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for downflow fluid catalytic cracking is described, which comprises a regenerated catalyst riser carrying regenerated catalyst and a carrying fluid, those being directed through a crossover section to a distributor that will centrifuge gas and separate catalyst from carrying fluid, the catalyst being directed to a downflow reactor through a distributing basket provided with perforations. The upper part of the reactor is provided with feed injectors, which atomize the feed so that feed vaporization and feed and catalyst admixture is optimized. After the cracking reaction in downflow reactor, reaction products are separated and spent catalyst is directed to stripping and regeneration sections. The FCC process carried out in the apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A device and a method for operating it for application in a vertical tube reactor with downward flow (downer), has the aim of ensuring the intimate mixing of the solid particulate catalyst with a reagent fluid.

Abstract: A system for sealing the legs of two stages of cyclones in series used in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes, comprising a terminal leg configuration, which is devoid of moving parts and makes use of a long-radius curve, and which changes the flow direction of the descending mass flow of catalyst in dense phase into a plane orthogonal to the ascending gaseous flow. This prevents the entry of gaseous phase inside the leg, and promotes efficient sealing and preventing the “packing-down” of the dense bed of particulates.

Abstract: A process for the fluid catalytic cracking of heavy feeds under a heat balance regime is described, where one or more catalyst coolers external to the regenerator cool a stream of regenerated catalyst. A portion of said stream returns to the regenerator and a portion of the cooled regenerated catalyst is admixed to the non-cooled regenerated catalyst at a temperature substantially lower than the regenerator temperature, said admixture being brought into contact with the hydrocarbon feed to be cracked. As a result, the control of the catalyst circulation is rendered independent from the heat balance of the unit, with minimization of the thermal cracking, and therefore lower coke and fuel gas products.

Abstract: A process for separating catalyst particles in the catalytic cracking of reacted hydrocarbons includes feeding the reacted hydrobarbons to an unconfined cyclone device made up of a diplegless cyclone opening directly into a large volume separator vessel downwardly through a mouth and upwardly through the annular space between concentric pipes. The concentric pipes are connected to the other components of the system as well as the hydrocarbon fluid catalytic cracking process carried out in the system.