Scribd
Upload
321 views

Predicting FCC Catalyst Particle Density

This document discusses methods for predicting the particle density of FCC catalysts using empirical equations. It presents three methods of varying complexity: 1. A simple method that uses bulk density and an assumed void fraction to estimate particle density, finding accuracy within 7%. 2. A second simple method using skeletal density, which did not improve predictions over the first method. 3. A more complex equation using apparent bulk density that can predict particle density within 4-5% and has a better statistical fit than the simple methods. Graphs show it reduces data scatter. The complex equation provides the most accurate predictions if the catalyst properties fall within the documented ranges. Particle density is important for calculating fluidization parameters in FCC

Uploaded by

rameshkarthik810
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
321 views

Predicting FCC Catalyst Particle Density

This document discusses methods for predicting the particle density of FCC catalysts using empirical equations. It presents three methods of varying complexity: 1. A simple method that uses bulk density and an assumed void fraction to estimate particle density, finding accuracy within 7%. 2. A second simple method using skeletal density, which did not improve predictions over the first method. 3. A more complex equation using apparent bulk density that can predict particle density within 4-5% and has a better statistical fit than the simple methods. Graphs show it reduces data scatter. The complex equation provides the most accurate predictions if the catalyst properties fall within the documented ranges. Particle density is important for calculating fluidization parameters in FCC

Uploaded by

rameshkarthik810
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 6

Predicting FCC Catalyst Particle Density

by Ronald McClung

Introduction

Various equations are given in this Catalyst Report for the prediction of FCC catalyst particle density used in fluidization
calculations. The data base for these equations is 29 catalysts and 4 additives of varying density and composition.

Discussion

Review of Fluidization Parameters

The most commonly used empirical method for distinguishing the differing fluidization characteristics of FCC catalysts are given in
the following equations:

These parameters have been developed using either air or inert gases but not the hydrocarbon/steam mix characteristic of FCC
unit risers, standpipes or other catalyst transfer conduits. Nonetheless, these parameters are useful in judging the relative
fluidization characteristics of FCC catalysts.

As to the application of these equations, the following general criterion apply:

The implications of equation 1 and 2 for catalyst properties needed to maximize these fluidization parameters are low bulk density,
low average particle size and maximum fines. These are listed in decreasing order of expected quantitative effect on fluidization.
Among these three parameters the ones most commonly viewed as effecting fluidization are fines content and catalyst density.

Even though the fines content in the catalyst has an effect, represented in equation 1 as catalyst fraction of 45 microns and less (F
45-), if the cyclones on both side of the process are operating properly, there is very little that can be done to effect the fines
circulating inventory composition such that fluidization is improved. The exception to this statement are those FCC operators who
recirculate fines to the regenerator standpipe in large enough quantities to effect fluidization or those who radically change the
fresh catalyst fines content in an attempt to effect fluidization.
Many FCC operators to whom fluidization is critical prefer a lower density catalyst. On the other hand, if rangeability of a slide valve
controlling catalyst circulation is important, a higher density catalyst would be preferred. As a practical matter, there must be some
operability tradeoffs to best specify catalyst density.

Importance of Catalyst Particle Density

The variations in particle density for E-cat, based on Engelhard refinery returns analyses range from approximately 0.8 to 1.0 g/cc.
Using this range and equations 1 and 2 above, U mb/Umf can vary by 23% and collapse time by 40%. In view of this wide range of
equilibrium catalyst densities, a broad range of catalysts were measured for catalyst particle density. Note that in all cases, these
particle densities were fresh catalyst densities, since E-cat will vary from unit to unit due to different hydrothermal conditions and
contaminant levels.

The catalyst samples used in particle density measurement were taken from both Engelhards manufacturing processes and
competitive processes. The catalyst (29 in number) and additives (4 in number) covered a range of properties listed in Table 2.

This table identifies the measured parameters needed for predictions of particle density, using either the simple or complex
equations given later in this report. For most reliable predictions, the range of variables for which predictions are done should be
confined to that given in Table 2.

Simple Predictive Methods

Simple Method #1

There are two relatively simple methods with which FCC catalyst density can be estimated. The first method requires only a bulk
density measurement and the bed voidage associated with that measurement.

If:

V is the volume of the catalyst sample


W is the weight of the catalyst sample
is the fraction of V which is air . . .
the void fraction

then the volume of particles is


and the weight of the particles is , then (particle density) is given by Eq. 3

Where is either the measured apparent bulk density (ABD) or the compacted bulk density (CBD), sometimes referred to as
Tamped or Total Bulk Density (TBD).

The problem is, of course, that the voidage is not known even though it is often assumed so that can be calculated. Looking at
the data of Table 2, a wide variation in voidage is calculated from the experimental data. Using an average value for voidage (a
function of the bulk density measurement type) gives us a method of estimating how well such an average value allows one to
back predict the data base. These results are as displayed in Table 3.

The implications from this simple method are as follows:

1. Particle density can be predicted within about 7% provided the predicted case is within the range of parameters given in Table 2.

2. A linear correlation of ABD or CBD with particle density is a poor correlation based on R-Squared.

Simple Method #2

The second method for estimating particle density requires a different assumption, for missing data. Whereas the first method
requires an assumption of bed voidage, this second method requires a skeletal density assumption.

Using the previously defined terms, PV (pore volume in cc/gram), as skeletal density and as the skeletal volume.

Using particle density measurements and C12 pore volumes measured on each catalyst sample, a skeletal density that provides
the best back predicting of the data base can be calculated. These results are given in Table 4, but do not represent any
improvement over the predictions of Eq. 3 using an assumed voidage.
Complex Method

Considerably more complex correlations are required if particle density is to be predicted with improved accuracy over Eq. 3.
These equations, one of which uses ABD and one of which uses CBD are given in Table 5. Use of these equations permits
prediction of catalyst particle densities within about 4-5% with improved R-Squared values of about .7 - .8. Coefficients and other
information needed to use these equations are given in Table 6.
Illustrations of the predicted vs. measured particle densities are provided in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1 illustrates measured particle density versus predicted using ABD and Eq. 3.

Figure 2 illustrates measured particle density versus predicted particle density using Eq. 4 (see Table 5) and ABD.

It is clear from these plots that the more complex Eq. 4 does substantially reduce the data scatter.

Conclusions

FCC catalyst particle density is an important parameter in estimating fluidization parameters for FCC catalyst. Three empirical
correlations have been given by which these particle densities can be estimated. The simplest equation requires use of the void
fraction specific to the fresh catalyst bulk density measurement. For an apparent bulk density measurement the voidage that
should be used is 0.385. For the compacted bulk density measurement, a value of 0.265 should be used. More accurate
correlations are given which are considerably more complex. These correlations can be used to predict fresh catalyst particle
density for other catalyst samples provided the predicted catalysts properties fall within data base range given in this report.

Glossary

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy