Composition-performance Relationships in Catalysts Formulation for the Direct Conversion of Crude Oil to Chemicals

Abstract

Maximizing the production of petrochemicals from crude oil atthe expense of fuels is among the most important targets forrefiners. In this conversion, catalyst composition and formula-tion play a key role. Here we present a thorough study of theeffect of formulated FCC catalyst composition on the one-stepcracking of Arabian light crude oil. Our results demonstrate thatover a 35 wt.% yield to light olefins can be achieved on spray-dried catalysts containing 1 : 1 mixtures of ZSM-5 and FAUzeolites (alongside binder and clay). Coke deposition andcatalyst deactivation can be correlated to the nature andcontent of each zeolite component.