Evolutionary design changes mark FCC process

In the 50 years since the birth of fluid catalytic cracking, there have been so many changes in the appearance and design of the FCC unit that its forefathers wouldn't recognize their offspring. These changes have been brought about by modifications in almost every element involved, including feedstocks, catalysts, equipment, and products. Additionally, a better understanding of the technologies, particularly fluidization, brought about major changes. This development of FCC unit designs was therefore a function of the improved knowledge of many factors affecting the process. This article follows the evolution of fluid catalytic/heavy oil cracking designs, without regard to specific chronology, and concludes with a review of current and subjective future designs. A thorough discussion of the history of the catalytic cracking processes was presented recently.