Systems and methods for steam and catalytic
cracking of a
hydrocarbon inlet
stream comprising hydrocarbons. Systems and methods can include a catalyst feed
stream, where the catalyst feed
stream comprises a fluid and a heterogeneous catalyst, the heterogeneous catalyst operable to catalyze
cracking of the hydrocarbons on surfaces of the heterogeneous catalyst a steam feed stream, where the steam feed stream is operable to effect steam
cracking of the hydrocarbons, and where the steam feed stream decreases coking of the heterogeneous catalyst; and a downflow reactor, where the downflow reactor is operable to accept and mix the
hydrocarbon inlet stream, the catalyst feed stream, and the steam feed stream, where the downflow reactor is operable to produce light olefins by steam cracking and catalytic cracking, and where the downflow reactor is operable to allow the heterogeneous catalyst to flow downwardly by gravity.