FCC Feed Quality Estimation Using API Gravity and T50

Solution Overview

Problem

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) and hydrocracking units in refineries face challenges in optimizing feed quality analysis due to the need for sophisticated analytical methods that are not commonly available, leading to offsite testing which is impractical for day-to-day optimization.

Innovation Solution

A method to estimate feed quality (Di+Ring Aromatic Content) using routinely measured properties like API Gravity and boiling point (T50), employing empirical expressions and data analysis to adjust coefficients for improved feed quality and conversion estimates, enabling on-site optimization of naphtha and diesel yields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sophisticated analytical methods (e.g., High Pressure Liquid Chromatography-Heavy Distillate Analyzer) are used to perform feed quality analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed quality analysis accuracyVSAvoidanalytical equipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates simplified proxy measurements (copying the essential information) using routinely available refinery equipment to estimate feed quality parameters. Instead of directly measuring Di+Ring Aromatic Content with complex HPLC-HDA, the invention uses correlations between readily measurable properties (density, viscosity, flash point, pour point) and feed quality, effectively copying the necessary information through simpler means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, sophisticated analytical equipment with inexpensive, routinely available refinery measurement tools. The methodology uses standard properties that are already being measured at most refineries, eliminating the need for costly specialized equipment while providing sufficient accuracy for operational decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If sophisticated analytical methods are used for feed quality analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed quality analysis accuracyVSAvoidanalytical operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates simplified proxy measurements (copying the essential information) using routinely available refinery equipment to estimate feed quality parameters. Instead of directly measuring Di+Ring Aromatic Content with complex HPLC-HDA, the invention uses correlations between readily measurable properties (density, viscosity, flash point, pour point) and feed quality, effectively copying the necessary information through simpler means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables refineries to perform their own feed quality assessments using equipment and expertise already available on-site. The methodology is designed to be self-sufficient, eliminating the need for external specialized laboratories and making the operation as simple as collecting routine property data that is already being measured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If offsite analysis is performed for feed quality assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed quality analysis accuracyVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates simplified proxy measurements (copying the essential information) using routinely available refinery equipment to estimate feed quality parameters. Instead of directly measuring Di+Ring Aromatic Content with complex HPLC-HDA, the invention uses correlations between readily measurable properties (density, viscosity, flash point, pour point) and feed quality, effectively copying the necessary information through simpler means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables refineries to perform their own feed quality assessments using equipment and expertise already available on-site. The methodology is designed to be self-sufficient, eliminating the need for external specialized laboratories and making the operation as simple as collecting routine property data that is already being measured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8992766B2Methodology to determine feed quality (di+ring aromatic content) of FCC and hydrocracking feeds

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 PHILLIPS 66 CO

AI summary

A method of upgrading naphtha and diesel yields from fluid catalytic cracking and hydrocracking units by improving a feed quality of a petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture. The method of improving the feed quality of the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture occurs by first determining the API Gravity of a petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture. A temperature at which about fifty percent of the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction boils (T50) is then determined. The feed quality for the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture as determined from the API Gravity and the T50 for the feedstock, product or fraction mixture is then estimated followed by adjusting the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture to achieve a higher feed quality.