SRI Consulting Evaluates Deep Catalytic Cracking Process for Increasing Production of Light Olefins
MENLO PARK, CALIF. (March 15) BUSINESS WIRE -March 15, 1999--According to a recent review by SRI Consulting's Process Economics Program (PEP), constructing a deep catalytic cracking (DCC) unit for propylene is most attractive in regions where the value of propylene is high relative to gasoline, such as Asia.
The study also concludes that savings in fixed capital are possible depending on the plant location. For example, a nearby ethylene plant to process a dilute by-product ethylene stream could make the DCC plant investment more attractive.
The DCC process is a fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) process modified to increase the production of light olefins from heavy oil feedstock. One commercial version, DCC Type I, maximizes selectivity to propylene and substantially increases the yield of ethylene. In a second commercial version, DCC Type II, isobutylene and isoamylene selectivity is maximized. In recent years, demand for propylene and isobutylene, which are mostly by-products of steam cracking and of FCC, has been growing faster than demand for ethylene and motor fuels.
Integrating DCC into a fuel or a petrochemical refinery can increase profit through new or increased sales of polymer-grade propylene, ethylene, alkylate, methyl tert-butyl ether, and aromatics extracted from the naphtha (toluene, xylene, and benzene). Premium aromatic decant oil can be sold as electrode coke feedstock.
For further information about PEP Review 97-7, Deep Catalytic Cracking, contact the review author, Richard Nielsen, 281/876-6920. In addition to the economic analysis, commercial and technical backgrounds of the process and process design considerations are briefly reviewed. Deep Catalytic Cracking is one of a series of reviews prepared by PEP that give detailed analysis of current and emerging chemical technology.
For purchase of this review or for information on subscription to the entire PEP, contact Rose Gunson, 650/859-4133, or visit the PEP website at http://process-economics.com.
About SRI Consulting
SRI Consulting (www.sriconsulting.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Silicon Valley-based SRI International, works with companies worldwide to identify market opportunities and develop strategies for competing in today's technology-driven marketplace. SRI Consulting combines strategic business consulting with technology expertise to help companies develop and commercialize new products and leverage new technologies into competitive advantages. These consulting services are backed by SRI International's 50-year heritage as a pioneer in developing new products and markets.
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CONTACT: SRI Consulting
Richard Nielsen, 281/876-6920
rnielsen@sric.sri.com
or
The Weber Group
Phil Gomes, 650/463-8611
pgomes@ca.webergroup.com
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
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