TEST OF MAGNETICALLY SEPARATED CATALYSTS IN AN ARCO PILOT UNIT

Two different equilibrium catalysts from a FCC unit have been separate d by the MagnaCat(TM) process, into fractions of different magnetic su sceptibility. The results showed that the magnetic separation was infl uenced by gravity and inertia forces. Large particles had a tendency t o accumulate in the accepted, least magnetic fraction which is to be r eturned to the regenerator. The results also indicated that the two eq uilibrium catalysts under investigation could respond somewhat differe ntly to the magnetic separation. The equilibrium catalysts and the tre ated catalysts with the most magnetic fraction removed, were tested an d evaluated in a modified ARCO pilot unit. The feed used was a North S ea 375 degrees C+atmospheric residue, The evaluation showed that the c atalytic activity increased, resulting in higher gasoline production a t the expense of gas and coke, when the most magnetic fraction was rem oved. The economic evaluation showed a potential for improved cost mar gins for both catalysts if the benefit of the magnetic separation was used to improve catalyst activity, selectivity and throughput in the F CC unit at constant catalyst make up rate. If on the other hand the be nefit of the magnetic separation was used to lower the catalyst consum ption the addition of value would rise to a lesser degree.