Estimation of kinetic constants of a five-lump model for fluid catalytic cracking process using simpler sub-models

A new sequential method to estimate rate constants in complex kinetic model s is proposed. This method reduces the number of parameters to be estimated simultaneously. A five-lump kinetic model for the catalytic cracking proce ss was selected in order to apply the proposed methodology. The kinetic par ameters of this model were determined by using successively non linear esti mation with various three-and four-lump kinetic models. Experimental data o btained in a MAT reactor using three gas oils and a commercial equilibrium catalyst were utilized to evaluate the rate constants. The effects of react ion temperature and space velocity were studied in the range of 480-500 deg reesC and 6-48 h(-1), respectively. Good predictions of gas oil, gasoline, LPG, dry gas; and coke yields were obtained from the kinetic model, with av erage absolute deviation less than 2% with respect to experimental informat ion.