The Effect of Zeolite Structure and Pore Systems on Maximizing Propylene Production in FCC Unit

The effect of zeolite topologies and key operating parameters such as temperature and residence time on the cracking of n-heptane was investigated. Zeolite Beta, nano ZSM-5, regular ZSM-5, Ferrierite and mixtures were tested in a fixed bed reactor under atmospheric pressure. The behaviour of these catalysts in terms of products distribution especially propylene yield is discussed utilizing different parameters such as olefins/paraffins ratio, i-C4/n-C4, and i-C4/total C4. Nano ZSM-5 and the mixture of Beta and ZSM-5 showed their potential to be used as FCC additives with high propylene yield and conversion. Further work exploring the effect of zeolite crystal size, acidity and acid strength by modification of catalyst structure and surface topology is being conducted.