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Tracerco Diagnostics™ Distribution study - FCC stripper

Uniform distribution of catalyst and steam in a stripper is critical to achieve high stripping efficiency (less carry-down of hydrocarbon products from reactor to regenerator). A failure to effectively remove hydrocarbon from the catalyst will result in a loss of product, lower throughput, and lower catalyst activity due to increased regenerator bed temperature.

The Field Test
Tracerco was contacted to conduct distribution studies for a leading refiner that was experiencing issues on their FCC stripper. Identifying maldistribution can be accurately characterised using tracer injections with detectors positioned in the pattern, as shown in Figure 1. Separate injections are made of a gas tracer into the stripping steam, and a catalyst tracer into the riser.

The Analysis
Figures 2 and 3 show vapour and catalyst distribution in the stripper of one FCC. Results from the stripper distribution study showed 62% of the catalyst was passing through the north quadrant at the bottom of the stripper, and only 19% of the steam passing through the same area. This imbalance of steam-to-catalyst ratio in the north quadrant resulted in inadequate stripping of the hydrocarbons from the catalyst. This is a good explanation of why the regen temperatures were too high.

The Conclusion
Proper FCC stripper operation is important for the recovery of as much hydrocarbon as possible. The Tracerco Diagnostics™ Distribution results can help Tracerco customers identify problematic operations, and make modifications to increase efficiency. The study can also identify problem areas for upcoming turnarounds to assist in scheduling maintenance, resulting in on-time turnaround performance.

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