ZSM-additives
ZSM additives
In general, most FCC operators have several options to increase olefins production:
• a non-selective route through increasing the riser severity
• a fresh catalyst reformulation to favour propylene production
• or by choosing the correct propylene enhancing additive
The non-selective route can be implemented fast, which is desirable, but this route uses thermal cracking that will increase dry gas production which has a low product value! A fresh catalyst reformulation takes time to design, implement, evaluate, and fine-tune and does not allow refiners to respond quickly to changing market conditions, so opportunities are missed! The best solution is separate additive additions allowing units to quickly maximize FCC margins, when facing different operating constraints.
Johnson Matthey has the widest portfolio of FCC olefins additives:
• SUPER ZTM family delivers a cost-effective route to increase propylene and butylenes production.
• ZMXTM B-HP is for FCC units that need more butylenes, this is especially applicable to many North American operators.
• PROPYLMAXTM is a unique additive that enable operators to boost LPG olefins when the FCC gasoline olefinicity is low.
• ISOCATTM HP is a unique additive that allows operators to increase FCC gasoline octane with minimum LPG production.
SUPER Z family comprises several additives. SUPER Z is Johnson Matthey’s most popular olefins enhancement additive. Typically, FCC operations use this additive to enhance LPG production and increase FCC gasoline octane. These users are generally trying to optimize transport fuels production. However, sometimes, a higher activity ZSM-5 is desirable. SUPER Z EXCEL provides higher activity and is popular with refiners that are integrated with petrochemicals production. The higher activity also reduces the potential concern for dilution effects that may be present using higher rates of a lower activity additive. These refiners require the flexibility to move smoothly between fuels and LPG olefins production, and separate, high activity ZSM-5 additions provides this capability. In addition, if even more activity is needed, SUPER Z EXCEED is available.
ZMX-B-HP significantly increases the C4:C3 ratio. This is achieved using a proprietary zeolite formulation. Unlike a standard ZSM-5, the boost in olefins production is at the expense of gasoline and light LCO as well , therefore there is also a slight increase in FCC conversion.
ISOCAT HP increases the gasoline octane without increasing LPG production. This product is applicable for refiners who require higher gasoline octane but are wet gas compressor, or gas plant limited, or do not desire higher LPG yields. A proprietary zeolite with a higher Silica to Alumina Ratio (SAR) and a lower acid site density is used to promote isomerization and oligomerization reactions, which boost FCC gasoline octane without producing LPG olefins.
All of Johnson Matthey’s additives have an attrition resistance, bulk density, and particle size distribution fully compatible with the circulating catalyst inventory and are available for delivery in a variety of convenient packaging sizes.
In addition, Johnson Matthey also offers state-of-the-art catalyst and additive addition systems to accurately add catalyst and additive throughout the day, allowing performance and cost optimization.
