Shandong Yuzhong Steel Co.,Ltd. , https://www.cnyzsteel.com
Flexible hydrocracking catalyst is expected to be industrialized
A new FC-32 flexible hydrocracking catalyst, developed with independent intellectual property rights, has recently been introduced by the China Petroleum & Chemical Research Institute of Fushun Petrochemical. The catalyst successfully passed the technical appraisal by Sinopec in Beijing, marking a significant step forward in domestic refining technology. The preparation process is straightforward, ensuring good product consistency and no major environmental concerns during production. Experts have recommended that industrial application trials begin as soon as possible to validate its performance under real-world conditions.
The FC-32 catalyst incorporates a modified Y-type molecular sieve for cracking and a tungsten-nickel metal system for hydrogenation. Its support material is produced using an innovative method, and the active metals are uniformly impregnated, resulting in balanced acidic and metallic properties. This design leads to excellent mechanical strength and superior catalytic performance. Performance tests have shown that the FC-32 offers appropriate hydrocracking activity, high ring-opening selectivity, good temperature sensitivity, and strong ability to crack heavy fractions. It also demonstrates flexibility in operation across various pressure levels, making it suitable for producing high-value products like Gaofang heavy naphtha, high-cetane clean diesel, and ethylene feedstock from tail gas—significantly reducing dry spots compared to raw oil.
Industrial-scale testing at Fushun, a subsidiary of Sinopec, confirmed that the FC-32 exhibits consistent production quality and stability, making it viable for mass manufacturing. The catalyst’s activity and selectivity during large-scale production align well with lab results, meeting the demands for long-term stable operation in industrial facilities. Moreover, it can be adjusted by varying reaction temperatures to meet changing market needs, offering greater operational flexibility.
Hydrocracking technology has become one of the most critical deep oil processing methods in China. With the decline in domestic crude quality and increased imports of high-sulfur crude, environmental standards for refining processes and fuel quality have risen sharply. This has placed higher demands on hydrocracking technologies, especially those capable of producing high-quality tail oils under different pressure conditions to meet the growing need for ethylene production. In response, the Fushun Research Institute of Petroleum and Chemical Industry developed the FC-32 hydrocracking catalyst, which excels in producing high-quality tail gases at both high and medium pressures, achieving successful results in this crucial area.