(219c) Catalytic Routes to Olefins

Propylene is most commonly produced as a byproduct from conventional steam cracking and from refinery conversion processes such as gas oil fluid catalytic crackers. Because the growth in demand of propylene is higher than either ethylene or refinery fuels products and due to the preponderance of light gas crackers with relatively low propylene yields, there could be gaps in meeting future propylene demands. As such, many producers are considering alternative methods to meet future propylene needs.

KBR offers a suite of propylene technologies that can help meet the propylene demand, depending on the feed type and the required ethylene co-production, as follows.

Tradename Feed Total Ultimate Ethylene + Propylene Yield

Advanced Catalytic Olefins (ACO) Paraffinic naphtha & light distillates 55-65 wt%

Superflex Olefinic C4-C10 hydrocarbons 40-65 wt%

Maxofin Gas oil and resids 30-40 wt%

The features and status of each of these technologies will be discussed.