Cat Cracker Redesigned for Higher Propylene Yield

KBR, Inc. announced March 31 it has been awarded a license and basic engineering design contract for the revamp of a fluid catalytic cracker (FCC) unit with KBR’s proprietary MAXOFIN (“maximum olefins”) technology. The project was awarded by a confidential client and is located in Shandong Province in China.

Process engineers discuss FCC challenges at RefComm (www.refiningcommunity.com)

Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide the licensing package for the MAXOFIN conversion. MAXOFIN technology, developed by KBR, enables upgrade of existing FCC units to produce higher amounts of propylene while still retaining the flexibility to produce more gasoline when market demand or prices are favorable.

John Derbyshire, President of KBR Technology & Consulting, said, “MAXOFIN technology is a flexible option to help clients increase their propylene production without major grassroots capital investment.”

KBR developed the world’s first FCC commercial unit in 1942, and has executed over 120 FCC projects globally. In addition to conventional FCC technology, KBR also offers KBR MAXDIESEL™ technology that increases diesel yield from the FCC VGO stream and several other FCC configuration options. The value of the contract was undisclosed.