ABSTRACT
In a refinery the fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) process remains the major process to convert high boiling range vacuum gasoil (VGO) and other heavy hydrocarbon product intermediates from other refinery processes into higher value lighter hydrocarbons. FCC will produce a high yield (40-50 wt%) of cracked naphtha boiling in the 35-221°C range that will require relatively simple adjustments to meet motor gasoline specifications. As long as there is a strong market for motor gasoline, FCC will remain a very profitable process. Recent changes in the fuel market, however, have weakened the demand for gasoline and are eroding FCC profitability.
