Economic Optimization and Hazard Analysis of a Fluidized Catalytic Cracker

A fluidized catalytic cracking process was modeled along with regenerator and subsequent fractionator. The system was modeled using the process simulator ChemCAD and priced using cost equations from Turton, Bailie, Whiting and Shaeiwitz (2012). Decisions of representative feed and product compositions along with reaction pathways were made based on literature and requirement of model fidelity for economic analysis. Kinetics were regressed from industrially representative literature data. Both topological and parametric optimizations were considered. Process hazards will be identified and suggestions to mitigate hazards will be presented.