Integrated approach for the analysis of FCC evaluation results Original Research Article

In this article we present an integrated approach for the treatment and analysis of FCC experimental data based on statistical techniques and the use of characteristic curves. The method involves a material balance reconciliation procedure that improves the reliability and precision of the experimental results. After data reconciliation, we propose the use of some characteristic curves that describe in a proper way the behavior of conversion and selectivity. The characteristic curves are used to reach three main objectives: detect suspicious points (outliers), verify the correct trend of a experimental set of results and determine the discrimination capacity of the results when comparing two sets of data. These curves are based on fundamental knowledge of the process and a five-lump kinetic scheme. The coke characteristic curve takes into account a selective deactivation scheme for this product. The curves have parameters that are estimated by fitting to the experimental data using non-linear least-square methods. The systematic utilization of this procedure is a powerful tool for a reliable analysis of FCC evaluation results.