Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit energy management proposal - modelling of selected separation processes

Amongst general characteristics of a Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCC) unit belong high energetic requirements in means of power input for compression units as well as significant amount of latent heat contained in products and flue gas. This submission aims for study and optimization of feasible recovery of the heat contained. As to achieve this goal we formulated mathematical models for the unit's most engaged compression units to gain an insight into the units' power requirements. Furthermore, using the proposed mathematical models we realized a case study analyzing system responses to alteration of operational parameters, specifically the output pressure of the regenerator blower, in order to minimize overall power consumption of the compression units. Results of the study, however, show that no considerable savings can be achieved via the output pressure alteration. (authors)