Hydrocarbon Processing - January 2021 - 32

Sustainability
effect. The following data is from when the proprietary NOx
reduction additive was reintroduced to the FCCU.

Flue gas NOX, ppm

100

Base
NONOX

80
60
40
20
1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5
3.0
3.5
Regen O2 concentration, %

4.0

4.5

5.0

FIG. 7. The proprietary NOx reduction additive reduced NOx emissions
by 32%.

Flue gas NOX, ppm

100

Base
NONOX

80
60
40
20
300

Placid Refining started with a 10-d baseload and has maintained an average of 0.8 wt% concentration since reintroduction. As the proprietary NOx reduction additive concentration increased, a reduction in NOx emissions was achieved
(FIGS. 5 and 6).
Placid Refining optimizes process variables to ensure that
the refinery is minimizing NOx while optimizing FCCU operation. Sb is used for Ni passivation, and Placid Refining
closely monitor the Sb injection rate and Ecat Sb/Ni to ensure
that the unit was not producing excess NOx . Steps have also
been taken to minimize excess oxygen to a CO limit. A base
period prior to the proprietary NOx reduction additive's use
was compared against operation with the additive included.
The proprietary NOx reduction additive use showed a clear
reduction in NOx emissions at similar excess oxygen levels
(FIG. 7). Placid Refining was able to achieve and maintain an
NOx reduction of 32% relative to base emissions.
For additional insight, NOx emissions-as a function of
feed nitrogen-were also analyzed. Placid Refining's feed nitrogen does not have an observable impact on NOx emissions.
However, the reduction between the base data and the proprietary NOx reduction additive time period is transparent (FIG. 8).
Takeaway. Many different FCCU NOx reduction strategies

350

400
450
Feed basic nitrogen, ppm

500

FIG. 8. Feed nitrogen did not have an impact on NOx.

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CONTROL VALVES * FLOW ELEMENTS * RELIEF DEVICES * PROCESS DATA
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use and accurate, it is the only sizing program you need,
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in InstruCalc Version 9.0
Please contact J'Nette Davis-Nichols
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32 JANUARY 2021 | HydrocarbonProcessing.com

550

can be employed to successfully meet emissions limits. The
different strategies have varying levels of NOx reduction and
can be integrated into different flue gas system designs. Some
of the options require capital investment and affiliated operating expenses, while others can be successfully implemented
without upfront investment.
Placid Refining was able to effectively use a NOx reduction
additive to reduce FCCU NOx emissions by 32%. This enabled
emissions limit compliance without having to invest in a sizeable project. The refiner continuously optimizes its regenerator excess oxygen level to operate in balance with CO limits. In
addition, Sb is used to successfully passivate Ni without creating excess NOx .
NOTES
a Linde's LoTOx process
b Johnson Matthey's NONOX additive
c Johnson Matthey's COP-NP non-platinum CO promoter
PATRICK HOBBINS is a Process Engineer for Placid Refining in Port Allen,
Louisiana. He is responsible for technical support for the FCCU and alkylation unit,
as well as gasoline blending. He has previously worked on all units of the refinery
and has provided engineering support for major revamps of the DHT and treater
units. Mr. Hobbins earned a BS degree in chemical engineering from Louisiana State
University and has 15 yr of experience in the refining and petrochemical industries.
HEATHER BLAIR is an FCC Technical Engineer for Johnson Matthey. She is
responsible for analysis, recommendations and customer interface in the FCC
additives business. She started her career with HollyFrontier in Cheyenne,
Wyoming, as a Product Blending Engineer. She has 10 yr of experience in the
refining industry. Ms. Blair earned BS and MS degrees in chemical engineering
from the University of Wyoming.
TODD HOCHHEISER is Manager of FCC Technical Service for Johnson Matthey.
He is responsible for the engineering team that provides technical assistance
on the use of additives and catalyst addition systems. Mr. Hochheiser earned
his Bch degree in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware and an
MBA from the University of California Irvine. Prior to joining Johnson Matthey,
he held engineering, operations, and planning and economics positions with
Valero Energy and ExxonMobil.

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