Level measurements during catalytic cracking involve fluidised solids levels at high temperatures. Conventional measurement techniques can be subject to plugging. Instrumentation selected for this application must be able to withstand these high temperatures and avoid clogging. In addition, many fluid catalytic cracking units (FCCUs) run 24 hours a day for as long as three to five years between scheduled maintenance shutdowns. Level instruments placed in FCCUs should offer the utmost in reliability and be able to continue running accurately on the same schedule as the plant.

Fluid catalytic cracking, or FCC, is a key conversion process for many petroleum refineries. It is widely used to convert the high-boiling, high-molecular weight hydrocarbon fractions of petroleum crude oils into more valuable gasoline, propane, butane, olefinic gases, and other products. A fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) uses a chemical catalyst to do this. 

A cracker can produce a wide variety of yield patterns by operating in gasoline, distillate or LPG modes. While not all petroleum refining plants have this kind of secondary conversion capability, the ones that do can generate a broader range of products.

Catalytic crackers utilise a reactor and a catalyst regenerator with connecting risers where the reactions take place. Level controllers are often positioned on the first stage regenerator and at the top of the reactor.

The level measurement solution that MAGNETROL recommends for catalytic cracking is the E3 Modulevel® displacer-actuated transmitter. This transmitter provides accurate, reliable level measurement, is easily installed and calibrated, and has a high temperature range.

For more information, visit: www.magnetrol.com

22nd June 2018

22nd June 2018