Abstract
Maximizing the production of petrochemicals from crude oil at the expense of fuels is among the most important targets for refiners. In this conversion, catalyst composition and formulation play a key role. Here we present a thorough study of the effect of formulated FCC catalyst composition on the one-step cracking of Arabian light crude oil. Our results demonstrate that over a 35 wt. % yield to light olefins can be achieved on spray-dried catalysts containing 1 : 1 mixtures of ZSM-5 and FAU zeolites (alongside binder and clay). Coke deposition and catalyst deactivation can be correlated to the nature and content of each zeolite component.