Grace Launches New PARAGON FCC Catalyst Technology

PARAGON fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst is the latest innovation from W. R. Grace, incorporating a novel, rare earth-based, Vanadium (V) trap into the highest matrix surface area catalyst solutions for the FCC. With PARAGON technology, refiners can widen their FCC operating window and increase feed flexibility for greater profitability. Importantly this technology leads to maximum bottoms upgrading along with improved conversion at constant coke yield, allowing refiners to produce fuels in a more sustainable manner.

FCC Strategic Marketing Manager at W. R. Grace, Dr. Bani Cipriano, stated that PARAGON is the result of a multi-year R&D program to develop an advanced V trap and build on the metals tolerance of the popular MIDAS platform. “One of the trends we see is that the economics of upgrading resid in the FCC are very strong. Our customers are taking advantage of this trend, processing heavier, higher metal laden feeds. PARAGON will allow our customers to take on that heavier feed while retaining coke selectivity and catalyst activity. Using generic economics, in one trial we estimated use of PARAGON resulted in $0.65/bbl of value delivery which translates into $14MM per year for an average size FCC,” Dr. Cipriano explained.

Further Dr. Cipriano commented on the increasing importance of sustainability and CO₂ emissions reduction in the refining industry. “The adoption of carbon taxation and emissions trading systems is on the rise, and this is going to put pressure on our refinery customers to produce fuels in a more sustainable manner. PARAGON with its improved coke selectivity, will help our FCC customers produce higher yields of fuels per unit of CO₂ emission from the FCC,” he said.

As the global leader in FCC catalysts, W. R. Grace continues to invest in R&D and its plants to introduce new catalyst technologies into the FCC market. “We know our customers are facing challenges and so we strive to be a technology partner to our customers, bringing to market solutions that will help them navigate these obstacles,” he concluded.