Page 125 - Fluid Catalytic Cracking Handbook

FCC Catalysts 101

Figure 3-10. Particle size distribution of a typical FCC catalyst.

zeolite and reduces the gasoline octane, every effort should be made
to minimize the amount of sodium in the fresh catalyst. The catalyst
inspection sheet expresses sodium or soda (Na 2O) as the weight
percent on the catalyst. When comparing different grades of catalysts,
it is more practical to express the sodium content on the zeolite.

Rare earth (RE) is a generic name for 14 metallic elements of the
Ianthanide series. These elements have similar chemical properties and
are usually supplied as a mixture of oxides extracted from ores such
as bastnaesite or monazite.
Rare earth improves the catalyst activity (Figure 3-11) and hydro-
thermal stability. Catalysts can have a wide range of rare earth levels.