A long history of looking AHEAD
Introducing Grace Essential Articles, Vol. 1
We're proud to present some of the most requested and referenced articles from Grace catalysis experts over the last four decades. In this collection, we've paired each feature with an introduction from current Grace employees about the impact of the article then -- and its relevance today.
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ZSM-5 Additive in Fluid Catalytic Cracking
New Opportunities for Co-Processing Renewable Feeds in Refinery Processes
Effect of Hydrocarbon Partial Pressure on Propylene Production in the FCC
Strategies for Maximizing FCC Light Cycle Oil
The Effects of Fe Poisoning on FCC Catalysts
Coke Selectivity Fundamentals
Trouble-Shooting FCC Standpipe Flow Problems
Understanding and Minimizing FCC Slurry Exchanger Fouling
Nitrogen Chemistry and NOx Control in a Fluid Catalytic Cracking Regenerator
Bonus content
Highlights from Early Issues of Catalagram
A look back at interesting features in some of the early issues of Grace’s Catalagram magazine demonstrate how much has changed…and how much has stayed the same.
We were there when the first cat cracker was built over forty years ago, and we will be there to supply the last one wherever and whenever that may be.
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Catalagram #1 from 1959 – the first issue – features an article on “Laboratory Equipment for Catalyst Research” that describes the facilities at the newly opened Washington Research Center (now referred to as Grace’s Columbia headquarters). Much has changed, but much remains the same. This issue also describes Grace’s glass model of a cat cracker and gives the first industry average Ecat results.
Compared to today, nickel, vanadium and activity are all incredibly low, however, in 1959 zeolite catalysts had not yet been introduced and resid was not being processed in the FCC.
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Catalagram #7 from 1961 introduces the “Davison Calculator for fluid cat cracking operators” that was a paper slide chart for doing some FCC-specific calculations. Handheld calculators were not available until the 1970s.
Catalagram #7 also introduced Grace’s emergency after-hours phone number for catalyst orders, shipping issues and technical help - Baltimore, SAratoga 7-3912. Customers were encouraged to call collect.
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Catalagram #14 from 1962 offers an excellent article by Dr. Paul Emmett on factors influencing pore volume and ABD. Dr. Emmett is the “E” in the BET equation.
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Catalagram #17 has an article on “Computers and Cat Crackers” complete with illustrations of punch cards.
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Catalagram #20 has the first report on a new zeolite containing catalyst called “XZ-15.” The report was titled “20% more Gasoline with New Davison Catalyst.” Davison is now Grace, and zeolites went on to revolutionize FCC.
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Catalagram #36 from 1971 has the first article in a multipart series on catalytic cracking. This series later became “The Davison Chemical Guide to Catalytic Cracking” and evolved into the three volume “Grace Guide to FCC,” the second edition of which was issued in 2020.
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Catalagram #65 from 1982 contains a classic article on the effect of alkali and alkaline earths on zeolite. It provides data for Na, K, Ca, Mg and Ba.
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Catalagram #72 from 1985 has an editorial by James Hattman of Grace that was written during a very challenging time for the refining industry. Mr. Hattman’s statement rings true today - “Many of the problems the refiners face are also challenges and potential opportunities for an alert, aggressive, and technically oriented catalyst manufacturer. I think this describes Davison (now Grace)—we are such a company.”