Application of 140La and 24Na as intrinsic radiotracers for investigating catalyst dynamics in FCCUs

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) of fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst samples was carried out with an objective to identify activable elements and evaluate its suitability for use as an intrinsic radiotracer for tracing catalyst itself in Fluid Catalytic Cracking Units (FCCUs) used in petroleum refining. Two catalyst samples obtained from two different refineries were analyzed. Twelve different elements were identified in each catalyst sample and their respective concentrations were determined. From the recorded gamma-ray spectra, it was found that lanthanum-140 ((140)La) and sodium-24 ((24)Na) were the predominantly present and suitable radionuclides that could be used as radiotracers for tracing catalyst in FCCUs. Lanthanum being present in much higher concentration forms the major component of the radiotracer after irradiation. Based on the results of INAA, appropriate quantities of the catalyst samples were irradiated with neutrons to produce the desired amount of activity of lanthanum-140 and sodium-24 to be used as radiotracers for tracing the catalyst itself in a pilot as well as an industrial-scale FCCU. The residence time distribution (RTD) of catalyst was measured and analyzed to determine mean residence time (MRT). The axial dispersion model (ADM) was used to simulate the measured RTD data and investigate the degree of axial mixing. The results of the experiments were used to improve the design of pilot-scale FCCU and optimize the performance of the industrial-scale FCCU.