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Main column, reactor and regenerator of a fluid catalytic cracker

Fluid Catalytic Cracking in Oil Refineries

KSB pumps for catalytic cracking deliver the stability you need to get the most out of your refining operations.

When it comes to catalytic cracking processes, consistency is key. Our pumps for catalytic cracking ensure rock-steady flows and maximum uptime, so you can keep your eye on the bigger picture. 

For high-value hydrocarbon streams that flow like clockwork

Fluid catalytic cracking (FFC) plays a vital role in modern refineries. In a nutshell, FCC units or cat crackers convert complex mixtures of low-value heavy hydrocarbons into high-value light products. Cracking relies on crude oil as a feedstock, which is heated to high temperatures, and combined with a catalyst and steam – elements that break down heavy long-tail hydrocarbons into the short-chain molecules that make up gasoline and olefinic gases. Since FCC units operate in a continuous loop, consistency is key, requiring steady flow rates at every twist and turn. 

High-quality pumps for your FCC units – from the experts at KSB

For FCC operators, it should come as no surprise that high-octane products require high-performance pumps. We know your output depends on several factors, like maintaining a stable flow profile and temperature in the FCC reactor, achieving a consistent steam feed rate, and managing the activation catalyst. 

Building on those needs, our process pumps, chemical pumps and utility pumps are all well-equipped to handle the demands of hydrocarbon cracking. Need a stringent and fail-safe emission control for your processes? We’ve got solutions to contain byproduct gases, too. 

Check out our heavy-duty centrifugal process pumps from the RPH and RPHb/d series for a long service life with minimal maintenance in your facilities. We also offer CHTR barrel pumps, CHTRa axially split multistage pumps and WKB/WKTR vertical pumps for your refinery applications. Our pumps are well-equipped to handle your FCC process flows and can be operated up to 450°C.

Quality solutions and service for your catalytic cracking requirements

We offer engineered process pumps with broad flow and pressure ranges, so you will always find the right fit for your fluid catalytic cracking systems. Our pumps are designed to withstand highly volatile hydrocarbons and highly viscous fluids at high temperatures – all the basic elements that define your FCC processes.

Depend on KSB pumps for precision and stability – even under extreme cracking conditions, so you can tackle other process improvements in your facility. Thanks to our innovative technology, you’ll enjoy optimised hydraulics for energy-efficient operation. Our pumps are also low-maintenance by design, ensuring maximum uptime and a lower total cost of ownership.

Once you’ve made your selection, that’s just the start. We cater to all your service needs, from installation and initial set-up to inspecting and maintaining your systems. If you ever need a repair, we’ll be there for you and your equipment. 

Our portfolio

KSB offers a wide range of products for your hydrocarbon cracking units:

  • Engineered process pumps with broad flow and pressure ranges
  • Standardised chemical pumps with seal-less capability
  • Utility pumps for water-handling/management systems
  • Pumps for solids-laden fluids
  • Mechanical seals and seal flush plans
  • Engineered-to-order aggregates consisting of drives, accessories, instrumentation and controls

Applications include

  • Aggressive fluids containing gas and mixed-media with suspended solid particles
  • Highly volatile hydrocarbons and highly viscous fluids at high pressures and high temperatures
  • Hazardous, sour processes, fluids laden with hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide
  • Concentrated corrosive fluids in production stream
  • Toxic services requiring stringent and fail-safe emissions control

Your benefits

  • Flexible and application-specific solutions thanks to a broad product portfolio
  • Reliable pumping and containment of the most demanding fluids – in compliance with the highest safety standards
  • Solutions for extreme conditions thanks to wear- and corrosion-resistant construction materials
  • Innovative technologies for a lower total cost of ownership 
  • Energy-efficient operation thanks to optimised hydraulics
  • Comprehensive service – from installation and commissioning to inspection, maintenance and on-site repair

Find suitable pumps for your FCC units

We offer refinery pumps for every challenge. Browse our solutions for fluid catalytic cracking.

RPH

RPH

Horizontal radially split volute casing pump in back pull-out design, to API 610, ISO 13709 (heavy duty), type OH2, single-stage, with single-suction radial impeller and centreline pump feet; with inducer if required. ATEX-compliant version available.

RPHb/RPHd/RPHbd

RPHb/RPHd/RPHbd

Heavy-duty horizontal radially split between-bearings volute casing pump to API 610, ISO 13709 (heavy duty), type BB2, with radial impellers, single- or double-entry, single- or two-stage design with centreline pump feet. ATEX-compliant version available.

CHTR

CHTR

Horizontal high-pressure barrel-type pump with radial impellers, single-entry and double-entry, multistage, with flanges or weld end nozzles to DIN, API 610 and ANSI.

RPH-V

RPH-V

Vertical single-stage sump pump to API 610 and ISO 13709 (heavy duty), type VS4, with integral thrust bearing assembly and separate discharge line. ATEX-compliant version available.

WKTR

WKTR

Vertically suspended, double-casing, lineshaft, diffuser-type pump with integral thrust bearings and discharge through column pipe in accordance with API 610 / ISO 13709 (VS6). Available in single-stage or multistage configurations and with single suction first-stage impeller.

Find suitable valves for your FCC units

MIL 41000

MIL 41000

Cage-guided single-ported heavy-duty control valves, high pressure drop capability; noise reduction and anti-cavitation solution available by replacing the standard cage.

MIL 21000

MIL 21000

Top-guided single-ported heavy post-guided control valve for a wide temperature range.

MIL 10000

MIL 10000

The top- and bottom-guided double-ported control valve is characterised by a high permissible pressure drop across the valve. The high flow capacity typical of this design is attained with low pressure recovery. Bi-directional flow is permitted; wide flow passage, suitable for viscous fluids.

Illustration of the phases of a product life cycle: Consultation and analysis, commissioning, operation and repair

Service at KSB SupremeServ means being fully looked after

KSB SupremeServ offers you a comprehensive range of services and spare parts for pumps, valves and other equipment – including for products from other manufacturers – from face-to-face consultation to installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair. More than 3500 specialists in over 190 service centres worldwide are available around the clock, seven days a week. Concentrate on your core business – and let us take care of the rest.