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.

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RPH

Documents

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.

Details

RPHb/RPHd/RPHbd

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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.

Details

CHTR

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Horizontal radially split multistage high-pressure pumps in between-bearings design, with double casing (barrel-type pumps) to API 610 (ISO 13709), type BB5. First stage optionally available in double-suction design for low NPSH requirements. ATEX-compliant version available.

Details

RPH-V

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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.

Details

WKTR

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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.

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Find suitable valves for your FCC units

MIL 41000

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

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MIL 21000

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

Details

MIL 10000

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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.

Details

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.

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Energy Efficiency Consulting

Optimise your system’s energy efficiency in four steps using FluidFuture®. KSB’s systematic approach ensures maximum energy savings.

Systematic analysis
Clear recommendations for action

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Inspection service

KSB’s inspection service provides regular pump inspection and pump maintenance to ensure the reliable operation and increased availability of your system.

Preventing failures
24-hour on-call service

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Reverse Engineering

Reverse engineering makes it possible to quickly manufacture spare parts for pumps, valves and other rotating equipment that are hard to find or no longer available.

Optimisation thanks to engineering services
Quick reproduction of spare parts

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