Structural Design of Regenerator CA Nozzle in FCC Unit

Abstract

FCC Unit (Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit) is a mechanical device used to convert bunker C oil into high quality gasoline. During the refining operation, pressure vessel of FCC unit operates in high-temperature and high-pressure environment. Careful structural analysis and design are necessary for such equipment.In this paper, FEA (Finite element analysis) of the FCC unit was performed to evaluate its structural stability. The equivalent stress of the FCC unit was investigated and compared against the ASME code design specifications.The area of high stress concentration with maximum stress higher than the prescribed value was analyzed locally to carefully evaluate the stress.CA nozzle in the FCC unit was found to have significant margins for factor of safety and was redesigned for weight reduction. Tensile test was carried out to verify the integrity of the welded parts. Tensile strength of the welded partssatisfies all design requirements.