Challenges to meet reduction of Sulphur in FCC Gasoline in indian context

There is considerable increase in awareness of environmental regulations towards maintaining better air quality. In this context, Indian refineries have initiated steps to reconsider methodologies to produce more cleaner products than what were being produced before. In the past; the emission control limits on automobiles and fuels were being applied to reduce atmospheric pollution particularly in metropolitan cities. The control limits are expected to be further tightened by 2004/5 or even before. As a result, Indian refining industry is looking to meet these challenges for producing still better eco-friendly fuels. The paper provides information on consumption and demand pattern of motor gasoline, its key specifications along with details of existing FCC units in the country. In motor gasoline, after lead phase out, reduction in sulphur, benzene content, total aromatics and olefins are some of the important issues for consideration. Sulphur in motor gasoline significantly contributes towards exhaust pollutants such as CO, NOx and hydrocarbons. This paper, presents results on preliminary pilot scale investigations for HYdrodesulphurization of FCC Gasoline. As the severity of operation increased i.e. increase in temperature and pressure or lowering of space velocity, the degree of HDS increased. A maximum HDS of 96% was achieved under the operating conditions