Fluid catalytic cracking of heavy petroleum fractions

Abstract

A process for (i) fluid catalytic cracking in a cracking zone of residuum and other heavy oils comprising gas oil, petroleum residue, reduced and whole crudes, and shale oils with high metals content, (ii) wherein the coke deposits on the used cracking catalyst are reduced in amount by regeneration and wherein (iii) contaminant metals comprising nickel, vanadium, copper and iron deposited on the used cracking catalyst are deactivated in sufficient amount to reduce hydrogen and coke formation during the cracking process whereby the said catalyst is suitable for re-use wherein (A) the catalyst particles are contacted with fresh feed and associated recycle feed, and wherein (B) the feed is cracked in a cracking zone, wherein (C) the used catalyst particles are subjected to alternate exposures of up to 30 minutes in duration of conditions comprising (a) an oxidizing zone at a temperature of above 900.degree. F. wherein molecular oxygen in flue gas emitted from the oxidizing zone is over 0.1 volume percent, and (b) a reducing zone at a temperature within the range of from about 900.degree. F. to about 1450.degree. F., wherein the reducing atmosphere is a material selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and mixtures thereof and is present in a concentration of from about 4 to 100 volume percent, and wherein (D) the regenerated catalyst can be returned to the cracking zone.