The Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) process from Lummus Technology is a proven technology used to convert gasoils and residual stocks to lighter, higher-value products such as gasoline. Combining an advanced reaction system design with an efficient catalyst regeneration system, the process achieves high conversion and selectivity to light products. While it can be used to maximize the production of gasoline, the flexibility of the process allows conversion and selectivity to vary from maximum distillate production at one extreme, to maximum propylene production at the other. This FCC technology can be applied fully in grassroots units or partially, as applicable, in the revamp of existing units to increase throughput and/or residue processing capability, improve selectivity, and reduce operating costs.

Indmax⁽¹⁾ technology, developed by Indian Oil Corporation Limited Research and Development (IOCL R&D) Center, is a breakthrough in FCC technology for converting heavy feeds, including residue, to light olefins (ethylene, propylene, and butylenes). The I-FCC^SM process combines Lummus' FCC process with the proprietary Indmax catalyst formulation and is designed for and operated at Indmax process conditions. The I-FCC unit selectively produces light olefins with very high feedstock conversion: up to 45% of the feed can be converted to light olefins, with propylene in LPG (i.e., the combined C₃/C₄ products) or ethylene in dry gas as high as 50%.

(1) Indmax is a service mark of Indian Oil Corporation Limited