Description

The FCC Micro Activity Test (MAT) system is designed to assess the performance of FCC catalysts by evaluating their activity and selectivity during catalytic cracking reactions. It measures how efficiently heavy hydrocarbons, such as vacuum gas oil (VGO), are converted into lighter products including gasoline, LPG, cycle oils, and coke, while providing detailed information on product distribution. The device includes a separate injection line equipped with a dedicated syringe pump for biomass, allowing precise co-processing of bio-oils with conventional FCC feeds.. The system also enables researchers to investigate how operating parameters—such as temperature, pressure, feed composition, and flow rates—influence catalyst behavior. By allowing the testing and comparison of various commercial or laboratory-developed catalysts and feedstocks, the MAT unit supports catalyst development, refinery process optimization, and research activities. The system is designed in compliance with ASTM D3907 and ASTM D5154 standards. In operation, a small amount of catalyst (approximately 4 g) is first loaded into a quartz fixed-bed reactor. The reactor is then heated to the desired cracking temperature, typically around 516 °C, while nitrogen is used to purge the system and remove air. Once stable operating conditions are reached, a hydrocarbon feed such as vacuum gas oil is injected into the heated reactor using a controlled injection system. Upon contact with the catalyst, catalytic cracking reactions occur, breaking large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller compounds. This reaction produces gaseous products, liquid hydrocarbons, and coke deposited on the catalyst. The reactor effluent then enters a separation section, where liquid products are condensed and collected, while the gas phase is accumulated and analyzed, typically using a micro gas chromatograph. After the reaction, the coke deposited on the catalyst is burned off using air, which regenerates the catalyst and allows the coke yield to be measured. Finally, the system compiles the analytical data to generate a comprehensive report, including conversion rates, product yields, and catalyst performance indicators.