Estimation of kinetic constants of a five-lump model for fluid catalytic cracking process using simpler sub-models

A novel sequential method for estimating rate constants in complex kinetic models was proposed. The technique reduced the number of parameters to be simultaneously estimated, thus, converge problems were reduced. Experimental data obtained in a microactivity reactor at 480°-500°C and WHSV of 6-48/hr using three industrial feedstocks and a commercial equilibrium catalyst were used to evaluate the kinetic parameters of a five-lump model for catalytic cracking process, which included the unconverted gas oil, LPG, gasoline, coke, and dry gas. Product yields prediction revealed good agreement with experimental data with average deviations of less than 2%.