Recurring NH₄Cl formation in an FCC unit: could catalyst technology be part of the solution?

Recurring ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) salt formation in the overhead system of an FCC main fractionator can be more than just a feed-related issue. Could an additional chloride source be contributing to the problem?
In the article “Mitigation of ammonium chloride salt formation in FCC main fractionator,” published in PTQ Q4 2026, FCCSA, Ketjen, and Ecopetrol investigates the root cause of recurring NH₄Cl formation and shares the results of a commercial case that identified an additional chloride source in the system.

The case also demonstrated the impact of switching to a catalyst technology free of chlorinated compounds, highlighting how catalyst selection can play a role in mitigating NH₄Cl salt formation.

Read the full analysis

https://ptqmagazines.digitalrefining.com/PTQ-Q4-2026/12/