An intensive professional development training course on
Catalytic Cracking and Reforming Technologies in Refineries
Maximizing Product Yield and Quality through Advanced Conversion Processes
Why Choose Catalytic Cracking and Reforming Technologies in Refineries Training Course?
Catalytic cracking and reforming remain two of the most essential refining processes for converting heavier, lower-value fractions into high-value fuels, petrochemical feedstocks, and hydrogen. As global markets demand cleaner fuels, higher octane ratings, and improved operational efficiency, refinery professionals must understand the science, technology, and engineering that underpin Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) and catalytic reforming units. This Catalytic Cracking and Reforming Training Course provides an in-depth exploration of both processes, covering reaction chemistry, catalyst behavior, equipment configurations, and operating strategies that influence product quality and refinery economics.
Participants will gain a working knowledge of catalytic cracking mechanisms, including coke formation, catalyst regeneration, and reactor-regenerator balancing. The training also examines catalytic reforming pathways such as dehydrogenation, isomerization, and cyclization—critical for producing high-octane reformates and hydrogen for hydrotreating units. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on optimizing yields, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring environmental compliance through emissions management and safe operational practices.
Through case studies and practical examples from global refineries, participants will learn how to troubleshoot common operational challenges such as catalyst deactivation, temperature instability, poor product selectivity, and mechanical issues. The course enables engineers and operators to confidently apply improved process control, catalyst management techniques, and design considerations to enhance the overall performance and reliability of catalytic units.
This training course is designed for refining professionals seeking to deepen their technical understanding and improve their ability to manage, optimize, and troubleshoot FCC and reforming operations in modern refinery environments.
What are the Goals?
This Catalytic Cracking and Reforming Course is designed to support engineers and refinery practitioners with the technical expertise required to operate and optimize catalytic conversion units effectively.
By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the principles, chemistry, and mechanisms of FCC and catalytic reforming processes
- Evaluate feedstock characteristics and predict their impact on product yields
- Operate FCC and reforming units efficiently under varying process conditions
- Identify key issues related to catalyst selection, deactivation, and regeneration
- Apply optimization techniques to enhance product quality and improve energy efficiency
- Implement safe operating practices and environmental control measures in catalytic units
- Troubleshoot common operational problems using structured diagnostic methods
- Interpret process data to support improved performance and long-term reliability
Who is this Training Course for?
This Catalytic Cracking and Reforming Training Course is designed for professionals seeking stronger technical knowledge in refinery conversion processes. It supports both experienced personnel and those new to catalytic unit operations.
This training course will greatly benefit:
- Process and Operations Engineers working in refinery conversion units
- Chemical Engineers involved in FCC or reforming unit operations
- Unit Operators, Shift Supervisors, and Console/Panel Operators
- Refinery Project, Optimization, and Energy Engineers
- Maintenance and Reliability Engineers supporting catalytic equipment
- Professionals engaged in process design, monitoring, or performance evaluation
It is equally applicable to individuals participating in refinery debottlenecking, expansion, or modernization projects.
How will this Training Course be Presented?
This training course uses a structured blend of technical instruction, real-world case studies, and interactive group work designed to enhance understanding and skill application. Instructor-led sessions provide detailed explanations of catalytic chemistry, unit design, and process behavior. Participants will engage in group discussions, scenario-based exercises, and operational problem-solving activities that reflect real refinery challenges.
The course incorporates visual aids, process flow diagrams, catalyst performance data, and troubleshooting examples to reinforce learning. By combining theoretical insights with practical refinery experience, the course ensures participants gain actionable knowledge that can be directly applied to FCC and reforming operations. The learning approach encourages active participation, knowledge sharing, and practical interpretation of process data to achieve improved operational performance.
The Course Content
- Overview of refinery conversion processes
- Purpose and role of FCC and reforming in refining
- Feedstock characterization and properties
- Reaction mechanisms and product distribution
- FCC unit configuration and operation
- Catalyst selection and fluidization behavior
- Reactor-regenerator design and temperature control
- Yield optimization and coke management
- Reforming reactor types (semi-regenerative, continuous, cyclic)
- Catalyst types and performance characteristics
- Reforming chemistry: dehydrogenation, isomerization, cyclization
- Hydrogen production and recovery systems
- Process instrumentation and control strategies
- Managing pressure, temperature, and feed fluctuations
- Common operating problems and root cause analysis
- Safety systems and flare gas handling
- Energy integration and efficiency improvements
- Emission controls and environmental compliance
- Catalyst life cycle management
- Case studies: operational improvements in FCC and reforming units
Certificate and Accreditation
- AZTech Certificate of Completion for delegates who attend and complete the training course
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