Effect of Textural Properties of Y, ZSM-5 and Beta Zeolites on Their Catalytic Activity in Catalytic Cracking of a Middle Distillate Cut Named RCD

In the present study, the performance of three catalysts containing y, zsm- 5 and beta zeolite in the catalytic cracking of a kind of middle distillate cut named ”rcd” has been studied. the catalysts were characterized by xrd, ftir, sem, n2 adsorption/ desorption and nh3-tpd techniques. furthermore, deactivated catalysts in terms of type and amount of deposited coke were analysed. results of catalytic tests showed that y zeolite performed better and it decreased viscosity and density of liquid product by 35% and 3% respectively. this good operating was due to the high surface area (812m2/gr) and higher acidic sites amounts (1.8 mmol nh3/gr) which gives the heavy molecules better accesibility to active acid sites. but more cokes have deposited on y zeolite which was 50% lower for beta and zsm-5 zeolites. finally, it can be concluded that the ultimate performance of catalysts in catalytic cracking is influenced by the synergetic effects between the pore structure and acidity.