Technology Licensor of Valero Memphis Refinery FCC Unit

UserPic
Kokel, Nicolas
10/14/2025 4:47 PM
Article Image Article Image

Photo: Memphis refinery | Credit: Valero, 2020

The technology licensor for the Valero Memphis refinery FCC unit is UOP LLC (now Honeywell UOP).[1]

Historical Context

The Memphis refinery's FCC technology licensing dates back to when the facility was owned by Williams Refining LLC. In 1999, Williams implemented a major FCC revamp project where they selected UOP to provide the FCC technology. The key UOP technology implemented included:[1]

  • Combustor-style regenerator - standard single-stage design
  • Vortex Separation System (VSS) - This was notably the first regenerator VSS installation to be put into service, representing cutting-edge technology at the time
  • Optimix feed distributors - UOP's proprietary elevated feed distribution system
  • Advanced reactor and regenerator design - Including larger diameter combustor sections and new cyclone systems
  • High-efficiency stripper - with UOP's advanced tray design

Feedstock Quality

The Memphis FCC processes typical VGO feedstock with the following characteristics:​

  • API Gravity: 22-28° API (considered medium gravity VGO)
  • Conradson Carbon Residue (CCR): 1.8-2.2 wt% (increased after 1999 revamp to handle lower quality feeds)
  • Feed Rate: 69,000 barrels per day design capacity

Technology Comparison

UOP offers several FCC variants:​

  • Standard FCC: For conventional VGO feeds (CCR <4 wt%) - Memphis configuration
  • RFCC (Resid FCC): For residue feeds with CCR >4 wt%
  • PetroFCC: For maximum propylene production (18 wt% propylene, 5 wt% ethylene)
  • MSCC: For maximum conversion of heavy feeds

Technology Classification

Standard UOP FCC is appropriate for this application because:

  • The CCR content of 2.2 wt% is well below the 4 wt% threshold that typically requires RFCC technology​
  • The feedstock is conventional VGO, not residue or heavy feeds that would necessitate RFCC
  • The unit is not designed for maximum propylene production, which would require PetroFCC technology

Current Status

Valero acquired the Memphis refinery through its purchase chain, and the facility continues to operate with UOP technology. Recent maintenance activities in 2025 show that the 65,000 barrel-per-day FCCU continues to use the UOP technology installed during the 1999 revamp. The unit was recently shut down in September 2025 for an overhaul scheduled to complete by November 1, 2025. [2] [3] [4]

The Memphis refinery has a total capacity of 180,000 barrels per day and maintains a Nelson Complexity Index of 7.9. UOP's FCC technology has proven reliable over the decades, with the 1999 revamp successfully meeting its design goals of increasing capacity to 69,000 b/d while reducing catalyst losses and improving conversion yields. [5] [1]

Conclusion

The Memphis refinery's feedstock quality, process objectives focused on gasoline production, and equipment design all confirm it operates the standard UOP FCC technology rather than the specialized RFCC or PetroFCC variants.

References

  1. https://www.ogj.com/general-interest/companies/article/17215252/fast-tracked-fcc-revamp-meets-project-goals
  2. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/valero-overhauling-fccu-tennessee-refinery-sources-say-2025-09-11/
  3. https://pgjonline.com/news/2025/september/valero-shuts-gasoline-unit-for-overhaul-at-memphis-refinery-through-november
  4. https://www.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/news/2025/09/valero-overhauling-fccu-at-tennessee-us-refinery/
  5. https://www.offshore-technology.com/marketdata/memphis-refinery-cracking-the-us/