Abstract:
The method comprises introducing a petroleum hydrocarbon stream containing metals, hydrocarbons having coke-forming tendencies, and residual-type hydrocarbons into the fractionating column associated with a catalytic cracking unit of the refinery. The introduction of the petroleum hydrocarbon stream into the fractionating column is accomplished at a point in the fractionating column above which substantially all of the recycle material is withdrawn from the fractionating column; it may comprise the injection of the petroleum hydrocarbon stream into the baffle section of the fractionating column. The petroleum hydrocarbon stream may be a crude oil, may be desalted, and may have been treated for the removal of any amount of water which is contained therein and which would appreciably and suddenly increase the amount of liquid water being added to the fractionating column.