History of ZSM-5 fluid catalytic cracking additive development at Mobil

ZSM-5 has found widespread application as a fluid catalytic cracking additive for both propylene production and gasoline octane improvement. This paper traces its development by Mobil from the laboratory evaluation stage through its full-scale commercialization. Correct laboratory testing and an elucidation of reaction chemistry were critical to the successful commercialization of this catalyst. This review focuses not only on the historical development and refinement of the ZSM-5 additive concept within Mobil, but also on lessons learned in the effective evaluation of this catalyst in progressing it from laboratory- to commercial-scale catalytic cracking units. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.