The chemical composition of fresh FCC catalyst and equilibrium FCC catalyst is a predictor of catalyst performance. The analysis of catalyst fines also provides information on the performance of the FCC unit and the fines collection device(s).

The chemical composition of equilibrium FCC catalyst is a measure of the hazardous nature or toxicity of the material for purposes of disposal or secondary use.

1.1 This guide covers several comparable procedures for the quantitative chemical analysis of up to 29 elements in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). Additional elements may be added.

1.2 This guide is applicable to fresh FCC catalyst, equilibrium FCC catalyst, spent FCC catalyst, and FCC catalyst fines.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3.1 The units of ppm (mg/kg) are used instead of wt% in Tables X2.3-X2.5 for reporting concentration of certain elements because of industry convention and because most of these elements are present at trace levels.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.

8.1 A test method example is provided for the analysis of nickel and vanadium in equilibrium FCC catalyst using either a wavelength or an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer and test specimens prepared by the pressed pellet technique.

8.2 This technique can be extended to other elements.

16.1 A test method example is provided for the analysis of nickel and vanadium in equilibrium FCC catalyst using either a wavelength or an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer and using test specimens prepared by the fused bead technique.