ISELIN, NJ, July 14, 2010 – BASF, the global leader in catalysis, has introduced the Multi-Stage Reaction Catalyst (MSRC) platform, its latest breakthrough manufacturing innovation for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts.  The MSRC manufacturing platform allows for FCC catalyst particles with staged reaction zones, having different catalytic properties for each stage. 

“The commercial concept of staged reactions is not new to the refining industry, having been used in hydrotreating reactors for some time,” said Deon Carter, BASF’s Vice President, Refining Catalysts. “But its application to a fluidized bed catalytic system is a true demonstration of the dedication of BASF to deliver innovation and technology.” 

The MSRC manufacturing platform can be used in combination with BASF’s existing FCC catalyst technologies, including its Distributed Matrix Structure (DMS) and Proximal Stable Matrix and Zeolite (Prox-SMZ) platforms.  However, the novel MSRC manufacturing process allows for the combination of two or more FCC catalyst functionalities within a single catalyst particle. In addition, the location of the various reaction stages can be specifically engineered to achieve maximum value for the customer.  The staging approach can be applied to the processing of heavier feedstocks or the maximization of specific product yields in the FCC unit.

Commercial manufacturing trials of the first MSRC-based FCC catalyst were successfully completed in the first quarter of 2010 at BASF’s manufacturing facilities.  A commercial performance trial will begin in the third quarter of 2010.

One of the key enablers in the development of the MSRC platform is the binding properties provided by BASF’s unique in-situ manufacturing process.  During manufacturing, zeolite is grown across the catalyst stages and interface, acting as a binder, thereby ensuring the catalyst particles meet the required attrition-resistance properties. 

“BASF is very excited about this breakthrough manufacturing technology and the doors it will open to a wave of new, innovative multi-stage reaction FCC catalysts,” said Fabian Florez, BASF’s Global Marketing Manager, Refining Catalysts.

About BASF’s Catalysts division

BASF’s Catalysts division is the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products. By leveraging our industry-leading R&D platforms, passion for innovation and deep knowledge of precious and base metals, BASF’s Catalysts division develops unique, proprietary catalyst and adsorbent solutions that drive customer success. 

About BASF

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €50 billion in 2009 and had approximately 105,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.