Ketjen experts Alan Kramer, FCC Modeling Senior Advisor, and Patrick McSorley, Senior FCC Technical Service Consultant, have co-authored a technical article in the 2026 Catalysis issue of PTQ Magazine, alongside Bridget Cadigan of Marathon Petroleum. The article, “FCC Modeling and Catalyst Evaluation,” presents a practical compendium of FCC kinetic modeling best practices developed through decades of experience by refinery and catalyst specialists.

The paper highlights how disciplined data validation, consistent calibration practices, and thoughtful model governance can significantly improve confidence in FCC kinetic model results. The authors outline practical methods for validating heat balances, managing catalyst variables, and avoiding common modeling pitfalls that can undermine prediction accuracy.

The article also demonstrates how FCC kinetic modeling can be used to isolate catalyst performance from changing operating conditions. A refinery case study shows how modeling helped evaluate the transition to Ketjen’s DENALI ACTION catalyst, confirming improvements in LPG olefin yield and delta coke performance despite simultaneous changes in feed and process variables.

Read the full article in the Catalysis 2026 issue of PTQ Magazine.