Light Cycle Oil (LCO) is a secondary liquid product derived from the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process in refineries. This process breaks down larger hydrocarbon molecules from heavy gas oils into smaller, more valuable products like gasoline and diesel. LCO typically sits between diesel and heavy gas oil in terms of boiling range and weight.
Primary Characteristics:
Appearance: Typically amber to dark brown liquid.
Odor: Characteristic petroleum smell.
Density: Intermediate, falling between lighter distillates and heavier oils.
Sulfur Content: Can vary based on the feedstock and refining process, but often higher than diesel and gasoline.
Applications:
Blending Component: Frequently blended into diesel fuel to enhance volume, though this requires treating to meet emissions standards.
Feedstock: Used in hydrocracking and other refining processes to produce more valuable products, such as gasoline or diesel.
Industrial Burning: Some industries utilize LCO as a combustion fuel, though this is less common due to its higher sulfur content and potential emissions.
Advantages:
Versatility: Can be further processed or blended to meet various fuel product needs.
Economic Value: Provides an additional stream of revenue from the FCC process, maximizing the yield of a refinery.
Feedstock Potential: Offers refineries another option for producing lighter, more desirable products.
