The catalysts which are used in the process of fluid catalytic
cracking of hydrocarbons (FCC) are composed by Y zeolite supported
on a matrix, which is either active (alumina, silica-alumina)
or inactive (silica), plus a number of additives, binders and fillers. These catalysts showed to be efficient in deoxygenating bio oils. The catalyst particles in the commercial process
move between a fluidized bed transport reactor (riser) and a densefluidized regenerator where coke is burnt off; a fraction of the
circulating catalyst (named equilibrium catalyst, which is indeed
active) is removed in order to avoid an excessive loss of activity and
is replaced by fresh catalyst. This waste catalyst has a number of
possible uses, such as pozzolanic material in concretes or
flushing catalyst in refineries. Then, this catalyst could be used
to upgrade bio-oils into hydrocarbons.