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OG-004

Innovative Catalytic Cracking and Reforming Techniques in Oil Refineries

Intensive 5-day course · English, Arabic & European languages

Designed for refinery engineers and operators, this programme examines how to transform low-value feedstocks into transportation fuels. During the five-day course, delegates learn to run, tune and troubleshoot fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) and catalytic reforming units to maximise overall yield.

Classroom

Public courses in our cities

  • 19–23 Oct 2026Riyadh£4,200 + VAT
  • 2–6 Nov 2026Doha£4,200 + VAT
  • 16–20 Nov 2026London£3,360 + VAT
  • 7–11 Dec 2026Munich£3,400 + VAT
  • 21–25 Dec 2026Abu Dhabi£4,200 + VAT
  • 11–15 Jan 2027Rome£3,400 + VAT
Show 23 more dates
  • 25–29 Jan 2027Madrid£3,400 + VAT
  • 8–12 Feb 2027Kuala Lumpur£1,800 + VAT
  • 22–26 Feb 2027Berlin£3,400 + VAT
  • 1–5 Mar 2027Barcelona£3,080 + VAT
  • 15–19 Mar 2027Milan£3,400 + VAT
  • 5–9 Apr 2027Malaga£3,080 + VAT
  • 19–23 Apr 2027London£3,360 + VAT
  • 3–7 May 2027Munich£3,400 + VAT
  • 17–21 May 2027Sarajevo£3,400 + VAT
  • 14–18 Jun 2027Rome£3,400 + VAT
  • 28 Jun – 2 Jul 2027Dubai£4,200 + VAT
  • 12–16 Jul 2027Kuala Lumpur£1,800 + VAT
  • 26–30 Jul 2027Riyadh£4,200 + VAT
  • 2–6 Aug 2027Barcelona£3,080 + VAT
  • 16–20 Aug 2027Doha£4,200 + VAT
  • 6–10 Sep 2027Geneva£4,200 + VAT
  • 20–24 Sep 2027London£3,360 + VAT
  • 4–8 Oct 2027Munich£3,400 + VAT
  • 18–22 Oct 2027Abu Dhabi£4,200 + VAT
  • 8–12 Nov 2027Rome£3,400 + VAT
  • 22–26 Nov 2027Cairo£2,280 + VAT
  • 13–17 Dec 2027Kuala Lumpur£1,800 + VAT
  • 27–31 Dec 2027Jeddah£4,200 + VAT

Group discount: 2 delegates 20% · 3 delegates 35% · 5 or more delegates 50%

Can't make these dates? We can run this course for your team on dates that suit you. Ask for custom dates · In-house options

Online (live)

With a trainer, on dates to suit your team

This course can be taught live online by a trainer, in English, Arabic or any European language, for one person or a whole team.

£1,850 + VAT

Group discount: 2 delegates 20% · 3 delegates 35% · 5 or more delegates 50%

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Course overview

Refineries use specific conversion units to manufacture high-value fuels and petrochemical intermediates. This is essential work. As emission standards tighten and the demand for higher-octane gasoline grows, process engineers need to operate these units efficiently while managing their energy use across the site.

The sessions explain the configuration and function of fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) systems. Delegates look at choosing the right catalyst, fluidisation behaviour and the mechanics of controlling temperatures in the reactor and regenerator. The programme also details catalytic reforming, comparing semi-regenerative, continuous and cyclic reactor designs.

Using case studies, delegates examine how to control process fluctuations and solve operating problems. The final modules cover practical strategies for energy integration, managing the catalyst life cycle and handling environmental compliance.

Course objectives

By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:

  1. Explain the principles of cracking and reforming
  2. Operate and troubleshoot fluid catalytic cracking units
  3. Manage catalyst selection, regeneration and deactivation
  4. Determine process conditions that improve yield and energy efficiency
  5. Execute environmental and safety controls in catalytic processes

Who should attend

This course suits:

  • Process engineers and refinery technicians
  • Chemical engineers in refinery operations
  • Catalytic unit operators and supervisors
  • Refinery project and maintenance engineers
  • Energy and optimisation engineers
  • Professionals handling process development or performance analysis

Training methodology

  • The trainer presents the core engineering principles using interactive lectures.
  • Delegates engage in group discussions to examine real-world operational challenges.

Daily agenda

  1. Day 1

    Cracking and reforming basics

    • Overview of refinery conversion mechanisms
    • The function of FCC units
    • Feedstock properties and characterisation
    • Understanding reaction mechanisms
    • Managing product distribution
  2. Day 2

    Fluid catalytic cracking systems

    • FCC unit setups and operation
    • Choosing the right catalyst
    • Observing fluidisation behaviour
    • Reactor-regenerator temperature control design
    • Coke management and yield optimisation
  3. Day 3

    Catalytic reforming systems

    • Semi-regenerative, continuous and cyclic reactors
    • Types of catalysts and their performance
    • Isomerisation, cyclisation and dehydrogenation chemistry
    • Hydrogen recovery and production systems
  4. Day 4

    Process control and unit troubleshooting

    • Control strategies and process instrumentation
    • Handling fluctuations in feed, temperature and pressure
    • Root cause analysis for common problems
    • Flare gas handling and safety systems
  5. Day 5

    Environmental management and efficiency

    • Efficiency improvements and energy integration
    • Environmental compliance and emission controls
    • Managing the catalyst life cycle
    • Operational improvement case studies in conversion units

Certificate

Every delegate who completes the course receives an ARUK Training Certificate of Attendance.

Frequently asked questions

How do I register?

Choose a date and city in the schedule and press Register, or send us an enquiry. Our team confirms your place and sends an invoice.

Are fees shown with VAT?

Fees are shown per delegate and exclude VAT, which is added to the invoice where applicable.

Can this course be delivered for our team only?

Yes. Any ARUK course can be delivered in-house at your premises, in a meeting room we book for you, or 1-to-1.

Is this course available online?

Yes. We run it live online with a trainer, on dates that suit your team, for £1,850 + VAT per delegate.

Is there a group discount?

Yes. 20% for 2 delegates, 35% for 3 delegates and 50% for 5 or more delegates on the same course.

Can the course be delivered in Arabic or another language?

Yes. Our courses can be delivered in English, Arabic or any European language, by a trainer who teaches in that language. Mention your preferred language when you register or enquire.

What certificate will I receive?

An ARUK Training Certificate of Attendance.

Related courses

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Key booking terms (read before you register)
  • The full fee is paid in advance, before the course starts.
  • Cancel in writing 30 or more days before the start date (45 for in-house) for a refund. Later than that, the full fee is payable.
  • No refund for non-attendance or partial attendance.
  • Places are for the named delegate only; another person cannot attend instead.
  • Moving to another date or city is only possible if ARUK agrees in writing.
  • Travel, accommodation and visas are your responsibility. A refused visa does not change the cancellation terms.

booking terms and conditions

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