Technical Progress and Profits

Throughout the 20th century, the technology employed by the petroleum refining industry has advanced rapidly, yet it has generally escaped study. This book concentrates on the technical changes that have been secured in the second half of the century, using fluid catalytic cracking as its basis.

Throughout the 20th century the technology employed by the petroleum refining industry has been advancing rapidly, yet it has generally escaped study. Whatever the explanation for its scholarly neglect, the advances that have been secured over the century

PART I: HISTORY; 1. The Fluid Catalytic Cracking Innovation, 1938-1942; 2. Process Design and Construction, 1942-mid 1950s; 3. Era of Extensive R&D, mid 1950s-mid 1960s; 4. The Introduction of Zeolites, 1961-1966; 5. The Cracking of Heavy Oil, 1967-1987; 6. Conforming to Environmental Regulations, 1988-2000; PART II: ANALYSIS; 7. Measurement of Improvements; 8. Changes in Technology and Rates of Technical Advance; 9. Product Yields, Revenues and Costs; PART III: CONCLUSIONS; 10. The Sources of Improvements; 11. Improvements and Progress; 12. Improvements and Profits; Appendix