Overview
Light Cycle Oil (LCO) is a middle distillate by-product derived from the Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) process in refineries. It is characterized by high aromatic content and moderate sulfur levels, making it suitable for use in diesel blending, industrial heating, and as a feedstock in hydrocracking units for upgrading into higher-value products.

Technical Characteristics

• Grade: FCC Light Cycle Oil
• Appearance: Dark brown to black liquid
• Density @ 15°C: 0.90–0.95 g/cm³
• API Gravity: ~15°–25° API
• Viscosity @ 40°C: 3.0–6.0 cSt
• Sulfur Content: Typically 0.5–1.5% by weight (higher in some streams)
• Cetane Number: Low, ~20–35
• Aromatic Content: 40–70% by volume (high aromatic composition)
• Flash Point: 60–90°C
• Distillation Range (ASTM D86):
  • IBP: 180–200°C
  • FBP: 360–380°C
• Nitrogen Content: 200–800 ppm

Specifications & Standards

• Generally meets regional refinery product specifications for blending components
• Not a finished fuel — usually processed further in hydrotreating or hydrocracking units to meet diesel pool requirements

Applications

• Diesel Blending: Used as a blendstock to extend diesel pool volumes after hydrotreatment
• Marine & Industrial Fuels: Blended into bunker fuel or heating oil (subject to sulfur compliance)
• Refinery Feedstock: Hydrocracking and hydrotreating feed for upgrading into clean fuels
• Power Generation: Industrial boilers and furnaces in regions where fuel quality standards are less strict

Performance Considerations

• High Aromatics: Enhances density but lowers cetane number, requiring upgrading for automotive diesel use
• Sulfur Levels: Typically must be reduced through hydrotreating to meet ULSD (10 ppm) specifications
• Energy Density: High calorific value makes it useful in industrial heating applications

Handling & Storage

• Stored in carbon steel tanks under ambient conditions
• Requires heating in colder climates due to moderate pour point
• Should be protected from water contamination to prevent emulsion formation

Compliance & Testing

• Typically tested using ASTM and ISO methods for density (ASTM D4052), sulfur (ASTM D4294), cetane index (ASTM D976), and distillation profile (ASTM D86)
• Supplied with third-party Quality & Quantity (Q&Q) inspection (SGS, Intertek, CIQ) at loading terminal

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