The present invention provides a method of producing a synthesis gas from a regeneration
of a spent cracking catalyst. The method includes introducing a spent cracking
catalyst into a first regeneration zone in a presence of a first atmosphere comprising
a first oxygen containing gas at a first regeneration temperature. For example,
a temperature that does not exceed about 1400 F., and more preferable, a
temperature that ranges from about 1150 F. to about 1400 F., may be
used as the first regeneration temperature. The method further includes introducing
the spent cracking catalyst from the first regeneration zone into a second regeneration
zone. The spent cracking catalyst is introduced into the second regeneration zone
in a presence of a second atmosphere comprising a second oxygen containing gas
and a carbon dioxide rich stream, and at a second regeneration temperature substantially
greater than the first regeneration temperature. For example, the second regeneration
zone may be operated at a temperature ranging from about 1500 F. to about
1800 F.
