​​Catalagram 120 - Fall 2017​

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DRIVING OCTANE IN AN ULTRA-LOW SULFUR GASOLINE MARKET

In this article we discuss octane fundamentals, the specifics of Tier 3 regulations and visit a number of refinery case studies and operating strategies for preserving octane, maximizing alkylation rates, and reducing sulfur to maintain regulatory compliance. Also, we illustrate the value in each operational or catalytic route available using an example of a 50kbpd refinery against recent U.S. economics. 

MOTIVA UNLOCKS VALUE WITH AN INNOVATIVE CATALYST SOLUTION FROM RIVE AND GRACE

Through a unique collaborative effort between Motiva, Grace, and Rive Technology, an innovative catalyst solution incorporating Rive’s mesoporous zeolite was designed a trialed at a Motiva U.S. Gulf Coast refinery. Rive’s zeolite technology imparts a precise series of mesopores into Y zeolite framework, the primary active component of all FCC catalysts, which enhances diffusion of molecules into and out of the catalyst. Maximizing diffusion of feed into and products out of an FCC catalyst is critical to unlocking the full value potential on an FCC unit in which the riser residence time is only a few seconds. Read the full case study here. ​

​UNDERSTANDING CATALYTIC SOLUTIONS F​OR INCREASING MIDDLE DISTILLATE YIELDS

To take maximum advantage of domestic crude and opportunity feed sources, refiners are exploring ways to maximize their middle distillate production. In the process they are discovering issues not previously considered. Improvements in catalyst solutions and a detailed understanding of hydrotreater kinetics have provided avenues for significant advances. In this article, Advanced Refining Technologies (ART) explains the extensive pilot plant work done to better understand these potential options. ​

IMPROVING FCC UNIT PROFITABILITY

Close collaboration was key to helping Hellenic Petroleum S. A.’s (HELPE) Aspropyrgos refinery enhance FCC unit profitability. Read how HELPE made a series of improvements to debottleneck certain downstream units which resulted in higher capacity for propylene and LPG processing. Grace worked closely with the HELPE FCC team ahead of the revamp to prepare a catalysts formulation that would fit the increased challenges. ​