Delivering high performance products for refineries

The world oil refining industry is a continually changing business. This presents an ever-evolving challenge to the refiner and requires the ability to be flexible, adaptable and aware of the future directions and changes the industry will take. At Johnson Matthey Catalysts, we work closely with our customers in order to ensure that they succeed. Through our refineries business, we offer a range of specialized high performance catalysts and process technologies that enable our customers to meet the demands they face today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.

Product demand
Economic growth leads to an increased demand for transportation fuels, especially in the fastest growing economies of the world such as India, China and Russia. In adapting to these changes, the removal of undesired impurities such as sulphur, mercury and chlorides from hydrocarbon streams is becoming increasingly important to refiners. PURASPECJ_JM™ absorbents and process technologies have been designed specifically for these applications in both gas and liquid duties. The HYTREAT_JM™ range of hydroprocessing catalysts provides a proven range of products for a broad range of HDS and HDN duties.

Crude supply demographics
Whilst demand is growing, crude supply has become an even more important factor for the industry. As some of the more desirable crudes shorten in supply, the world crude slate has become heavier and sourer which requires larger volumes of hydrogen for use in hydroprocessing duties. KATALCO_JM™ catalysts for use in on-purpose hydrogen manufacture ensure an efficient and reliable hydrogen feedstock to the refinery.

Environment
Demand growth, shifting usage patterns and worsening crude slate have large knock-on effects on the environment. Indeed, health and environmental issues have prompted legislation in developed economies, which has forced the production of ever-cleaner fuels. Traditionally the prime focus of refiners has been the sulphur content of fuel products but increasing attention is being paid to the concentration of heavy metals in product streams from refineries. Mercury contamination is a particular concern and PURASPEC_JM technology provides a simple and effective means of removing mercury contamination from liquid hydrocarbon streams.

Manpower
Whilst maintaining the flexibility and adaptability to cope with these changes in demand, supply and environmental concerns most refiners are achieving this with a dwindling workforce. Many tasks have been automated, sub-contracted or outsourced leading to a general decline in the number of technical personnel within the refinery. Johnson Matthey is able to supplement the core skills within the refinery by supplying two unique services. First, TRACERCO™ services from Johnson Matthey offers the refiner specialized diagnostic and measurement techniques for detailed investigation of operating problems within the core refinery units. Second, KATALCO_JM performance offers a unique range of hydrogen related services that range from process optimization to asset improvement.

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