10-03-2025
Petrobras technology and Riograndense refinery to produce fuels with cellulosic content in Brazil
Petrobras and Riograndense Refinery successfully completed an industrial scale co-processing test using 5% pyrolysis bio-oil combined with fossil feedstock. The refinery, located in Rio Grande, southern Brazil, has Petrobras, Ultra and Braskem as shareholder companies.
Petrobras provided the technology for the co-processing test conducted at RPR's catalytic cracking unit, which lasted seven days and was concluded on February 17th. A highly specialized technical team from Petrobras and Riograndense offered support throughout the commissioning, startup, operation, and shutdown stages of the bio-oil supply to the process. When co-processed at RPR's FCC unit, the bio-oil was converted into various fractions such as fuel gas, LPG, and components for gasoline formulation and marine fuel with renewable content.
Innovative process for the refining industry
For the test, the FCC unit was adapted to enable the simultaneous bio-oil and fossil feedstock co-processing. The reactor catalyst belongs to the ReNewFCC line, produced in partnership with Fábrica Carioca de Catalisadores (FCC S.A.), a joint venture between Petrobras and Ketjen.
The renewable fraction was supplied by Vallourec – Florestal unit. The bio-oil production is ISCC PLUS certified and involves the condensation of vapors generated during eucalyptus charcoal production, which helps in preventing GHG emissions.
Leading the way in biorefining
In late 2023, RPR became the first in the world to process 100% vegetable oil in an FCC unit, producing fuels and feedstocks for the chemical industry, such as propylene and bio-aromatics (BTX – benzene, toluene, and xylenes), also with Petrobras´ Research, Development, and Innovation Center (CENPES) technology.
"The recent test represents a significant breakthrough for global biorefining, as it could enable wood and other agroforestry residues transformation, which are widely available, into derivatives typically produced in oil refineries," says Petrobras' Director of Engineering, Technology, and Innovation, Renata Baruzzi.
Petrobras' Director of Industrial Processes and Products, William França, emphasizes that "the innovative aspect of this new CENPES development is the bio-oil introduction into an existing refining asset, reducing the need for additional investments and opening a broader perspective in the energy transition and value generation for the industry".
According to Petrobras' Director of Energy Transition and Sustainability, Mauricio Tolmasquim, "with COP30 approaching, this innovation reinforces Petrobras' and Brazil's leadership on the international scenario, consolidating the company's role in driving technological solutions for the energy transition in our country,".
The initiatives are part of Petrobras' BioRefining Program, which foresees US$ 1.5 billion investments within its 2025-29 Business Plan. The co-processing test at RPR complies with the RD&I clauses of the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP).
The cellulosic content test is part of the ongoing efforts to transform RPR into a biorefinery in the coming years. “In line with our commitment to leading a just energy transition in Brazil, the Riograndense Refinery has the potential to become the world's first refinery to produce continuously 100% renewable products. It will become a biorefinery dedicated to producing fuels exclusively from renewable materials," concludes Petrobras’ CEO, Magda Chambriard.
News Category:
-
Maximizing Performance in Oil & Gas with Real-Time Analytics
(Webinar) - In an industry shaped by fluctuating market conditions and tight operational margins, oil & gas producers are increasingly relying on data-driven strategies ...
11-06-2025
-
Unlocking the potential of waste for advanced conversion pathways
(Webinar) - This session offers a detailed exploration of HTW® gasification technology, a proven solution for converting diverse feedstocks into clean syngas, which ...
28-05-2025
-
Zeopore fulfilling first customer orders
Zeopore, a leading innovator in zeolite enhancement technologies for high catalytic performance, proudly announces that its recently commissioned semi-industrial production ...
08-05-2025
-
Messe Frankfurt and DECHEMA team up for new ACHEMA Middle East
DECHEMA, which organises the ACHEMA, the leading trade show for the global process industry, launches ACHEMA Middle East in Saudi Arabia together with Messe Frankfurt. ...
06-05-2025
-
ABS and Akselos complete technical assessment for structural digital twin technology
ABS, a global leader in providing classification services for marine and offshore assets, with Akselos S.A., a global leader in structural performance management software; ...
06-05-2025
-
Sunoco LP and Parkland Corporation announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Sunoco will acquire all outstanding shares of Parkland in ...
05-05-2025
-
Mission-critical flow control solutions from Valmet provides next level reliability
Industry-giant Valmet boasts an impressive array of topbrand automated on-off valves, control valves and controllers that are renowned for delivering longterm reliability ...
03-05-2025
-
MAIRE announces major contract wins
MAIRE announces that its subsidiaries TECNIMONT and KT-Kinetics Technology, also thanks to the technological and engineering services provided by NEXTCHEM, have been ...
29-04-2025
-
Borouge to boost production capacity
Borouge Plc, a leading petrochemicals company that provides innovative and differentiated polyolefins solutions, has today announced a series of strategic asset expansion ...
28-04-2025
-
Wanhua Chemical signs JV agreement with Petrochemical Industries Company
On April 25, Wanhua Chemical formally signed a joint venture agreement with Petrochemical Industries Company. Under the terms of the agreement, PIC invested USD ...
27-04-2025