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  • Considering market shifts favouring petrochemicals (for example, chemical-grade propylene), what are the optimal unit configurations and combinations, such as FCC/hydrocracking, for increasing high-margin products while reducing low-value streams, such as high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) and low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO)?

    Mar-2023

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  • Arun Arora, Chevron Lummus Global, arun.arora@lummustech.com

    The optimum configuration depends on global, regional, and local economics. While finalising the optimal configuration, it is critical to consider optimum use of H2 (avoid product giveaways) and integration of similar pressure level units. The integration offers Capex and, more importantly, energy efficiency, which is critical going forward. The availability of online training simulators and other digital solutions (where licensor input can be integrated) is also key for large, integrated complexes to realise maximum value from the investment.

    A few selected optimum configurations are depicted below. The configuration for each refiner and objective is not limited to the following. The available technologies can be rearranged to meet the desired objectives. The key is to have experts in these technologies working together to offer optimum solutions and access to hundreds of proprietary technologies:  
     For maximising chemicals as objectives – either as a standalone or ‘bolt-on’ project for an existing refinery (see Figure 1)
    - For existing refineries with a large coker making ‘petcoke’, the resid upgrader can help to upgrade coke to higher value green or anode coke (see Figure 2)
    - Needle coke for graphite electrodes – adding a new coker to make needle coke can offer attractive returns, especially if the right feed such as FCC slurry oil and/or coal tar is available
    - LC-Fining with integrated HCR or HDT – a commercially proven configuration
    - LC-Max with integrated HDT or HCR for maximum conversion
    - RDS + FCC can be another configuration if the objective is to maximise very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), but this configuration is crude slate dependent.

    There are alternate new schemes for the objective available if plot space is limited and/or catalyst life is desired
    - Single Regenerator Dual Catalyst (SRDC).

     

    Mar-2023


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