AM-02-35 PROVEN BEST PRACTICES FOR ULSD PRODUCTION

Description:

As refiners begin to contemplate options to meet Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel production (<15 wppm sulfur) by 2006, many are concerned that their existing equipment cannot be modified to deliver the required performance. Although utilizing existing assets would be the best financial option for ULSD production, many refiners are hearing that high-pressure solutions requiring sizable grassroots investment are the only option. Criterion Catalyst & Technologies' (CC&T) and Shell Global Solutions’ experience has proven that ULSD can be produced at moderate pressures via unit revamps or grassroots investment for a more cost effective solution. By truly understanding the ULSD chemistry, the latest generation catalysts can be applied (in the right combinations) with the most current process/hardware know-how and proper hydrocarbon management to achieve <15 wppm sulfur at today's typical diesel hydrotreater pressures. This knowledge plus proper planning in the near term can confirm current refinery capabilities to meet the future requirements. Not only does this approach maximize investment returns for ULSD, it allows the refiner to take advantage of improved unit capabilities now to realize immediate financial benefits. This paper will review some commercial cases to demonstrate what proven best practices can be applied to existing hydroprocessing assets to produce ULSD.