AM-06-64 Upgrading Residuum to Finished Products in Integrated Hydroprocessing Platforms: Solutions and Challenges

Description:

Several European, Canadian, Asian and Middle Eastern refiners are planning residual oil upgrading projects. The incentive for refiners to process heavier, high-sulfur crudes is greater than ever before due to the large differentials between sweet and sour crudes. Processing less expensive, heavier crudes that contain more sulfur makes it even more urgent to invest in bottom-of-the-barrel upgrading to meet the new specifications and to maximize refinery margins. This paper presents the most relevant residue hydroprocessing technologies and scenarios where an integrated platform provides the biggest economic incentives.