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Refining Solutions for ULSD: The Chemicals-Grade Fuel of Today

Lee Granniss, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies L.P.

Format:
Electronic (digital download/no shipping)

Associate Member, International Member, Petrochemical Member, Refining Member - $0.00
Government, NonMember - $25.00

Description:

Refiners have been and will continue to be challenged to make wise investment decisions for a future that is uncertain both commercially and technically. The worldwide middle distillate fuel market is forecasted to be a product segment with significant growth potential due in part to environmental regulation [vehicle average consumption requirements] and/or tax incentives. There are already certain geographic locations where various mandates with specific requirements for the production of "on-road" Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel production have been enacted. These "rules" typically specify that required particular low levels of sulfur and/or some other critical fuel property parameters [for example, in some places T90 spec] be attained by an available for sale date at the retail level. Some "future thinking" refiners feel there is a fairly good prospect for similar requirements to be set for other middle distillate type products such as "off-road" diesel fuel, jet fuel, or even home heating oil. But, no one knows when these might be legislated into existence. Will the competitive nature of the refining business, changes in the automotive industry’s products, or tax incentives by government trigger required investments sooner? Many refiners are concerned that their existing equipment and delivery systems cannot be economically modified to deliver the required performance to produce such ultra clean, "chemicals-grade" type materials. Utilizing existing assets would be the best financial option since, per se, there has historically been no return-on-investment for a clean fuels project [unless there is a tax incentive and the project is timed to capture it!]. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the types of key issues faced by refiners in making critical decisions about various investment possibilities. We will review a few actual examples of how refiners were able to economically and expediently meet these challenges and Criterion’s role in effecting such solutions. True understanding of the chemistry of improving the qualities of middle distillate fuels using the latest generation of Criterion catalysts paired with the most current process/hardware know-how and proper hydrocarbon management techniques available from our technology marketing alliance team members like Shell Global Solutions and ABB Lummus Global allows refiners the capability to meet the product quality requirements of the future.

Product Details:

Product ID: AM-03-91
Publication Year: 2003