March 23, 2007 - "Axens ties up with Idemitsu on Synthetic Crude Oil Technology"
Axens (Paris) announces that it is licensing a new catalytic process for the production of sweet, extra-light synthetic crude. HySCOPSM is the result of combining Axens’ Hyvahl™ hydroprocessing technology for residue feedstocks with the Naphtha Cut Crude hydroconversion catalyst technology developed by Idemitsu.
HySCOP is a direct hydroconversion process for synthetic crude oil production. Typically, it enables the conversion of low quality crude of less than 25 API to extra-light synthetic crude of higher than 40 API, while simultaneously reducing metals, sulfur and Conradson carbon contents to facilitate further processing. The HySCOP upgrader is a limited investment solution for improving export crudes so that they can be processed by conventional refineries in oil consuming countries.
The upgrader flash separates low boiling fractions from the feedstock. The heavier fraction, normally 160°C+, is then sent to a sequence of fixed bed hydroprocessing reactors employing a series of proprietary catalysts. The upgrader generally operates under conditions that ensure 30 to 40 % conversion of atmospheric residue, thereby significantly increasing the distillate content of the synthetic crude. The upgrader is equipped with the permutable reactor system (PRS) to ensure long operational cycles. PRS has been commercially proven to significantly increase hydroprocessing operations by eliminating pressure drop build-up in the hydroprocessing section by removing particulate matter and metals in the feed.
With the forecast of extended higher crude oil prices and significant light-heavy feedstock price differentials, the HySCOP upgrader provides a robust technological solution for filling the market demand for additional light, sweet crudes of exceptional quality.
*HySCOPSM is a service mark of Axens and Idemitsu Kosan Co.
Idemitsu Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., created in 1911, maintains business sites throughout Japan and overseas, and engages in diverse business activities centered on the import and export of oil, refining, the sale of oil products, the manufacturing and sale of petrochemicals, and energy resource development. The group owns and operates four refineries in Japan: Tokuyama, Aichi, Chiba and Hokkaido.
