In December 2002, S-Oil streamed a second Axens designed Hyvahl residue hydrotreating unit at Onsan, South Korea. The plant processes vacuum residue mixtures at a throughput of 52,000 bpsd and targets moderate conversion, complete removal of metals and residue desulfurization. Due to changes in market price of ULSFO (ultra-low sulfur fuel oil), the unit is operated to produce either ULSFO for the market or low sulfur feedstock (0.3 wt) for the R2R^TM residue fluid catalytic cracker. The first Hyvahl unit, with a similar capacity, has been in operation at the same site since December 1995. It processes residue mixtures containing up to 100% vacuum residue with Axens’ HMC and HT series catalysts.

The S-Oil Bunker-C Cracking Center is one of the largest and most complex heavy oil cracking sites in the world. Apart from the two Hyvahl units, it includes other major Axens’ technologies, such as mild hydrocracker, high pressure hydrocracker, and R2R resid FCC unit. These facilities enable S-Oil to convert vacuum distillates and residues into high quality, low sulfur and high value-added refined liquid products.

S-Oil Corporation

S-Oil Corporation, formerly known as Ssangyong Oil Refining Company Ltd, operates the 525,000 bpsd Onsan refinery which includes the 200,000 bpsd Bunker-C cracking center. The site also hosts BTX and paraxylene production facilities and a lube oil plant. For more information visit web-site at www.s-oil.com