High-Conversion Hydrocracking

HyK™

HyK™ is Axens high conversion Hydrocracking technology that converts middle distillates or heavy distillates into more valuable products. Apart from the conventional Straight Run VGO, other feeds that could be processed in a hydrocracker includes:

Heavy Coker Gasoil (HCGO) produced from Delayed coker or Flexicoking process,
Deasphalted oil (DAO) from SDA,
VGO cut produced from Resid hydrocracker (ebullated bed or slurry technology),
Straight run kerosene and diesel,
LCO coming from FCC,
LCGO from coker.

In order to adjust the product yields and meet the most profitable production targets it is necessary to choose the right process scheme for each project:

“Once-Through scheme” offers the possibility to produce middle distillates and valorize the VGO feeds as top-quality Group III lubes or petchem feedstock,
“Single Stage with Recycle scheme” boosts the conversion and selectivity towards valuable fuels with moderate increase of the investment cost,
“Two-Stage scheme” offers the best selectivity towards high-value middle distillates or naphtha for petchem while minimizing the unconverted bleed.

Expertise Axens’ commercial fixed-bed hydrocracking expertise spans over 60 years

Over 40 licensed units covering all types of configurations

Commercial Bulletin

Related Offer

Modular Unit

HyK™ with Renewable Lipids Co-Processing

Renewable low carbon transportation fuels are playing an important role in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Backed by a long history of strong R&D programs with lipidic feeds and hydroprocessing technologies, Axens offer a complete range of solutions with a possible phased investment approach on the path to decarbonization.

Assets flexibility

Feedstocks flexibility

Product flexibility

Commercial Bulletin

Catalysts

Hydrocracking Catalysts

Axens' Hydrocracking Catalysts upgrade a wide range of heavy feedstocks to produce the desired slate of products while meeting ultimate quality targets.

Gradings

Arsenic Management

Arsenic is by far the most severe poison for Catalysts. Arsenic maximum allowable content on hydroprocessing catalysts during operation, depending upon the service, is in the range of hundreds of wppm.

Gradings

Gums & Polymer formation control

Pressure drop induced by gum formation is frequently encountered in unit processing some cracked feedstock derived from various conversion processes. The olefins and mainly the diolefins contained in these streams tend to polymerize and get oxidized forming a crust which deposit in the upper layers of the reactor.

Gradings

Nickel & Vanadium Management

Nickel and vanadium are naturally present in Crude Oil and usually in fractions boiling over 500°C. Nickel and vanadium poisoning affect only VGO and resid hydrotreaters and hydrocrackers.

Gradings

Silica Management

Silicon is a well-known widespread poison for hydroprocessing catalysts. The main contributor to silicon is the Delayed Coker. In addition, there is a general tendency in the oil production industry to use more silicon-based flow improvers.

Gradings

Speciality Bed Topping

In Hydroprocessing reactors, pressure drop is mainly induced by particulates build-up and gum formations. Pressure drop not only affect the capacity of the unit but can also have detrimental impact on the distribution.

Furnaces

Furnace(s) is a key equipment considering the need for optimal operation of unit. Thanks to an extensive design experience with feedbacks from operators and a complete knowledge of this process, Heurtey Petrochem Solutions provides an unparalleled service such as these following features:

High fuel efficiency (94%+) depending on fuel S level
Fully Modularized
Lowest Emission (95%+ reduction with emission reduction technology)
Optimized Plot Plan

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Consulting, Studies & Audits

Axens offers a customized approach, including tailored studies, audits and consulting services, covering technical and operational challenges.

Unit Revamps & Retrofits

You face many challenges, which include operating in a safe, reliable and environmentally sound manner while responding to changing markets dynamics.

Modular Units

A modularization strategy offers superior benefits versus on-site manufacturing. During the last 40 years, Axens has supplied over 500 modular units, both onshore and offshore, providing tailor-made designs according to client project specifications.

Customer Training

Designed for all Axens technologies, dedicated to operators & engineers, Axens offers customized training solutions to all our licensees, covering the whole range of Axens technologies.

Technical Support & Performance Management

Axens is fully committed to be your partner and provide assistance and support during your project lifecycle, from conception to start-up & running operations.

Digital Services & Applications

Axens' digital platform combines real-time data and digital solutions to optimize operations, reduce environmental impact, and lower costs while maximizing profitability. By delivering actionable insights and detailed performance reports, it enhances asset operation and performance for smarter, more efficient outcomes.

Catalyst Protection Systems

Impurities, fines, gums, scales and inorganic matter can be carried over with the feed. While catalyst performance is steadily increasing due to constant innovation, they are often more sensitive to poisoning.

Reactor Internals

In today’s complex environment, refineries and petrochemical plants around the world need advanced solutions to reach operational excellence. In units featuring fixed-bed reactors, the use of high-efficiency reactor internals are essential to help achieve this goal.

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Upcoming Events

15 Mar - 17 Mar

Conference

New Orleans, LA - Central Standard Time

3 Days

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AFPM Annual Meeting 2026

The AFPM Annual Meeting will be held in New Orleans, LA on March 15 - 17, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. The AFPM Annual Meeting is the world's premier refining meeting, assembling key executives, decision-makers, and technical experts from refining businesses, technology providers, contracting and consulting firms, and equipment manufacturers around the world.