Thermal Process

Select an application

Process Technologies

Visbreaking

Axens Visbreaking Technology is a commercially proven process with over 25 commercial references. It consists of mild thermal cracking applied to residues (Visbreaking mode (VB)) or heavy VGO or DAO (Thermal Cracking mode (TC)).

The objective is to reduce the feed viscosity for stable fuel oil usage, and produce the maximum quantity of cracked distillates. Axens soaker visbreaking technology displays several advantages over ‘standard’ visbreakers; the principal being that it delivers higher-value products. They are all oriented towards higher economics.

The technology may be applied to:

Atmospheric or Vacuum Residues (VB mode)
Vacuum Residues (VB mode)
Vacuum Gas-oils (TC mode with or without recycle)

Over 25 commercial references

Furnaces & Heat Recovery

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

Find out more

Consulting, Supply & Support

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.

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.

Currently, refineries face a challenge of meeting changes in product demand, with an increasing demand for light distillates (naphtha, gasoil), and a decreasing demand for heavy fuel oil, exacerbated by IMO 2020 regulation. As already observed, in some key regions, restrictions on petcoke sales has impacted some refineries and this will be more stringent in future.

Furthermore, refineries have to meet ever more severe emission limits for SOx, NOx and particulates.

Process Technologies

FLEXICOKING™

Axens and ExxonMobil signed an Alliance Agreement to provide FLEXICOKING™ Technology and integrated resid conversion solution on December 2019. This Alliance combines ExxonMobil successful owner-operator experience with Axens’ complete portfolio of technologies to provide smart, commercially demonstrated expertise to help meet refineries’ needs.

FLEXICOKING™ is a unique technology, upgrading low value residues into high value liquid products, while generating high quality utilities through clean flexigas production that can be used as refinery fuel or for power generation.

FLEXICOKING™ is a continuous fluidized bed process that thermally converts heavy feeds to lighter products and high-quality utilities through clean flexigas production. Process heat for the thermal conversion and gasification step is provided by partial oxidation of coke. The process consists of three main vessels: coking reactor, reaction heater and coke gasifier.

Depending on feed characteristics, refinery scheme, and product yields targeted by refineries, FLEXICOKING™ unit can be installed stand-alone, or in a tailor-made combination with other residue upgrading technologies like H-Oil® offered by Axens, market leader in the field of residue conversion and hydrotreating technologies.

Well established technology with 13 units licensed worldwide, last award in 2020

Cost-effective investment & Environmental benefits

Zero Fuel & Clean fuel production

Commercial Bulletin

Furnaces & Heat Recovery

Furnaces

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

Find out more

Consulting, Supply & Support

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.

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.

FLEXICOKING™

FLEXICOKING™ technology, is the best alternative as compared to conventionnal delayed coking: Minimal Coke, Low particules, Low Hydrocarbon emissions, Low SOx and NOx.

Commercial Bulletin

Furnaces & Heat Recovery

Furnaces

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

Find out more

Consulting, Supply & Support

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.

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.

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Upcoming Events

15 Mar - 17 Mar

Conference

New Orleans, LA - Central Standard Time

3 Days

Learn more

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.