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Moderator:
Bill Clark, Phillips 66


Speaker:
Sheila Bottjen, Valero Corporation

For many facilities, cyclic reformers play a pivotal role in refining operations, offering flexibility in upgrading naphtha into high-octane reformate and a continuous source of hydrogen. While cyclic reformers offer a distinct advantage over semi-regen reformers with regards to turnaround timing, this comes at a cost. This presentation tackles key operational challenges and reliability issues, such as iron contamination, ammonium chloride fouling, on-oil exotherms, reactor hot spots, regeneration section corrosion and the functionality of motor-operated valve (MOV) interlocks.

By providing a comprehensive approach to enhancing cyclic reformer reliability, this presentation reinforces the importance of proactive maintenance, process optimization, and robust safety measures. These strategies provide crucial insights to aid operators in maximizing unit performance while minimizing operational risks.

Moderator:
Alex Sabitov, Phillips 66

Speaker:
Greg Marshall, Becht

Moderator:
Russ Wiltse, Valero Energy Corporation

Speakers:
Rhett Finch, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Matt Hutchinson, Axens North America
Alex Kniuksta, Honeywell UOP
Alex Sabitov, Phillips 66
Russ Wiltse, Valero Energy Corporation

Moderator:
Sheila Bottjen, Valero Energy Corporation

Speaker:
Mike Teders, Becht

In this session we will discuss symptoms, causes, and consequences of an Acid Runaway in an Alkylation Unit and how to recognize and respond to an acid runaway. This track will also discuss lessons learned from acid runaway incidents across the industry.

Participants will: Gain an understanding of what’s an acid runaway, Develop acid runaway monitoring parameters, Develop acid runaway response guidance.

Moderator:
Wade Hollman, Phillips 66

Presenters:
Wade Hollman, Phillips 66
Liza Pacheco, Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) represents a significant breakthrough in the quest for greener aviation. This presentation delves into the operational challenges around SAF production and how the supply chain had to adapt accordingly. SAF producers will lead the discussion sharing their lessons learned and solutions to the challenges they encountered as they embarked on their SAF production journey. The presentation will also address the critical aspects of distribution and supply chain management. Efficiently managing the supply chain is essential for ensuring the widespread availability and adoption of SAF. We will discuss logistics, storage, and transportation challenges, along with strategies to optimize the distribution network and integrate SAF into existing fuel infrastructures.

Moderator:
Eric Legare, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.

Speakers:
Ramin Abhari, Chevron Renewable Energy Group
Daniel Carlson, Calumet Specialty Products

Fouling of Naphtha Hydrotreating Reactors can cause limitations to operation and planned cycle length. This session will present three technologies to effectively mitigate this fouling to hit the cycle:

• Catching Scale: Haldor Topsoe and Marathon Petroleum step up to the plate


• HeavyTrap: A Top Bed Double Play


• Axens' HyRing: A Grand Slam in Pressure Drop Mitigation

Moderator:
Rhett Finch, Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Speakers:
Nandita Akunuri, Axens North America
Amanda Cavazos, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Rhett Finch, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Leslie Johnson, Crystaphase

Today’s refiners are looking for newer technologies to product better quality alkylate. This session will review innovative processes, including:

• The K-SAAT® process, which produces higher quality alkylate using an engineered non-corrosive solid-acid catalyst. The K-SAAT® process eliminates the need for liquid acid catalyst, and is an ideal low cost solution for refiners looking to upgrade their existing Alkylation process. Participants will gain an understanding of how refiners can revamp an existing Alkylation unit to produce better quality alkylate through case studies that illustrate examples of such a conversion and the benefits achieved.


• The ISOALKY™ Technology, commercialized by Chevron and UOP, which offers benefits (product quality and yields) and economics compared to traditional alkylation technologies. The ISOALKY™ Catalyst is a non-volatile ionic liquid that does not require offsite regeneration. ISOALKY™ Technology can be used for green field plants or retrofit/expansion of existing alkylation units. The first commercial ISOALKY™ Unit has been successfully operating at the Chevron Salt Lake Refinery since January 2021, and the first unit turnaround was completed in October 2024. Participants will gain information on the ISOALKY™ Technology as well as the commercial operation, including turnaround learnings.

Moderator:
Liana Siegel, Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Speakers:
Bhavdip Kalaria, KBR
Jon Keuler, Honeywell UOP
Mark Rasmussen, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.

Units in the refinery are interconnected and operational changes to an upstream often create challenges for downstream units. We will review how normal and abnormal FCC operations impact Alky feeds. We will also discuss Alky feed specifications and the impact to acid consumption and alkylate quality.

Moderator:
Tyner Devine, Flint Hills Resources, LLC

Speakers:
Javier Rios, Honeywell UOP
Liana Siegel, Marathon Petroleum Corporation

The intersection of refining and petrochemical manufacturing has never been more significant as industries navigate the dual challenges of efficiency and sustainability. This session will explore the critical role of Perchloroethylene (PERC) in modern refining processes while also highlighting its applications in petrochemical production.

PERC is recognized as one of the safest catalyst activators during normal operations, as well as a regenerator for spent catalysts. Utilizing less efficient materials can necessitate larger quantities of hazardous substances being kept onsite, thus increasing exposure risks. Other chlorinating agents are either restricted by the EPA or are inherently more hazardous, making PERC a preferable option.

Attendees will gain insights into how PERC enhances refining technologies through processes such as isomerization and catalytic reforming, which help ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Industry experts will discuss the extensive benefits of utilizing PERC, emphasizing innovations that contribute to both safety and operational efficiency.

Moreover, we will review advancements in safety protocols that facilitate the effective handling of PERC, ensuring minimal exposure and adherence to rigorous regulatory standards. By fostering dialogue among leaders in refining and petrochemical manufacturing, this session aims to identify collective strategies for driving innovation and achieving sustainability goals within the industry.

Moderator:
Alex Kniuksta, Honeywell UOP

Speaker:
Scott Wozniak, Honeywell UOP