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
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.
As global demand for renewable fuels accelerates, regulatory frameworks are becoming more complex — and increasingly focused on driving deeper greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and improved carbon intensity (CI) scores. This two-part panel will first explore the evolving landscape of biofuel policies and their emphasis on CI performance. The second part will shift to a practical perspective, highlighting how modern farming practices and closer collaboration between refiners and agricultural stakeholders can significantly reduce CI at the source. Together, these insights demonstrate a path toward scalable, low-carbon renewable fuel solutions built on policy alignment and supply chain innovation.
Moderator:
Doug Beshara, Merrick & Company
Speakers:
Chad Asmus, BASF
Kristine Klavers, EcoEngineers
Panel:
Amit Gupta, Heurtey Petrochem Solutions
Bill McLaughlin, ExxonMobil Product Solutions Company
Ethan Spielvogel, Marathon Petroleum Corp.
Randy Stier, Valero Energy Corporation
Vivek Sundaram, LyondellBassel Industries
We are producing petroleum products in the current environment in which emissions reduction is demanded amidst rising consumer demand. The panel discussion will focus on safe operation and optimization of process fired heaters, including limitations with existing technologies to reduce emissions, and challenges with emerging technologies, e.g., hydrogen firing and electrification.
Facilitators:
Cliff Avery, Ketjen Corpotation
CJ Farley, TPM Solutions
1. Commercial Results of 100% Vegetable Oil Processing in an FCCU
Speaker: Andrea de Rezende Pinho, Petróleo Brasileiro S/A - PETROBRAS
In 2023, Petrobras and the Riograndense Refinery (RPR) successfully processed 100% vegetable oil in a Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Unit. Petrobras' technology is based on three pillars: i) triglycerides, such as soybean oil used in the commercial test, ii) ReNewFCC line catalyst and iii) unique operating conditions compared to conventional FCCUs. Biogenic products such as renewable aromatic hydrocarbons (BTX - benzene, toluene and xylene), renewable LPG, and renewable propylene were produced during the commercial trial. Commercial yields, quality of the products, operational challenges and technical adaptations for the trial will be presented.
2. U.S. HEFA Co-processing – Past, Present, and Future Projects
Speaker: Eamon Cullinane, Turner, Mason & Company
HEFA co-processing at U.S. oil refineries has historically not seen the same success as standalone RD/SAF refinery conversions. So why has co-processing in the U.S. been limited in the past and why might we see more of it in the future? We will explore historical production levels of co-processing, economics vs standalone RD/SAF facilities, the regulatory landscape and credit incentives (RINs, BTC, CFPC/45Z, CA LCFS, etc.) driving these economics, and future prospects of co-processing in the U.S.
Panelists:
William Bandy, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Delbert Grotewold, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions
Nathan Jannasch, Chevron U.S.A, Inc.
Matthew Kawabe, Topsoe, Inc.
Kamyar Keyvanloo, Phillips 66
Many new facilities were commissioned recently to produce renewable diesel and SAF from renewable feedstocks to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels while taking advantage of state and federal credits. Operating experience in this technology has been gathered by operators and their suppliers. This session will capture some of that expertise and share it with the audience in a traditional Q&A format. An experienced panel of Renewables experts from Operating and Technology companies will answer member supplied questions on operations, technology, reliability and lessons learned. Those in attendance are sure to gain valuable knowledge on this important topic.
Speakers:
Rhett Finch, Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Matt Hutchinson, Axens North America
Heidi Fraser, Honeywell UOP
Thomas Porritt, Chevron USA Inc.
Alex Sabitov, Phillips 66
Russ Wiltse, Valero Energy Corporation
Panel of operating company SMEs and technology licensors will discuss several topics on safety and reliability of Reforming and Isom process units and will be ready to address additional questions from the audience.