Catalyst selection important for residuum hydroprocessing

The authors examine the effective hydro-processing of residuum from heavy crude oils, through proper catalyst selection. Utilizing proper catalyst selection and application can make residuum hydroprocessing an attractive process route to lighter products, allowing flexibility to handle a wide range of feedstock properties. Chevron has analyzed the important catalyst properties and how they affect catalyst selection for, and catalyst application to, different residuum processing routes to transportation fuels. They have also examined the role of hydroprocessing in those routes. Data were obtained from commercial operation in Chevron's Richmond, Calif., and Pascagoula, Miss., refineries.