CHANGES FACING THE REFINING INDUSTRY IN THE 90S

New reformulated gasoline requirements already legislated in the U.S.A. and many of the changes currently being considered in Europe for gasoline and diesel fuel represent particularly challenging problems for refiners. New improved process technologies are being developed by UOP to meet refiners needs. Removal of sulphur from FCC gasoline, LCO and residual crude oil fractions will be required. Hydrocracking can enhance the refinery's overall yield of high-quality diesel fuel by converting, not just desulphurising, vacuum gas oil: four new Unicracking catalysts are currently being commercialised. FCC technology has been developed to economically process heavier feedstocks such as hydrotreated residues. Low pressure Platforming with the new R-130 series catalysts can provide higher reformate yields and qualities (RON, MON, RVP and benzene) plus additional hydrogen for desulphurising diesel. Technology developments in Isomerization, Alkylation and Etherification will also have a major role to play in meeting the new gasoline specifications, such as lower sulphur, benzene, aromatics, olefins and RVP. UOP has recently announced a new process for producing the ether DIPE to supplement the MTBE already available within a refinery. A new solid catalyst is also being developed for alkylation of C4 olefins to replace HF and H2SO4.