27^th JPI Petroleum Refining Conference

    "Recent Progress and Future Prospect in Petroleum & Petrochemical Process Technologies"

DATE: October 27 and 28, 2014
PLACE: National Olympic Memorial Youth Center (International Exchange Building - International Conference Room)

1st day/October 27 (Mon.)

Opening Address（9:30-9:40）

Mr. Akira Wakamoto（Chairman, Refining Division）

1. Increasing the competitiveness of Western Canadian Oil Sands Products in North American and International Markets: Opportunities and Challenges.（9:40-10:30）

Dr. Duke du Plessis, Alberta Innovates

Alberta’s oil sands operations are producing growing supplies of bitumen-derived refinery feed stocks. Currently the most accessible market for these products is U.S. PADD II refineries. The paper discusses opportunities and challenges associated with increasing the competitiveness of the oil sands crudes in both U.S. and world markets. Challenges that impact the marketability of bitumen-derived crudes include production costs, transportation, refinery valuations, rapid changes in the supply of various competitive crude oils, and their overall competitive position in U.S. and international markets. Alberta Innovates-Energy and Environment Solutions (AI-EES), in partnership with other Canadian regional government departments and industry, is conducting a phased investigation of the competitiveness of oil sands products in international markets. Phase 1, completed in 2013, examined how various quality issues impact competitiveness in U.S. PADD II refineries. The study highlighted the importance of reducing vacuum residue and TAN through lower cost partial upgrading to improve the market value of bitumen-derived crudes while also reducing diluent requirements. It also identified the potential of different quality improvement technologies (e.g. thermal conversion, hydro conversion, solvent deasphalting) to achieve key product quality upgrades and diluent reduction. Phase 2 started in 2014 and first examines crude quality valuations by various world refinery regions, and then identifies the technologies needed to produce these customized bitumen-derived crudes in Alberta. The paper discusses Phase 1 methodology and results and the status of the Phase 2 study.

2. Outlook for Petrochemical Industry and its Recent Process Technology（10:30-11:20）

Mr. Christian Dupraz, Axens

An outlook for the Petrochemical Industry will be given, worldwide and with a focus on Asia. Predictions for the petrochemicals production evolution for the coming years will be presented. Recent Process Technologies useful to meet the demand will be introduced. A special attention will be given to aromatics production with Axens’ ParamaX suit and to olefins production with HS-FCC. Technologies allowing for olefins rearrangement will also be presented such as Axens’ AlphaHexol for hexene-1 production. Production of green ethylen from ethanol with Axens’ ATOL process will also be introduced.

3. A Flexible FCC Design to Meet Dynamic Market Trends（11:20-12:10）

Mr. Gautham Krishnaiah, KBR Technology, Inc.

The global demand for propylene and propylene based derivatives is driven byeconomic growth in Asia. Coupled with the switch from liquid naphtha to NGL based cracking and rationalization of steam crackers, the growing demand for propylene willbe met by FCC units and on-purpose propylene production units (such as high-severity FCC units and propane de-hydrogenation units). In parallel, the globaldemand for gasoline is declining while the demand for diesel is growing. While the growing demand for propylene offers an opportunity for FCC-centric refiners, the declining gasoline-to-distillate ratio poses a long-term challenge. KBR is proposing a new design for grass-roots FCC units that can be adapted to existing FCC units (through revamps) for maximizing light cycle oil (LCO) production while simultaneously maximizing propylene. An improved Cetane value accompanies the increase in LCO yield making it more economical to process the LCO in existing or smaller grass-roots hydrotreaters. KBR’s new FCC design offers refiners the flexibility to dynamically match market product demands with unit product yields.

Lunch Time（12:10-13:10）

4. FCC -A New Perspective to Japan’s Energy Policy（13:10-14:00）

Mr. Masaru Marui, UOP

"Japan is assessing its national energy policy as it pertains to power generation and though not official, in general, there is broad consensus for a reduction in nuclear power dependency. Several events in Japan’s modern history have shaped its policy to focus on energy source diversification and fossil fuel efficiency improvements. The energy policy over the last 50 years has relied on nuclear power- a clean and cost efficient option relative to purchased fossil fuels. Furthermore, to address climate change the Japanese government has set aggressive greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, which has elevated the value of nuclear power. However, following the Fukushima incident, the idling of nuclear reactors has increased Japan’s import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel oil. Complicating the national energy balance is the METI rules, which are requiring refiners to represent a greater percentage of residue processing capacity and this has resulted in crude oil throughput reductions, purchases of heavier crudes, and shifting of residue streams from the fuel oil pool to RFCC feedstock. Refining technology exists to facilitate the processing of residues in RFCC and this has been demonstrated in Japan and throughout the world. The operation of the RFCC with heavier crude diets results in increases in high value heat in the RFCC flue gas that has upgrade potential through flue gas power recovery. The economic analysis for the addition of a power recovery system in an existing R/FCC complex greatly improves its operating margin and simultaneously reduces dependence on costly, imported fossil fuels and the nuclear industry for power generation. The power recovery system can be designed not only to generate electrical power but also as a primary utility hub for generating electricity from flue gas and other high value heat sources as well as providing a means for balancing high/medium pressure steam demands in the refinery. "

5. Conversion Technology from Methanol to Propylene: DTP Process（14:00-14:50）

Dr. Nobuyasu Chikamatsu, JGC Corporation

Propylene has become a major source material in the petrochemical industries, and further growth in the global demand can be expected. Then attention is focused on the processes intended for “on-purpose” propylene production, and their commercialization is eagerly awaited. JGC Corporation and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation have jointly developed the DTP process in which high yields of propylene are produced from methanol. Methanol is synthesized from low cost feedstock in comparison with oil such as natural gas and coal. In addition, low value olefins such as various C4-C6 olefins from liquid crackers or lower olefins from FCC can be incorporated in the feedstock of the DTP Process. The DTP process using the modified catalyst adopts relatively higher reaction temperatures compared with the competing technologies to maximize propylene selectivity. We are continuing to improve the hydrothermal stability of the catalyst for extending the catalyst life and have developed the advanced catalyst. By applying higher reaction temperatures, C4-C6 olefins from liquid crackers or FCC can be used as feedstock when combined with methanol.

6. Methanol to Olefins -A new and profitable route for the production of light olefin（14:50-15:40）

Mr. Gregory A. Funk, UOP

"Forecasts predict that the world will need to add approximately 100 million metric tons per year of additional light olefin production capacity over the next ten years to meet the world’s demand for plastics and other products. UOP’s Advanced MTO technology produces polymer grade propylene and ethylene from methanol, which can be derived from low cost carbon sources such as methane and coal. This presentation will include a discussion of the following topics: * The economic and market forces driving the adoption of this technology * An overview of the Advanced MTO technology including the chemistry, process flow scheme and key operating principles * Comparison of Advanced MTO to alternative on-purpose light olefin technologies * An update on the commercial situation including operations of the first commercial unit at Wison Clean Energy Ltd. which started up in 2013"

Break Time（15:40-15:50）

7. Recent Progress of ParamaX Technology for BTX Production（15:50-16:40）

Mr. Christian Dupraz, Axens

Axens’ParamaX is today a bench-mark for the production of aromatics from naphtha, mainly benzene and para-xylene. With a booming demand and the need for more and more competitive solutions, ParamaX is under a continuous improvement process. The Eluxyl process for pX separation from other C8 aromatics is now proposed in a very attractive simplified design. C8 aromatics isomerization process and transalkylation process are now proposed with new generations of catalysts leading to unrivaled performances. An overall energy efficiency optimization has been made to minimize the utilities consumption and so the operating costs. These various points will be developed during the presentation.

8. Pressure Relief System - Your last line of defense（16:40-17:30）

Mr. Lee, Cherng En, Siemens Pte. Ltd.

Incidents related to inadequate pressure relief system design come at an enormous cost - not only to your business but also potentially to workers and nearby communities. A properly designed and regularly updated pressure relief system helps to mitigate risk, ensure process safety and improve reliability. Siemens provides the industry’s most comprehensive and efficient methodology - supported by an institutionalized consulting practice - to design, analyze, document, manage and, most importantly, update the pressure relief and vapor/liquid disposal systems. Siemens has developed Process Safety Pressure Protection Manager (PS PPM), a world leading tool that is the corporate standard in many hydrocarbon companies. PS PPM offers the most thorough and systematic approach for the design, analysis and documentation of new or existing pressure relief systems. Furthermore, PS PPM is equipped with the latest relief rate analysis methodology to provide an easy way to determine the relief system requirements for any facility.

Party（17:30-19:30）

International Exchange Building - Reception Hall

2nd day/October 28 (Tue.)

9. Recent Advance in RDS/LC Fining（10:10-11:00）

Mr. Michael Smith, Chevron Lummus Global

The increasing cost of crude feedstock and shifts in product demand and quality have required that units processing the residuum portion of the crude be more capable and more flexible. Flexibility is needed to meet light product demand ranging from primarily gasoline to primarily diesel. The combination of fixed bed RDS with advanced RFCC best satisfies those markets wanting gasoline and lighter products while ebullated bed processes provide greater severity to maximize efficient conversion to middle distillate products. This presentation will focus on new catalyst developments from the ART joint venture of Chevron with Grace and process improvements from the CLG joint venture of Chevron with Lummus Technologies, part of CB&I. The ongoing work of ART has yielded two new fixed bed catalysts focusing on the demetallation front of the catalyst system and the conversion bottom of the catalyst system to continue to improve feed flexibility and feed quality upgrade to the RFCC for gasoline production. Recent developments in the CLG LCFining process allow additional conversion of bottoms to distillate products while maintaining product stability. These topics highlight ART/CLG’s commitment to maintaining the leading position they have held since the technologies were first introduced.

10. Technology of Hydrocracking for De-Asphalted Oil（11:00-11:50）

TBA, UOP

"With the increase in heavy oil processing in recent years, there has been an increased need to convert deasphalted oil and other products from heavy oil units into high quality fuels. UOP continues to provide industry-leading hydroprocessing technology solutions to convert these feedstocks to premium quality fuels at minimum cost. This presentation will focus on the following topics: * Overview of the technology; design implications and limitations * Economic benefits of hydrocracking DAO * Potential candidates for revamping into DAO hydrocracking * Commercial examples "

Lunch Time（11:50-13:00）

11. Recent Progress for Heavy Oil Upgrading Processes（13:00-13:50）

Mr. Christian Dupraz, Axens

Axens is in a privilaged position to offer to its licensees various type of Heavy Oil Upgrading processes. According to the objectives to be met, an optimum solution can be selected. A direct resid hydrocracking with ebullated bed process H-OilRC, which can be combined with a solvent deasphalting Solvahl to achieve ultimate conversion level, can be considered. H-OilRC can also be considered together with a coking unit with several advantages. A fixed-bed resid hydrotreatment with HYVAHL process, followed with a high severity RFCC such as HS-FCC is another very attractive option. Combined with VGO hydrocracking or VGO FCC, these processes can give an huge flexibility to the end-user and excellent economics.

12. VCC Process: Slurry Hydrocracking: The Future is Now（13:50-14:40）

Mr. Steve Mayo, KBR

Slurry hydrocracking is receiving a lot of attention as an alternative to coking for residue upgrading. Current market conditions and those predicted for the foreseeable future support the economics of hydrogen addition and high residue conversion offered by slurry hydrocracking. While not a new technology by any means, commercial applications of slurry hydrocracking have been in hibernation until recently. The technology is reemerging, driven by strong investment economics. VCCTM is the preeminent slurry hydrocracking technology, with decades of commercial operation and thousands of patents by Veba Oel. BP acquired VCCTM with their acquisition of Veba in 2001 and in 2010 an alliance was created with KBR to license the technology. In just three short years, 5 VCCTM license agreements have been signed, 3 units are under construction and 2 units will be started in 2014. This paper will review the market drivers which make slurry hydrocracking the preferred investment choice for residue conversion. Technical and operational reasons making VCCTM the premier choice amongst slurry hydrocracking technologies will be reviewed. Finally, an update on the status of VCCTM units under construction, commissioning and start-up will be provided.

Break Time（14:40-14:50） The following lectures are given in Japanese.

13. Outlook of Methane Hydrate's Production（14:50-15:40）

Mr. Hideo Narita, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

14. Outlook of Shale Oil's Production and It's Inpact on Petroleum Industry in Japan（15:40-16:30）

Mr. Yoshikazu Kobayashi, The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan

Closing Address（16:30-16:35）

Mr. Hiroshi Shiraishi (Chairman, Process Section）

Register online: please go to application-site.
Registration fees: JPI members 11,000 yen, Non-JPI members 23,000 yen
Banquet fees: 7,000 yen
Due date: Oct. 20 (Registrations and payment after Oct. 20 will be subject to additional 1,000 yen)

 

 

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