Hydrocracking catalysts
Shell Catalysts & Technologies offers leading-edge hydrocracking catalysts coupled with outstanding technical service. Hydrocracking is replacing fluidised catalytic cracking as the refinery conversion process of choice. The performance of hydrocracking units is fundamentally dependent on the zeolite catalyst used to break down the heavier oil molecules.
Hydrocracking catalysts can help improve unit performance
Shell Catalysts & Technologies hydrocracking catalysts not only have been in use for decades, but they can be currently found in about 850 hydrotreating units around the world used for product quality upgrading and hydrocracker pretreatment.
These solutions provide refiners with valuable feedstock and product slate flexibility. Several businesses have taken this flexibility to the next level.
Help drive flexibility gains with hydrocracking catalysts
Many have adapted their hydrocracking units to handle extreme feeds, while others have transformed their operations and strategies to take advantage of new business opportunities in oil to chemicals (OTC), clean fuels or lubricant base oils. In so doing, these refiners have unlocked some real performance differentiators and transformed the economics of their assets.
Find out how you can respond dynamically to market changes with a hydrocracker revamp
Download the scenario and learn how shifting the yield pattern, processing advantaged crudes and processing difficult feeds may be achieved with a low-cost hydrocracker revamp.
Advanced hydrocracking catalysts for comprehensive value
Shell Catalysts & Technologies offers a broad range of zeolite catalysts to satisfy a variety of refinery hydrocracking objectives. We also provide the pretreatment catalysts that are vital to preserving the function of the main cracking catalysts.
We work closely with refiners to select the most appropriate hydrocracking and pretreatment catalysts. This involves a detailed analysis in which reference will be made to feedstock quality; the desired product slate; the design of the hydrocracker and its normal operating regime; the amount of hydrogen available; and the target cycle length. Process modelling and pilot plant trials are part of the toolbox used to pinpoint the best catalysts for individual hydrocrackers and also to develop the most effective unit operating strategy.
| Catalysts | Type/Application | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CENTERA GT* DN-3622 | NiMo Pretreat Catalyst | CENTERA GT* DN-3622 is Shell Catalysts & Technologies latest generation, highest performance, highest stability NiMo catalyst for hydrocracker pretreat. DN-3622 is ideal catalyst for high severity hydrocracking applications to maximize nitrogen removal and fully unlock the capabilities of Zeolyst* advanced hydrocracking catalysts. |
| ASCENT* DN-3552 | NiMo Pretreat Catalyst | Ascent* DN-3552 is a high performance/high stability NiMo catalyst providing ideal activity for pre-treat and post-treat applications across a wide range of feedstocks. |
| Zeolyst* Z-HD series | Maximum Distillate | The Z-HD series of catalysts combine mild hydrocracking activity with highest middle distillate selectivity to maximize product yields. |
| Zeolyst* Z-MD series | Middle Distillate Selective | The Z-MD series of catalysts offer exceptionally high selectivity to distillate products with balanced cracking activity and superior product quality. |
| Zeolyst* Z-FX series | Flexible Middle Distillate/ Naphtha Selective | The Z-FX series of catalysts provides high cracking activity with flexible jet/ diesel/ naphtha selectivity to optimize unit performance across multiple modes of operation. |
| Zeolyst* Z-NP series | Naphtha Selective | The Z-NP series of catalysts are the highest activity, naphtha selective products characterized by minimal light ends production |
| Zeolyst* MACH series | Molecular Access for Hydrocracking | The MACH series of catalysts are powered by a proprietary new zeolite technology which optimizes pore structure to provide unprecedented efficiency of heavy feed cracking to desired product range |
*Shell Catalysts & Technologies collaborates with Ecovyst through its Zeolyst International (Zeolyst) joint venture to create hydrocracking and specialty chemical catalysts.
*CENTURA and ASCENT are Shell trademarks.
Hydrocracking catalyst resources
Catalyst Performance a Priority for High-Value Base Oils
Industry changes have impacted the lubricant base oil business and the transition is affecting solvent-based plants. These changes are creating an industry-wide move from using solvent-based plants to those using catalytic hydroprocessing, dewaxing, and hydrofinishing technology.
From slide rules to nanotechnology 鈥� how cutting-edge technology has transformed refining in 35 years
Sal Torrisi, Hydrocracking Market Manager, describes the technological advancements that culminated in global ULSD projects.
Improve Hydrocracker Efficiency and Product Yields
Refiners are increasing process severity to include difficult feeds and advantaged crudes. These innovations require improved catalysts and conversion processes in the hydrocracker unit. In this webinar, you'll learn how Shell鈥檚 Molecular Access Catalysts for Hydrocrackers (MACH), a new nano-engineered technology, has unlocked zeolite catalyst constraints.
On-demand webinar: Leveraging hydrocracker flexibility to navigate the energy transition
Stream the webinar to gain insights that could help you maintain your competitive position through the energy transition.
White paper: Oil to chemical solutions designed through a smarter lens
The white paper explores drop-in solutions that can help enhance refinery integration towards chemicals. Explore how refills, upgrades, and revamps that leverage latest-generation catalysts can unlock major business benefits.