Clean fuels based on renewable feeds are an important element in meeting the energy demands of the future. With Topsoe’s HydroFlex™ catalysts and technology, feedstocks derived from a wide range of biomass and waste materials can be processed into fuel.

The renewable fuels meet all fuel specifications and are fully compatible with the energy infrastructure, making it possible to add renewable fuels directly into the existing fuel systems without any adjustments or limitations.

Many units already in operation

Topsoe has researched innovative solutions for producing renewable fuels since 2004, and plants using Topsoe HydroFlex™ solutions for renewable fuel production have been in operation in many units in Western Europe and North America for several years.

HydroFlex™ – fuel flexibility

Production of clean gasoline, jet fuel and diesel from any feed is possible with Topsoe’s HydroFlex™ technology and catalysts. These examples demonstrate the flexibility:

• using non-edible waste from paper industry such as black liquor, Topsoe’s HydroFlex™ catalysts and technology produce ultra-low sulphur diesel and gasoline
• based on yellow grease and chicken tallow, Topsoe’s HydroFlex™ catalysts and technology produce ultra-low sulphur diesel
• pyrolysis oils and extracts derived from wood chips, plastics and coal are used for the production of high quality diesel and jet fuel

HydroFlex™ Technology

Renewable feeds are converted into hydrocarbons identical to those found in diesel or gasoline in a hydrotreating process.

Topsoe’s extensive hydroprocessing expertise has enabled us to overcome challenges associated with hydrotreating of renewable feeds through:

• an innovative feed mixing system preventing corrosion problems
• intelligent reactor design that controls heat release
• tailored catalyst system to avoid hot-spots and pressure drop build-up
• down-stream technology solutions handling CO, CO2 and other gasses
• dewaxing technology and catalysts to improve cold flow properties

HydroFlexTM technology provides solutions for hydrotreating of renewable fuels in stand alone configurations or by co-processing with diesel in a refinery.

Catalysts

Topsoe’s catalyst portfolio includes a range of speciality catalysts which make it possible to control the heat release and potential associated pressure drop build-up. The portfolio also includes isomerisation catalysts for the improvement of the cold flow properties and pour point.

Related technologies: Hydrogen