Topsoe's hydroprocessing development
Topsoe has been researching the catalytic mechanisms of hydrotreating since the early 70's, and in the mid-90's Topsoe expanded the hydroprocessing portfolio to also include hydrocracking.
Hydroprocessing catalysts
The catalyst is the key to most hydroprocessing applications. HDS and HDN catalysts generally consist of sulphides of Co and Mo or Ni and Mo on a high surface area support such as aluminium oxide. Ten-fold improvements in activity have been achieved since the first hydrotreating catalysts appeared on the market.
Significant milestones
Active sites on hydroprocessing catalysts
Topsoe researchers were the first to propose the existence of Type I and Type II CoMoS sites for direct desulphurisation, and the first to identify the brim sites for hydrogenation.
Pressure drop control
Topsoe's graded bed technology was the first to efficiently counter pressure drop build-up in the reactor. The research was based on an understanding of the pressure drop mechanisms which formed the basis of the development of Topsoe's extensive graded bed catalyst portfolio.
Reactor internals
Topsoe was first to recognise that convential bubble-cap and chimney type distributors were inadequate to meet the emergent requirements for higher performance in diesel and VGO hydrotreaters in the early 1990's. This lead through detailed research based on Topsoe's operating experiences, semi-scale cold flow models and application of the latest in CFD modelling techniques to development of state-of-the-art reactor internals.
ULSD catalyst and technology
Topsoe was a pioneer in ULSD based on a fundamental understanding. Our approach is to combine a fundamental understanding of the catalytic and process aspects with empirical knowledge. Through our detailed understanding of the different reaction routes for sulphur removal, the inhibitors and the deactivation rates for the different reaction routes, Topsoe was the first to revamp and design new hydroprocessing units at low pressure for ULSD production. Improved catalysts are developed through a detailed understanding of the carrier, the surface and the active sites.
Catalyst development
Through detailed understanding of both Type I and Type II CoMoS sites for direct desulphurisation, the brim sites for hydrogenation, the understanding of different reaction routes and the inhibitors for each reaction route, Topsoe has developed the BRIM™ catalyst technology.
Coker naphtha
Topsoe has developed a novel coker naphtha technology combining selective di-olefin saturation to control gum formation, with a unique removal of Si through understanding of Si-components in naphtha, Si-removal activity and the influence of Si-deposition on the activity of the hydroprocessing using state of the art catalysts.
Renewable diesel
Based on a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of hydroprocessing different bio-materials, Topsoe researchers have developed catalysts and technology to tackle the issues of high exotherms, fouling, CO/CO2 inhibition and cold flow properties.
Hydrocracking
Based on a detailed understanding of the acidity and functionality of the zeolite, the nitrogen management and the product properties, Topsoe has developed outstanding hydrocracking catalysts and processes.
The kinetics of ULSD
Our research reveals that the mechanisms involved in the conversion of the most refractive sulphur compounds in diesel differ from those for the more easily removed sulphur compounds. Our research has identified the most refractive sulphur compounds as well as certain nitrogen-containing compounds present in diesel oils that act as inhibitors for the hydroprocessing catalysts. This has led to a detailed understanding of the kinetics of deep HDS of diesel enabling us to choose the right catalyst and operating conditions for a given application and to reduce the overall investment and operating costs associated with production of ultra-low sulphur diesel.
Understanding - the basis for development
Our approach is to combine a fundamental understanding of the catalytic and process aspects with empirical knowledge. Using state-of-the-art analytical techniques such as SEM, TEM, STM, DFT, Raman and IR and Mössbauer, we achieve a detailed understanding of the carrier, the surface and the active sites, which forms the basis for the development of improved catalysts.
Optimising process layout
One of Topsoe's recent focus areas has been the coker naphtha hydrotreating technology. Combining process and catalyst technology, Topsoe has overcome the challenges of silica poisoning and control of the temperature increase from saturation of olefins.