Topsoe shale oil processing technology

Add value to your bottom line

Produce high-quality transportation fuels

A streamlined solution

Making the best out of shale oil

Shale oils present unique challenges. While shale oils vary greatly depending on their source of origin, they do have many physical properties in common, such as high density and contaminants. Yet those characteristics that differentiate them from one another can create a range of processing issues.

Overcoming challenges

Sophisticated skills, processes, and technology are needed to meet cetane, density, and other product specifications. Contending with catalysts and equipment fouling are top concerns. Topsoe has the expertise and experience to help you plan and adapt to shale oil feed variability, so you can profitably convert it into high-quality transportation fuels.

We work hard and take into consideration factors, such as feed properties and your product objectives, to determine the processing steps and equipment required to upgrade these crudes. Our process also includes a step for filtering solids and other contaminants, enabling production of EURO V quality diesel.

We install a guard section to protect the catalyst and equipment from fouling due to olefin polymerization. A hydrotreating step will be deployed to 1) saturate olefins, 2) remove arsenic, 3) convert oxygenates and organic chloride, and 4) for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) at low pressure.

A Topsoe installation typically includes a hydrotreating and hydrocracking step to remove organic nitrogen, saturate aromatics, and, for hydrocracking, the shale oil to produce diesel, meeting density and cetane index specifications.

Finally, Topsoe’s proprietary shale oil processing technology is deployed to separate the products into LPG, naphtha, and diesel fractions.

Definition

Catalysts

Catalysts can accelerate chemical reactions, control selectivity, and reduce energy requirements. Their ability to optimize process efficiency and product quality make them indispensable in industrial processes.

Definition

Outputs

The output is the result or end product you're looking to get out of your refinery or chemical process. The output helps determine which technologies and catalysts you need.

Take a deeper look

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Power-to-X

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Renewable fuels

Renewable fuels will help us decarbonize heavy-duty transportation, and we’ll need proven technologies for their production. Luckily, these already exist.

Hydrogen

The abundance of hydrogen coupled with its potential for sustainable methods of production, positions it as a promising solution in the global energy transition. 

Ammonia

Ammonia is considered a gamechanger in decarbonizing the maritime industry and other energy-intensive industries where direct electrification is not an option.

Contact us

Do you have a question about our products or solutions? Or do you want to know how our technologies can support your business? Contact our experts today.