A low-value by-product that is difficult and costly to dispose of, coal tar is a headache for most coke oven sites.
Topsoe’s coal tar processing technology offers the possibility of on-site tar upgrading from coke ovens and coal gasifiers to high-quality, low-sulfur diesel, naphtha, and lube oil base. The process can accommodate the wide property variations observed for coal tar due to the origin of the coal or the specific coking process and ensure a flexible and profitable solution - fit for purpose.
Topsoe’s coal tar processing technology is an integrated solution, encompassing reactor internals, grading material, catalyst, process design and detailed reactor engineering. With this extensive product portfolio, you only have one point of contact which saves time and ensures a truly integrated solution.
Equipment
Equipment
The proprietary equipment we supply for this application are listed below. Also see our reactor internals overview for more.
EquipmentCatalyst Support
Our Catalyst Support is designed to support the combined weight of the catalyst, support material and oil.
EquipmentDistributor Tray
Our Vapor Lift Distributor Tray (VLT) ensures uniform distribution of liquid and gas over the entire cross section area of the catalyst bed.
EquipmentInlet Diffuser
Our Inlet Diffusers are optimized and customized for every unit, taking into account all your reactor flow parameters and reactor geometry.
EquipmentOutlet Collector
Our Outlet Collector ensures even flow distribution in the bottom bed to maximize catalyst utilization and prevents bed migration to downstream piping and equipment.
EquipmentQuench Mixer
Our Quench Mixer ensures efficient mixing of catalyst bed effluents from both above and from the cold quench stream.
EquipmentRedistribution Tray
Our Redistribution Tray ensures uniform redistribution of the mixer effluents to the catalyst bed below.
EquipmentScale Catcher
Our Scale Catching technology is a proven and economically feasible solution to delay pressure drop development and significantly increase unit utilization.
Services
Services
ServicesCatalyst Loading
All plants – even those with lots of turnaround experience – can run into trouble during loading. When a problem occurs, it can lead to longer turnarounds and, in the worst case, result in an underperforming catalyst. That makes proper loading an important step in profitable plant operation. Topsoe...
ServicesGeneral Technical Service
Optimal interaction between catalyst and technology is crucial if your plant is to perform at its best. Topsoe’s General Technical Service employs the full weight of our knowledge and experience to advise, inform and guide you towards improvement. All General Technical Service is provided as in-...
ServicesPlant Assessment / Optimization
Refineries and chemical plants are complex and vulnerable to changes over time. These changes can degrade performance and impact negatively on day-to-day operations and, ultimately, your bottom line. Whether you choose a catalyst performance evaluation or full-scale process and catalyst...
ServicesSampling & Analysis
As a general rule, the more you know about a plant or unit’s operating conditions, the better you’ll be able to keep performance, cost-efficiency and profits high. Our Sampling & Analysis service is your direct route to the detailed insight it takes to make better decisions. During start-ups...
ServicesStart-up & Reduction / Activation
Starting up your plant or unit is a complicated and time-consuming procedure that involves monitoring numerous parameters and ensuring the right start-up sequencing. If not performed correctly, it can result in delays or even damage to your catalysts, unit or plant. Our Start-up & Reduction/...
ServicesTroubleshooting
Catalysts and processes normally operate smoothly, yet suboptimal performance can occur from time to time. Since most issues have multiple root causes – usually originating in external factors – the process of solving an issue can be difficult and complex. Our Troubleshooting service draws on the...
Project development
Project development
Project development servicesFacilitating Investments
Benefit from the extensive experience of our project finance teams.
Project development servicesProject development
Holistic and integrated approach from idea to financial close.
Process licensing
Process licensing
We offer a full range of process solutions, ranging from technology process licensing to revamps of existing units.
- Process licensing
Coal tar processing
From by-product to profitable product Coke oven tar is a big headache for many refineries. It is a low-value by-product that is difficult and expensive to dispose of in a responsible way. The cure Topsoe’s antidote to coal tar headaches is a processing technology that enables refineries to process... 
Process licensingRevamping hydroprocessing units
The Topsoe Approach There are many good business reasons for considering revamping a hydroprocessing unit, for instance to react faster to fluctuations in crude oil supply and process more refractive and difficult feeds; to increase unit capacity; comply with stricter product specifications; or to...
