Shale oil from retorting of oil shale rock display various characteristics depending on the origin. Generally shale oil has high density, and contains a large number of contaminants, including fines, oxygen, aromatics, arsenic, chloride, olefins, and diolefins. Combined, these factors pose tough challenges in terms of meeting cetane, density, and other product specifications and protecting catalysts and equipment from fouling.
With dedicated laboratories, pilot testing facilities, process designs, reactor internals, and performance catalysts, Topsoe has the comprehensive expertise and experience it takes to convert shale oil into high-quality transportation fuels.
Catalysts
Catalysts
The performance catalysts we supply for this application are listed below.
CatalystsTK-6001 HySwell™
TK-6001 HySwell™ is our new ultra high-activity NiMo catalyst for maximum volume swell. TK-6001 HySwell™ is outstanding for use as a first-stage catalyst in hydrocracking units, where removal of nitrogen and density improvement of straight-run and cracked fractions in the VGO range is essential...
CatalystsTK-609 HyBRIM™
TK-609 HyBRIM™ is a new generation, high-activity NiMo catalyst based on the novel HyBRIM™ technology. TK-609 HyBRIM™ is optimized for use as a first-stage catalyst in hydrocrackers, where maximum HDN of straight-run and cracked fractions in the vacuum gas oil (VGO) range are...- Catalysts
TK-611 HyBRIM™
TK-611 HyBRIM™ is the latest generation, high-activity NiMo catalyst based on the novel HyBRIM™ technology. 
CatalystsTK-931
TK-931 is part of Topsoe’s hydrocracking red series developed for maximum hydrogenation. It is a low zeolitic NiW catalyst with high selectivity for middle distillates. TK-931 provides excellent middle distillate yield with low overcracking. Furthermore, TK-931 enhances the quality of the...
CatalystsTK-941
TK-941 is part of Topsoe’s hydrocracking red series developed for maximum hydrogenation. TK-941 has a high selectivity to middle distillates, and it can be used in applications where high cracking activity and high middle distillate yield are required, and where high light-ends yield is...
CatalystsTK-951
TK-951 is part of Topsoe’s hydrocracking red series developed for maximum hydrogenation. TK-951 is a high-activity hydrocracking catalyst, providing optimum diesel and naphtha yields, while minimizing overcracking. It has a strong hydrogenation function that improves the properties of the...- Catalysts
TK-961
TK-961 is part of Topsoe’s hydrocracking red series developed for maximum hydrogenation. TK-961 is a zeolitic NiW based hydrocracking catalyst with very high activity and a very high nitrogen tolerance. TK-961 provides balanced naphtha and middle distillate yields, minimizing overcracking,...
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
The services we supply for this application are listed below.
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 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...
Process licensingTopsoe shale oil processing technology
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...
