Unconventional feeds | Shale oil processing

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.

TK-6001 HySwell™

TK-6001 HySwell™ is our new ultra high-activity NiMo catalyst for maximum volume swell.

TK-609 HyBRIM™

TK-609 HyBRIM™ is a new generation, high-activity NiMo catalyst based on the novel HyBRIM™ ...

TK-611 HyBRIM™

TK-611 HyBRIM™ is the latest generation, high-activity NiMo catalyst based on the novel HyBRIM™ ...

TK-931

TK-931 is part of Topsoe’s hydrocracking red series developed for maximum hydrogenation. It is a ...

TK-941

TK-941 is part of Topsoe’s hydrocracking red series developed for maximum hydrogenation. TK-941 has ...

TK-951

TK-951 is part of Topsoe’s hydrocracking red series developed for maximum hydrogenation. TK-951 is ...

TK-961

TK-961 is part of Topsoe’s hydrocracking red series developed for maximum hydrogenation. TK-961 is ...

Catalyst support

Our Catalyst Support is designed to support the combined weight of the catalyst, support material ...

Distributor tray

Our Vapor Lift Distributor Tray (VLT) ensures uniform distribution of liquid and gas over the ...

Inlet diffuser

Our Inlet Diffusers are optimized and customized for every unit, taking into account all your ...

Outlet collector

Our Outlet Collector ensures even flow distribution in the bottom bed to maximize catalyst ...

Quench mixer

Our Quench Mixer ensures efficient mixing of catalyst bed effluents from both above and from the ...

Redistribution tray

Our Redistribution Tray ensures uniform redistribution of the mixer effluents to the catalyst bed ...

Scale catcher

A common problem in hydroprocessing reactors, is pressure drop build-up caused by various particles ...

Revamping hydroprocessing units

When evaluating potential revamp solutions, Topsoe proceeds systematically. We call it The Topsoe ...

Topsoe shale oil processing technology

Making the best out of shale oil Shale oils present unique challenges. While shale oils vary ...

Catalyst Loading

Topsoe’s Catalyst Loading service gives you valuable pre-loading and loading guidance that can help ...

General Technical Service

Topsoe’s General Technical Service employs the full weight of our knowledge and experience to ...

Plant Assessment / Optimization

A Topsoe Plant Assessment/Optimization can identify and help you solve issues standing in the way ...

Sampling & Analysis

Our Sampling & Analysis service is your direct route to the detailed insight it takes to make ...

Start-up & Reduction / Activation

Our Start-up & Reduction/Activation service supports you before, during and after start-up to make ...

Troubleshooting

Our Troubleshooting service draws on the full range of Topsoe’s insight into catalysts, equipment ...

Project development

We facilitate all relevant contracts to meet both the debt and the equity financing requirements.

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Applications within this area

Coal tar processing

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.

Fischer-Tropsch wax upgrading

Traditionally considered a waste product and often burnt off in pollution-causing gas flares, associated, stranded, shale gas, and similar gases can now be monetized by conversion into saleable transportation fuels in a ...

Shale oil processing

Spent lube processing

In addition to aromatics and sulfur, spent lubes contain substantial amounts of silicon, phosphorus, and zinc. These are feed contaminants that lead to deactivation of hydroprocessing catalysts used in the re-refining process.