EFFICIENT RAFFINATE HYDROCONVERSION PROCESS FORHIGH QUALITY BASESTOCKS

摘要

Raffinate Hydroconversion (RHC) is a new ExxonMobil technology designed to selectively produceGroup II basestocks with excellent volatility, viscosity and oxidation properties for next generation automotive fueleconomylubricants, severe-service industrial oil applications and process oils.The patented process works by efficiently eliminating the highest ring number, highest viscosity species. Theprocess combines under-extraction with a unique three reactor hydroprocessing sequence operating at lowerpressures, temperatures and hydrogen consumption than VGO hydrocracking. RHC efficiently converts Group I tohigh VI Group II basestock quality while maintaining production of both baseoils and waxes. RHC was firstcommercialized at ExxonMobil's Baytown refinery in November 1999, producing two basestocks having viscosity6.0 and 4.5 cSt , VI ranging from about 110 to 115 and saturates about 95%. The basestocks have exceptional lowvolatility and display excellent performance in new automotive categories with prototype additive systems. Currentresearch includes extending the process to heavier feeds and Group III basestocks.