Slurry Phase Residue Hydrocracking - a Superior Technology to Maximize Liquid Yield and Conversion from Residue Extra Heavy Oil

摘要

The first slurry phase residue hydrocracking process was the Veba Combi-Cracking (VCC) technology that was originally developed in the 1950s and successfully operated at demonstration scale (3500bpd) for several decades until 2000. This technology has many economic and performance features that are more attractive than delayed coking Since 2006 BP, which became owner with 2002 purchase of Veba Oel, has been further improving this technology. The process has been re-engineered to produce larger train sizes and includes improvements in its integrated hydrotreating stage. This slurry phase process not only provides a real alternative to cokers, but also has features that positively distinguish it from other slurry phase hydrocrackers that have been recently promoted. To accelerate the commercialisation of this technology BP has entered into a cooperation with Houston based KBR for global licensing and engineering. This paper presents the first exposure to some of the uprated VCC process features that increase its potential as a substitute for delayed coking as the upgrader of choice. Comparisons to other hydrocracking processes, new experimental results and the impact on process performance and economics will be reported.