News and media releases
Shell Global Solutions licenses hydrocracking technology to Valero Energy Corporation
06/03/2008
Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc. announced today that it has designed and implemented a complete hydrocracker design solution for Valero Energy Corporation utilizing catalyst from its affiliate, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies LP.
Under the terms of the deal, Shell will license technology, reactor internals, process design model, operational staff training and technical services and Criterion will provide catalyst and catalyst support services for a new hydrocracker at Valero’s Port Arthur, TX refinery. As a result of this upgrade, the refinery’s hydroprocessing capacity will increase by 50,000 barrels per day (BPD).
“Using Shell’s leading-edge hydrocracking technology, Valero can significantly increase its ability to convert feedstocks into premium, environmentally considerate products,” said Paul Hamilton, President of Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc. “We’re proud to play a role in meeting the refining industry’s need for high-quality hydroprocessing and hydrocracking technology.”
Shell's hydrocracking technology converts low valued feedstocks into valuable market-ready products. This includes selective production of low sulfur gasoline components and ultra low sulfur diesel, while efficiently using H₂and minimizing low value gases. Operator proven technology, configuration, Criterion's hydrotreating and hydrocracking catalysts, and best practices are incorporated into a total hydrocracking solution, which help provide a reliable and energy efficient operation.
Texas based Valero is the largest refiner in North America. The company’s Port Arthur Refinery is a versatile high-conversion facility with the ability to process heavy and sour crude oils into a high percentage of light products which include gasoline, diesel and heating oil. With the addition of this new grass roots hydrocracker and other related capex projects the total feedstock throughput of the Port Arthur Refinery will be 425,000 BPD.