Petrochemical Catalysts
Increasing competitive pressure, legislative constraints and the trend towards refinery / petrochemical integration continue to provide both challenges and opportunities to operators. Shell Catalysts Technologies is helping operators meet these challenges and deliver these opportunities through state-of-the-art catalytic innovations and technology solutions.
Petrochemical Catalysts
Our unique position as an owner and operator in the petrochemical market means we have access to research laboratories, development facilities, manufacturing plants and business units throughout the world.
Our highly experienced team can work with customers to help identify the best petrochemical catalyst for the plant and production objectives provide support during turnarounds and operations; predict performance and run-length as a function of changing operating conditions; and provide technical support to help address plant problems that may affect catalyst performance.
Regardless of the unit design, the operating conditions, the feed properties or the product targets, Shell Catalysts Technologies works with customers to help them with their catalyst needs.
On-demand webinar: Navigating the challenging glycol market
Stream the on-demand webinar to see how we outline short-, medium- and long-term solutions, by profiling real-world case studies that demonstrate how EO/EG plant operators can manage turndown by utilising strategies for extremely low work rates, select the best catalyst by using detailed value-analysis tools, and more.
Our unique position as an owner and operator in the market means we have access to research laboratories, development facilities, manufacturing plants and business units throughout the world.
We can work with customers to help identify the best catalyst for the plant and production objectives; provide support during turnarounds and operations; predict performance and run-length as a function of changing operating conditions; and provide technical support to help address plant problems that may affect catalyst performance.
Petrochemical Catalysts Frequently Asked Questions
The key role of petrochemical catalysts is to facilitate and accelerate chemical reactions in the production of petrochemicals, which are derived from petroleum or natural gas. Petrochemical catalysts play a vital role in various processes, including hydrocracking, hydrotreating, aromatics production, and the conversion of ethylene to ethylene oxide. These products serve as raw materials for manufacturing plastics, polymers, synthetic fibres, fuels, and speciality chemicals. Highly selective petrochemical catalysts play a critical role in enhancing process efficiency, product quality, and the overall economic viability of the petrochemical industry.
What is an example of a petrochemical?
What is an example of a petrochemical?
An example of a petrochemical is ethylene oxide, which is used for making surfactants, detergents, solvents, and other chemicals. Other examples include benzene, toluene and xylene, which are aromatic molecules that are essential solvents and used for manufacturing plastics, synthetic fibres, rubber, dyes, detergents and pharmaceuticals.
What is a petrochemical catalyst?
What is a petrochemical catalyst?
Petrochemical catalysts optimise reactions in processes such as cracking, reforming, polymerisation, hydrogenation, and dehydrogenation. Silver catalysts are widely used for ethylene oxide production, while platinum on zeolite enables desired selectivity in aromatics production. Downstream of the steam cracker, palladium and nickel catalysts purify olefin streams. These catalysts improve yields, product quality and reaction conditions.
What are common types of petrochemicals?
What are common types of petrochemicals?
Common types of petrochemicals are olefins, aromatics, ethylene oxide, and pyrolysis gasoline (pygas). Olefins, which include ethylene and propylene, serve as building blocks for plastics and chemicals. Aromatics, such as benzene and toluene, are used in plastics and fibres. Ethylene oxide produces surfactants, detergents and other chemicals. Pygas is used for gasoline blending, chemical production, and as a fuel source.