Hydrocracking Catalysts

Shell Catalysts & Technologies offers leading-edge hydrocracking catalysts coupled with outstanding technical service. Hydrocracking is replacing fluidised catalytic cracking as the refinery conversion process of choice. The performance of hydrocracking units is fundamentally dependent on the zeolite catalyst used to break down the heavier oil molecules.

Advanced Catalysts for Comprehensive Value

Shell Catalysts & Technologies offers a broad range of zeolite catalysts to satisfy a variety of refinery hydrocracking objectives. We also provide the pretreatment catalysts that are vital to preserving the function of the main cracking catalysts.

We work closely with refiners to select the most appropriate hydrocracking and pretreatment catalysts. This involves a detailed analysis in which reference will be made to feedstock quality; the desired product slate; the design of the hydrocracker and its normal operating regime; the amount of hydrogen available; and the target cycle length. Process modelling and pilot plant trials are part of the toolbox used to pinpoint the best catalysts for individual hydrocrackers and also to develop the most effective unit operating strategy.

Catalysts Type/Application Description
DN-3552 *New* Ni/Mo Hydrotreating Catalyst ASCENT technology: Ideal activity for extremely stable pre/post-treat catalyst used to treat a wide range of feedstocks.
DN-3621 Ni/Mo Hydrotreating Catalyst CENTERA® technology: Shell Catalysts & Technologies newest generation providing our highest activity and highest stability pretreat catalyst in the portfolio. DN-3621 is used to maximise nitrogen removal to optimise the cracking operation with the most difficult feedstocks.
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Shell Catalysts & Technologies’ owner/operator status positions us to be a global leader in hydrotreating catalysts.

Shell Catalysts & Technologies hydrocracking catalysts not only have been in use for decades, but they can be currently found in about 850 hydrotreating units around the world used for product quality upgrading and hydrocracker pretreatment.

These solutions provide refiners with valuable feedstock and product slate flexibility. Several businesses have taken this flexibility to the next level.

Many have adapted their hydrocracking units to handle extreme feeds, while others have transformed their operations and strategies to take advantage of new business opportunities in petrochemicals or lubricant base oils. In so doing, these refiners have unlocked some real performance differentiators and transformed the economics of their assets.

Naphtha Catalysts

We determine the best reactor loading strategies based on naphtha composition and design of individual process unit to achieve results.