ExxonMobil Advancing Singapore Resid Upgrade Project
Published by Callum O'Reilly,
Senior Editor
Hydrocarbon Engineering,
ExxonMobil has announced that it expects to add approximately 20 000 bpd of light, heavy and extra-heavy lubricant base stocks when upgrades at its Singapore integrated refining and petrochemical complex are complete in 2025.
“ExxonMobil is introducing a unique high-viscosity Group II clear and bright base stock at a large scale,” said Todd Sepulveda, Vice President of Basestocks & Waxes at ExxonMobil. “We will produce EHC 340 MAXTM using proprietary technologies that allow us to manufacture a product with performance attributes that differentiate it from other high-viscosity base stocks.”
The Singapore Resid Upgrade Project will expand large-scale production of ExxonMobil’s global EHCTM Group II slate to meet growing demand for high-performance lubricants in the Asia-Pacific region. This project will bring additional supplies of EHCTM 50 and EHCTM 120 grades to the market, and up to 6000 bpd of extra-heavy base stocks, including the new Group II base stock, EHC 340 MAX.
EHC 340 MAX complements the viscosity range of the existing EHC slate with a base stock that is comparable in viscosity to Group I bright stock but allows customers to blend a wide range of high viscosity finished lubricants where traditional Group I base stocks use is limited. The new product is suitable for lubricants that require extra high viscosity, low temperature performance, high oxidation stability, high viscosity index, and a high flashpoint, which is critical for high temperature applications. Intended applications include gas engine oils, marine lubricants, greases, engine oils, industrial oils and gear oils.
“We are committed to deliver quality fuels and base stocks for high-performing finished lubricants as demand for these products in the Asia-Pacific region continues to grow,” said Sepulveda. “We also recently expanded production of EHC base stocks at our Rotterdam re-finery by 5000 bpd. Both of these expansions broaden our ability to provide Group II base stocks to formulators looking for more reliable product supply tailored to their specific needs.”
The Singapore Resid Upgrade Project will also enable the refinery to increase production of cleaner fuels, including high-quality marine fuels for customers to meet the International Maritime Organization’s 0.50% sulfur requirement. These include ultra-low sulfur diesel and products that can be further blended to meet shipping emission control area requirements.
“We continue to progress the project in collaboration with our sup-pliers and contractors,” said Khalid Ashraf, Venture Executive and Project Director, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. “Even through the pandemic, we successfully completed fabrication of key equipment such as our high-pressure reactors. Our focus remains on completing the facility safely and on time to meet the needs of our customers.”
ExxonMobil’s Singapore refinery produces a range of fuels and base stocks for industrial and automotive lubricants, and aromatics that are marketed within Singapore and exported to countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/22062022/exxonmobil-advancing-singapore-resid-upgrade-project/
You might also like
Low US distillate consumption reflects slow economic activity and biofuel substitution
The EIA reports that US distillate consumption so far this year is lower than usual because of warm winter weather, reduced manufacturing activity, and continued substitution of biofuels in place of petroleum distillate on the US West Coast (PADD 5).