Increasing Unit Profitability by Improving Diesel Yields and Cloud Point
This paper provides information for diesel producers in light of the coming International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) changes to marine pollution (MARPOL) specifications and corresponding increases in diesel prices.
The paper explores why increasing hydrocracking unit diesel yields is an attractive strategy for producers. The paper also addresses the interplay between diesel specifications for endpoint (as measured by T95%) and cold flow (as measured by cloud point) and how the right hydrocracking catalyst can unconstrain diesel production, allowing for more valuable diesel to be produced and less unconverted oil. The paper presents two case studies highlighting the use of Honeywell UOP distillate catalysts HC 120 and HC 425 to maximise diesel production.