Petronas taps Axens technology on RAPID refining expansion in Malaysia
6/22/2015 12:00:00 AM
RAPID is part of Petronas' Pengerang Integrated Complex (PIC) development, which includes six major associated facilities. Those are the Pengerang co-generation plant, re-gasification terminal 2, an air separation unit, the raw water supply project, the liquid bulk terminal as well as central and shared utilities and facilities.
Developed within a 6,242-acre site in Pengerang, Johor, PIC forms part of the Johor State’s Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC), which is under Malaysia’s Economic Transformation Program (ETP) to establish new engines of growth for Malaysia; whilst meeting future energy requirements and strengthening Petronas’ position as a key player in the Asian chemicals market, focusing on differentiated and specialty chemicals.
RAPID is estimated to cost $16 billion, while the associated facilities will involve an investment of about $11 billion. PIC is poised for its refinery start-up by early 2019.
Axens was initially selected in October 2010 for a detailed feasibility study, after which their technologies were selected following an open bid in January 2012 on the basis of the best NPV (net present value), as well as proven long-term operating experiences supported by the technology and catalyst’s specific features; hence providing additional benefits to the project.
The following technologies from Axens was selected for the RAPID project:
- Naphtha Hydrotreating (NHT). This process purifies naphtha by removing dienes, olefins compounds, sulfur and nitrogen species with a feed capacity of 21,000 bpd;
- Octanizing. This is a continuous catalytic regenerative (CCR) reforming process for maximizing the production of reformate from heavy hydrotreated naphtha , with a feed capacity of this unit 14,000 bpd;
- Prime-K. This catalytic process achieves hydrotreatment of a kerosene cut, with smoke point improvement and deep desulfurization. Its feed capacity is 30,000 bpd;
- R2R. This residue fluidized catalytic cracking (RFCC) process includes a double regenerator, which enables the unit to crack residue feedstock or vacuum gas-oil into lighter hydrocarbons. The process also includes a propylene recovery section (PRU section). The capacity of the RFCC unit is 140,000 bpd of feedstock in two trains;
- Prime G+. This catalytic process aims at desulphurizing FCC gasoline while minimizing the octane loss. It includes a selective hydrogenation reactor/splitter and hydrodesulphurization reactor/stabilizer. The feed capacity of this unit is 75,000 bpd.
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