Pakistan Refinery picks UOP’s modular technology on new clean fuels unit

Honeywell announced today that its UOP process technology and equipment is helping Pakistan Refinery Ltd. (PRL) increase its production of high-quality gasoline, helping meet growing domestic demand for clean transportation fuels.

PRL commissioned a new unit at its facility in Karachi, Pakistan, doubling its output of high-quality gasoline to 24,000 tons/month. 

The facility uses Honeywell UOP’s Penex process to produce isomerate, a high-value gasoline blending component, to produce environmentally-friendlier fuels with reduced emissions. 

UOP delivered the Penex process unit in modular form to help ensure on-time delivery and faster start up, the company says. The site also uses control systems from Honeywell Process Solutions, a world leader in process automation.

“Delivering the Penex unit as modular equipment, rather than having it built in the field by third parties, means PRL got the unit faster and could be assured of high quality and compliance with strict product specifications,” said Mike Millard, vice president and general manager of Honeywell UOP’s process technology and equipment business. 

“Combined with leading process and controls technology, PRL can quickly begin to meet growing regional needs for low-emission fuels," he added.

Honeywell's UOP’s Penex process upgrades light naphtha feedstock to produce isomerate, a cleaner gasoline blend-stock that does not contain benzene, aromatics or olefins. The process uses Honeywell UOP’s portfolio of proven, high-activity isomerization and benzene saturation catalysts. 

To date, Honeywell UOP has sold more than 220 Penex units, and its isomerization catalysts have been loaded into more than 300 units worldwide. 

Honeywell UOP’s modular equipment is often ideal for remote locations, short project timelines and regions with limited resources. Modules are built under controlled conditions in fabrication shops and fully inspected prior to shipment. Using Honeywell UOP’s modular solution can save six to 18 months in the total project schedule, further improving project economics, according to UOP officials.

In addition to licensing and modular equipment, Honeywell UOP provided PRL with catalysts, adsorbents, engineering, technical support, and a drier regeneration control system for extended catalyst life for the unit. 

The facility also uses Honeywell’s Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS), which uses a unified automation system and advanced software applications to increase operator productivity and profitability.

Pakistan Refinery Ltd. (PRL) is a hydro-skimming refinery that processes 50,000 bpd of crude oil to meet the strategic and domestic fuel requirements of the country. It is located on the coastal belt of Karachi, Pakistan.