Refinery-Petrochemical Integration – Repurpose Assets, Maximize Profitability, and Pivot to the Future

The refining industry is undergoing a monumental shift as demand for fuels is projected to wane, while demand for petrochemicals continues to rise. To remain viable, refiners will need to repurpose existing assets, upgrade low-value streams, and pivot towards petrochemicals production.

There is no ‘one-size fits all’ solution to refinery-petrochemicals integration. The optimal solution for each site will vary and refiners must consider several key factors including regional dynamics and infrastructure availability, and which value chain to pursue. Maximization of existing assets is paramount to keep project costs down and drive economics.

There are also different levels of integration. Basic refinery grade petrochemicals are common nowadays, but higher levels of integration include production of high purity products and adding traditional petrochemicals units such as steam cracking or on-purpose olefins. The fullest extent of integration can be realized in a full crude to chemicals (COTC) complex where conversion levels to both fuels and chemicals can exceed 90%.

KBR has a broad portfolio of integration technologies including ROSE® solvent deasphalting, SCORE™ steam cracking, K-COT™ catalytic olefins technology, K-PRO™ propane dehydrogenation, VCC™ slurry hydrocracking, AED-BTX aromatics extraction, and MAXOFIN™ maximum olefins FCC. All these technologies are enablers to shift from fuels to petrochemicals production.

KBR explores common regional refinery configurations and practical solutions. The path to the future and the right integration solution can be developed through experience and a detailed analysis of existing refinery configurations.