Petrochemical facilities, typically in the production of olefins, predominantly remove hydrogen to produce functionalised, more reactive, unsaturated molecules which are used to produce intermediates. Shell Catalysts & Technologies designs its processes around the integration of steam crackers and refinery operations, allowing hydrogen byproduct to be used as fuel; this mitigates the need for extensive outside resources and enhances cycle efficiency.

Through refinery-petrochemical technology integration, Shell Catalysts & Technologies aims to increase the return on the hydrocarbon value chain. Less valuable products from refining or petrochemicals are often valuable feedstock to the subsequent process. Further results of the integration include energy savings through hot feeding and potential for combined cycle operation, indicating an opportunity for a higher throughput margin.

Shell Catalysts & Technologies petrochemical technology licensees can realise lower capital investment costs when utilising our petrochemical processing plant solutions. Petrochemicals integration with refineries allows for less equipment due to hot feeding and reduced catalyst recovery time, as well as reduced storage volume of feed and products and reduced design margins.