LARTC 2025
to demand more sustainable fuels to help governments around the world meet emis- sion reduction targets, renewable fuel pro- ducers will continue to look for options to optimise their processes and generate lower carbon intensity fuels. Switching from ABE to Grace’s Trisyl silica adsor- bent for the pretreatment of renewable feedstocks can help reduce solid waste up to 85%, as well as reduce feedstock losses, ultimately leading to higher yields of renewable fuels. GRACE ® and TRISYL ® are trademarks, registered in the US and/or other coun- tries, of W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
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1 atm 30 min 0.3 w% Trisyl
100˚C 0.6 w% T risyl
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Figure 6 Phospholipid removal as a function of temperature and time with Trisyl silica
Clay case
T risyl silica case
dried mixture is then passed through a fil- ter to remove the particles and trapped impurities from the feedstock. As the transportation sector continues
The mixture is then sent through a vac- uum dryer to remove the water from silica, shrinking the particles’ pores, while trap- ping the phospholipids and metals. The
Figure 5 Example of filter cake composition when clay/ABE is used vs Trisyl silica
Contact: chelsea.grimes@grace.com
How Latin America’s refiners can reduce emissions in a volatile geopolitical environment
SINDY STONE Heurtey Petrochem solutions, An Axens company
Latin America’s refining sector is entering a period of gradual but significant change. From evolving trade dynamics to new cli- mate policies and fuel standards, refiners across the region are facing growing expec- tations to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions while managing geopo- litical and market uncertainty. This drive is increasingly about more than compliance alone; it is becoming an important factor in protecting market share, securing access to financing, and preparing for a low-carbon future shaped by national commitments and international developments.¹ , ² , ³ , ⁴ Meeting these challenges requires more than ambition. It demands practical solu- tions that deliver measurable progress with- out disrupting operations. That is why many operators are evaluating field-proven tech- nologies and targeted revamps that can be implemented progressively ( Figure 1 ). Decarbonisation solutions Tubular electrical furnaces (e-furnaces) and air preheaters developed by Heurtey Petrochem Solutions, an Axens company, are examples of proven upgrades that help refiners cut emissions and improve energy efficiency. When powered by renewable electricity, e-furnaces eliminate combustion- related CO₂ emissions from process heat- ing entirely. Air preheaters increase fired heater efficiency, reducing fuel demand in a straightforward, reliable way. Each of these solutions provides a flexible path to lower energy intensity and aligns with decarboni- sation goals, whether installed in new facili- ties or integrated as part of a revamp. Spiral tube heat exchangers (STHE) sup- plied by Nectis, an Axens joint venture, complement these strategies by enhancing thermal integration efficiency, which leads to lower heat demand and reduced fuel con- sumption within a compact footprint. STHE can be applied in new units as well as ret- rofitted into existing operations, offering
Latin America is moving with determination to
Current operations
Cost savings & reduced emissions $
Decarbonisation pathways
Heurtey e -f urnaces Tubular electrical furnaces 100% decarbonisation
more sustainable practices. Heurtey Petrochem Solutions and Nectis, as part of Axens, are dedicated to supporting refiners across the region with advanced technolo- gies and deep expertise that make decar- bonisation both practical and achievable – today and for decades to come. References 1 Reuters, Brazil raises biofuel levels, sees gas- oline self-sufficiency , June 25, 2025. https:// www.reuters.com/business/energy/brazil- raises-biofuel-levels-sees-gasoline-self-suffi- ciency-2025-06-25/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2 Reuters, Petrobras sees new Brazil biofuel man- dates as positive , June 25, 2025. https://www. reuters.com/business/energy/petrobras-sees- new-brazil-biofuel-mandates-positive-executive- says-2025-06-25/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 3 Reuters, Brazil corn ethanol boom cov- ers demand as country hikes biofuel man- date , June 27, 2025. https://www.reuters.com/ sustainability/climate-energy/brazil-corn-eth- anol-boom-covers-demand-country-hikes-biofuel- mandate-2025-06-27/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 4 Reuters, TotalEnergies seeks permit for $16 billion green hydrogen project in Chile, May 5, 2025. https://www.reuters.com/sustainabil- ity/climate-energy/totalenergies-seeks-per- mit-16-billion-green-hydrogen-project-chile- 2025-05-05/?utm_source=chatgpt.com modernise refining and embrace more sustainable practices
Axens air preheaters Boost red heater e ciency
Energy e ciency & lower fuel co st s
Spiral tube heat exchangers (STHE) Maximise thermal integration
CO
CO & emissions reduction
Heater revamps by Heurtey Modernise and optimise red heaters
Long-term cost savings & sustainability
Signi cant gains in energy savings
Figure 1 Decarbonisation pathway for Latin American refiners
energy investments in the region, such as TotalEnergies’ plans for a $16 billion green hydrogen project in Chile, illustrate how decarbonisation priorities are reshaping long-term strategies.⁴ Market expectations are evolving as well. Investors and customers increasingly link contracts and financing to transparent envi- ronmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies and measurable decarbonisation milestones. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) demand is also creating opportunities for refiners to diversify their product mix while reinforcing their climate commitments. path forward In this environment, the path forward is clear: refiners that evaluate and adopt proven, flexible solutions, such as e-fur- naces, air preheaters, STHE, and targeted fired heater revamps, will be well positioned to strengthen operations, secure financing, and maintain competitiveness in an energy landscape that is steadily evolving. Latin America is moving with determi- nation to modernise refining and embrace
flexibility for projects with varying timelines and budgets. Beyond installing new equipment, upgrading existing fired heaters is another effective approach. Revamps, such as mod- ern burners, improved convection sections, and integration of air preheaters, can signif- icantly improve efficiency while extending the life of critical assets. Policy support Recent policies and financing trends are creating strong momentum for these upgrades. In Brazil, the National Energy Policy Council has raised biofuel blend- ing requirements, increasing the ethanol content in gasoline to 30% and biodiesel to 15%, starting this August.¹ The move is designed to achieve gasoline self-suffi- ciency for the first time in 15 years while supporting emissions reduction goals. Petrobras has called the policy a posi- tive step that aligns with its strategy and benefits consumers.² To help meet rising demand, Brazil’s corn ethanol production is expanding rapidly.³ In parallel, major clean
Contact: Sindy.STONE@heurtey.net
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