PTQ Q4 2025 Issue

TOS Additionally, it includes an improved pore structure with a larger median pore diameter (MPD). This results in several advantages stemming from better accessibility to the cata- lyst pore volume and metal active sites, including a reduced tendency for pore mouth plugging and thus enhanced tol- erance to metal poisoning and coke deposition. 330 340 350 360 380 12˚C / 22˚F 370 390 400 RNF 204/KF 774 PULSAR Previous cycle can be applied in Zone 3 as in Zone 4, either a highly hydro- genating NiMo-supported catalyst or a BMC, depending on the operating objectives. Catalyst advancements for HC-PT To enhance the profitability of hydrocracking operations, HC-PT catalyst KF 872 Quasar has been developed. Introduced to the market in 2024, it features higher metal dispersion, lower metal-support interaction, and reduced nickel mobility, thereby boosting HDN, HDS, and HDA activity per metal atom. Consequently, KF 872 provides significantly higher activity compared to the previous gen - eration of ultra-high activity NiMo HC-PT catalysts. This allows KF 872 to treat more difficult feedstock and be applied higher up in the HC-PT reactor, contributing even more to increasing the overall activity. Its performance advantage compared to the previous HC-PT ultra-high activity catalyst generation is shown in Figure 6 . KF 872 is applied in HC-PT reactor operating Zones 3 and 4, either standalone or in combination with BMC Celestia or Nebula, depending on the operating objectives. Its higher HDN, HDA, and HDS activity provide several advantages to hydrocracking operations. It allows for lower nitrogen slip to the hydrocracking section, resulting in more efficient cracking, higher volume swell, and lower product sulphur. Alternatively, it allows for increased cycle length at the same conversion level, higher throughput, or greater intake of severe feedstock. The advantages provided by KF 872 have been confirmed through testing and economic evalua - tions by major refiners, leading to the first HC-PT commer - cial applications starting in 2025.

Zone 1 Removes poisons, metals & asphaltenes Manages CCR of heavy PNAs Zone 2 Removes bulk S and N (DDS + HYD) Initiates hydrogenation of PNAs (HYD) Zone 3 Removes dicult S and N (HYD) Converts PNAs to Di-/Mono- Aromatics (HYD) Zone 4 Removes extremely dicult N (HYD) Saturates Mono-Aromatics to Naphthenes (depends on target) (HYD)

Log S, N

Guard

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

N < 10 ppm

Figure 5 Reactor zones and the function of HYD activity in HC-PT application Co-processing distillate hydrotreating Hydrotreating renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oil, used cooking oil (UCO) and animal fats helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Their use is driven locally by regulatory compliance or stimulated by government sub- sidies and tax credits. Renewable feedstocks can be pro - cessed alone in dedicated units or in combination with conventional (fossil) feedstock in existing hydrotreaters. This article focuses on distillate co-processing applications producing ULSD. The main advantage of co-processing compared to 100% renewable feedstock hydrotreating is the significantly lower capital investment required, as existing conventional hydrotreaters can be utilised for co-processing without the need for costly revamping or new infrastructure. In addi- tion, co-processing allows for more operational flexibility,

VGO1 N: 1289 ppm S: 1.88 wt% 919 g/l-22.5˚API

VGO2 N: 1864 ppm S: 0.91 wt% 928 g/l-20.9˚API

VGO/HCGO N: 1868 ppm S: 1.54 wt% 938 g/l-19.4˚API

HCGO N: 3560 ppm S: 3.84 wt% 960 g/l-16.0˚API

VGO1 N: 1289 ppm S: 1.88 wt% 919 g/l-22.5˚API

VGO2 N: 1864 ppm S: 0.91 wt% 928 g/l-20.9˚API

VGO/HCGO N: 1868 ppm S: 1.54 wt% 938 g/l-19.4˚API

HCGO N: 3560 ppm S: 3.84 wt% 960 g/l-16.0˚API

∆ g/l

1.2 ∆˚ API

125

6.0

1.0

120

0.8

4.0

115

0.6

110

0.4

2.0

105

0.2

0.0

100

0.0

1670

1820

2000

2250

1670

1820

2000

2250

125

11 5

138

155

11 5

125

138

155

Pressure (psig/bar)

Figure 6 Performance advantage of KF 872 Quasar compared to the previous-generation ultra-high activity Type II NiMo for HC-PT. The additional volume swell reported is for the same operating temperature

PTQ Q4 2025