PTQ Q2 2025 Issue

run of 400 MBD but includes two 1,800 KTA MFSCs. With two steam crackers, the project’s goals shift significantly towards maximising petrochemical yields. The owner required a defined carbon neutrality roadmap, impacting engineering in FEL2. This project is also planned for a new land development. The refinery aspect of Case Study 2 is similar to Case Study 1. The only transportation fuel produced is diesel, as lighter liquid products are maximised to feed the two MFSC units. The refinery also produces lube base oils. Driven by the two MFSCs, light crude oil was chosen to maximise straight-run feeds, and advantaged external feedstock was included. The olefins produced by the MFSC feed various polymer units, producing different grades of polyethylene and polypropylene. One main activity in the pre-FEED phase involved solic- iting information from and selecting licensors. A study was conducted to determine which technologies and licensors offer the best overall returns and support the owner’s sus- tainability goals. The facility and each licensor’s offering were modelled using an LP model. To highlight cost differ- ences between licensors, a Capex allocation was integrated into the LP model matrix. The Capex estimate is adjusted by the model for each scenario based on unit capacity. The Capex allocation is used as an additional operating cost in the LP model, driving it towards lower Capex options if there is an operating margin benefit. To study the sustainability impacts of different scenarios, technologies, and licensors, the LP model includes detailed

Natural gas

External feed

MFSC

CDU VDU 400 MBD (20 MMTPA)

Light crude

ROG/LPG

Polymers

1 , 800 KTA C=

Naphtha

Residue

Diesel Lube base oils

Bottoms upgrading

Figure 6 Case Study 2 project

• Large investments may require a joint venture to be struc- tured in order for the project to proceed. These negotiations can take time, which, again, can delay a project. • Lastly, the energy transition brings inherent uncertainty to the market. Growing petrochemical demand with decreas- ing demand for fuels is likely, but what the future markets look like and how quickly this plays out can change project economics. This, again, can disrupt a project’s progress toward FID. Case Study 2 Refer to Figure 6 for an overview of Case Study 2. This project, in FEL2 and moving toward FEL3, also has a crude

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PTQ Q2 2025