(43a) How to enable high yields from bio-feedstock with the ExxonMobil Renewable Diesel (EMRDTM) Process Technology

The ExxonMobil Renewable Diesel (EMRD^TM) process technology was recently launched to provide a two-stage hydroprocessing unit solution for production of renewable fuels from bio-based feedstocks. These feedstocks can include vegetable oils, used cooking oils, or animal fats. The first stage of EMRD converts the triglyceride feedstock to n-paraffins through predominantly hydrodeoxygenation chemistry. The second stage contains ExxonMobil’s Bio-Isomerization Dewaxing (BIDW^TM) catalyst to selectively isomerize the n-paraffins to iso-paraffins, thereby improving cold flow properties. The selectivity of the dewaxing stage is crucial in maintaining yield. Hydroprocessed bio feedstocks contain a higher percentage of n-paraffins than conventional hydroprocessed distillate, and therefore require a higher severity dewaxing operation to target comparable cloud point properties. The high severity operation often introduces cracking chemistry that can reduce yield; high selectivity allows cold flow improvement while maintaining molecules in the jet and diesel boiling range. The EMRD process harnesses the yield benefit provided by BIDW with an efficient process design based on ExxonMobil’s long history as an owner and operator of hydroprocessing technologies.