(219f) Catalytic Routes to Olefins Shaping the Integrated Complex Configuration

Recent developments in catalytic processes, especially Fluid Catalytic Cracking based, are playing a bigger role in bridging the gap between refining and petrochemical industry. Refinery industry is going through significant modernization due to changed fuel specifications and changes in crude diet, particularly with shift to heavier and sour crude. In addition, the demand of diesel/distillates versus motor gasoline is impacting the crude processing.

The traditional boundaries that existed between refining and petrochemical facilities are less relevant and don't allow owners and operators to realize the full economic potential. Majority of the new facilities are being built and planned with higher degree of integration to monetize the synergy.

This paper will review the current and future trends in integrated complexes that are primarily driven by developments in catalytic processes leading to synergies between core building blocks (Refining, Olefins, Aromatics and Syngas). This paper will also present techno-economic impact of recent case studies of integrated complexes.