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Next-Level Hydrocracker Flexibility

Next Level Hydrocracker Flexibility Report Thumbnail The Diagnosis

The refining sector continues to experience increasing headwinds related to:

  • Slowing demand for traditional hydrocarbon fuel products
  • Increased competition from newly added refining capacity in Asia and the Middle East
  • Macroeconomic shifts, signaling an uncertain future

The Discovery

Several large facilities have taken flexibility to the next level and enhanced their hydrocracker's contribution to the overall refinery margin through:

  • Adapting units to handle extreme feeds
  • Leveraging integrated line-up configuration to maximize the amount of VGO supplied by the VDU to the hydrocracker
  • Ideate and execute new operating strategies to capture opportunities in petrochemicals or base oils

Discover how to enhance refinery margins by $5/barrel.

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The three-part answer

We must also have a sustainable business model that is in tune with our customers. Shell cannot continue to be financially successful if it does not have this. To that end, Shell decided to set itself a challenging ambition.

  • The three-part answer
  • We must also have a sustainable business model that is in tune with our customers. Shell cannot continue to be financially successful if it does not have this.
  • Shell's contribution
  • Shell is a big company and we supply around 3% of the energy the world uses. We want to play our part and contribute to the global effort to tackle climate.
  • Moving faster
  • That is why we must remain in tune with society as it moves towards the goal of the Paris Agreement. If society changes its energy demands more quickly, we intend to aid that acceleration.

The Shell Catalysts & Technologies Portfolio

Extensive & Collaborative Tech Services and Support

Improve refinery performance.

Progressive Upstream and Downstream Technologies

Maximise profitability & navigate the energy transition.

Advanced Catalysts for Refining, Petrochemicals & Bio Fuels

Uncover value from a range of state-of-the-art catalysts.