SPEC Energy DMCC will use a range of Honeywell UOP process technologies at its refinery to convert low-value vacuum gasoil and vacuum residue into high value products such as gasoline and alkylate.
Phase one of the project includes the installation of a new UOP Residue Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) unit that is tailored to improve gasoline yield, a UOP/Wood Solvent Deasphalting process Unit (SDA) which will improve the feed quality to the RFCC. A UOP Merox unit will also be installed that will reduce the level of mercaptans in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) streams, in addition to a UOP InAlk process unit which will process the mixed C4 olefinic rich stream from the Merox unit to produce alkylate, which is a high-octane blending feedstock for the gasoline pool. A UOP SelectFining Process unit will be used to process the RFCC naphtha stream to meet the desired sulfur content.
“We are pleased to have selected UOP’s RFCC complex for our Grass Roots Refinery,” said Zafar Sheikh, Group CEO, of SPEC Energy DMCC. “We chose UOP’s RFCC complex over other RFCC complexes due to key technology advantages. Another key factor in the decision was the excellent technical support from UOP in identifying and selecting the most profitable configuration. This project will enable SPEC to increase gasoline yield and maintain high margin, in line with our financial goals.”