Refining Technology

Fluid Catalytic Cracking/Resid Fluid Catalytic Cracking

Shaw's fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process, developed jointly with Axens and Total, offers refiners superior operating performance, increased profitability, and considerable feedstock and product flexibility. To date, we have licensed 52 grassroots units and performed more than 220 revamp projects.

As both a licensor of FCC technology and an engineering and construction contractor, Shaw can provide a full range of EPC services. Our units display superior operational performance with an ease of startup, operation and shutdown - resulting in longer run lengths that maximize a unit's profitability.

Deep Catalytic Cracking

The deep catalytic cracking (DCC) process provides a cost-effective and commercially proven option for maximizing the production of polymer-grade propylene from a catalytic cracker. DCC was developed and commercialized by SINOPEC Research Institute of Petroleum Processing (RIPP) in the People's Republic of China. Shaw sells the DCC technology outside of China for the institute. Shaw and the institute have licensed a total of 16 DCC units with a total feed rate of approximately 20 million tons-per-year.

Catalytic Pyrolysis Process

Catalytic pyrolysis process (CPP) is a high-severity catalytic process that has the advantage of maximizing the production of both ethylene and propylene in varying proportions from heavy, low-value feedstocks. CPP was developed and commercialized by SINOPEC RIPP. Shaw is a licensor of this process outside of China. The first commercial CPP unit achieved startup in 2009.

Maximizing Iso-Paraffins Technology

Maximizing iso-paraffins technology (MIP) is an advanced FCC technology that converts heavy feedstocks into high-yield clean gasoline with more iso-paraffins and less olefins, sulfur and benzene than conventional FCC gasoline. MIP is applicable as an upgrade of existing FCC units or as a new grassroots unit and can help refiners meet the challenges of clean gasoline regulations. The MIP unit can be designed to switch the desired operation mode, based on market demand, from either a maximum gasoline mode or best balanced mode for both gasoline and maximum propylene mode.

As of 2010, there are 14 commercial MIP units in operation. MIP was developed and commercialized by SINOPEC RIPP. Shaw licenses the technology outside of China.

Clean Gasoline and Propylene Technology

The clean gasoline and propylene (CGP) process is a new generation FCC technology for catalytically cracking heavy feedstocks into clean gasoline and propylene. Its propylene yield is significantly higher than high-severity FCC, while its gasoline quality is dramatically improved. The technology provides operators with flexibility to switch the desired operation mode based on market demand, either operated in maximum gasoline mode or increased propylene mode.

As of 2010, there are 17 commercial CGP units in operation. CGP was developed and commercialized by SINOPEC RIPP. Shaw licenses the technology outside of China.

Refinery Offgas Recovery

By using proprietary technology, Shaw is able to recover valuable products from refinery offgases. We have revamped existing refinery offgas units and designed grassroots units for increased capacity and recovery of olefins. Our advanced contaminant removal technology applications ensure product quality for downstream petrochemical processes, acting as a bridge between refining and petrochemicals.

Propylene Recovery Units

Based on extensive C3 splitter experience with proven vapor/liquid equilibrium and demonstrated contaminant removal knowledge, Shaw designs propylene recovery units that produce on-spec polymer-grade propylene and reduce energy consumption and capital investment costs. Additionally, Shaw has expertise in C3 splitter heat pump designs, as well as conventional C3 splitter designs using low-level heat sources.

BenzOUT™ Gasoline Benzene Reduction Technology

BenzOUT is a reformate alkylation process and catalyst technology that helps our refining clients meet new benzene regulations. The technology reduces benzene and increases gasoline octane without using hydrogen. Developed by ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, BenzOUT is licensed by Badger Licensing LLC.

Refining Proprietary Equipment

Shaw's proprietary equipment offerings for FCC technologies include the following:

Trouble-free, high-efficiency feed injectors for optimal yields
Riser termination devices (RS2) and/or vapor quench to minimize undesirable post-riser reactions
Stripper structured packing for high catalyst flux and reduced steam consumption
Well-proven catalyst coolers with individual tube isolation for reliability
Low-maintenance high-efficiency combustion air rings
Spent catalyst distributors for improved catalyst maintenance and NOx reduction