Upgrading Residues to Maximize Distillate Yields with UOP Uniflex<sup>TM</sup> Process

Abstract

Never before have refiners faced the challenges caused by dramatic changes in crude prices and refinery margins. However some worldwide trends have not changed, such as the need to shift refinery product distributions to a more diesel-oriented slate and to reduce residue fuel oil production. The required shift from gasoline to distillate fuels cannot be accomplished solely by modifications to current hydrocracking or FCC operations. New technologies will be required that achieve higher non-distillable conversion and increased selectivity to distillate-range products. Ideally, these technologies should be both cost-effective and commercially proven. UOP has responded to the needs for increased distillate yield and non-distillable conversion with the introduction of its latest residue upgrading technology offering, the UOP Uniflex Process. This high-conversion slurry hydrocracking technology contains elements of a commercially-proven slurry reaction system and the UOP UnicrackingTM and UnionfiningTM technologies. The Uniflex Process can achieve non-distillable conversion levels in excess of 90 wt% with distillate yield over 50 vol%. This paper discusses the features of the Uniflex Process technology, its yield and economic advantages over conventional residue upgrading technologies, and other applications of the technology.