The heavy-feed petrochemical complex (HPC), operated by Hyundai Chemicals, achieved a fast and successful startup in December 2021 by using Shell Catalysts & Technologies’ (SC&T) C2 FE selective hydrogenation catalyst. Located in Daesan, South Korea, the facility is Hyundai Chemicals’ first heavy-feed grassroot 750 kilotons per annum (KTA) ethylene cracker. It is capable of processing various feedstocks such as naphtha, treated deasphalted oil and refinery off-gas from Hyundai Oilbank’s existing refinery process.

 

SC&T’s C2 FE selective hydrogenation catalyst was selected by Hyundai Chemicals for the core catalyst unit. The catalyst has proven to help provide reliable operation at multiple feed sources and various operating conditions. These features ensure ethylene producers can gain higher yield from excellent ethylene selectivity. The catalyst also boasts stability features which provide extra confidence in day-to-day operations.

 

Ha Chang-Soo, HPC Commissioning Team Leader of Hyundai Chemicals HPC Complex said, “We are very pleased to be able to successfully operate the acetylene reactor with Shell’s excellent catalysts and professional and dedicated technical support. Thanks to Shell’s sophisticated product technology, we were able to achieve early normalisation of the ethylene plant. We appreciate their dedication to hard work.”

 

Agnes Lim, Specialty Catalyst Marketing Manager, SC&T, commented, “We are delighted to be part of Hyundai Chemicals’ new developments in the oil-to-chemical arena and to strengthen our long-term relationship with the business. The successful and safe startup with minimal flaring is a significant achievement.

 

We welcome the opportunity to contribute to Hyundai Chemicals’ journey in the energy transition and decarbonisation. SC&T is always looking to help our customers decarbonise so achieving startup with minimal flaring is a contribution to these efforts.”

 

Shell Catalysts & Technologies offers catalysts for both the removal of acetylene in front-end (FE) and tail-end (TE) operations. In FE applications, the catalysts exhibit exceptional selectivity and stability performance in a wide variety of process configurations.

 

The catalysts are characterised by industry-leading stability in both selectivity and activity. Their extremely wide operating window allows for the safe operation in the widest range of CO concentrations. In a variety of unit designs, Shell Catalysts & Technologies’ catalyst will continue to operate effectively throughout cracker maintenance cycles. In TE applications, Shell Catalysts & Technologies’ catalyst exhibits proven stability under the high-conversion demands required to achieve stringent outlet acetylene targets.