Gazprom Neft (St. Petersburg, Russia; www.gazprom-neft.com) is continuing its construction of a high-tech-catalyst production facility in Omsk, with the future plant set to produce 21,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr) of modern catalysts to be used in key processes involved in deep oil refining and the production of Euro-5 fuels. This initiative has been designated a “national project” by the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation. Gazprom Neft’s investments in the project stand at more than RUB30 billion (around $400 million), with construction expected to be completed in 2021.
This new production capacity will allow the company to meet Russian refineries’ demand for effective catalysts, in full — annual output from the Omsk facility being expected to reach 15,000 m.t. of cat-cracking catalysts, 4,000 m.t. of hydrotreatment catalysts, and 2,000 m.t. of hydrocracking catalysts, reflecting not just demand on the domestic market, but also exports. Gazprom Neft is working closely with leading Russian research institutes on this project, and currently relies on feedstocks from domestic suppliers. The project envisages cutting-edge environmental solutions, including filtration systems and automated production-control systems.
The effectiveness of all products is confirmed by laboratory and pilot testing under commercial conditions. Using Gazprom Neft catalysts in the cat-cracking process increases the gasoline yield by up to 3.5%, while maintaining refining volumes. Catalytic hydrotreatment systems are able to remain active for longer, increasing facilities’ run times prior to catalysts needing replacement.
“Gazprom Neft is developing the most cutting-edge catalyst-production facility in Russia, securing the Russian oil refining industry’s independence from foreign producers. The company is developing a new business line here, engaging Russian scientists in developing and fine-tuning knowledge-intensive technologies, and domestic equipment producers and raw-materials suppliers in developing import-substitution products. In its focus on creating and developing this new business line Gazprom Neft is demonstrating a diversified approach and establishing a sustainable business from which to further develop its assets.”