Further devaluation of refractory and high-sulfur crudes due to IMO 2020 is widening the price gap, delivering higher value Crude-to-Chemicals derivatives from heavy feeds. Therefore, ‘squeezing’ the Bottom-Of-the-Barrel leads to a better monetization by producing more HVCs instead of fossil fuels, while focusing on energy efficiency and saving every drop of crude.
The CTC Concept, the Emerging Solution
The CTC concept involves merging refining and petrochemical operations with the primary objective of maximizing chemicals production.
In this context, the CTC complexes are designed to manufacture in the same dynamics HVCs and cleaner fuels in line with ever more stringent specifications dealing with environmental pollution. Currently, it remains important to have good production flexibility between both to adapt to changing market conditions and to match regional and more specific needs.
In view of this two-fold challenge, the emerging solution lies in the CTC concept,
materialized by a high level of integration of refineries with petrochemicals compliant to get high conversion capability from Crude-to-Chemicals. Therefore, CTC is not only the juxtaposition of conventional refineries and petrochemical plants but it implies thoroughly reconsidering the process routes targeting the new market trends.
How to Achieve a Competitive CTC Project
In order to be competitive and ensure positive margins, such complexes should
comply with a number of requirements related to capital and operating costs
optimization, among which:
- thermal integration to minimize energy consumption,
- sustainability,
- feedstocks and product flexibility.
To fulfill all these conditions, only tailor-made client-oriented approaches focused on client constraints and local specifications are appropriate, whether it is a grassroots or a revamped plant. Each CTC Project is Unique.
