Oil Refinery Modernization | Hydrocracking & Euro 5 Fuel Upgrade

Project Overview

This refinery modernization project was designed to improve fuel quality, reduce sulfur and harmful impurities, and support production of Class 5 / Euro 5-compliant motor fuels.

Russian refinery modernization programs have involved upgrades such as hydrocracking, hydrotreating, and petroleum-coke production to support higher-quality fuel production and deeper refining.

Client Challenge

The client needed to modernize its operating units to produce fuel meeting higher environmental specifications. The objectives included reducing sulfur compounds, increasing conversion of heavy feedstock, and raising the share of higher-value light petroleum products.

Why the Client Selected Us

The company was selected through a competitive tender procedure due to its experience with complex industrial projects, process-engineering expertise, and ability to integrate modern technology into operating refinery infrastructure.

Delivered Solution

The modernization scope included core deep-refining processes:

• Hydrotreating: Removal of sulfur and unwanted impurities using hydrogen and catalysts.
• Hydrocracking: Conversion of heavy petroleum fractions into lighter, higher-value products.
• Catalytic cracking: Production of high-octane gasoline components from heavier hydrocarbon streams.
• Delayed coking: Processing of heavy residues to produce gas-oil fractions, gasoline components, and petroleum coke.

These technologies support greater output of light petroleum products and improved environmental and operational performance.

Outcome

The project delivered:

• An increase in the share of Class 5 / Euro 5 gasoline to 96%.
• Reduced sulfur and harmful components in motor fuel.
• Lower environmental impact from vehicle emissions.
• Improved refining depth and feedstock efficiency.
• Increased production of marketable light petroleum products.
• Enhanced industrial and environmental safety.

As industry context, refinery investment programs that include hydrocracking and coke-production capacity have targeted refining depth of up to 96% at certain Russian sites.

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