Hemendra Khakhar - Wood
Many refiners are struggling to meet new product specifications and improve refinery margins simultaneously while also dealing with a large resid pool. The choice for resid upgrading technology and flow scheme are of paramount importance, especially in the face of the IMO 2020 regulations. The ability to reliably minimize fuel oil production, maximize high-quality distillate yields, and achieve high conversion are essential for sustaining the value of installed assets in the years to come. Solvent Deasphalting (SDA) is a mature technology that is enjoying a renaissance today. Traditionally used for lubes and asphalt production, it is currently being increasingly incorporated into residue processing schemes to increase yields and optimize the refinery configuration.
This presentation will look at how refiners are integrating SDA into their refineries to de-bottleneck existing residue conversion units as well as applications in grassroots facilities. It will focus on innovative resid processing flow schemes to improve refining margins, improving liquid yields and how to leverage existing assets to reduce fuel oil exposure. With oil market fluctuations destined to arise in the coming years, refiners should look at ensuring they have feed flexibility and conversion options in their bottoms processing to maximize profits.
Hemendra Khakhar is Global Director, Technology Licensing for Wood PLC located in Houston. Prior to joining Wood, Hemendra has worked as a Global Director (Refining Technology) for KBR Technology & Consulting and Technology Manager for Hydroprocessing Catalyst business with UOP Honeywell. He has also held a variety of leadership positions with Technip USA and Reliance Petroleum. He has more than 20 years experience in Technical Sales, Licensing, Technical Service, Process Design, Development, Engineering and Operations experience within the refining and petrochemical industries. Hemendra holds a M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.