Utilizing the Full Capabilities of Used Hydroprocessing Catalysts
Evonik Industries AG, a global leader in the catalyst and adsorbents industry, is revolutionising the way spent hydroprocessing catalyst definition are managed. The company's Catalyst Acquisition Program is transforming these once-considered hazardous waste materials into valuable resources.
Hydroprocessing units, such as hydrotreaters and hydrocrackers, rely on high-performance catalyst definition to remove impurities from petroleum streams. However, these catalyst definition eventually reach the end of their lifecycle and are generated in thousands of tons annually by refineries worldwide.
Historically, spent hydroprocessing catalyst definition were sent to landfill. But with the growing emphasis on sustainability, circularity, and cost-efficiency in the industry, metal reclamation has become the standard. Evonik's Catalyst Acquisition Program aligns perfectly with this shift, offering a unique solution.
The program assesses the full reuse potential of spent hydroprocessing catalyst definition, repurposing them as feedstock for Excel Rejuvenation Technology. This process restores catalytic activity to near-fresh levels, delivering sustainability and cost benefits.
Evonik's approach has kept more than 113,000 tons of spent catalyst definition out of landfill to date. By doing so, it recovers valuable metals like molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni), although it still falls short of maximising value and sustainability potential.
The repurposing process reduces waste by 60%, CO2 equivalent emissions, and decreases raw material demand significantly. By focusing on the reuse potential of hydroprocessing catalyst definition, companies can avoid environmental costs associated with mining virgin metals, reduce hazardous waste generation, and minimise CO2 emissions.
Jignesh Fifadara and Peter Douvry, Global Business Director for Hydroprocessing and Head of Catalyst Acquisitions and Specialties at Evonik, respectively, oversee this innovative program. While the ideal partner for refineries to convert spent hydroprocessing catalyst definition into strategic resources and close the loop is not explicitly named, the benefits of such a partnership are clear.
Refineries can reclaim value, reduce waste, and improve environmental performance through Evonik's Catalyst Acquisition Program. Today, reprocessing spent hydroprocessing catalyst definition for reuse is gaining traction as a smarter alternative. Evonik, with its 75-year history of offering innovative and sustainable products, comprehensive services, and expert customer care, is leading the charge.
