Riograndense successfully processes 100% soybean oil in its Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit

In Brazil, Riograndense Petroleum Refinery (RPR) has accomplished a historic achievement by successfully processing 100% soybean oil in a Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Unit at the Refinery. This milestone was made possible through innovative technology developed by the Petrobras’ Research, Development, and Innovation Center (CENPES), processing 100% renewable feedstocks, adopting process and catalyst innovations, and generating fully renewable petrochemical products. This trial represents a groundbreaking achievement, marking the first of its kind worldwide.
With the successful outcome of the test, RPR, located in Rio Grande (RS), is prepared to initiate the production of petrochemical feedstocks and renewable fuels. These products include bio-LPG, renewable marine fuels, renewable propylene, and bio-aromatic hydrocarbons (BTX – benzene, toluene, and xylene), crucial to produce synthetic rubber, nylon, and PVC. Moreover, it was determined that the BTX concentration levels achieved in the gasoline through a novel catalyst utilization can meet the necessary criteria for formulating high-performance ultra-low sulfur gasoline.
The catalysts used in the test are from the ReNewFCC line and were produced in partnership with Fábrica Carioca de Catalisadores (FCC SA), a joint venture between Petrobras and Ketjen, which produces catalysts and additives for the refining industry.