ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 31. Kazakhstan's KazMunayGas (KMG, the national oil and gas company) and W.R. Grace (US) have considered the prospects for creating the production of catalytic cracking catalysts in Kazakhstan, Trend reports.
According to KMG, this topic was discussed during a meeting between KMG Chairman of the Board, Askhat Khassenov, and the President of the refining technology division of W.R. Grace Luis Cirihal.
The parties decided to assess the possibility of production using local raw materials (including rare earth elements) by the end of this year, with the further development of a feasibility study for the project.
The interlocutors also discussed the current activities of the joint venture, Grace Kazakhstan Catalysts LLP.
To note, catalysts are needed to carry out the catalytic cracking process, one of the most important technological processes ensuring deep oil refining. Cracking is the process of decomposing petroleum products at high temperatures and pressures. Catalysts accelerate this process of oil cracking and are one of the key components of all oil refining technology.
Currently, KMG's cooperation with Grace is based on the activities of the Grace Kazakhstan Catalysts JV, which is engaged in the supply and testing of catalytic cracking catalysts according to international standards to a number of Kazakhstani refineries. In 2022, the joint venture also commissioned the first specialized laboratory in Kazakhstan for testing catalysts for the oil refining industry in Atyrau for the purpose of prompt decision-making at plants.