TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 26. The project, implemented for the first time in Uzbekistan, will improve the quality of first-group base oils produced and bring them up to European standards, Trend reports.
Fergana Oil Refinery has launched a large-scale program to improve the quality of base oils produced. The program envisages modernization of the atmospheric-vacuum column as well as repairs to production units manufacturing mineral base oils. The goal of the program is to bring the physical and chemical characteristics of the oils to the indicators meeting the best European standards.
As part of the first stage of the program, the replacement of the catalyst on the base oil hydrotreating column was carried out. This unit performs deep purification of oil chases from sulfur, nitrogen, aromatic hydrocarbons, and resinous asphaltene substances that negatively affect the oxidation stability, corrosion characteristics, and color of oils.
Saneg's (one of Uzbekistan’s largest oil and gas companies) technical specialists chose the most modern solution: the HyBRIM series catalyst, which is produced by the Danish Topsoe company (the world leader in catalytic process technology). This is a new generation of catalysts providing deep purification from sulfur and nitrogen impurities.
"The program for improving the quality of base oils is a step forward in the company's commitment to innovation and product improvement. The new catalyst will make it possible to maximize the potential of the hydrotreating unit and produce oils with improved antioxidant and anti-corrosion properties and improved color, which brings the product closer to API global base oil standards," said Saneg CEO Tulkin Yusupov.
After hydrotreating, the improved base oils will be used in the production of motor, transmission, hydraulic, gearbox, compressor, and other types of commercial oils under the SEG Motol brand. The company plans to produce approximately 130,000 tons of base oils in 2024.