High conversion residuum hydrocracking with the Canmet process

CANMET is a new residuum hydrocracking process, capable of achieving high conversion on difficult feedstocks. A description is given of the process and detailed performance data are presented for the upgrading of Laguna vacuum bottoms. The economic performance of the technology is evaluated in a case study where CANMET unit for upgrading vacuum bottoms is incorporated into a conventional refinery. CANMET is shown to offer an excellent route for upgrading heavy vacuum residues, yielding a 25.5% DCF return with a payout time of 4.2 years. 5 refs.