IMPACT OF GASOLINE AND DIESEL SPECIFICATIONS ON THE REFINING INDUSTRY

Future gasoline specifications demand reduction in aromatics, benzene, sulfur, volatility, and boiling point In response refiners must modif y their processing conditions, catalysts, and mode of operation of cat alytic reformers and isomerization units. Diesel fuel ir also facing t ighter specifications for cetane number, aromatic content, sulfur, and color. To meet these specifications, operational modifications includ e use of higher activity catalysts, higher hydrotreating severity, and two-stage processing. This paper reviews fuel legislation adopted rec ently worldwide, and refining technology solutions practiced and / or planned to meet the new specifications.