In the 21st century, the term ‘scraping the bottom of the barrel’ has become quite literal to the refining industry and hydrogen comes to the fore as a means to do just this. Only a few decades ago, the thick, heavy crudes being utilised today would not have even been a consideration for the production of mainstream products and were used mainly as bunker fuels.
Thirty years ago crude quality was a good match with what was being demanded by the market, but today’s refiners – even in the midst of the revitalising ‘shale gale’ – are being compelled to dig deeply into the dregs of the remaining resources and must upgrade these crudes to reduce sulfur content and to keep up with market demand and environmental regulations.
Hydrogen is therefore absolutely critical to convert this poor quality crude oil into modern-day products, and to comply with strict environmental mandates.
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