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Advanced Hydroprocessing Technology

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Using advanced hydroprocessing technology, ConocoPhillips converts crude oil molecules into extremely pure colorless products, virtually free of aromatics, polar compounds and sulfur. The result is a paraffinic mineral oil free of the impurities that limit the performance of conventional process oils.

Hydroprocessing Technology

Here is how the process works:

  1. Feedstock is separated into distillates and vacuum gas oils.
  2. Waxy vacuum gas oil molecules flow to the hydrocracker to begin conversion.
  3. Hydrogen is introduced to saturate the molecules and remove impurities such as nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen and heavy metals.
  4. Hydrocracking, under conditions of extreme temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalyst, converts aromatic molecules into saturated paraffins.
  5. The altered stock is noticeably lighter in color due to the absence of contaminants.
  6. Long waxy paraffin molecules are restructured into shorter, branched isoparaffins which resist gelling and improve low temperature pumpability.
  7. Hydrogen is introduced again to remove any remaining aromatics and impurities, enhancing the oxidation and thermal stability of the now colorless oil.

 



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