Hydrotreating / Desulfurization
Cleaner Fuels, Compliant Futures
At Pernis Refinery, sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s built into our core. Our Hydrotreating and Desulfurization processes are essential to producing ultra-clean fuels that meet and exceed global emissions standards. By removing sulfur and other impurities from refined products, we ensure that our fuels burn cleaner, last longer, and meet the evolving needs of a carbon-conscious world.
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What Is Hydrotreating?
Hydrotreating is a catalytic process that treats petroleum fractions with hydrogen under high pressure and moderate temperatures. Its primary goal? To eliminate sulfur, nitrogen, metals, and other contaminants from:
Diesel
Kerosene
Naphtha
Jet fuel
The result is a high-quality, environmentally responsible fuel ready for further processing or end-use.
At Pernis Refinery, hydrotreating serves as the backbone of our clean fuel production, supporting everything from Crude Oil Distillation to Fuel Blending & Custom Formulations.
Why Sulfur Matters
Sulfur in fuel leads to harmful emissions like sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which contributes to acid rain, respiratory problems, and environmental degradation. That’s why agencies like the European Environment Agency (EEA) enforce strict sulfur limits in transportation fuels (source).
Our Hydrotreating units are designed to meet:
Euro 6 and IMO sulfur limits
International Jet A-1 aviation fuel standards
EN 590 diesel regulations
By delivering Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and other compliant fuels, we enable cleaner combustion and longer engine life for fleets, airlines, and industries.
How the Process Works
Feed Preparation – Feedstocks are separated and conditioned post-distillation.
Hydrogen Contact – The stream is mixed with high-purity hydrogen.
Catalytic Reaction – In a pressurized reactor, sulfur and other impurities are removed as gas (e.g., hydrogen sulfide).
Separation & Treatment – Gases are separated and processed; liquids are stabilized into final fuels.
These steps are guided by automated monitoring systems, ensuring product consistency, energy efficiency, and safety at all times.
Desulfurization: More Than Compliance
Desulfurization isn’t just about meeting mandates—it’s about future-proofing fuels. Our upgraded desulfurization units are built for:
Higher throughput
Deeper sulfur removal (<10 ppm)
Lower hydrogen consumption
Minimal carbon footprint
Whether we’re processing diesel, kerosene, or marine fuels, our system allows for modular adjustments, helping us respond quickly to changing market needs and regulation updates, such as the IMO 2020 sulfur cap.
Integrated With Smart Refining
At Pernis Refinery, Hydrotreating is not an isolated process—it’s part of a smart refining ecosystem. We integrate it with:
Catalytic Cracking (FCC / Hydrocracking) to improve feedstock quality
Petrochemical Feedstock Supply to deliver purified base chemicals
This cross-functional integration allows us to operate cleaner, faster, and with greater flexibility.
Benefits of Our Hydrotreating Systems
✅ Ultra-low sulfur fuels
✅ Better combustion efficiency
✅ Enhanced fuel stability
✅ Cleaner air and emissions compliance
✅ Extended engine and turbine life
✅ Increased customer trust and fuel quality recognition
These benefits impact not just fuel users, but the environment and the future of the energy economy.
Our Commitment
Our refinery isn’t just refining for today—we’re refining for the next generation. Through Hydrotreating, we provide fuels that:
Align with Europe’s Green Deal targets
Meet stakeholder expectations for ESG performance
Improve the carbon footprint of entire supply chains
And we do it with uncompromising precision.
The Future of Clean Fuel Starts Here
As demand grows for renewable integration, cleaner transport, and decarbonized energy solutions, Hydrotreating is critical. At Pernis Refinery, we continue to innovate, leveraging data intelligence, automation, and advanced catalysts to remain at the forefront of clean refining.