Refiners Turn to KBR’s ROSE Technology Amid Shifting Market and Environmental Pressures
As global refining faces rising challenges—from evolving crude slates to stringent environmental mandates—the industry is under pressure to reduce production of carbon-intensive fuels and adapt to changing trade dynamics. The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) push for binding greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures is accelerating the decline in demand for traditional fuel oil, prompting refiners to seek advanced solutions for residue upgrading.
KBR’s ROSE® (Residuum Oil Supercritical Extraction) technology offers a strategic path forward. Utilizing a supercritical solvent extraction process, ROSE separates heavy residues into four key molecular fractions—saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes—enabling precise routing of each stream for maximum downstream value:
- Saturates: Ideal for lube base oil production and easily upgradable via hydroprocessing or catalytic cracking.
- Aromatics: Once challenging, now efficiently processed using modern catalysts.
- Resins: Suitable for high-performance road bitumen and adaptable to ebullated-bed systems.
- Asphaltenes: Typically directed to delayed coking or slurry bed processes, and removed early to prevent downstream fouling.
Integrating ROSE® upstream of a Delayed Coking Unit (DCU) allows refiners to divert high-value streams—such as saturates and aromatics—into clean fuel production units. This not only increases clean fuel yields but also reduces coke formation, making it a cost-effective strategy for DCU revamps.
With over 90% global market share, 76 licensed units, and support for more than 1.7 million barrels per day of installed capacity, KBR is the clear leader in solvent deasphalting technology.
“ROSE’s compact and efficient design reduces the footprint and capital costs associated with residue upgrading—areas that are typically capital-intensive,” noted Hari Ravindran, SVP & Global Head, KBR Technology Solutions.
ROSE® offers refiners a powerful combination of high performance, flexibility, and reliability—while also advancing decarbonization goals and enhancing profitability in an increasingly competitive landscape.
