Novel catalysts and new technology innovations can reduce the energy consumption for crude to chemicals routes, but significant energy input will still be required. Current state of art in the industry utilizes combustion of hydrocarbons to provide process heating or generate utilities, releasing carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in the process. Global commitments to reduce these emissions require the state of the art to advance.
Using steamcracker technology as an example, this paper will review options to reduce or eliminate carbon dioxide emissions resulting from chemicals production. The technologies and techniques examined can be applied to other refining and chemicals production processes.Senior Technology Director, LUMMUS TECHNOLOGY