Petroleum contains all energy-grade liquid, gaseous and solid hydrocarbons. To be distributed in products as we know it, it must be refined. Initial processing takes place in refineries, which are followed by petrochemical plants. Crude oil can be processed by different processes depending on its composition and the quality and quantity of the products required. In the first stage, the crude oil is desalted to 99 % purity and then separated by atmospheric distillation at temperature and pressure into gases, light gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, gas oil and distillation residue (Mazut).
All the petroleum products thus obtained are usually desulphurised by hydrotreating. For the gaseous fraction, desulphurisation is followed by splitting into fuel gas (containing mainly methane and ethane) and propane-butane (LPG). Isomerisation of light gasoline and reforming of heavy gasoline increases the octane number for final blending into motor gasoline. Kerosene is used as a fuel for aircraft engines. Gas oil is the main component of diesel fuel. Mazut is further processed by vacuum distillation to produce one or more vacuum distillates and a vacuum residue. Vacuum residue splitting results in heavy fuel oil, bitumen and petroleum coke.
As conventional applications continue to advance, the process of producing petroleum products is also becoming more modern and efficient. The European Commission, together with environmental organisations, is also making demands on fuel purity and issuing binding standards to reduce the content of harmful substances. For example, the sulphur content (since 2009 only 10 mg/kg is allowed), oxygen and oxygenates, as well as the levels of lead, manganese and water are regulated. At the same time, care is taken to ensure a predetermined distillation process and the correct composition of hydrocarbons. All this affects the quality of the fuel. In order to achieve these limit values, petrochemical plants must invest in the construction of new modern units or the refurbishment of existing production units.
UNIS has been in this business for over 30 years and we know all too well how volatile this industry can be. Moreover, the price of this raw material is affected by various factors (economic crises, wars, epidemics ...) and years of plenty can be replaced by unprofitable lows. It is therefore essential for us to get the most out of each part of the production chain and to optimise the efficiency of all processes in the most appropriate way.
We are able to implement any project in this area using the most desirable licensed technologies (UOP, Axens, Exxomobil, GTS).
Our activities cover the whole world, no matter how difficult the terrain or how challenging the conditions in the area. At UNIS, we do everything necessary to ensure that our clients are satisfied and that their products achieve the highest recognised quality.
We work with public and private entities in the oil, gas, power and chemical sectors. In the places where we operate, we strive to meet the highest health, safety and environmental standards in every situation, with input from local stakeholders to enhance development in their communities.