Zhejiang Petroleum Chooses KBR's ROSE Technology for China’s SDA Unit

On September 9, 2024, KBR announced that it had been awarded a contract to supply its ROSE® supercritical Solvent De-Asphalting (SDA) technology to Zhejiang Petroleum & Chemical Co. Ltd. (ZPC), a subsidiary of Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. Ltd. in China. The contract encompasses technology licensing and proprietary engineering design for ZPC, the operator of China’s largest refinery.

KBR President of Sustainable Technology Solutions, Jay Ibrahim, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are excited to collaborate with ZPC on this project, which will result in the largest SDA unit in China utilizing KBR's energy-efficient ROSE process." Ibrahim further highlighted that ROSE is globally recognized for its supercritical extraction technology, providing an energy-efficient and straightforward solution for bottom-of-the-barrel processing. The process is designed to ensure safe start-up and reliable performance while offering significant carbon footprint reduction for refiners. KBR’s solution is intended to help ZPC improve its residue conversion process, leading to greater profitability and operational sustainability.

KBR has established itself as a global leader in SDA technology, with the largest installed base worldwide. The company has been involved in the licensing, design, engineering, and commissioning of 72 ROSE units globally, with a combined licensed capacity of nearly 1.66 million barrels per day. The ROSE technology is known for its ability to upgrade low-value refinery residues into valuable products, making it an attractive solution for refiners seeking to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions.

This latest project with ZPC reflects KBR's commitment to providing innovative, energy-efficient solutions for the refining industry. In 2024, the company is celebrating 100 years of delivering refining and clean fuel technologies, marking a significant milestone in its long history of supporting the energy sector.

The partnership with ZPC is expected to enhance ZPC's ability to upgrade its refinery operations, improve profitability, and align with sustainability goals, reinforcing KBR's position as a leading provider of advanced refining technologies. As China continues to focus on modernizing its refining capacity and reducing its environmental impact, KBR’s involvement in this project highlights the growing demand for cleaner, more efficient refining solutions.

KBR delivers science, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and industries globally. With a global workforce of approximately 36,000 employees, KBR serves clients in over 80 countries and maintains operations in more than 30. The company is dedicated to collaborating with its international customers, offering innovative technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance support to deliver reliable outcomes with consistent and predictable results.