Evonik expands sustainable catalyst offerings with new product Octamax; product offers improved sulfur removal performance for use in cracked gasoline hydrodesulfurization units

Sample article from our Chemicals Industry

March 13, 2024 (press release) –

Michael Giffels
Head of Market Communications
Catalysts business line
Nina Peck
Head of Market Communications Smart Materials
  • A cost-efficient solution that improves sulfur removal performance while maximizing octane retention
  • Brings established technology of hydroprocessing catalyst re-use to cracked gasoline HDS units
  • Offers a highly sustainable alternative to fresh catalysts

Hanau, Germany. Evonik has launched a highly sustainable new catalyst product, Octamax™, that improves sulfur removal performance for refinery fuel. The technology consists of uniquely selected NiMo and CoMo catalysts regenerated and enhanced at optimal conditions for use in cracked gasoline hydrodesulfurization (HDS) units.

The cost-effective solution from Evonik maximizes sulfur removal and improves octane level retention to meet current gasoline pool requirements, extending the business line’s sustainable catalyst offerings within refinery applications.

“Refiners face a complex balance of commercial viability in a competitive market, while remaining environmentally conscious. At Evonik, we are committed to creating sustainable, value-added catalytic processes and solutions for our customers,” says John Kennedy, Evonik Catalysts Vice President and General Manager of  the Americas region. 

He added, “We look forward to better serving refiners with our extended catalyst expertise and product offerings, now across a greater range of refinery applications. The launch of Octamax™ is a great example of our commitment to Next Generation solutions at Evonik, that also helps customers improve their bottom line.”

Octamax™ reduces potential landfill waste by regenerating spent catalysts that can be re-used. This reduces reliance on fresh catalysts, helping to save valuable raw materials – and supporting refineries’ sustainability efforts.

Jignesh Fifadara, Global Director of HPC Catalysts at Evonik Catalysts and responsible for sustainability issues in this field, says: “The worldwide push for lower sulfur content in gasoline is putting refiners under pressure to comply with new limits. They are being challenged to find new ways to optimize performance and profitability, while operating units at higher severity.

“Octamax™ presents a high-performance and cost-effective solution for Fluid Catalytic Cracking [FCC] gasoline post-treatment units, allowing refiners greater flexibility.”

The product offers equal or better octane selectivity to alternative fresh catalysts and allows refiners to lower sulfur in gasoline without impacting target cycle length.

Octamax™ can be used by refineries processing FCC Naphtha that are looking to maintain or improve octane levels, while producing ultra-low sulfur gasoline. Its application is also suitable for refineries looking to maximize sulfur credits, by taking advantage of improved catalyst HDS activity.

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €15.3 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.66 billion in 2023. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers. More than 33,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow. 

The Smart Materials division includes businesses with innovative materials that enable resource-saving solutions and replace conventional materials. They are the smart answer to the major challenges of our time: environment, energy efficiency, urbanization, mobility and health. The Smart Materials division generated sales of €4.46 billion in 2023 with more than 8,100 employees.  

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.

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