Based on a Petrobras technology, the Riograndense Refinery is the first to obtain cellulosic-content fuels in Brazil

The refinery converted Eucalyptus biomass oil into various fuels 

The Riograndense Refinery (RPR) successfully performed the co-processing test of 5% biomass pyrolysis oil or bio-oil (non-food biomass raw material) with mineral load. In this way, the refinery, located in Rio Grande (RS), which has corporate interests of Petrobras, Ultra and Braskem, was the first in the country able to produce cellulosic-content fuels.

Based on a Petrobras technology, the co-processing test occurred in the RPR catalytic cracking unit (FCCU), having 7 days duration and being concluded on last February 17. A highly specialized team from Petrobras and Riograndense monitored planning and execution of the procedures, providing support for the commissioning, launching, operation and downtime steps of the bio-oil unit supply and injection system.

Bio-oil is a viscous, dark brown liquid, rich in organic compounds. As is with crude oil, to be useful in engines or turbines, it requires further treatments. Upon being processed in the RPR FCC unit, it was converted into several fractions such as fuel oil, LPG and components for renewable content gasoline and maritime fuel. 

An innovative process for the refining industry

Catalytic  cracking is one of the main conversion processes used in oil refineries worldwide, being responsible for breaking oil molecules and providing products such as LPG, gasoline, diesel oil and chemical industry inputs. For performing the test, the RPR FCC underwent adaptations, to render viable the concomitant processing between bio-oil and petroleum gasoil. The catalyst belongs to the ReNewFCC^TM line, manufactured by Fábrica Carioca de Catalisadores (FCC S.A.), a joint venture between Petrobras and Ketjen, with activities in the catalysts and additives manufacture for the refining industry. 

The bio-oil test raw material was supplied by the Vallourec Unidade Florestal company. Its preparation process was certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification  (ISCC) and consists in the condensation of vapors generated in the production of Eucalyptus charcoal, avoiding production of greenhouse gas emissions.

Pioneering in worldwide biorefining

In 2023, RPR was the first in the world to process 100% vegetable oil in FCC, obtaining fuels and inputs for the chemical industry such as propylene and aromatics (BTX – benzene, toluene and xylene), also using Petrobras ‘technology.

“The recent test represents a significant advancement for global biorefining, since it can render viable the use of wood transformation and other agricultural and forestry wastes, widely available, into typical petroleum oil refining derivatives”, points out the Petrobras’ Engineering, Technology and Innovation Manager Renata Baruzzi.

“The innovative aspect of this new development of the Petrobras’ Research, Development and Innovation (CENPES) sets bio-oil  introduction into an existing refining asset, reducing the needs of further investments and opening a new perspective in energy transition and value generation for Brazilian industry”, declares William França, the Petrobras’ Industrial Processes and Products Manager.

As COP 30 approaches, this innovation highlights Petrobras’ and Brazil’s prominence in the international scene, consolidating the company’s role in the leadership for the promotion of technological solutions for the energy transition in our country”, tells Mauricio Tolmasquin, the Petrobras’ Energy Transition and Sustainability Manager.

These initiatives belong to the Petrobras’ BioRefining Program which expects investments of the order of USD 1.5 b at the 2025-29 Business Plan horizon. The co-processing test at the RPR was performed in accordance with the Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) provisions of the Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels National Agency (ANP) which regulates resources directed to innovation projects by oil and gas companies.

The cellulosic-containing test is one of the initiatives for the conversion, in the next few years, of the refinery. “In line with our commitment of being the leaders of a fair energy transition in Brazil, we will transform Riograndense Refinery into the first refinery in the world to manufacture 100% renewable products. It will be a biorefinery producing fuels from vegetable oils only”, says Petrobras’ President, Magda Chambriard.