There is a direct correlation among Marlim crude, the Delayed Coking Unit and PETROBRAS, owner of huge crude oil reserves in deep water reservoirs, from which the giant Marlim field stands out. Processing growing volumes of crudes with such deep-water characteristics has set challenges that the Company dealt with by fitting its refining plant facilities. These crudes generate large volumes of residues, which call for the construction of conversion units. In this specific case, the choice for the delayed coking process has a fundamental explanation: the process is profitable and adjustable to the fuel demands, parallel to the production of a petroleum green coke that fits anode grade specifications. Internationally recognized coke quality is also an indication of good operation. To complete the correlation, PETROBRAS has developed its own delayed coking technology. A combination of basic engineering, pilot plant research and industrial tests are the key for the present technological stage, keeping pace with the latest industrial developments. Today, PETROBRAS operates four Delayed Coking Units - DCU, three of which designed internally. Three new other units have already concluded their basic design and are in EPC phase.
Campos basin reservoirs, which comprise a considerable portion of Brazilian reserves - being Marlim the biggest field - are known to produce deep water, heavy, naphthenic crudes. The research, exploration and production of this kind of deep water crude have ushered the Company to the world leadership in this area. PETROBRAS has been adapting its refining scheme to best exploit this crude's characteristic.
Some papers and magazines have been published by PETROBRAS, focusing either on the geological or exploration aspects of Campos basin development. Other papers1 are focused on the impact of processing Marlim crude in its units and how the Company has dealt with that challenge.
The growth of heavy crude production, the environmental restrictions on the burning of fuel oils and the increasing natural gas production, led to development and building of conversion and hydrotreatment (naphtha and diesel) units. Delayed Coking Technology (DCT) is an important route to increase liquid yields from these heavy crudes.
The development of PETROBRAS technology both in Delayed Coking and Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking units began during the 1980's, when Brazil had many constraints to import, forcing it to manage its own technological developments. Nowadays, the scenario has changed and the Company is a strong player in the petroleum product open market.
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