Kfupm Crp

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals

Ongoing Research & Proposed Ideas in Petrochemicals & Polymers

Center for Refining & Petrochemicals KFUPM Research Institute Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

September 2008

1

Center for Refining & Petrochemicals

Our Mission “Provide R&D support and professional service to Kingdom’s refineries and downstream petrochemical industries”

2

Laboratories and Facilities

Refining & Petrochemical Labs

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Catalyst Development General Analysis & Testing Catalytic Reaction Engineering Catalyst Testing/Evaluation Petroleum Products Testing TPD, TPR Evaluation Central Analytical laboratory Organic synthesis Inorganic and analytical

Polymer Labs

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Polyolefin Research Polymer Additives Polymer Characterization Plastics Weathering Polymer Processing Polymer Engineering Ciba Technical Development Center

3

Human Resources • 19 full-time researchers and staff-CRP plus several post-docs • Part-time faculty members and graduate students at:

Diplom a 4

Ph.D. 5

Total B.S. 5

19 M.S. 5

– Department of Chemical Engineering – Department Chemistry – Department of Mechanical Engineering

4

Research Concentration Petrochemicals Research • Develop catalysts Processes for petrochemical applications • Production of Xylenes via: ¾ Transalkylation of heavy aromatics to mixed xylenes ¾ Toluene Disproportionation and alkylation with methanol ¾ LPG to aromatics

• Catalytic Oxidation of C3-C4 Alkanes to High-value Chemicals Polymer Research • Novel supports and catalysts • Additives/formulations • Nanocomposites/blends • Plastics weathering and recycling

5

Partial list of Completed Projects • Development of Heterogeneous Metallocene Catalysts Systems for Olefin Polymerization z

Migration of VCM from PVC Pipes/Causes of PVC Pipe Failure

z

Kinetic studies of Lower Hydrocarbons

z

Assess Zero-flaring Technologies for Olefin Plants

z

Influence of Molecular Parameters on the Rheology and Miscibility of Molten LLDPE in LDPE and HDPE

z

Structure-Conformation Relationships in Molten m-PE by Rheological and Molecular Simulation Techniques

z

Rubber NBR/HNBR Blends: Degradation & Compatibility

z

Synthesis, Thermal & Rheological Characterization of Composite Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications 6

Partial list of Completed Projects z

Improve SABIC Polymers for Performance Modification of SaudiAsphalt Binders

z

Water Soluble Polymers: Influence of Hydrophobe Content on Solution Rheology of SO2, N,N-diallyl-N-carbo-ethoxy-methylAmmonium Chloride-co-N,N-diallyl-N-octadecylammonium Chloride Polymer

z

Rheology of Gelling Polymers for Reservoir Water-Shutoff Treatment

z

Influence of Tacticity and Mw on the Compatibility of PP/LDPE Blends

z

Investigation of the Influence of Molecular Structure on Molecular Characteristics of Metallocene LLDPE by NMR, Light Scattering, DSC, and MD Simulation Techniques

z

Influence of Hydrophobe Architecture on Self Assembly, Rheology and Interfacial Properties of Amphiphilic ionic Polymers 7

Ongoing Projects and Collaboration

Collaboration with Ciba Specialty Chemicals z

Technical Development Center

¾

Provide technical services to Ciba clients in Kingdom and GCC region

¾

Provide know-how and training in polyolefin additives analysis to producers, processors, converters, and master batch producers

¾

Develop new additive formulations using Ciba products for GCC climate

8

Newly Established Centers A new era combining excellence with strategic research …………

Main objective: Establish focused research programs and strengthen graduate education Center Name

Sponsor and Duration

Center of Research Excellence CORE: Ministry of Higher EducationPetroleum Refining & Petrochemicals MOHE: Five years Center-in-Development CID: Transformative Research in Petrochemicals & Polymers

King Abdullah University of Science & Technology-KAUST Global Research Partnership: Three years

Collaborative Research Center: Refining & Petrochemicals Program

King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology-KACST: Part of National Science & Technology Plan-NSTP: Five years 9

Approved Projects-Petrochemicals CORE MOHE • Novel Catalyst System for Toluene Transformation Reactions • Catalyst Development for Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane • Isosynthesis Catalyst: Gold Oxide on Basic Zirconia and Alumina CID KAUST • Novel Catalyst System for Converting Hexane to Benzene • Novel Catalyst System for Methylation of Toluene • VPO nano-catalysts for Maleic Anhydride by n-Butane Oxidation • Olefin Metathesis in Collaboration with Caltech Chemistry KACST NSTP • Dehydration of Alcohols on Metal Catalysts Supported by Acid/Base Materials • Catalysts for Alkylation of Aromatics using Alcohols 10

Approved Projects: Polymers CORE MOHE • Supported Catalysts for Ethylene Polymerization & Stabilization of Synthesized Resins • Aqueous Two-phase Polymer Systems for Possible Applications in Bioseparations • Impact of Surface Modification & Characteristics of Carbonnanotubes on the Properties of PE Nanocomposites CID KAUST • Novel Multi-Purpose Interfacial Functional Additives and Compatibilizers for Polyolefin • Melt Spinning Process of Super-Fiber-Composites KACST NSTP • PE/Nanoclay Composites for Gas Handling Steel Pipe Lining • High-Performance Supported Catalysts for Ethylene Polymerization & Additives Formulation

11

Potential Research Ideas

Explore and identify new ideas for potential research of mutual interest – Development of catalyst & processes for intermediate petrochemicals – Research ideas on polyolefins research – Polymer and additives development – Xylenes production via various routes

12

Doing Business with KFUPM Which Method is Right for You? Agreement Type

Contact: [email protected]

Description and when to use this mechanism

Client-funded projects

Most common method: contract on specific R&D work, application or solution specific development, flexible contract arrangement

Joint R&D Program

Cost-shared collaboration for R&D activities of mutual benefit and interest

Consultations

Makes available the expertise of faculty members for a short or long period of time

License Agreement

Grants rights to practice KFUPM’s IP for commercial use

Laboratory Services

Performs analyses, testing, calibration, measurements: provided only if they are not available at local private sector

User Facilities Agreement

Provide access to certain dedicated laboratory facilities 13

Upcoming Events at CRP Objective: Exchange knowledge and expertise in polyolefins and catalysts among local petrochemical producers and refineries. Two-day Workshop – Polyolefin Thermoplastics Advancements & Innovations: • 14-15 October 2008

www.kfupm.edu.sa/polymer

Two-day Symposium – Catalysts in Refining & Petrochemicals: • 17-18 November 2008 www.kfupm.edu.sa/catsymp

14