Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 12
Markets and Price Trends for Metals in
Spent Hydroprocessing Catalysts
It is again emphasized that the focus is on the conventional hydroprocessing catalysts. Thus,
the primary interest is in the metals such as Mo, W, Co and Ni [700] . In recent years, interest
in the reclamation of alumina from spent hydroprocessing catalysts have been growing. It is
noted that the bulk of alumina disposed from other refinery operations, e.g., alkylation, Claus,
chloride guard, etc., is generally disposed in landfills rather than being recovered. The
availability of spent hydroprocessing catalysts either for metal recovery or other utilization
routes is dictated by the overall catalyst consumption by the petroleum refining industry.
According to Silvy [701] , the efficiency of refining capacity should grow by about 2.4%
annually. There is a difference between the refining efficiency and the overall refining capacity.
For the former, the type and the amount of catalysts utilized by refining industry play a key
role. Nevertheless, the demand for hydroprocessing catalysts will continuously grow, i.e., by
about 4 and almost 8%, for hydrotreating and hydrocracking catalysts, respectively. Taking
into consideration these facts, the prices of hydrotreating and hydrocracking catalysts may
exceed $ 10 and $ 30 per kilogram. It is to be noted that positive payment to refinery depends
on the metals concentration in spent catalysts and fluctuations in the market prices of metals.
Apparently, the metal reclaiming companies are taking necessary measures in anticipation of
these developments.
12.1 Molybdenum
Steel industry has been the largest consumer of Mo, accounting for almost 75% of demand in
2002 mostly used as an alloy in stainless steels used in a wide range of applications as well as
superalloys for use in gas turbine, aircraft parts, missiles, chemical processing equipment, etc.
Since 2000, stainless steel production increased at about 4-5% annually. Non-metallurgical
applications of Mo are likely to increase by 3-5% annually, mainly due to the increased
demand for hydroprocessing catalysts. Thus, more stringent emissions regulations and
growing emphasis on fuel efficiency will require higher efficiency of petroleum refining.
Consequently, the consumption of hydroprocessing catalysts will increase. A part of Mo is
used in the form of Mo sulfide as lubricant for high loads and high temperatures applications,
e.g., in space vehicles. Because of high melting point (2610 C), Mo metal is used as filament
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