Case Study

Feasibility study for world's largest crude oil to chemicals complex

Chemical plant

Technical and strategy leadership to shape the design and construction of the world’s largest crude oil to chemicals facility.

The situation

We executed a detailed feasibility study of an integrated refining and petrochemical complex in the Middle East. The complex will convert crude oil to a combination of chemical products and transportation fuel. With 50% of the feedstock will be converted to chemical products, this will be the largest complex of this type in the world with the highest percentage of chemical conversion of any similar complex. The study looked at 3 possible sites for the new complex.

Our approach

Our consultants evaluated the proposed process configurations in a screening study. We also identified and evaluated numerous other process configurations to include in the screening study. Two competing configurations were selected for further evaluation. 

For each of the configurations, we developed process simulations of all major process units to develop detailed sized equipment lists and utility estimates to perform a +/- 40% capital cost estimate.

The results

Our detailed financial model for the project development gave our client a complete roadmap of the construction, startup and finances over a 25-year lifespan. Our detailed assessment of the technical and commercial risks of the three proposed sites enabled our client to select a site and make key decisions to move forward.

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