The scope of hydrogenation as a refining tool for the manufacture of transformer oils

The treating of petroleum products with hydrogen has been used in one form or another for over 30 years. The process, however, had little impact on the petroleum industry for over a decade. This was due to the high cost of hydrogen and the inadequacies of the available catalysts. Approximately 15 years ago, hydrogenation as a refinery process became a reality when low-cost hydrogen from reforming reactions became available. Since then, refining technology has advanced and hydrogenation has become one of the most significant developments in lube processing. Hydrogenation capacity in North America equals about 60% of the total lube capacity and is approaching 125,000 barrels a day at the present time. This volume will increase due to the attractiveness of the process.