KBR ROSE: Maximizing Value Through Proven Technology
As the refining industry navigates shifting trade dynamics and mounting pressure from the energy transition, refiners must adapt to a changing crude slate while reducing carbon-intensive fuel production. The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) push for binding regulations to curb greenhouse gas emissions is further accelerating the decline in demand for fuel oil, driving a global shift toward residue upgrading.
KBR’s ROSE® (Residuum Oil Supercritical Extraction) technology offers a powerful solution. Using a supercritical solvent extraction process, ROSE separates residue into four molecular groups: saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes. This molecular-level separation allows refiners to route each stream to the most suitable downstream process:
- Saturates are valuable for lube base oil, are easily upgradable via hydro-processing or catalytic cracking
- Aromatics, once difficult, are now more manageable thanks to modern catalysts
- Resins contribute to high-quality road bitumen and are also upgradable in ebulliated-bed systems
- Asphaltenes, best directed to delayed coking or slurry bed processes, are separated to prevent fouling in other units
By installing ROSE® upstream in a delayed coking unit (DCU), for example, refiners can divert saturates and aromatics to hydro-processing or cat-cracking, boosting clean fuel yield and reducing coke production. This approach is ideal for DCU revamps aiming to maximize return with minimal investment.
With over 90% market share and 76 licensed units worldwide, KBR leads the solvent deasphalting industry, supporting over 1.7 million barrels per day of installed capacity.
“With its streamlined configuration, ROSE reduces the footprint and capital costs of downstream residue units, which are typically highly capital-intensive,” said Hari Ravindran, SVP & Global Head, KBR Technology Solutions.
ROSE delivers unmatched performance, flexibility, and operational reliability—while helping refiners reduce their carbon footprint and unlock more value from every barrel.
Discover more at: www.kbr.com/refining
