Commercialization
Examples of Commercialized Products:
FCC: ATOMAX-2™ Feed Nozzles
ATOMAX-2™ feed nozzles, developed by KBR in cooperation with ExxonMobil, provide 43 percent smaller droplet size than our original, industry-leading ATOMAX-1 nozzles. Click to Enlarge
Recognizing the critical role of feed injection systems in FCC technology, ExxonMobil and KBR conducted a joint effort to develop new-generation FCC feed nozzles. The project included KBRTC developing, then fabricating and testing prototype nozzles on our full-scale, cold-flow test rig. The result was commercial success and industry-wide acclaim.
Fluid-Bed Coal Combustion and Gasification
KBR has long been a pioneer in clean coal and synfuels technology. KBRTC transport reactor test unit continues to support this technology. The 2.5-kg/hr unit provides vital process data on the combustion, partial oxidation, pyrolysis and gasification of heavy hydrocarbons, petroleum coke, low rank coals and other gas-solid reaction systems. The circulating fluidized bed system can operate at temperatures of up to 930°C and pressures of up to 7 bar (90 psig).
Ammonia Synthesis
KBR is involved in the licensing, design, engineering and/or construction of over 200 ammonia plants worldwide, representing approximately half of current global ammonia production. Click to Enlarge
KBR is the leader in ammonia production technology with over 200 ammonia plants worldwide employing our licensed technology. Our commitment to ongoing process development is evidenced by the commercialization of KBR's Advanced Ammonia Process (KAAP™), which is based on a revolutionary, highly-active, precious metal on carbon support catalyst system.
Thousands of hours of laboratory, bench and field unit testing by KBR technologists proved the performance and stability of this novel catalyst system. Cold-flow models operated at KBRTC provided data required to design the proprietary radial-flow KAAP™ reactor. A state-of-the-art synthesis catalyst test unit provided quality-assurance of commercially-produced KAAP™ catalyst.
Additional Capabilities
Cold-Flow Modeling
KBRTC specializes in cold-flow modeling - the dynamic simulation of engineering designs at or near ambient temperatures and pressures. We feature a number of pilot-scale units for cold-flow modeling of various systems. Our experts can construct specialized units on short notice.
Recent cold-flow model test programs have studied flow characteristics of gases, liquids and solids in the following process areas:
- FCC riser termination
- Atomization of liquids
- Ammonia Converters
- Transport reactors
Creating realistic cold-flow models is a unique talent, and KBR is a leading practitioner of this technique. Click to Enlarge
Upstream Environment
In recent years, KBRTC has expanded our capabilities into the upstream environment. From crude assays and demulsifier testing to wax deposition and hydrate formation studies for subsea developments, our horizons have widened.
Unit Operations
The Technology Center also studies improvements in unit operations. Our test units include:
- 6m-tall, 20cm-diameter fractionation tower, operable under atmospheric or vacuum conditions
- 4.5m-tall, 15cm-diameter batch distillation packed column with a 250-liter reboiler
- Bench-scale Multi-Purpose Reactor Unit with capabilities for:
- Steam/hydrocarbon pyrolysis
- Catalyst evaluation
- Fouling and Aging studies
- Hydroprocessing
Research & Development
Highly experienced laboratory investigators along with talented engineers study unit operations to help clients harness the greatest benefit from their facility.
We develop innovative technologies and project execution methods, enabling us to execute projects in some of the most challenging environments on earth.