King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals

Ongoing Research & Proposed Ideas in Petrochemicals & Polymers

Center for Refining & Petrochemicals

KFUPM Research Institute
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

September 2008

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 Center for Refining & Petrochemicals

Our Mission
“Provide R&D support and
professional service to Kingdom’s
refineries and downstream
petrochemical industries”

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 Laboratories and Facilities

Refining &
Polymer Labs
Petrochemical Labs

1. Catalyst Development 1. Polyolefin Research

2. General Analysis & Testing 2. Polymer Additives
3. Catalytic Reaction Engineering 3. Polymer Characterization
4. Catalyst Testing/Evaluation 4. Plastics Weathering
5. Petroleum Products Testing 5. Polymer Processing
6. TPD, TPR Evaluation 6. Polymer Engineering
7. Central Analytical laboratory 7. Ciba Technical Development Center
8. Organic synthesis
9. Inorganic and analytical

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 Human Resources

• 19 full-time researchers
and staff-CRP plus several Diplom a
4 Ph.D.

post-docs Total
5

19
• Part-time faculty members
B.S.
5
M.S.

and graduate students at: 5

– Department of Chemical
Engineering
– Department Chemistry
– Department of Mechanical
Engineering

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 Research Concentration

Petrochemicals Research
• Develop catalysts Processes for
petrochemical applications
• Production of Xylenes via:
¾ Transalkylation of heavy
aromatics to mixed xylenes
¾ Toluene Disproportionation and
alkylation with methanol
¾ LPG to aromatics
• Catalytic Oxidation of C3-C4
Alkanes to High-value Chemicals

Polymer Research
• Novel supports and catalysts
• Additives/formulations
• Nanocomposites/blends
• Plastics weathering and recycling 5
 Partial list of Completed Projects

• Development of Heterogeneous Metallocene Catalysts

Systems for Olefin Polymerization
z Migration of VCM from PVC Pipes/Causes of PVC Pipe
Failure
z Kinetic studies of Lower Hydrocarbons
z Assess Zero-flaring Technologies for Olefin Plants
z Influence of Molecular Parameters on the Rheology and
Miscibility of Molten LLDPE in LDPE and HDPE
z Structure-Conformation Relationships in Molten m-PE by
Rheological and Molecular Simulation Techniques
z Rubber NBR/HNBR Blends: Degradation & Compatibility
z Synthesis, Thermal & Rheological Characterization of
Composite Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications
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 Partial list of Completed Projects

z Improve SABIC Polymers for Performance Modification of Saudi-

Asphalt Binders
z Water Soluble Polymers: Influence of Hydrophobe Content on
Solution Rheology of SO2, N,N-diallyl-N-carbo-ethoxy-methyl-
Ammonium Chloride-co-N,N-diallyl-N-octadecylammonium
Chloride Polymer
z Rheology of Gelling Polymers for Reservoir Water-Shutoff
Treatment
z Influence of Tacticity and Mw on the Compatibility of PP/LDPE
Blends
z Investigation of the Influence of Molecular Structure on Molecular
Characteristics of Metallocene LLDPE by NMR, Light Scattering,
DSC, and MD Simulation Techniques
z Influence of Hydrophobe Architecture on Self Assembly, Rheology
and Interfacial Properties of Amphiphilic ionic Polymers
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 Ongoing Projects and Collaboration

Collaboration with Ciba Specialty

Chemicals
z Technical Development Center
¾ Provide technical services to Ciba
clients in Kingdom and GCC region
¾ Provide know-how and training in
polyolefin additives analysis to
producers, processors, converters,
and master batch producers
¾ Develop new additive formulations
using Ciba products for GCC climate

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 Newly Established Centers
A new era combining excellence with strategic research …………

Main objective: Establish focused research programs and

strengthen graduate education

Center Name Sponsor and Duration

Center of Research Excellence CORE: Ministry of Higher Education-
Petroleum Refining & Petrochemicals MOHE: Five years

Center-in-Development CID: King Abdullah University of

Transformative Research in
Petrochemicals & Polymers
Collaborative Research Center:
Refining & Petrochemicals Program
Science & Technology-KAUST
Global Research Partnership:
Three years
King Abdulaziz City for Science
& Technology-KACST: Part of
National Science & Technology
Plan-NSTP: Five years

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 Approved Projects-Petrochemicals

CORE MOHE
• Novel Catalyst System for Toluene Transformation Reactions
• Catalyst Development for Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane
• Isosynthesis Catalyst: Gold Oxide on Basic Zirconia and Alumina
CID KAUST
• Novel Catalyst System for Converting Hexane to Benzene
• Novel Catalyst System for Methylation of Toluene
• VPO nano-catalysts for Maleic Anhydride by n-Butane Oxidation
• Olefin Metathesis in Collaboration with Caltech Chemistry
KACST NSTP
• Dehydration of Alcohols on Metal Catalysts Supported by
Acid/Base Materials
• Catalysts for Alkylation of Aromatics using Alcohols
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 Approved Projects: Polymers

CORE MOHE
• Supported Catalysts for Ethylene Polymerization & Stabilization
of Synthesized Resins
• Aqueous Two-phase Polymer Systems for Possible Applications
in Bioseparations
• Impact of Surface Modification & Characteristics of Carbon-
nanotubes on the Properties of PE Nanocomposites
CID KAUST
• Novel Multi-Purpose Interfacial Functional Additives and
Compatibilizers for Polyolefin
• Melt Spinning Process of Super-Fiber-Composites
KACST NSTP
• PE/Nanoclay Composites for Gas Handling Steel Pipe Lining
• High-Performance Supported Catalysts for Ethylene
Polymerization & Additives Formulation
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Potential Research Ideas

Explore and identify new ideas for potential

research of mutual interest
– Development of catalyst & processes for
intermediate petrochemicals
– Research ideas on polyolefins research
– Polymer and additives development
– Xylenes production via various routes

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 Doing Business with KFUPM
Which Method is Right for You? Contact: crp@kfupm.edu.sa

Agreement Type Description and when to use this mechanism

Client-funded Most common method: contract on specific R&D

projects work, application or solution specific development,
flexible contract arrangement
Joint R&D Program Cost-shared collaboration for R&D activities of
mutual benefit and interest
Consultations Makes available the expertise of faculty members
for a short or long period of time
License Agreement Grants rights to practice KFUPM’s IP for
commercial use
Laboratory Services Performs analyses, testing, calibration,
measurements: provided only if they are not
available at local private sector
User Facilities Provide access to certain dedicated laboratory
Agreement facilities
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 Upcoming Events at CRP

Objective:

Exchange knowledge and expertise in polyolefins and catalysts

among local petrochemical producers and refineries.

Two-day Workshop

– Polyolefin Thermoplastics Advancements & Innovations:

• 14-15 October 2008 www.kfupm.edu.sa/polymer

Two-day Symposium

– Catalysts in Refining & Petrochemicals:

• 17-18 November 2008 www.kfupm.edu.sa/catsymp

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