Hydrogen Applications in RefineriesDemand for hydrogen will increase in the upcoming years as a result of stricter environmental legislation

Not only legislation but more extensive processing of residues and higher diesel demand compared with petrol will also increase hydrogen's demand.

There are various hydrotreating processes in a refinery. To name a few:

  • Hydrodesulphurisation: sulphur compounds are hydrogenated to hydrogen sulphide H2S as feed for Claus plants

  • Hydroisomerisation: normal paraffins are converted into iso-paraffins to improve the product properties (e.g. RON)

  • Dearomatisation: aromatics are hydrogenated to cyclo paraffins or alkanes

  • Hydrocracking: long-chain hydrocarbons are cracked to shorter chains in the gasoline range.


Hydrogen volumes consumed increasingly exceed those produced in a platformer and have to be supplemented by other sources.

Main processes for hydrogen on-site supply:

  • Steam reforming of methane or other hydrocarbons

  • Recovery from refinery off-gases

  • Recovery from syngas

  • Gasification of oil refining residues.


Process consulting, financing, erection and start-up  are all services offered by Linde.  We can also  provide hydrogen plant operation (over-the-fence-supply), maintenance and repair  and emergency supply arrangement to ensure that your business is working at its optimum.

H2 applications - Refineries

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