Chevron Lummus launches renewable diesel and SAF technology

Chevron Lummus Global LLC has expanded its technology portfolio with the addition of its new ISOTERRA process for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from biomass sources. 

Chevron Lummus Global, a joint venture between Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and Lummus Technology, is a leading process technology licensor for refining hydroprocessing technologies and alternative source fuels, as well as a global leader in catalyst system supply. 

Two-step process allows for feed and product flexibility

The two-step process involves hydrodeoxygenation of alternative feeds such as vegetable, algae, palm and used cooking oils. It is then followed by dewaxing to meet final cold flow property specifications.

ISOTERRA helps repurpose existing assets, making it ideal for revamping existing hydrotreaters to renewables service as the process can be implemented in either one or two reactor stages. The two-stage configuration allows feed and product flexibility and robustness, and the single-stage configuration provides a low CAPEX option for existing hydrotreating facilities.

“With today’s market drivers pointing towards a lower carbon future, operators need a technology that enables feed and product flexibility at low cost,” said Thad Sauvain, director, Global Licensing and Sales, Chevron Lummus Global. “Our ISOTERRA process provides those benefits to customers looking to process a wide variety of biomass sources or repurpose existing assets.”