Tasks of technology development department

Regard and development of petrochemical processes, some crude oil processing processes, organic technologies, organic synthesis and waste processing technologies. Examination and testing of catalysts used in refinery and petrochemical processes.

Activity and main performance of the department

	investigation of quality level, production technology and ecologic parameters in the domain of petrochemical and refinery production,
	solving and implementation of existing plants intensification and economic use of by-products of technological streams and waste,
	investigation and solution of ecological operating conditions and current technological problems of petrochemical and refinery production, or of petrol stations,
	monitoring of gaseous, liquid and solid waste formation during crude oil processing and designing procedures of their reduction or processing,
	research in organic synthesis aimed to obtain higher product quality
	catalyst testing and technologic parameters optimisation of chemical heterogenous catalytic reactions,
	research, development and service in the field of spark-ignition engines, coolants, and of heat transfer media for radiators and solar systems,
	elaboration of professional reports about constructions, with regard to ecologic loading of the environment where the construction will be operating,
	training, publicity and advisory activities in the field of petrochemical and refinery production.

The following research and development works are carried out in the laboratories of technology development department by highly qualified collaborators. The operating procedures are consistently elaborated and the accuracy of instruments is certified.

Steam-cracking of naphtha fractions

Modelling of naphtha fractions pyrolysis and product distribution measurement. Based on measurement and mathematic model it is possible to foresee the behaviour of new feedstock in producing furnaces.

Selective oil refining with specific solvents

Modelling of selective refining of oil cuts with specific solvents (furfural, N-methyl-pyrrolidone). During the modelling measurements the extractor of the given oil cut with the solvent under defined conditions is investigated. The recovery and composition of rafinate and extract is studied.

Formulation of suitable demulsifier for difficult breaking slops

Formulation of demulsifier and finding its optimal concentration. Apart from formulating the demulsifier the slop is analysed with regard to contents of water, mechanical impurities, resins and solids.

Formulation of bitumen emulsion

Formulation of suitable bitumen emulsion from given bitumen and required emulsifiers. Evaluation of product’s utility properties.

Formulation of antifreezing mixtures

The antifreezing liquid for combustion engines is a liquid composed of monoethylene glycol, water and suitable additives, that provide long-term anticorrosive protection. The utility features are experimentally investigated using tests of world-known producers of antifreeze agents (VW TL 774 C/D, ASTM D 3306, but also STN 66 8910).

Preparation of esters

The basic component of high-efficiency motor and gear oils is a suitable ester that is prepared by the reaction of a selected alcohol with specific acid. The preparation and evaluation of esters is offered.

Testing of test catalysts

The equipment of the reactor laboratory renders possibly to investigate the effect of reaction conditions (pressure, temperature, catalyst loading) on product selectivity; At the same time it is possible to measure thermal effects at catalytic processes. Eight flow reactors can be used to study catalytic processes as catalytic denitrifying desulphurization, hydrogenation, alkylation and dealkylation, catalytic oxidation. The reactors provide catalytic tests up to 500°C, pressure 10 MPa and feedstock flowrates 0,05 to 6 t/h and reaction gas flowrate 10-200 t/h. The fixed bed of catalysts have a volume of 25 to 200 cm³ and the flow of feedstock can be upward and downward the reactor.

Corrosive effects of antifreezing mixtures in glass apparatus, ASTM D 1384

The weight loss of specimens, made of most important construction materials, caused by the effect of diluted antireezing mixtures at higher temperature and in presence of air oxygen is monitored during 14 days. This is the fundamental test to evaluate corrosive properties of antifreezing mixtures at conditions close to real ones. Similar but not so demanding is the test according to STN 66 8910.

Corrosion of cast aluminium in engine coolants, ASTM D 4340

The special aluminium alloy loss of weight, resulting from diluted antifreezing agents, at conditions of limited heat transfer is determined in the standard apparatus at 135°C, pressure 193 kPa during 7 days. The information about anticorrosive protection of aluminium alloys, that are the prevailing construction materials, is obtained.

Corrosive effects of antifreezing mixtures at simulated operational test, ASTM D 2570

This is a very demanding test of antifreezing mixture at conditions close to real service. The test is done at 88°C, pressure 103 kPa and is lasting seven weeks. The weight loss of etalons made of diverse construction materials is evaluated, as well as, the condition of the apparatus after the test. It belongs among the final tests and has an highly expressive value. It represents a part of the standard ASTM D 3306.

"Hot test" according to FW Heft R 443 -1986

The loss of weight of two dominant construction materials, aluminium and cast-iron, under diverse conditions of antifreezing mixtures at 80°C in the flow system of the standard apparatus is investigated. The test is part of final testing of the most demanding producers of cars VW TL 774 C/D.

Silicates stability according to PV 1426 (VW TL 774 C)

The quality of silicates stabilising in antifreezing solutions and their protection against sol and gel transformation or precipitation as SiO₂ , is determined. This feature is essential in appreciating utility properties of this type of antifreezing mixtures.

Alkaline reserve of antifreezing water solutions

This is an important parameter demonstrating the disposal ability for acid decomposition products of the antifreezing agent’s inhibiting system. The determination shows the necessity of change during service and signalises the beginning of corrosion in acid media below pH 7.

Test method to determine the congealing point of combustion engine coolants, ASTM D 1177

It is an important standard method to find out the utility properties of antifreezing mixtures. It gives indirect information about monoethylene glycol concentration in the used solution.

Test method for boiling point of combustion engine coolants, ASTM D 1120

The equilibrium boiling temperature of antifreezing mixtures is determined in the standard apparatus. This is an important standard method to state the utility properties of antifreezing mixtures. Indirectly it gives information about monoethylene glycol concentration in the antifreezing solution.

Moreover, other common parameters of physical values, required to characterise the utility properties of antifreezing mixtures, are determined.

To issue professional reports for application of approval according to paragraph 11 part 1 letter a), b), d), f),g), h), i), j) of law nr. 309/1991 Coll. - "Protection in cases of emission and technological evaluation of the following sources of air pollution":

5.1.2   Installation of special waste incineration, mainly dangerous waste