BASF introduces Fourte™ FCC catalyst for refiners targeting an increase to their gasoline pool octane

• Increases butylenes selectivity for improved alkylate yield
• Maintains catalytic activity for high conversion
• Increases FCC gasoline octane

BASF announced today the commercial launch of Fourte™, which represents a new generation of Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalysts for gasoil feedstock. Fourte is based on BASF’s new multiple framework topology (MFT) technology offering, and has been optimized to deliver superior selectivity to butylenes while maintaining catalyst activity, which helps refineries maximize their profits.

BASF’s innovative MFT technology enhances performance through the use of more than one framework topology that work together to tailor the catalyst selectivity profile. Successful evaluations of the new MFT technology have demonstrated Fourte’s ability to help maximize margins and provide operating flexibility to make more butylenes to feed the alkylation unit. The technology provides an answer to the increased demand for octane since today’s tighter sulfur regulations often require post treatment on the gasoline stream, which can negatively impact the octane pool.

“Fourte is the latest addition to BASF’s industry-leading, advanced refinery catalysts portfolio,” said Detlef Ruff, Senior Vice President, Process Catalysts at BASF. “We are excited about what this new technology will bring to our customers in terms of its operating flexibility and potential to make the refineries more profitable.”

“The first thing we did on our path to develop Fourte was to listen to our customers,” said Jim Chirumbole, Vice President, Refining Catalysts at BASF. “They told us they needed an innovative, flexible solution to help them make more octane for the marketplace, and we’re happy to deliver on that need today and into the future.”

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About BASF’s Catalysts Division
BASF’s Catalysts division is the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products, including advanced battery materials. By leveraging our industry-leading R&D platforms, passion for innovation and deep knowledge of precious and base metals, BASF’s Catalysts division develops unique, proprietary solutions that drive customer success. Further information on BASF’s Catalysts division is available on the Internet at http://www.catalysts.basf.com.

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The more than 115,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of €64.5 billion in 2017. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.

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