Iran develops catalysts to transform oil refinery waste into high-value fuel

Iranian scientists have achieved a breakthrough in converting oil refinery waste into valuable fuels like petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), thanks to the development of advanced catalysts.

Produced by an Iranian technology company specialising in nanotechnology, these new catalysts, Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) and Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFC), are designed to repurpose refinery by-products into high-demand fuels. This is reported by Pars Today, a partner of TV BRICS.

The source claims that these catalysts were the result of years of research and development, enabling the company to produce them domestically and meet Iran's fuel production demands. With these catalysts operational, Iran can now satisfy 100 per cent of its needs for such products.

This innovation is expected to yield annual savings of US$30–40 million by reducing the need for imported catalysts and improving energy efficiency at Iranian refineries. This advancement in local catalyst production represents a significant step forward in Iran’s petrochemical sector, enhancing production efficiency and boosting revenue from refined products.

Photo: iStock