September 2008
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Center for Refining & Petrochemicals
Our Mission
“Provide R&D support and
professional service to Kingdom’s
refineries and downstream
petrochemical industries”
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Laboratories and Facilities
Refining &
Polymer Labs
Petrochemical Labs
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Human Resources
• 19 full-time researchers
and staff-CRP plus several Diplom a
4 Ph.D.
post-docs Total
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19
• Part-time faculty members
B.S.
5
M.S.
– Department of Chemical
Engineering
– Department Chemistry
– Department of Mechanical
Engineering
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Research Concentration
Petrochemicals Research
• Develop catalysts Processes for
petrochemical applications
• Production of Xylenes via:
¾ Transalkylation of heavy
aromatics to mixed xylenes
¾ Toluene Disproportionation and
alkylation with methanol
¾ LPG to aromatics
• Catalytic Oxidation of C3-C4
Alkanes to High-value Chemicals
Polymer Research
• Novel supports and catalysts
• Additives/formulations
• Nanocomposites/blends
• Plastics weathering and recycling 5
Partial list of Completed Projects
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Newly Established Centers
A new era combining excellence with strategic research …………
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Approved Projects-Petrochemicals
CORE MOHE
• Novel Catalyst System for Toluene Transformation Reactions
• Catalyst Development for Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane
• Isosynthesis Catalyst: Gold Oxide on Basic Zirconia and Alumina
CID KAUST
• Novel Catalyst System for Converting Hexane to Benzene
• Novel Catalyst System for Methylation of Toluene
• VPO nano-catalysts for Maleic Anhydride by n-Butane Oxidation
• Olefin Metathesis in Collaboration with Caltech Chemistry
KACST NSTP
• Dehydration of Alcohols on Metal Catalysts Supported by
Acid/Base Materials
• Catalysts for Alkylation of Aromatics using Alcohols
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Approved Projects: Polymers
CORE MOHE
• Supported Catalysts for Ethylene Polymerization & Stabilization
of Synthesized Resins
• Aqueous Two-phase Polymer Systems for Possible Applications
in Bioseparations
• Impact of Surface Modification & Characteristics of Carbon-
nanotubes on the Properties of PE Nanocomposites
CID KAUST
• Novel Multi-Purpose Interfacial Functional Additives and
Compatibilizers for Polyolefin
• Melt Spinning Process of Super-Fiber-Composites
KACST NSTP
• PE/Nanoclay Composites for Gas Handling Steel Pipe Lining
• High-Performance Supported Catalysts for Ethylene
Polymerization & Additives Formulation
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Potential Research Ideas
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Doing Business with KFUPM
Which Method is Right for You? Contact: crp@kfupm.edu.sa
Objective:
Two-day Workshop
Two-day Symposium
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