BASF opens refinery catalyst R&D center in Attapulgus, GA

Key highlights
  • BASF opened an R&D center co‑located at its largest refinery catalyst production site in Attapulgus, Georgia
  • Lab focuses on applied development and advanced testing of Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalysts, plus QA/QC and production scale‑up
  • FCC converts heavy oil and alternative feedstocks into gasoline, LPG and olefins to improve refinery efficiency and yields

Facility and location

BASF opened an R&D center co‑located at its largest refinery catalyst production site in Attapulgus, Georgia to align laboratory work with manufacturing and operations.

Capabilities and focus

The lab concentrates on applied development of next‑generation Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalysts, advanced FCC testing, QA/QC and production scale‑up to validate performance under near‑manufacturing conditions.

Operational benefits

Proximity to process engineering and operations is intended to shorten innovation cycles, enable faster commercialization and support tailored catalyst solutions developed in collaboration with refiners.

Process relevance

FCC converts heavy oil and alternative feedstocks into lighter products such as gasoline, LPG and olefins; the centre’s work targets improved refinery efficiency, yields and compatibility with lower‑carbon or circular feedstocks.

Source: BASF