The Global Hydrodemetallization (HDM) Catalyst Market was valued at USD 196.40 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 257.24 Million by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.60% during the forecast period. This steady growth is fueled by the increasing demand for cleaner fuels, stricter environmental regulations, and the global refining industry’s need to process heavier, more contaminated crude oil feedstocks efficiently.

As refineries worldwide strive to maximize output and meet stringent sulfur and metal content specifications, the role of advanced HDM catalysts becomes paramount. These specialized catalysts are critical for protecting downstream units and ensuring the longevity of refining infrastructure. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Global Hydrodemetallization (HDM) Catalyst Industry—a group of technology leaders and chemical giants shaping the future of refinery operations.

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🔟 1. Advanced Refining Technologies (ART)

Headquarters: Houston, Texas, USA
Key Offering: HyLube™ HDM Catalysts, Guardian™ Catalyst Systems

Advanced Refining Technologies (ART), a joint venture between Chevron and Grace, is a premier global supplier of hydroprocessing catalysts. The company specializes in high-performance HDM catalysts designed to handle the most challenging heavy feedstocks, effectively removing vanadium, nickel, and other metals to protect hydrotreating and hydrocracking reactors.

Technology & Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of high-pore-volume catalysts for superior metal uptake

• Integrated catalyst systems for optimized residue upgrading

• Focus on extending catalyst life and reducing refinery operating costs

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9️⃣ 2. Albemarle Corporation

Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Key Offering: STARS® & NEBULA® HDM Catalysts, Ketjenfine® Powders

Albemarle is a global leader in catalyst solutions, with a robust portfolio for hydroprocessing applications. Their HDM catalysts are engineered for high metal removal capacity and stability, crucial for processing opportunity crudes and residual oils in refineries across the globe.

Technology & Innovation Initiatives:

• Investment in next-generation catalyst formulations for ultra-heavy crudes

• Global technical service network supporting refinery optimization

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8️⃣ 3. Shell Catalysts & Technologies

Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
Key Offering: CENTINEL® HDM Catalysts, Hycon Technology

Leveraging Shell’s extensive experience in refinery operations, Shell Catalysts & Technologies offers advanced HDM solutions. Their catalysts are known for high activity and exceptional tolerance to feed contaminants, helping refiners achieve longer run lengths and higher throughput.

Technology & Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of catalysts for integrated hydroprocessing units

• Emphasis on catalyst regeneration and recycling programs

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7️⃣ 4. Haldor Topsoe

Headquarters: Lyngby, Denmark
Key Offering: TK系列 HDM Catalysts (e.g., TK-711, TK-771)

Haldor Topsoe is a renowned leader in heterogeneous catalysis, providing sophisticated HDM catalyst solutions. Their products are designed for maximum demetallization and desulfurization, enabling refiners to process bottom-of-the-barrel feedstocks profitably while meeting product specifications.

Technology & Innovation Initiatives:

• Proprietary catalyst manufacturing technology ensuring consistent quality

• Comprehensive lifecycle management services for catalyst performance

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Global Hydrodemetallization (HDM) Catalyst Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. UOP (Honeywell)

Headquarters: Des Plaines, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: HDM Catalyst Solutions, Unicracking™ Technology

UOP, a Honeywell company, is a leading technology provider for the petroleum refining industry. Its HDM catalysts are integral components of its broader hydroprocessing portfolio, designed to protect expensive downstream catalysts and equipment from metal poisoning, thereby ensuring operational reliability.

Technology & Innovation Initiatives:

• Integration of HDM catalysts within complete refining process solutions

• R&D focused on catalysts for renewable diesel and bio-feedstock processing

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5️⃣ 6. Axens

Headquarters: Rueil-Malmaison, France
Key Offering: ACTI系列 HDM Catalysts, HyC-AT Technology

Axens offers a comprehensive range of solutions for the conversion of oil and biomass to cleaner fuels. Their HDM catalysts, such as those in the ACTI family, are recognized for their high pore volume and specific morphology, allowing for exceptional metal retention capacity in residue hydrotreating units.

Technology & Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on catalysts that enable processing of high-metal opportunity crudes

• Development of sustainable catalyst solutions for the energy transition

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4️⃣ 7. Johnson Matthey

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: K系列 HDM Catalysts, Refining Catalysts Portfolio

Johnson Matthey is a global leader in sustainable technologies, with a strong presence in refinery catalysts. Their HDM catalysts are engineered to provide high demetallization activity and stability, which is critical for the economic operation of residue upgrading units and the production of cleaner transportation fuels.

Technology & Innovation Initiatives:

• Advanced catalyst design for improved diffusion and activity

• Commitment to technologies that support the refining sector’s decarbonization

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3️⃣ 8. China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec)

Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: FZC系列 HDM Catalysts, Refining Catalyst Solutions

Sinopec, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemical companies, is a major producer and consumer of refining catalysts. Its research institutes develop specialized HDM catalysts tailored to process diverse crude slates, including domestic and imported heavy crudes, serving a massive refining network.

Technology & Innovation Initiatives:

• Significant R&D investment in catalyst technology for heavy oil upgrading

• Expansion of catalyst production capacity to meet growing domestic demand

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2️⃣ 9. JGC Catalysts and Chemicals Ltd.

Headquarters: Kawasaki, Japan
Key Offering: R-HYC Series HDM Catalysts

JGC C&C is a key player in the Asian catalyst market, providing specialized catalysts for hydroprocessing applications. Their HDM catalysts are designed for high metal uptake and mechanical strength, ensuring reliable performance in severe operating conditions typical of residue hydrotreaters.

Technology & Innovation Initiatives:

• Collaboration with engineering parent company for integrated solutions

• Focus on catalysts that enhance the operational flexibility of refineries

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1️⃣ 10. Clariant AG

Headquarters: Muttenz, Switzerland
Key Offering: HYDEX™ E HDM Catalysts, Tailored Catalyst Solutions

Clariant’s Catalysts business unit offers innovative HDM solutions as part of its extensive hydroprocessing portfolio. Their catalysts are developed to maximize the removal of contaminants from heavy feedstocks, thereby safeguarding downstream units and enabling refiners to tap into cost-effective crude sources.

Technology & Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of high-porosity catalyst supports for improved performance

• Strong emphasis on sustainability and catalyst recycling services

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Global Hydrodemetallization (HDM) Catalyst Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🛢️ Outlook: The Future of Hydrodemetallization Catalysts is Smarter and More Efficient

The HDM catalyst market is evolving in response to the refining industry’s complex challenges. While the core function of metal removal remains unchanged, the push for efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability to varying feedstocks is driving significant innovation.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Increased demand for catalysts capable of processing heavier, higher-metal crude oils

• Integration of HDM catalysts within broader hydroprocessing systems for optimized performance

• Growing focus on catalyst regeneration and recycling to reduce environmental impact and costs

• Development of catalysts compatible with co-processing bio-feeds to support the energy transition

Get Full Report Here:
Global Hydrodemetallization (HDM) Catalyst Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not just supplying essential chemicals; they are providing the technological backbone that enables the global refining industry to operate more efficiently, cleanly, and profitably in an increasingly challenging energy landscape.