Petroleomics in Japan: People, History and Development

At the beginning of the 21st century, it was predicted that Japanese petroleum refiners would have to shift their operations in the direction indicated by the key concept FTC (Fuel To Chemicals/Fraction To Components). To maximize the value of petroleum products, a project was implemented and demonstrated to establish chemical analysis and informatics technologies, particularly related to heavy oil. The project included establishment of methods for detailed composition-structure analysis, modelling of molecular reaction pathway networks, prediction of properties and phase equilibria, and flow reaction coupled analysis. This activity established petroleomics as suitable for the current situation of the Japanese petroleum industry. Attempts have also been made by several research groups to develop new chemical processes based on reaction pathway analysis. This review introduces the overall concept and history of this research.