ExxonMobil Corp. awarded a turnkey contract to Air Products & Chemicals Inc. of Lehigh Valley, Pa., for a cryogenic system and hydrogen pipeline at its Beaumont, Tex., refining and petrochemical complex.
The hydrogen will provide operating benefits for a hydrocracker, while the recovered liquids can be used by ExxonMobil in refining and petrochemical applications, officials said. Start-up is scheduled this fall.
The cryogenic system employs Air Products' refinery gas recovery system technology, which uses a proprietary mixed refrigerant technology tailored to this application. This process yields higher recovery of products and lower utility costs compared to alternative processes, said company officials.
In April, Air Products completed the tie-in of the hydrogen pipeline system to the Beaumont complex, which allows Air Products and ExxonMobil to optimize hydrogen production and use at the complex.
Air Products operates hydrogen, synthesis gas, and carbon monoxide pipeline systems on the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast. The hydrogen system, which extends over 200 miles, supports more than 30 customers with 7 plants totaling more than 300 MMcfd of capacity.
