Robert Brelsford
Downstream Technology Editor
Total SA has commissioned several units as part of a more than €1-billion modernization of its 338,000-b/d Antwerp refining and petrochemical complex (OGJ Online, May 23, 2013).
Startup of the units completes the modernization program first announced in 2013, which aimed to further improve competitiveness of the site, Total said.
Total SA has wrapped up a refinery modernization program at its Antwerp refining and petrochemical complex. Photo from Total.
Alongside the addition of a solvent deasphalting unit and a mild hydrocracking unit to increase yields of desulfurized diesel and ultralow-sulfur heating oil from heavy fuel oil, the company also increased flexibility of an existing steam cracker to maximize processing of low-cost feedstock as well as added a new plant to convert rich gases produced at the refinery into petrochemical feedstock for the cracker (OGJ Online, Sept. 24, 2014).
One of the complex's two steam crackers and site logistics also have been adapted to import and process ethane to replace naphtha feedstock, the company said.
The refining complex will reduce the high-sulfur heavy fuel oil yield ahead of the International Maritime Organization's new marine-fuel regulations scheduled to take effect in 2020 that will reduce allowable sulfur content of bunker fuels oil to 0.5 wt %, the operator said.
With the modernization now completed, Antwerp's steam crackers will now be able to process up to 60% advantaged feedstock derived from gas, which are cheaper than naphtha, derived from oil, said Bernard Pinatel, president of Total Refining & Chemicals.
