PDVSA shutters unit at El Palito for repairs

May 6, 2014
Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) has shut down the fluid catalytic cracker (FCC) for repair work at its 126,900-b/d El Palito refinery near Pto. Cabello, Carabobo state.

Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) has shut down the fluid catalytic cracker (FCC) for repair work at its 126,900-b/d El Palito refinery near Pto. Cabello, Carabobo state.

The unit was taken off line for maintenance following the discovery of an internal fault in the cyclone system in the plant’s regenerator, according to PDVSA.

While the operator said work is under way to restore operations to the unit, a timeframe for repairs was not disclosed.

Operations elsewhere in the refinery remain normal, according to PDVSA.

During the maintenance shutdown at El Palito, ample inventories will prevent any disruptions in fuel supplies to the 11 states normally served by the refinery, PDVSA said.