ASHLAND REFINERY UNITS TAKING SHAPE
Construction is progressing on a continuous catalyst regenerator (CCR) naphtha reforming unit at Ashland Petroleum Co.'s 213,400 b/cd Catlettsburg, Ky., refinery.
The $73.9 million unit will help the refiney produce larger volumes of high octane gasoline and hydrogen for other units. The unit is one of seven projects unveiled last year to allow the refinery to produce cleaner burning diesel fuel and further reduce plant emissions.
The CCR will produce 13,000 b/d of high octane gasoline. It also will produce hydrogen that will be needed for another unit under construction, a $72 million distillate desulfurizer (DDS).
Hydrogen produced by the CCR will be needed for the DDS, which will provide added hydrotreating capacity for diesel fuel. This will allow the refinery to produce low sulfur (0.05 wt %) diesel fuel that will be required for all diesel trucks in the U.S. beginning in October.
The CCR also improves reforming technology by replacing older technology.
"This will result in more efficient production of gasoline, thereby improving the overall operation of the refinery," said Roy Whitt, refinery superintendent. "Catalyst regeneration will be done on line, allowing longer production runs, better product yields, and less unit maintenance."
The CCR and DDS are scheduled for completion by late this year.
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