Repsol taps KBR, ExxonMobil FCC technology for Argentina refinery upgrades

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Nov. 8 -- Repsol YPF has selected a partnership of KBR and ExxonMobil Corp.'s research and engineering arm, EMRE, to perform basic engineering design for upgrading FCC units at its La Plata, Argentina, refinery and its Lujan de Cuyo refinery in Mendoza, Argentina.

The alliance also will apply licensed, advanced reaction system technology for Repsol's FCC units at the two refineries. KBR is the engineering and construction subsidiary of Halliburton.

The revamping of both refineries will include "Automax-2" feed nozzles and short contact time riser termination. In addition, Repsol will add a catalyst cooler, new regenerator cyclones, and regenerator debottlenecking at the La Plata refinery.