Global refining update: 3rd April

South Africa

The R40BN programme which was implemented in 2012 to upgrade South Africa’s oil refineries to produce cleaner fuels by 2017 is looking at a delay. The country’s Department of Energy has told oil companies that the deadline for compliance has been pushed back to 2020 as the 2017 target was not deemed realistic. Despite the delay, motorists are going to be expected to pay for the environmental benefits not being received and investment costs are anticipated to rise as time goes on. The South African Petroleum Industry Association has said that it still sees the 2017 deadline as feasible.

Sweden

Engenda Group has reported the successful delivery of one of the largest refinery shutdown projects in Europe. The group’s DETC division completed a £4.6 million contract at the Preemraff refinery which included the inspection and repair of more than 200 distillation columns in the refinery. The shutdown project lasted 12 weeks and involved 150 workers.

UAE

The Ruwais refinery is preparing to boost production of the lowest sulfur diesel available to the industry within the next three months. By July of this year, Abu Dhabi’s biggest refinery, with a processing capacity of 400 000 bpd will only produce 10 ppm sulfur diesel and it will stop making 500 ppm diesel.

USA

Bango Refining has been cited for an explosion at a Fallon, Nevada, refinery on 9th December 2013. The explosion resulted in injuries to one employee. The penalties are for up to US$ 20 790 for violation of Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration general industry standards.

Quantum Energy has made an agreement in principal with Northstar Transload LLC to acquire more land for the construction of the Fairview refinery in North Dakota. The company will now be in possession of over 122 acres rather than the original 80 acres. The refinery is expected to process 20 000 bpd when in operation.

Edited from various sources by Claira Lloyd

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/03042014/3rd_april_global_refining_news/