LLC Novatek – Ust-Luga has chosen the Haldor Topsoe Convection Reformer (HTCR) for hydrogen production at its refinery in Ust-Luga, Russia.
The hydrogen plant is slated to begin operations in 2Q20, and basic engineering has already begun.
Topsoe will deliver all equipment, including pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and water treatment units, as well as train Novatek’s operators. The preassembled skid-mounted HTCR unit supports tight construction deadlines because it can be installed at the site faster than traditional top-fired designs.
“It is a top priority for our company to bring down construction time with no compromise on technological excellence. Topsoe’s HTCR hydrogen plant met our demands because is exceptionally compact, highly efficient, and industrially proven. In addition, the modular design brings down installation time and cost considerably. Also, HTCR met our demand for minimal water consumption,” said A.V. Panov, First Deputy General Director and Chief Engineer, LLC Novatek – Ust-Luga.
The proprietary HTCR technology is industrially proven in many plants in the range of 5000 – 50 000 Nm3/hr hydrogen around the world. It can be applied as a grassroots hydrogen supply or an add-on unit in parallel to an existing plant. In Russia, UCC Shchekinoazot, AO Kuibyshev Refinery, TANECO Refinery, and Antipinsky Refinery are among the companies operating Topsoe HTCR hydrogen plants.
Many refineries demand more hydrogen to help better utilisation of oil fractions and compliance with stricter regulations. Other applications for medium-sized hydrogen plants based on HTCR include specialty chemicals and the metallurgical industry.
When the hydrocracking complex is completed, LLC Novatek – Ust-Luga will increase production of kerosene, diesel, and naphtha due to deep conversion of atmospheric residue after distillation of stable gas condensate.