Met new stringent EPA requirements while increasing capacity
EPA regulations were changing from 500 wppm diesel total sulfur content to 15 wppm. The original diesel hydrotreater unit was designed for 12,000 BPD production and 500 wppm diesel total sulfur in the treated diesel. The C&I project design basis was to increase the diesel hydrotreater unit production to 22,000 BPD while simultaneously reducing the diesel total sulfur content to less than 15 wppm.
This ISBL project was a collaborative effort between the refinery and C&I involving the refinery’s most profitable unit. Our preparations were meticulously designed to guide operations from the pre-turnaround stage through early tie-in, turnaround, and post-construction. These included pipe support, demolition, storm water sewer, and steel drawings; raceway plans; equipment layouts;
and instrument datasheets. A senior C&I staff member remained on-site throughout construction to coordinate activities on the hydrotreater and similar projects that were underway at the time.
C&I also functioned as a go-between for the client and the various vendors engaged to supply equipment and instrumentation for the project, curating a list of trusted providers, soliciting quotes, evaluating bids for cost and expertise, and inspecting and accepting deliveries.
Thanks to monthly cost status reports and capital cost estimates developed during the FEED and Detail Design phases, the project required no rework and was completed 4% under budget. The improved hydrotreater met or exceeded all operation and process criteria.