KBR and Valero startup benzene reduction projects
KBR today announced that Valero Energy has successfully started up advanced reformate splitters at three of its US refineries. The three mobile source air toxic (MSAT) II benzene concentration units – located at Valero's Port Arthur and Sunray, Texas; and Memphis, Tennessee, refineries – utilize KBR’s advanced reformate splitter Dividing Wall Column (DWC) tower designs. A fourth unit is located at Valero’s St. Charles refinery in Norco, Louisiana, and will be commissioned later this year.
The startups mark the first successful implementation of the DWC tower designs in the US and Western Hemisphere refining sector. The units were designed to concentrate and remove benzene from gasoline streams in order to meet US regulatory mandates limiting the benzene content of gasoline. Conceptually developed by Valero, the DWC towers were designed and optimized by KBR for each unique project and have allowed Valero to meet their regulatory requirements.
“We are excited about this successful, landmark application of the DWC tower designs and are pleased that Valero selected KBR on these important projects,” said Tim Challand, president of KBR Technology. “As a leader in refining technologies, KBR prides itself on delivering cost-effective solutions that minimize capital and operating costs for our customers, while helping them to meet or exceed environmental regulations now and in the future.”
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