Total chooses Axens’ VGO technology to expand Donges refinery in France

Axens’ VGO HDS technology has been selected by Total for a new vacuum gasoil (VGO) hydrodesulfurization unit at the Donges refinery in France, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The unit is designed to process around 40,000 bpd, and it will allow Total to produce more low-sulfur fuels, thus meeting the evolution of EU specifications.

For the Donges project, Axens has proposed an optimized process scheme specifically adapted to the existing refinery environment, and incorporating Total’s requirements in terms of energy efficiency and operational flexibility, according to project officials.

The VGO HDS technology is part of Axens’ extensive portfolio in the field of middle distillates, VGO hydrotreating and hydroconversion, with more than 220 units licensed in the world, totaling about 10-million bpd of capacity.

Axens will supply the VGO HDS technology license, basic engineering, proprietary catalysts and equipment, as well as related services: training, unit start-up and follow-up.