Warren R. True
Chief Technology Editor-LNG/Gas Processing
HOUSTON, Oct. 21 -- ExxonMobil Corp. has completed commissioning of new units to produce ultralow-sulfur diesel at its Baytown, Tex., and Baton Rouge, La., refineries.
The projects, said the company announcement, will enable it to increase supply of ULSD by more than 3 million gpd (about 71,500 b/d) from both refineries and permit “reduced emissions from diesel consumption when used in modern engines.”
ExxonMobil spokesperson Kevin Allexon declined to specify how much of the total capacity increase applied to which refinery. Oil & Gas Journal figures at yearend 2009 showed catalytic hydrotreating capacity of 26,5000 b/d at the Baytown refinery; at Baton Rouge, 75,500 b/d catalytic hydrotreating capacity.
In December 2008, ExxonMobil announced plans to invest more than $1 billion in three refineries in the US and Belgium to increase ULSD supply. Allexon declined to specify how the total investment has been divided among the three refineries.
The projects required construction of hydrotreater units at each plant, as well as modification to existing units. The announcement said completion of commissioning in Antwerp will come later this year.
Contact Warren R. True at [email protected].
