Optimization of Vadinar refinery complete
Essar Energy PLC has completed the optimization of its recently expanded Vadinar refinery in Gujarat, India, pushing crude capacity to 405,000 b/d.
The privately held Indian company completed an expansion in March that boosted capacity to 375,000 b/d from 300,000 b/d (OGJ Online, Mar. 30, 2012).
The optimization project, completed 4 months ahead of schedule, included conversion of a visbreaker into a crude distillation unit able to process extra-heavy feedstock.
The refinery now can handle feeds of as much as 60% ultraheavy crude and 80% heavy plus ultraheavy.
Nearly 80% of its output can be light and middle distillates, and more than 50% of its diesel and gasoline will meet Euro IV and Euro V standards.
Bob Tippee | Editor
Bob Tippee has been chief editor of Oil & Gas Journal since January 1999 and a member of the Journal staff since October 1977. Before joining the magazine, he worked as a reporter at the Tulsa World and served for four years as an officer in the US Air Force. A native of St. Louis, he holds a degree in journalism from the University of Tulsa.
