Product category:
Plantwide control
News Release from: Emerson Process Management
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 14 February 2006
Three top US refineries being upgraded
Three refineries providing about 7% of total US refining capacity are being upgraded with digital automation and control systems to improve efficiency and reliability in the refining process.
Emerson Process Management has been named as the main automation contractor for replacement of ageing process automation systems at BP's three largest US refineries The contract covers 18 units at Whiting, Indiana, Texas City, Texas, and Carson, California
These facilities combined refine about one million barrels of crude per day, or about 7% of total US refining capacity.
The upgrades are part of BP's ongoing commitment to improving facilities in North America.
Under the contract, Delta V digital automation and control systems will be installed in 18 production units at these refineries, resulting in improved efficiency and reliability in the refining process.
Critical units to be upgraded include fluid catalytic cracker units, cokers, ultracrackers and alkylation units.
As the main automation contractor, Emerson will be responsible for the front-end engineering design, detailed design and implementation of the digital systems.
In addition to process automation, networking the systems with intelligent measurement instruments and digital valves will enable Emerson's Plantweb digital automation architecture, providing a platform that also supports asset management applications to help the refineries optimise performance.
Emerson will work with BP to set the standards, processes and implementation procedures for the upgrade projects.
Other control system elements such as field measurement devices and control valves will be replaced as needed.
"Following an extensive evaluation of the supply market and available technologies, BP has taken a strategic decision to introduce Emerson digital control systems into its refining base," said Patrick Gower, Refining Vice President, US region for BP.
"The powerful combination of Emerson's proven Delta V systems, Plantweb technology and a compelling value proposition positioned Emerson as the supplier of choice for this programme".
BP's Whiting refinery is near Chicago.
Operational since 1890, the refinery has more than 400,000 barrels a day of processing capacity.
It is the fourth largest refinery in the USA and produces enough petroleum to fill more than a half a million cars daily.
BP's Carson refinery, near Los Angeles, has been operating since 1923.
The Carson refinery processes 270,000 barrels of oil per day into petroleum, diesel, jet fuel and petroleum coke.
The refinery supplies about 25% of the Los Angeles petroleum market.
BP's Texas City refinery, south of Houston, began operation in 1934, and is BP's largest refinery worldwide, and the third-largest refinery in the USA.
It has a crude capacity of about 450,000 barrels per day.
The Texas refinery, which makes about 2.5% of all petroleum sold in the USA, can produce about 10 million gallons per day of premium and unleaded regular fuel, 100,000 barrels a day of diesel fuel, and 40,000 barrels a day of jet fuel.
"We're excited that BP is continuing its commitment to developing its relationship with Emerson by upgrading these important refineries with our Plantweb digital architecture," said John Berra, President of Emerson Process Management.
"This contract highlights the combining of our main automation contracting expertise and digital technology to help BP upgrade the three sites to smart refineries, and gain the maximum value from our automation systems and asset management software". Request free introductory details about products from Emerson Process Management ...
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