ExxonMobil Beaumont, Texas refinery to expand ultra-low sulfur fuels production

Installation of selective cat naphtha hydrofining unit is Beaumont refinery’s second expansion in a year

ExxonMobil’s Beaumont, TX refinery.

BEAUMONT, Texas – ExxonMobil plans to increase production of ultra-low sulfur fuels at its Beaumont refinery by approximately 40,000 barrels per day, strengthening its integrated downstream portfolio and meeting strict new environmental standards from EPA, the company announced in a press release.

Construction is scheduled during the second half of 2016 to install a selective cat naphtha hydrofining unit, which uses a proprietary catalyst system to remove sulfur while minimizing octane loss.

Startup of the flexible technology, known as SCANfining, is expected in 2018.

Gasoline produced using this technology will meet the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 3 gasoline sulfur specifications.

“ExxonMobil continues to strengthen its portfolio of world-class refining assets,” said Steve Cope, director of North America refining, for ExxonMobil. “This investment further enhances the competitiveness of our US Gulf Coast refineries.”

Click here for video: CEO Mike Swihart explains how well automation reduces costs, boosts production for Permian Basin operators. Systems start at $3,000 fully installed by Production Lift Technologies of Midland, Texas.

Installation of the selective cat naphtha hydrofining unit is the facility’s second expansion project in a year, following the announcement of the refinery’s capacity expansion in 2015.

“This specialized unit will improve our product yield, and demonstrates our technology advantage and focus on increasing energy efficiency,” said Fernando Salazar, manager of the refinery.

Salazar says the upgrade demonstrates ExxonMobil’s long-term view and disciplined approach toward advantaged business investments, and that Beaumont is well positioned to competitively supply high-demand growth markets around the US in the face of a challenging industry environment.

“This project represents the largest capital investment in our Beaumont refinery operations in more than a decade, and will benefit the local economy with both temporary and full-time jobs,” said Salazar.