Hydrotreater modernisation project in China

Emerson engineering and service support will assist a refinery hydrotreater modernisation project in China to install PlantWeb architecture and DeltaV digital automation systems

Emerson Process Management has been chosen to automate a 1.5 million tons per year hydrotreating unit in a refinery in Dalian, China.

The refinery is owned by Dalian West Pacific Petrochemical Co, better known as WEPEC, a joint venture between Sinochem, PetroChina and Total.

Strong project management and engineering execution capabilities, along with the leading edge technologies of the Emerson PlantWeb digital plant architecture were key to the selection.

This is the first PlantWeb installation in a refinery that had previously standardised on other older automation technology.

Start-up is scheduled for October 2006.

The refinery is one of the few locations in China currently able to process sour crude.

This hydrotreater modernisation investment is the second phase in a five-year plan to upgrade the refinery facilities to increase crude oil processing capacity from 8 to 10 million tons per year (Mtpy), equal to 160,000 to 200,000 barrels per calendar day (bpcd).

"Our growing economy requires investment in expanded refining capabilities," said Xia Yi, Chief Instrument Engineer at WEPEC: "We needed state-of-the-art automation for our expansion to ensure our capital investments operate at peak efficiency.

We've evaluated the PlantWeb digital plant architecture, with the DeltaV digital automation system, to be the best to assure improved field device management and give us superior production efficiency".

The current investment includes three DeltaV systems for the hydrocracker (1.5 Mtpy), diesel hydrotreating (2 Mtpy), and hydrogen production (60000 Nm3) units.

PlantWeb digital automation technologies being used at the WEPEC refinery include the DeltaV system, AMS Suite: Intelligent Device Manager, Rosemount smart temperature and pressure transmitters, and the DeltaV OTS operator training solution.

"Emerson best met all the requirements for leading-edge technology on this project," commented Richard Wei, Business Director of Process Systems and Solutions, Emerson Process Management China: "In addition to having refinery expertise, the company offered an advanced technological solution for the hydrotreater facilities.

Emerson also was able to bring full engineering and service support to the construction site".

Emerson will provide on-site support and service for the WEPEC refinery, according to Xia Yi of WEPEC.

The project is being managed and implemented by Emerson China, which has strong local engineering and project management skills, complemented by strong service support.

"The importance of refined petroleum as an energy source for China is on a healthy and sustainable growth path, and we are extremely pleased to have been selected to automate the WEPEC refinery," said Stephen Kao, Vice President, Systems and Solutions, Emerson Process Management, Asia Pacific: "This project provides another opportunity to demonstrate our substantial resources in China to meet the need for energy to sustain a rapidly growing economy.

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