09-05-2013

BP Cherry Point refinery celebrates start up of new diesel and hydrogen units

BP today announced the successful commissioning of a state-of-the-art diesel hydrotreater and hydrogen plant at its 234,000 barrel per day Cherry Point Refinery located in Blaine, Washington.   
  
“BP is committed to safe operations and providing consumers in the Northwest with cleaner fuels,” said Jeff Pitzer, BP’s Northwest fuels value chain president. “This project has delivered on both counts.”   

The multi-million dollar project included construction of the new diesel hydrotreater unit, with a production capacity of 25,000 barrels per day, a new hydrogen unit able to generate 44 million standard cubic feet of hydrogen per day and associated infrastructure.   

"Not only was the project completed safely," Pitzer noted, "it positions Cherry Point for future opportunities as we continue to deliver on BP's strategy of operating feedstock-advantaged and technologically-advanced refineries tied to strong retail networks."   

The new units enhance Cherry Point’s ability to meet regulations calling for lower sulfur diesel fuel. A diesel hydrotreater creates a chemical reaction that removes sulfur from diesel fuel by using hydrogen to help break the bond between sulfur and the fuel.   

“These two units will significantly improve the plant’s efficiency and competitiveness,” said Stacey McDaniel, refinery manager. “The new units allow the refinery to make a full slate of ultralow sulfur diesel fuels and provide hydrogen to other refinery operations.”    
  
The latest technology for both hydrotreating and hydrogen production was used for the project.   

 “This recent investment resulted in more than 1,000 skilled trades people working over the last two years to ensure a successful and safe completion of these significant new process units,” McDaniel added. “Our workforce and business partners did an outstanding job delivering this project.”