16-03-2017

Wyoming Refining starts up new unit using BenzOUT™ technology

Wyoming Refining Company, a Par Pacific Company, has started operation of its BenzOUT™ technology unit using proprietary technology developed by ExxonMobil and licensed by Badger Licensing LLC (Badger). The 4000 BPD unit, located in Newcastle, Wyoming, upgrades  reformate to higher octane gasoline blend stock while converting reformate benzene for compliance with MSAT II benzene regulations. Wyoming’s plant in Newcastle is the second BenzOUT™ unit to start commercial operation. The unit completed a demonstration run less than two weeks after initial hydrocarbon feed was introduced, and was accepted by Wyoming.

“Implementation of the BenzOUT™ technology at the Newcastle site has enabled Wyoming Refining to not only meet Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSAT) II benzene regulations, but also get a substantial increase in octane,” said Dana Johnson, president of Badger. “With the increasing demand for higher octane necessary to meet more stringent CAFE standards, the BenzOUT™ technology will be instrumental in helping achieve these new standards. It has been a pleasure to work with Wyoming on this project, and we look forward to continuing a long and successful relationship with them.”

The BenzOUT™ technology provides a unique process advantage to help refiners meet benzene regulations while at the same time achieving an attractive economic return on their investment by increasing octane, swelling gasoline volume, and adding flexibility to their reformer.

Badger Licensing LLC, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a venture of affiliates of TechnipFMC and ExxonMobil. Badger Licensing is principally engaged in developing, marketing, and licensing technologies for ethylbenzene, styrene monomer, cumene and bisphenol-A, in addition to the BenzOUT™ technology.