20-03-2023

XRG Technologies and VPR Energy partner to reduce refinery emissions

XRG Technologies and VPR Energy deploy new technology to halve NOx emissions from a major European refinery and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a world-first.

XRG Technologies installed its proprietary Xceed system at VPR Energy’s Rotterdam plant. This resulted in improved heater efficiency, lower energy consumption, and ultimately a drop of NOx emissions by 50%.

“The Xceed system uses the underutilized portion of the heater to increase its efficiency, capacity, and lower its temperatures. The resulting reduction in emissions will help refiners significantly reduce CO2 and NOx, as well as providing savings in energy usage” said XRG’s CTO, Erwin Platvoet.

VPR Energy is wholly owned by Vitol, a leader in the energy sector. The upgrade comes as part of Vitol’s ongoing investment to ensure its portfolio maximizes efficiencies and minimizes environmental impacts.

Typically, when plants attempt to remove emissions such as NOx, it often impairs the flame quality and lowers firebox efficiency. Similarly, any attempt to improve efficiency and curb CO2 typically results in higher NOx emissions. XRG’s Xceed dispersed combustion system enables the plant to decrease NOx emissions, while still improving operational reliability and increasing heater efficiency which also reduces CO2 emissions.

Jeffrey van Geloof, head of refinery and oil products at VPR Energy said, “To halve NOx emissions, while still increasing capacity and improving efficiency vindicates our investment in the latest technology, and ensures the refinery continues to operate effectively, while minimizing gas emissions.”