(378j) Concept to Commercialization: Energy efficient & Eco-friendly Anode Grade Coker Technology

IndianOil R&D has developed the process know-how of ‘Energy Efficient & Eco-friendly Anode Grade Coker Technology’ with superior features compared to conventional Anode Grade Coker technology. This technology was successfully commercialized in 600 TMTPA Capacity Coker unit at Barauni Refinery (BR), India, which converts heavy hydrocarbon residues into higher distillates with lower coke yield meeting ‘Anode Grade’ specifications.

The major merit of this technology is the production of ‘Anode Grade Coke’ employing a low recycle ratio, similar to that used in contemporary ‘Fuel Grade Coke’ producing Coker units. This technology deployment by IndianOil is a landmark achievement for petroleum refining industry. Earlier, Coker unit at BR was being operated at a high recycle ratio in the range of 70-80% producing lower distillate and higher coke yield with an objective to produce ‘Anode Grade Coke’. After the incorporation of this new technology, the refinery is now able to produce ‘Anode Grade Coke’ at a low recycle ratio (5-10%) with much superior yield pattern in terms higher distillate and lower coke. Besides improving the unit margin, it also reduces the energy consumption and thus, the carbon foot prints. The commercial unit was smoothly commissioned in January 2017 and Performance Guarantee Test Run successfully completed in March 2017 meeting all the guarantee parameters. Significant benefits due to implementation of the technology are as below,

• Reduction of coke yield by ~ 4.4 wt% & increase in distillate yield by ~ 4 wt%
• Savings in energy by ~ 37%
• Significant reduction in pollutants like CO₂, SO_X, NO_X, carcinogenic hydrocarbons and dust
• Enhanced safety & reliability
• GRM improvement by ~ 25 Million USD/Year

Successful implementation of this technology is a momentous milestone in refining industry and its adoption in refineries would improve the refining margin while maintaining the Anode grade coke quality, wherever produced.

This paper describes the journey from concept to commercialization of ‘Energy Efficient & Eco-friendly Anode Grade Coker Technology’ in BR Coker.