Valves for Algerian refinery

Control valves and regulators to help optimise plant performance

Technip has selected Emerson Process Management as the main supplier of control valves for the Algiers Refinery rehabilitation and adaptation project. The Algiers refinery, located 10 km south of Algiers, in Algeria, is being revamped to increase crude oil processing capacity and ensure it can produce gasoline at specifications similar to those used throughout Europe.

Emerson will supply approximately 600 of its Fisher® control valves and regulators, including rotary, globe and butterfly type devices. The valves will be deployed throughout the refinery, including within the residual fluid catalytic cracking unit, naphtha processing units and new LPG storage unit.

"Emerson was selected as the main control valve supplier because its Fisher valves are proven to provide high levels of accuracy and reliability in demanding refinery applications," said Pascal Marette, Senior Procurement Manager, Technip. "The level of support offered was also critical. Emerson’s local team includes experts with extensive experience of providing solutions to refinery applications."

The modernisation of the instrumentation and control valves will help the refinery optimise the various process units. This will help to sustain the production of clean fuels both for the local and export markets, as well as reduce maintenance and plant shutdown costs.

The Fisher valves will be supplied with a range of trims and silencers. Suitable for severe-service applications, they are designed to provide long lasting, fast and safe operation, as well as reduced fugitive emissions.

Emerson’s new FIELDVUE™ DVC6200 digital valve controller, incorporating performance diagnostics and the latest HART® (version 7) communications, will enable control valves to be easily integrated into the existing control system. ValveLink™ software will work with the existing control system to provide online diagnostics that can help users identify potential problems so that they can be addressed before operations are affected.

The Algiers refinery was constructed in 1964 and produces motor fuels and LPG for the local market, and naphtha and fuel oil for export. The refinery is owned by Sonatrach, which is the largest oil and gas company in Algeria and Africa. Technip is the EPC contractor for the Rehabilitation and Adaptation project. The project is part of a broader refinery upgrade programme initiated by Sonatrach for the production of clean fuels in Algeria