Modernization of the emergency pressure-relief system on the hydrocracker

Shell Deutschland Oil GmbH (SDO) has been operating a hydrocracker at the Wesseling plant since the 1980s. Parts of this plant date back to the 1930s and were previously used for methanol and ammonia synthesis.

The hydrocracker is used to produce diesel, kerosene and other mineral oil products which are extracted from vacuum gas oil (a product of vacuum distillation in Wesseling).

Uhde Services is modernizing the emergency pressure-relief system as the first phase of the revamp. The scope of the work includes the engineering (process technology, installation and pipeline planning, as well as electronics, measuring, open and closed-loop control technology) and preparations for procurement. Since the hydrocracker is operated at approx. 300 bar and 450 °C, special process-related technical experience is required in this special area.

The entire revamp will be performed in three phases, with the final commissioning of the modernized hydrocracker scheduled for 2011. The project will finish with the handover of the as-built documentation in January 2012.