28-02-2014

Bechtel’s ThruPlus coking technology selected for Croatian refinery

Bechtel has signed a license agreement with INA Industrija Nafte, d.d. for the process design of a delayed coking unit complex at the Rijeka refinery in Urinj, Croatia. The new complex will use Bechtel’s ThruPlus® coking technology, a proprietary process for upgrading heavy oil into high-value, light hydrocarbon liquids.

"Previous investments in the Rijeka refinery enabled the production of products in line with the highest European quality standards and they significantly improved environmental standards in the refinery," said Zoltán Áldott, president of the Management Board of INA. "The decision on further investment is expected during 2014. The study prepared as a result of the contract signed today will be crucial to that end," he said.

"We are pleased to have INA choose our ThruPlus coking technology. The ThruPlus technology combined with our delayed coking expertise will increase the efficiency of the Rijeka refinery and reduce the production of heavy fuel oil," said Dan Olsen, president of Bechtel Hydrocarbon Technology Solutions, Inc. "We will draw on our extensive design and construction experience in the oil and gas sector in working with INA to support their goal of expanding the refinery’s capabilities."

Bechtel Hydrocarbon Technology Solutions is a Bechtel subsidiary that provides technology licensing and process consulting services to the oil and gas industry. Bechtel Hydrocarbon Technology Solutions acquired ThruPlus technology from ConocoPhilips in 2011.

A global leader in the oil and gas industry, Bechtel has more than 50 years of delayed coking experience and has been involved in delayed coking projects in Canada, India, Russia, and the United States.