18-08-2016

General Atomics Gulftronic electrostatic separators selected for Onsan refinery

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems announced today that it has received an order for a 16-module Gulftronic™ Electrostatic Separator system for installation at the new Residue Upgrading Complex project at S-Oil Corporation’s Onsan refinery in the Republic of Korea.

“We are very pleased to be working with S-Oil and their contractor, DDJV (a joint venture of Daelim Industrial, Co., Ltd. and Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd) to deliver a solution designed to meet their requirements for both oil clarity and increased production capacity,” stated Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “Due to the many challenges they faced with mechanical filtration systems, we are pleased to have our Gulftronic technology selected for this new project to help them maximize revenue potential going forward.”

Modern refineries rely on Residual Fluidized Catalytic Crackers (RFCC) to convert heavy crude oil into lighter hydrocarbon products. The conversion process creates slurry oil/decant oil, a by-product containing catalyst fines. Through a unique electrostatic process, Gulftronic separators capture and remove all solids from the process stream, resulting in higher value clarified oil products, less downstream contamination, and significantly reduced maintenance requirements.

“More and more, customers are selecting Gulftronic as the choice to help alleviate the issues they’ve encountered with mechanical filtration systems failing to remove all solids, causing build-up and blockages, contamination, and creating costly maintenance work and downtime,” Dr. Vivek Lall, vice president, Global Commercial Strategic Development at GA-EMS. “Because our Gulftronic electrostatic separators are impervious to fouling and provide clarity below 100 parts per million, refineries can improve yields and therefore improve profit margins through a more effective, reliable process.”

S-Oil was established in 1976 and is one of Korea’s leading refiners and a major provider of lubricants and gasoline. By providing a stable energy supply, petroleum exports, and continuous facility investments, the company has grown into a leader in the domestic refining industry and has made substantial contributions to the economy and quality of life in Korea.