The Lavera refinery is currently in the process of installing two new reactors in its hydrocracker unit to replace three reactors that have reached the end of their useful mechanical life. The investment that represents almost €40m will help maintain the efficiency and reliability of the Lavera refinery.
The hydrocracker is a high added-value unit and a major contributor to refinery profitability, taking low value vacuum gasoil and converting it into high value diesel and aviation fuel.
The existing reactors are over 40 years old and have given loyal service in a high pressure, high temperature, hydrogen-rich reaction environment. Designed to operate safely and efficiently under these conditions the new reactors make the most of the latest advances in metallurgy and are made from forged vanadium and modified chromium steel with a stainless steel overlay.
To give you a sense of scale of this investment, the heaviest of the vessels weighs 420 tonnes and both are made from steel that is over 185mm thick. Huge cranes and special transportation was needed to manoeuvre the two reactors into place. Thanks to safe and highly precise operations, the reactors are now installed and ready for final tie-in. Start up is scheduled for June 2012.