Exxon Refinery in Louisiana Halts Gasoline and Diesel Units for Maintenance

Exxon Mobil Corp has embarked on a meticulously planned and strategically significant overhaul at its Baton Rouge refinery in Louisiana, a facility boasting a formidable capacity of 522,500 barrels per day (bpd). The focal points of this extensive maintenance endeavor are the fluidic catalytic cracker (FCC) and the hydrocracker, both integral components responsible for the production of gasoline and diesel, with capacities of 110,000 bpd and 23,000 bpd, respectively. This comprehensive maintenance project, anticipated to extend over a span of two months, aims to optimize operational efficiency and longevity within these critical units.

The initiation of the FCC and hydrocracker shutdown marks the onset of a broader and well-thought-out multi-unit overhaul initiative, aptly named El Toro. This initiative doesn't confine itself solely to the refinery but extends its scope to encompass the adjacent Exxon chemical plant within the Baton Rouge Complex. By addressing multiple units within this integrated complex, Exxon Mobil aims to streamline and synchronize maintenance efforts, enhancing overall reliability and performance.

In adherence to a phased maintenance strategy, Exxon is gearing up for an additional overhaul scheduled for the third quarter of this year. This upcoming endeavor is set to involve two of the refinery's four crude distillation units (CDUs), which play a pivotal role in the initial stages of the refining process. The first CDU in this sequence, the 90,000-bpd PSLA-7, is slated for shutdown during the third quarter. Following the completion of maintenance on PSLA-7, attention will turn to the larger 210,000-bpd PSLA-10, initiating its own overhaul. Given its substantial capacity, PSLA-10 holds a prominent position as the largest CDU within the Baton Rouge refinery.

Hydrocrackers, crucial components in the refining process, deploy a catalyst under high heat and pressure, often in the presence of hydrogen, to convert specific feedstocks, such as gas oil, into diesel and other motor fuels. The Baton Rouge refinery operates a single hydrocracker, underscoring its pivotal role in the facility's operational landscape. The meticulous attention to the hydrocracker during this overhaul aligns with Exxon Mobil's commitment to maintaining optimal functionality and efficiency in this key refining process.

In essence, the launch of this planned overhaul represents Exxon Mobil's strategic and proactive stance in ensuring the optimal functioning and longevity of pivotal units within its Baton Rouge refinery. The phased approach to maintenance, spanning the FCC, hydrocracker, and subsequent CDU overhauls, underscores the complexity of these initiatives and the meticulous planning required for their successful execution. As these maintenance projects progress, Exxon aims to not only address immediate operational needs but also contribute to the sustained and enhanced performance of the Baton Rouge Complex. The integration of these comprehensive maintenance efforts reflects a commitment to excellence and a forward-looking perspective in managing the intricate and interconnected facets of refining and chemical operations.