Motiva Plans Closure of CDU and Coker at Largest US Refinery Next Week

Motiva Enterprises is slated to initiate a temporary shutdown of the large crude distillation unit (CDU) and the substantial coker at its Port Arthur refinery in Texas, which boasts an impressive capacity of 626,000 barrels per day (bpd). This strategic decision by Motiva underscores the refinery's commitment to conducting essential maintenance activities and optimizing operational efficiency. The targeted units, namely the 350,000 bpd VPS-5 CDU and the 110,000-bpd DCU-2 coker, will undergo planned overhauls, with a projected completion timeline of 45 days.

The impetus behind this scheduled maintenance is rooted in the imperative need to address and rectify equipment-related issues, ensuring the refinery's seamless and reliable operation. In a proactive move, Motiva rescheduled the start of the overhaul from March to January, a strategic decision aimed at preempting any potential unplanned shutdown of DCU-2 due to equipment malfunctions.

The VPS-5 CDU holds particular significance within the refinery's infrastructure, being the largest among the three CDUs in operation. CDUs play a pivotal role in breaking down crude oil into essential feedstocks that serve as inputs for various other units within the refinery. In this context, VPS-5 assumes a critical role in the refining process, contributing to the production of feedstocks that are indispensable for the refinery's overall functionality. However, in light of the upcoming overhaul, VPS-5 requires comprehensive equipment repairs and replacements to ensure its sustained and efficient operation.

It's worth noting that the introduction of VPS-5 in 2012 marked a transformative phase for the Port Arthur refinery, significantly augmenting its capacity. This expansion positioned the facility as the nation's largest, reinforcing its status as a key player in the refining landscape. VPS-5 plays a crucial role in the overall production chain by supplying residual crude oil to the DCU-2 coker.

DCU-2, with its capacity of 110,000 bpd, specializes in converting residual crude oil supplied by VPS-5 into valuable outputs. These outputs include motor fuel feedstocks, which contribute to the production of essential fuels, as well as petroleum coke. Petroleum coke holds significance as it serves as a potential substitute for coal in various industrial processes, contributing to environmental sustainability.

The scheduled overhaul of both VPS-5 and DCU-2 is a strategic move by Motiva to ensure the longevity, reliability, and efficiency of these critical units. The 45-day timeframe allocated for the overhauls reflects the meticulous approach taken by Motiva to address maintenance needs without unduly disrupting the refinery's overall operational cadence.

In conjunction with the CDU and coker overhauls, Motiva has also decided to temporarily shut down a sulfur recovery unit. This additional measure indicates the refinery's commitment to a comprehensive maintenance strategy, addressing multiple facets of its infrastructure concurrently. The sulfur recovery unit's shutdown aligns with the broader goal of ensuring that all essential components of the refinery undergo necessary maintenance, contributing to the facility's overall resilience.

Motiva's proactive approach to maintenance, as evidenced by the rescheduling of the overhaul start date, underscores the refinery's commitment to operational excellence and reliability. This commitment extends beyond immediate concerns to encompass long-term sustainability and adherence to industry best practices.