Don’t Settle for “One-Size-Fits-All” Engineering Solutions
The oil and gas industry requires efficient, reliable solutions, particularly when dealing with aging infrastructure. As a trusted leader in oil and gas engineering services, JEPCO has been supporting refining and petrochemical clients across the Gulf Coast and nationwide since 2005. Below are some examples of our key oil and gas projects.
A Tailored Approach To A Sulfur Tank Upgrade
When a Midwest refinery needed to replace its 38-year-old sulfur tank, JEPCO stepped in with a tailored solution. Although the sulfur tank’s shell and internal steam piping had undergone several repairs, an assessment confirmed it was no longer safe for continued operation. The client had three key concerns regarding the replacement: minimizing downtime, accessing the sulfur tank without disturbing surrounding equipment in the refinery’s crowded space and preventing soil destabilization around a pipe rack next to the tank.
JEPCO’s engineers provided effective solutions. Leveraging our engineering expertise and experience with sulfur systems, we repurposed a liquefied petroleum gas storage vessel to serve as the sulfur tank for the refinery’s first sulfur recovery unit. To minimize downtime, we installed a jacketed line beneath a road, rerouting sulfur from the first recovery unit to the second unit’s sulfur pit. This allowed the first sulfur recovery unit to remain operational during the tank replacement, and the line is still in place for future use. To address the space limitation, we designed the new sulfur tank in five U-shaped sections that fit perfectly within the confined area. Finally, to ensure the adjacent pipe rack’s soil remained stable, we preserved the corrosion-free bottom of the original sulfur tank shell and custom-designed the rest of the structure.
Revitalizing Idle Refinery Operations
An idle oil refinery required significant revitalization to resume operations. As part of the startup process, the client needed to install coker and de-sulfurization units and ensure they were ready for operation. JEPCO’s team engineered and designed the refurbished sulfur and coke handling facilities, while also providing procurement support and overseeing the mechanical, electrical/instrumentation, and civil/structural aspects of the project.
This work enabled the refinery to reach a production capacity of 200,000 barrels of crude per day, generate additional revenue from sulfur byproducts, and meet International Marine Organization regulations. The project played a crucial role in its ability to operate at full capacity during its active years, demonstrating our commitment to helping clients achieve efficiency and compliance even in challenging circumstances.
Optimizing A Crude Unit Through HYSYS Modeling
A Gulf Coast refinery needed to debottleneck a crude unit that was significantly limiting production. To start, JEPCO’s engineers performed extensive HYSYS modeling and increased the refinery’s daily production by 10,000 barrels. Additionally, our team evaluated the modeling’s effectiveness by performing process modeling and producing a yield table, a list of ideal operating conditions and other deliverables to optimize yields and increase the refinery’s bottom line.
JEPCO has debottlenecked crude units, evaluated heaters and relief valves, updated burner management systems, replaced exchangers and more for various domestic refiners. No matter the task, we always look forward to leveraging our experience within the oil and gas industry to solve our clients’ problems.
At JEPCO, we strive to provide high-caliber solutions that drive lasting results through our expertise in engineering services for oil and gas clients. From sulfur tank replacements to optimizing crude units, we’re one of the oil and gas engineering companies out there that truly prioritizes your success. How can JEPCO help you?
