The Challenge
EIA21 provides Owner’s Engineering and Project Management services for the implementation of a new Preflash Tower in Crude Unit 1 of the refinery in Bizkaia.
The project includes the installation of a new preflash tower together with its auxiliary systems, including condensers, vessels, bottom pumps, draw-off pumps, and reflux circuits. The objective is to separate a light fraction from the crude oil before entering the main atmospheric distillation tower, enabling subsequent blending with naphtha streams and reducing the energy consumption of the process.
This improvement contributes to increasing the operational efficiency of the unit and optimizing the energy performance of the facility.
The incorporation of a new process column within an existing refining unit represented a significant technical and organizational challenge.
Key challenges included:
- Integration of new process equipment into an operating unit.
- Coordination of multiple engineering and construction disciplines.
- Minimization of impacts on refinery operations.
- Ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and environmental requirements.
- Optimization of the energy efficiency of the crude distillation unit.
- Management of a strategic investment aimed at improving plant performance.
The Solution
EIA21 acts as the client’s technical representative through Owner’s Engineering and Project Management services, ensuring compliance with the project’s technical, economic, and schedule objectives.
Main activities include:
- Technical supervision and monitoring of engineering activities.
- Coordination between engineering teams, suppliers, and contractors.
- Control of project costs, schedule, and quality.
- Risk management and identification of improvement opportunities.
- Monitoring of investment progress and project milestones.
- Verification of compliance with operational and construction requirements.
- Technical support during implementation and commissioning phases.
Results
- Implementation of a new Preflash Tower designed to optimize the crude distillation process.
- Reduction in unit energy demand through a decrease in the heat duty required by the main furnace.
- Improved operational efficiency and overall plant performance.
- Project execution under safety, quality, and cost control criteria.
- Enhanced reliability and competitiveness of the refining facilities.
