Rompetrol Rafinare, part of the KMG International Group, is enhancing operational efficiency at the Petromidia refinery with a $4 million investment. The company has completed a project to upgrade the CO Boiler of the catalytic cracking unit (FCC), transitioning from natural water circulation to forced multiple circulation.
CEO Florian Pop emphasized the importance of each piece of equipment at the Petromidia platform in optimizing operational flows. This year’s investments focus on long-term development, significantly advancing the refinery’s efficiency and reliability. The project underscores Rompetrol Rafinare’s commitment to maintaining optimal operational conditions while prioritizing safety and environmental protection.
The upgrade involved installing a new boiler water recirculation system, allowing operation at a minimum capacity of 35 tons per hour, down from the original 50 tons per hour, with the capacity to increase to 90 tons per hour as needed. This adjustment anticipates the future integration of new utility supply capacities into the operational flow.
Additionally, the flue gas temperature has been reduced to 185 °C. The new economizer enables heat recovery, positively impacting overall energy consumption and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Throughout this year, Rompetrol Rafinare has initiated several modernization projects during the general turnaround of the Petromidia refinery. Key upgrades include replacing reactors in the Vacuum Distillate Hydrotreatment Unit (HDV), main equipment in the Hydrogen Unit (HPP), and the drilling/cutting system in the Delayed Coking Unit (Cx).
As the Petromidia refinery celebrates 45 years of operation this year, it has processed approximately 150 million tons of raw materials, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of stability in the Romanian energy sector.
