Marathon Petroleum’s Anacortes, Washington, refinery has been honoured with an award for the best private-sector project of 2023 under $10 million by a construction industry association.The Northwest Construction Consumer Council (NWCCC) commended the refinery’s initiative to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, highlighting its innovation, safety, and efficient completion.
The Anacortes refinery has applied for a U.S. utility patent in connection with the project’s use of ammonia from a specific refinery waste stream for emissions reduction.
The project, which involved incorporating selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) technology at the site to decrease NOx emissions, has made a significant impact. According to MPC Process Engineer David Rudd, the project exceeded expectations by achieving a 31 percent reduction in NOx emissions, equivalent to 321 tons per year. Computational fluid dynamics modelling was utilised to arrange chemical reactions that accomplish NOx destruction.
A distinctive aspect of the project is the use of ammonia from a specific refinery waste stream, believed to be a first in the refining industry. This innovation formed the basis of the refinery’s application for a U.S. utility patent, which is currently pending.
Representatives of MPC and contractors who worked on the project attended the NWCCC award ceremony, including (L to R) Keith Vanderbeek, MPC Construction Coordinator; Dean Kummer, Mills Electric Site Superintendent; Devan Ballard, Harris Project Coordinator; Zac Nightingale, MPC Engineering Supervisor; Paul Thompson, Anvil Project Manager; and Dale Nelson, Anvil Control Systems Engineer.
MPC Engineering Supervisor Zac Nightingale highlighted the project’s safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. He noted that the project, completed on time and under budget, showcased highly efficient resource utilisation compared to alternative emissions-reduction methods.
The successful completion of the project was a result of collaboration both within and outside the refinery. Technical services and environmental departments within the refinery collaborated with external contractors who provided engineering support, instrumentation, electrical services, and construction.
Looking ahead, the Anacortes refinery is considering plans to install a similar SNCR injection system on the second CO boiler in the future, furthering its commitment to emission reduction and environmental stewardship.
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