KBR’s first Veba Combi Cracker (VCC) Technology Processing Unit in Russia enters construction phase

In February 2012, KBR signed an agreement with TAIF-NK to establish a Veba Combi Cracker (VCC) technology processing unit to be implemented at the Nizhnekamsk refinery in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. The unit, whose basic engineering phase and procurement of the long lead items has been completed, is scheduled to go onstream in 2016. This marks the third unit of its kind under construction, and the first unit to be built in Russia.

The ground breaking ceremony, to mark the beginning of construction activities was held on November 9, 2012, was presided by Rustam Minnikhanov, the president of the Tatarstan republic.

“This project, while greatly improving the economics of the TAIF-NK refinery, will also contribute to the improvement in the quality of life for the population of Nizhnekamsk District as well as economic prosperity of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Russian Federation,” Albert Shigaboutdinov, General Director of TAIF group of companies, said at the ceremony.

The VCC process is one of the most robust, hydrogen addition technologies in the market place today and is uniquely suited to process Russian residues. The TAIF unit will process 2.7 MMTPA of vacuum residue, and 1.0 MMTPAS of vacuum gas oil while balancing the exiting refinery units. The refinery will achieve greater than 95 wt% vacuum residue conversion, and produce clean Euro V grade distillate products.