Chemex Modular, LLC said it had reached terms in principle with the Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Limited to expand NDPR’s existing refining capacity from 1,000 barrels of crude per day to 11,000 barrels per day.
The company said in addition to its existing diesel-only production capacity, the expanded refinery would allow NDPR to supply increased diesel capacity, jet fuel (aircraft turbine fuel), petrol (premium motor spirit) and marine diesel oil.
Chemex Modular said in a statement that it designed and fabricated the existing NDPR refinery, which was commissioned in 2012 and had been utilised at full capacity since 2012.
NDPR currently operates the only privately-held petroleum refinery in Nigeria, and does so profitably, according to the statement.
The statement said, “Chemex Modular is proud to have been selected to provide the additional expansion equipment and technological services. The new units will include additional crude distillation units, a naphtha hydrotreater, a naphtha splitter, and a catalytic reforming unit for the production of gasoline.
“The expansion will provide numerous additional local jobs for skilled operators, technicians, and plant maintenance personnel.”
Chemex Modular and NDPR expect commissioning of the expansion to occur in early 2018, the statement said.
Chemex Modular is a supplier of modular refinery and gas processing equipment and, according to the statement, since 1978, has provided equipment for diesel topping plants, hydroskimming refineries for the production of high-octane gasoline, flare gas reduction units, waste to energy plants, and much more.
All Chemex Modular equipment is sourced or refurbished and fabricated in the United States of America, packaged, and shipped overseas for installation, the statement said.