OREANDA-NEWS. December 16, 2011. ORLEN Lietuva has initiated modernization of the sulfur units. Starting October 2012 the Company will have a 40% higher sulfur production capacity. This will facilitate expansion to new markets and acquisition of new customers, reported the press-centre of ORLEN Lietuva.

The value of this environmental project amounts approximately to LTL 38 MM. So far, the total costs of investments implemented by ORLEN Lietuva after acquisition of Mazeiku Nafta amount to about LTL 1.9 bn.

The intention is to complete the construction of new computerized sulfur degassing, pelletization and storage facilities until October 1, 2012. Currently ORLEN Lietuva is the only producer of sulfur in the Baltic countries. Sulfur is an oil refining byproduct and is mainly used in production of fertilizers.

“A new sulfur recovery technology will widen transport possibilities and strenghten the company's competitiveness, especially in terms of exporting the product to foreign markets. This is a very important part of therefinery modernization and efficiency improvement plan” said Ireneusz Fafara, General Director of ORLEN Lietuva.

Commissioning of the sulfur degassing and pelletization unit will expand the so far limited group of customers who are capable of buying bulk sulfur only. Starting next year, the Company will be able to keep the sulfur pellets in storage and ship not only by road or rail transport, but also by sea. An important purpose of the project is also improving safety of storage and transportation of sulfur recovered in the refining process as well as the employees’ work conditions.

The modernization of the sulfur recovery unit will also involve implementation of innovative technologies. ORLEN Lietuva selected Shell Global Solutions International B.V. for supply of the degassing equipment and technology and Sandvik Process Systems for provision of pelletization equipment and technology. Supply of material and equipment, detailed design, and construction and installation works are the responsibility of the Polish company ORLEN Projekt.

Currently, the refinery produces approximately 250 tons of sulfur per day. The daily capacity of the new unit will be 350 tons with possible expansion capabilities to 450 tons of pelletized sulfur per day. This will relate to a new future refining installations and expanded refining capacities.