American Refining Group Inc. (ARG) is set to complete the final, construction phase of its $5.5 million project to replace the refinery’s lone remaining coal boiler this year.
While the earliest phases of work on the massive project began three years ago, actual construction only began in early February 2016. Environmental permitting approval was secured from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) in September 2014, at which time requests for quotes went out to area contractors and suppliers; it is ARG’s policy to work with local providers whenever possible.
To start, Kessel Construction will complete the excavation and foundation work, while National Fuel Gas has installed the new meter needed to support the equipment. As 2016 unfolds, a pre-fabricated metal building will be installed to house the new boiler followed by the piping and electrical systems necessary to run it.
“This project required a significant degree of cross-functional collaboration among many departments here at ARG and with third-party agencies, providers and contractors,” explained Jeannine Schoenecker, ARG president and chief operating officer. “It is another great example of successful close coordination to complete a complex project.”
ARG’s Environmental, Health and Safety, Technology, Reliability, Maintenance and Purchasing departments have all been involved in this upgrade.
When finished, the Bradford refinery will be fired by a total of three cleaner, more-efficient natural gas boilers. Further, the new state-of-the-art boiler will be tied into the facility’s upgraded flare-gas-recovery system, allowing the refinery to achieve even higher levels of efficiency and environmental friendliness.
“Almost nothing that is used in our facility – whether propane, water, steam, catalyst or off-gases – is discarded,” Schoenecker noted. “These materials are recycled or are re-introduced at some point in our processes.”
ARG’s Boiler House, often called the heart of the refinery, is located in the Mill Street area and generates the enormous amounts of steam required to support the refining process. It is anticipated that the new boiler will be in service by late fall 2016 and the 1970’s-vintage coal boiler will be decommissioned.
“While it was a DEP mandate that we replace the coal boiler by 2017, it also simply makes good environmental and fiscal sense,” Schoenecker noted. “The vast majority of our workforce lives right here in McKean County and we clearly recognize the importance of stewardship for this community, our families and the generations to come.
“It can be particularly difficult for smaller refineries like ours to absorb the often significant cost of environmental compliance,” Schoenecker continued, “but we monitor our budget, the industry and regulations closely to ensure that we are always not only in compliance, but also employing the most effective equipment available.”
