Mossmorran is going to restart soon: Here's what's going to happen
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Mossmorran has been flaring for months to burn off gas which can't be processed while two boilers are being repaired.
There have been a growing number of complaints over excessive flaring at the Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP), which some residents say even causes vibrations throughout their homes and results in sleepless nights.
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Hide AdThe plant will be restarted soon, with a date yet to be confirmed, but here's how Exxon Mobil - who run the plant jointly with Shell - say it will happen.
STEP 1: ETHANE GAS ARRIVES
• The ethane is needed to begin sequence of generating steam and starting major machines.
• There will be a 3-4 day journey for natural gas from the North Sea via St Fergus near Peterhead.
• The ethane gas will be separated at the Shell plant next door and sent to FEP,
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Hide Ad• As major process machinery not yet started, some gas is diverted to flare.
STEP 3: BOILER AND FURNACE OUTPUT INCREASED
• Both combine to generate the steam needed to start major machines
• Steam and water vapour will be visible from the plant
STEP 2: FLARE SIZE MANAGED
• Some of ethane gas sent to furnaces and some to ground flare
• Remainder sent to elevated flare
• These steps combine to reduce elevated flare size
• Steam will be added to ensure the flare burns clean
STEP 4: MAJOR PROCESS MACHINERY STARTED
• Three major compressors started
• Each started individually in sequence
• Visible steam will start to reduce as it is consumed by the machines
STEP 5: DISTILLING TOWERS STARTED
• Final stage of start up
• Three distilling towers brought online
• Elevated flare will fluctuate but will not increase
STEP 6: SAFE RE-START COMPLETE
• Ethane gas now being turned into on-spec ethylene
• No longer in elevated flare
• On-spec ethylene piped to Braefoot Bay terminal
• Total time for safe re-start around 6 days