CHS Completes Crude Oil Refinery at McPherson, Kansas

Published: February 18, 2016 |

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Member-owners of CHS Inc. are now benefiting from the recently completed coker at the company’s central Kansas refinery.

Construction of the coker unit at the CHS Refinery at McPherson began in March 2013 and took nearly 2.8 million construction man hours to complete. The unit began operating on February 5, 2016.

“The new coker allows the refinery to process a larger variety of crude oils, thus delivering the best value to our owners and customers by purchasing the most cost-effective crude oil available. We’re also able to meet increased product demand while creating an even safer operating environment for our employees,” said Jim Loving, CHS senior vice president, refining, pipelines and terminals.

During the refining process, the coker converts the heaviest portion of crude oil into more valuable liquid products that can then be converted into gasoline or diesel fuel. Any remaining product is sold as petroleum coke for use in industrial applications.

The CHS Refinery at Laurel, Montana began operating a new coker unit in 2008. Upgrades at each refinery are expected to bring combined production to 160,000 barrels a day in 2019. In recent years, CHS has invested $2 billion in refined fuels manufacturing and distribution upgrades and ownership to serve its owners and customers.

Safety is a central feature of the new unit which has a fully automated decoking control system. This allows operators to drill out and remove coke from the drums from a protected area that is a safe distance away from the coker. Prior to successful startup, unit operators were extensively trained and equipment was thoroughly checked and tested.

“Replacing our previous coker, built in 1952, was essential for the refinery’s continued operation. Our new coker is state of the art and improves operational safety and reliability. In addition, we have flexibility in processing the most economically favorable crude oils,” said Rick Leicht, McPherson refinery vice president.

About CHS
CHS Inc. is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers, and cooperatives across the United States. Diversified in energy, grains and foods, CHS is committed to helping its customers, farmer-owners and other stakeholders grow their businesses through its domestic and global operations. CHS, a Fortune 100 company, supplies energy, crop nutrients, grain marketing services, animal feed, food and food ingredients, along with business solutions including insurance, financial and risk management services. The company operates petroleum refineries/pipelines and manufactures, markets and distributes Cenex® brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products.

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