EU quality of ORLEN's gasolines
Gasolines produced by PKN ORLEN already meet European Union standards (since September) which will be in force since the beginning of the next year. New norms sharpen the level of two parameters: sulphur and aromates content. There will be no changes concerning Diesel oils, because the concern since three years has been offering standards required in 2005.
New requirements for gasolines will be in force since the 1st January, 2005. However, the concern has gone ahead and since September produces fuels of higher quality. Indicators foreseen for the next year first of all decrease permissible limits within two parameters:
• Change allowed content of aromates from 42% to 35%;
• Decrease sulphur content from 150 ppm to 50 ppm
Application of these parameters brings ecological advantages by means of decreasing the emission of sulphur oxides and aromate components in cars’ fumes, so the effects of modification are to be felt in global scale.
Additionally new norms define for the EU member countries the obligation of accessibility in “geographically parallel way” the gasoline having sulphur content maximum 10 ppm. In case of PKN ORLEN this is connected with the necessity of erecting new Cracking Gasoline Desulphurisation Unit – its start is foreseen for the half of 2006.
The realisation of gasolines production based on new requirements is possible thanks to the investment policy of the concern realised since a few years, thanks to which the adjustment to the norms of next year did not require starting particularly expensive projects. Important role in the process of “new quality” gasolines production is played by the following plants: Isomerisation, Ether and Alkilation units. These objects provide the company with high-octane components, deprived of sulphur and aromates.
What should be stressed is the fact that additionally, work of these plants in the conditions of sharpened requirements allows for better utilisation of other refinery semi-products, like: reformate, rafinate, cracking gasoline, C4 fraction, C5 fraction, in the amounts allowing for stable work of the company.
Press Office
PKN ORLEN SA
