Consulting engineers help design low-sulphur diesel plants in Quebec and Alberta

Shell Canada has commissioned and started production at two new diesel hydrotreaters in Montreal East and Scotford, Alberta. The hydrotreaters produce ultra low sulphur diesel fuel in advance of new federal regulations that take effect on June 1.<br>
The two plants together cost $400 million to construct and employed approximately 1,800 construction workers and engineers. Fluor Canada was responsible for overall project management, with Colt Engineering assisting at Scotford and BPR-Bechtel at Montreal East.<br>
Shell began producing low sulphur gasoline in late 2002, but these new plants are able to reduce sulphur levels in diesel by 90 per cent compared to previous processors. The on-road gasoline produced will contain sulphur at fewer than 15 parts per million.<br>
The Shell hydrotreater units use Royal Dutch hydro-processing technology. The diesel is hydro-treated or mixed with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to form hydrogen sulphide. The sulphur is then recovered and sold.<br>
The low-sulphur diesel will be available only in areas of Quebec and Alberta initially.<br>
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