Acelen purchased Mataripe refinery in 2021 and has since grown diesel production capacity by 25%. This was largely in response to domestic and global diesel needs.
The hydrotreater at the facility is now capable of processing 13,700 cubic metres of diesel a day, an increase of 2,700 cubic metres a day. This most recent expansion project, which was completed and authorized for operation in September 2022, raised production from 12,400 cubic metres. According to Acelen, the total increase will allow for 100 million litres more fuel over that time period at full production capacity.
With 20% to 30% of diesel demand in Brazil coming from imports, it provides opportunities for domestic producers. This is in spite of Petrobras diesel pricing that is lower than the cost of importing.
According to Acelen’s Vice President of Operations, Celso Ferreira, this expansion will cost 71.5 million reais (~$14.3 million USD). Acelen purchased Mataripe refinery from Petrobras in 2021 for an estimated 4 billion reais.
The modifications replaced catalyst beds, increased the capacity for handling heat, reduced hydrogen gas leaks, and improved the efficiency of the facility's steam systems. Acelen said it has the ability to boost output and break production bottlenecks without constructing an additional plant. To optimize catalyst lifespan, the firm said it is using an artificial intelligence system that supports real-time operating decisions.
Jet fuel, gasoline, lubricants and paraffin production has also been expanded at Acelen’s refinery. Ferreira said middle distillate output at the facility has jumped from 35 percent to approximately 42 to 43 percent.
Mataripe processes 301,000 barrels per day of crude oil and represents 14 percent of Brazil’s total refinery capacity. The Mataripe refinery is also responsible for more than 80 percent of the fuel supply to the state of Bahia, and covers 42 percent of the fuel requirements for Brazil's entire northeastern region.
Acelen estimates that its additional production will remain within Bahia. However, the company is leaving space to meet any occasional requirements from other parts of Brazil, should it become necessary.
