Sources say that Pemex is overhauling multiple units in the refinery at Deer Park (Texas)

Mexico's national oil company Pemex completed the shutdown of multiple units at its 312,500-barrel-per-day Deer Park, Texas, refinery on Thursday to begin a multi-unit overhaul, people familiar with plant operations said.

Sources said that the 270,000 bpd DU-2 crude distillation unit (CDU), which is the larger of the two refineries, will be shut down for a planned overhaul lasting about 60 days.

A Pemex spokeswoman did not respond immediately to a comment request.

Sources said that Pemex refers to the overhaul as "the Big Block Turnaround", because it includes the large CDU, the fluid catalytic unit (FCCU) with 70,000 bpd and the hydrocracking unit producing 70,000 bpd of diesel (HCU), and the 92,000 bpd coker.

DU-2, the larger CDU, is responsible for converting crude oil into feedstock for the other units in the refinery. The 70,000-bpd DU-1 will continue to operate while DU-2 undergoes an overhaul.

DU-2 supplies feedstock to the FCCU, HCU, and coker.

FCCUs convert gas oil to unfinished gasoline using a catalyst and high temperatures.

In the presence of hydrogen, HCUs convert gas oil to gasoline by using a catalyzer under high pressure and heat.

Cokers convert tar-like, residual crude oil to motor fuel feedstocks, or petroleum coke that can replace coal. Reporting by Erwin Seba, Editing by Mark Porter & Chris Reese

(source: Reuters)