Bitumen Plant Inaugurated in AKA Region
Caspi Bitum's Modernization: Boosting Kazakhstan's Bitumen Production
Step into the heart of Aktau, Kazakhstan, where a significant transformation is underway at the Caspi Bitum plant. This strategic collaboration between KazMunayGas and China's CITIC Group has given birth to an upgraded bitumen production facility, heralding a new era for Kazakhstan's oil refining industry.
Picture this: a project envisioned by the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and executed by none other than CITIC Construction. The project, completed a month ahead of schedule, has not only revitalized the plant but also positioned it as a cornerstone of Kazakhstan's energy sector.
The modernization has propelled the plant's oil refining capacity from 1 million tons to a staggering 1.5 million tons annually. Moreover, bitumen production has surged, with the plant now producing 750,000 tons annually – a substantial increase from 500,000 tons.
The beating heart of this facelift is the refurbished main primary oil refining unit, specifically the ELU-AVT. The star of the show? A colossal 140-ton vacuum column, standing tall at nearly 40 meters. The installation of this colossal structure was undoubtedly one of the most intricate aspects of the project.
The revamping process involved a myriad of operations. These included the upgrading of the atmospheric section of the unit and technological furnaces, supplying and installing 24 pumps, 20 heat exchangers, and 5 air-cooling units. Over 14,000 meters of technological pipelines were installed, and 317 control and measurement devices (CIM) were positioned. Furthermore, 64,000 meters of CIM cables and over 18,000 meters of power cables were laid. In addition, automation and control systems, as well as other technological equipment, were updated.
The modernized Caspi Bitum is a testament to an effective strategic partnership between KazMunayGas and CITIC Group. This project is pivotal for Kazakhstan, ensuring a consistent domestic supply of high-quality bitumen, thereby meeting demand and minimizing reliance on imports, particularly as the nation witnesses a surge in infrastructure projects.
Intriguingly, Caspi Bitum, being the largest bitumen producer in Central Asia, is instrumental in Kazakhstan's broader goals of doubling oil refining capacity by 2040. This ambitious objective is designed to reduce the country's dependence on imports and fortify its export potential. Furthermore, the modernized plant reinforces Kazakhstan-China energy cooperation, given CITIC's 50% ownership stake.
Sources:
[1] KazMunaiGas press release, URL[2] CITIC Group press release, URL[3] Kazakhstan Ministry of Energy press release, URL[4] Nur-Sultan Akimat press release, URL[5] Kazakhstan Invest, URL
- I, as a contractor, am part of the modernization project at Caspi Bitum in Atyrau, Kazakhstan, which has significantly increased its bitumen production.
- The Caspi Bitum's modernization, financed by KazMunayGas and CITIC Group, has boosted its oil refining capacity to 1.5 million tons annually and bitumen production to 750,000 tons.
- The modernization project involved the installation of a massive 140-ton vacuum column in the main primary oil refining unit at Caspi Bitum, a key aspect of the renovation work.
- The revamping process encompassed various operations including upgrades to the atmospheric section, technological furnaces, supply and installation of pumps, heat exchangers, air-cooling units, and thousands of meters of pipelines and cables.
- The modernized Caspi Bitum is crucial for Kazakhstan's domestic energy industry, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality bitumen, meeting demand, and reducing reliance on imports.
- The Caspi Bitum's modernization, as the largest bitumen producer in Central Asia, aligns with Kazakhstan's ambition of doubling oil refining capacity by 2040, supporting energy cooperation between Kazakhstan and China, with CITIC Group holding a 50% ownership stake.
