Mossmorran is going to restart soon: Here’s what’s going to happen – Fife Today

After months of being out of operation, the Mossmorran Fife Ethylene Plant is to be started up again soon, with joint operators Exxon Mobil revealing what residents nearby can expect to see.

Mossmorran has been flaring for months to burn off gas which can't be processed while two boilers are being repaired.

There have been a growing number of complaints over excessive flaring at the Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP), which some residents say even causes vibrations throughout their homes and results in sleepless nights.

The plant will be restarted soon, with a date yet to be confirmed, but here's how Exxon Mobil - who run the plant jointly with Shell - say it will happen.

STEP 1: ETHANE GAS ARRIVES

The ethane is needed to begin sequence of generating steam and starting major machines.

There will be a 3-4 day journey for natural gas from the North Sea via St Fergus near Peterhead.

The ethane gas will be separated at the Shell plant next door and sent to FEP,

As major process machinery not yet started, some gas is diverted to flare.

STEP 3: BOILER AND FURNACE OUTPUT INCREASED

Both combine to generate the steam needed to start major machines

Steam and water vapour will be visible from the plant

STEP 2: FLARE SIZE MANAGED

Some of ethane gas sent to furnaces and some to ground flare

Remainder sent to elevated flare

These steps combine to reduce elevated flare size

Steam will be added to ensure the flare burns clean

STEP 4: MAJOR PROCESS MACHINERY STARTED

Three major compressors started

Each started individually in sequence

Visible steam will start to reduce as it is consumed by the machines

STEP 5: DISTILLING TOWERS STARTED

Final stage of start up

Three distilling towers brought online

Elevated flare will fluctuate but will not increase

STEP 6: SAFE RE-START COMPLETE

Ethane gas now being turned into on-spec ethylene

No longer in elevated flare

On-spec ethylene piped to Braefoot Bay terminal

Total time for safe re-start around 6 days

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Mossmorran is going to restart soon: Here's what's going to happen - Fife Today