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Renewable Diesel & Bio-Feedstock Logistics

New Mexico

PROJECT
OVERVIEW

Norwest engineered the logistics scope of a major refinery upgrade to create RD refining capabilities and pre-treatment of bio-feedstocks. Norwest’s scope consisted of a greenfield infrastructure build-out of 16 rail unloading renewable diesel feedstock spots, 9 new feedstock storage tanks, 3 treated feedstock tanks, 7 feedstock offload pumps, 8 feedstock transfer pumps, 4 treated feedstock transfer and loading pumps, 3 renewable diesel product tanks, and 3 renewable diesel loading pumps. The finished RD and treated feedstock is loaded at 10 and 4 rail loading spots, respectively. Norwest provided all detailed engineering services and managed certain subconsultants to complete the full design of this scope.

Project Photos

Project Deliverables

  • (By Others) RD Process Unit throughput = 9,000 BPD / PTU throughput = 15,000 BPD
  • 3 new tanks for RD product storage (265,000 total barrels)
  • 12 new tanks for treated and untreated bio-feedstock storage (301,000 total barrels)
  • New rail loading/unloading capabilities:
    • Unloading: 13,000 BPD for untreated feedstocks at 16 spots
    • Loading: 10,000 BPD for treated soybean oil at 4 spots
    • Loading: 10,000 BPD for renewable diesel at 10 spots
  • 2 new Utility feeds (2 x 2.5 MVA transformers)
  • DOT-permitted highway road crossing to connect infrastructure to RD refinery
  • Steam and condensate system
  • Feedstock piping with electrical heat tracing for precise temperature control

Unique Challenges

  • Engineering Coordination: Norwest’s scope required us to coordinate between an active refinery, a new RD process unit being installed within the refinery (designed by others), and a new PTU (by others) that was unable to share proprietary process information. Elements of Norwest’s scope impacted each of these entities.
  • Covid-19: The project started during the Covid-19 pandemic. Norwest designed the entire project with a remote workforce. Due to safety protocols, the project team was not allowed on-site during its design phase. Our first site visit occurred well into the project’s construction.
  • Critical Path Engineering: To help the client meet start-up dates, Norwest divided construction drawings into separate bid packages which allowed construction contractors to begin in stages that best supported the project’s critical path.

Services Related to this Project

Construction Support
Experienced professionals who hold contractors accountable, catch issues early, and keep your project on time and within budget
Electrical & Controls Design
Tailored designs for power distribution, automation, & control systems
Geotechnical Investigations
Analyzing soil and site conditions, providing critical insights for foundation and structural design
Multi-Discipline Detailed Engineering
Combining comprehensive technical expertise with industry experience to ensure efficient, constructible designs
Rotating Equipment Design
Engineering, design, procurement, and installation management
Rail Design
Optimizing railcar movements, integrating rail infrastructure, and minimizing loading times and demurrage fees
Design-Build & EPC Services
Partnering with preferred contractors to deliver seamless, end-to-end project solutions
3D Laser Scanning & Modeling
Creating precise digital representations for concise design
Procurement & Expediting Support
From RFQ development to full equipment procurement for cost-effective and timely project execution

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Since 1975, Norwest Engineering has provided innovative, reliable solutions to clients across North America and beyond. We’re headquartered in Portland, Oregon with a nationwide workforce of highly-skilled engineers and designers. As your partner in progress, we are committed to understanding your evolving needs and delivering results that ensure the long-term success and efficiency of your facility. Contact us today to discuss how we can help achieve your goals.

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