Alleima is set to play a key role in the green transformation of the aviation industry by supplying heat exchanger tubes to Preem for its refinery in Lysekil, Sweden. This upgrade marks a pivotal step in Preem’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, making it the largest producer of renewable aviation fuel in Northern Europe.
The refinery’s IsoCracker unit (ICR) is undergoing a major overhaul, expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Upon completion, the facility will produce 1.2 million cubic meters of renewable fuels annually, reducing fossil carbon emissions by 2 to 3 million tons per year. The shift includes eliminating the use of fossil feedstocks like crude oil in favor of renewable raw materials, supported by advanced technologies in the new pre-treatment unit (PTU).
This process demands exceptional material performance due to the high temperatures and corrosive environments involved. The feedstocks often contain chlorides, leading to corrosion risks. To address these challenges, Alleima’s advanced alloy, Sanicro® 35, was chosen for heat exchanger tubes, channels, and baffles. This austenitic stainless steel alloy offers outstanding corrosion resistance and serves as a cost-effective alternative to nickel-based alloys in the PTU’s demanding conditions.
“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is one of the greatest challenges of our time. I am proud that Preem is making the biggest transformation in its history by converting the diesel plant at Lysekil. Once complete, we will be Scandinavia’s largest producer of renewable aviation fuel,” said Tommy Johansson, ICR Project Manager at Preem.
Group Coek, a longtime Alleima customer and heat exchanger manufacturer, facilitated the order. “We are very pleased with this collaboration with Alleima. Sanicro® 35 was selected for its superior corrosion resistance, ensuring reliability in extreme environments,” said Patrick van Roy, CSO of Group Coek.
Barinder Ghai, Director of Technical Marketing at Alleima, highlighted the rigorous testing conducted with Preem before finalizing the material choice. “Sanicro® 35 has proven to withstand the extreme conditions of the PTU, offering a strong alternative to more expensive nickel-based alloys,” he noted.
This partnership underscores Alleima’s commitment to advancing sustainable solutions and supporting the green energy transition.
