Lummus and ART-Envi introduce enclosed coke handling technology, reducing emissions, improving safety, and supporting sustainable refinery operations.
Lummus Technology and ART-Envi Services are helping refiners modernize delayed coking operations by introducing a cleaner and more environmentally responsible approach to petroleum coke handling. Traditional refinery coke handling methods, which rely heavily on open coke pits and exposed conveying systems, have long created significant environmental and operational concerns. These conventional systems often lead to fugitive dust emissions, unpleasant odors, water evaporation losses, product spillage, and increased operator exposure to hazardous working conditions. In addition, nearby communities are increasingly raising concerns about the environmental impact of refinery coke handling, pushing refiners to adopt more sustainable and compliant solutions.
To address these challenges, Lummus Technology and ART-Envi Services have formed an exclusive partnership to provide refiners with a fully enclosed alternative that enhances operational efficiency while significantly reducing environmental impact. This collaboration combines the globally recognized delayed coking expertise of Chevron Lummus Global with ART-Envi’s patented Environmental Coke Handling Operation (ECHO) system, creating an advanced integrated solution for refinery operators.
Chevron Lummus Global, a joint venture between Chevron USA Inc. and Lummus Technology, is widely recognized as one of the leading licensors of delayed coking technology worldwide. Its expertise in delayed coking units provides refiners with reliable and high-performance coking processes. ART-Envi Services complements this with its innovative ECHO system, specifically designed to transform traditional coke handling into a closed-loop, environmentally controlled process.
The ECHO system provides a fully enclosed handling method that contains petroleum coke from the moment it exits the delayed coker drum through the final stages of dewatering and transfer. Unlike conventional open pit systems, the enclosed design eliminates exposed conveyors, open storage areas, and coke stockpiles that are major sources of dust and emissions. This significantly reduces fugitive coke dust, minimizes odors, prevents spillage, and enhances workplace safety by lowering operator exposure to potentially harmful conditions.
According to Ralf Gast, Managing Director of ART-Envi Services, the ECHO system sets a new benchmark for environmental performance in delayed coking units. He explained that the technology transforms petcoke handling into a closed, zero-emission process. From coke cutting to final dewatering, the system ensures safer operations, prevents evaporative water loss, and requires a much smaller operational footprint compared to conventional systems.
Another major advantage of the integrated solution is its modular design, which allows refiners to adapt the system to various site layouts and operational requirements. Even facilities with limited available space can implement the system efficiently. It is also flexible enough to handle a wide range of coke morphologies, making it suitable for diverse refinery applications across global markets.
This partnership formalizes years of successful technical collaboration between Lummus and ART-Envi. It reflects both companies’ shared commitment to supporting refiners in achieving stricter environmental goals without sacrificing operational reliability or productivity. As sustainability standards continue to rise across the refining sector, enclosed coke handling systems like ECHO are becoming increasingly important for long-term compliance and community acceptance.
By combining proven delayed coking technology with advanced environmental engineering, Lummus Technology and ART-Envi Services are helping shape the future of cleaner refinery operations. Their partnership offers refiners a practical path toward safer, more efficient, and more sustainable coke handling systems.
