Traditional open coke pits and exposed handling systems are increasingly under pressure as refiners face stricter environmental expectations and operational scrutiny.
The challenge is clear: how can refiners cut emissions and reduce community impact from coke handling without compromising reliability or day-to-day operations?
A new answer is emerging through an exclusive partnership between Lummus Technology and ART-Envi Services, offering a fully enclosed system designed to replace conventional open coke pits and pad-based handling. The goal is a cleaner, safer, and more controlled approach to petroleum coke management.
At the core of the collaboration is the integration of Chevron Lummus Global’s delayed coking technology with ART-Envi’s Environmental Coke Handling Operation (ECHO) system.
Together, they form a single, end-to-end solution that keeps coke fully contained from the moment it exits the coker drum through dewatering and transfer—removing the need for open pits, exposed conveyors, and outdoor stockpiles.
The environmental impact is significant: reduced fugitive dust, fewer odors, less spillage, and lower operator exposure. The modular design also allows deployment across varied refinery layouts, including space-constrained sites, while adapting to different coke characteristics.
"With ECHO, we’ve transformed petcoke handling into a closed, zero-emission process—setting a new environmental standard for delayed coking units," said Ralf Gast, Managing Director of ART-Envi Services. "From coke cutting to final dewatering, the system ensures safe operation, no evaporative water loss, and a markedly smaller footprint."
For both companies, the partnership formalizes years of technical collaboration and signals a broader push toward sustainable refinery modernization.
Chevron Lummus Global, a joint venture between Chevron USA and Lummus Technology, continues to be a leading licensor of delayed coking technology, while ART-Envi’s patented ECHO system is already deployed globally as part of efforts to convert traditional coke handling into fully enclosed, environmentally controlled operations.
