MOL has completed the €49.6 million reconstruction of the AV-3 crude distillation unit at its Danube refinery. The project is preparing the installation for a staged restart during October. The unit is located at Szazhalombatta, where it was heavily damaged by a fire last year. The damage reduced part of the refinery’s crude-processing capability.
Restart preparations for AV-3
Before production resumes, MOL will conduct pressure testing, system flushing and checks on safety and process-control systems. Auxiliary energy systems will then be connected before AV-3 is reintegrated with the refinery. The restart is scheduled to proceed progressively rather than returning the unit to full capacity immediately.
Scope of reconstruction work
The reconstruction included rebuilding damaged reinforced-concrete structures. MOL also replaced or repaired machinery, electrical installations and control equipment as part of the refurbishment. During the project, 27 new high-capacity pumps were installed.
MOL replaced around 8 km of pipelines and laid approximately 100 km of electrical cable. Full restoration of AV-3 is expected to bring the Danube refinery closer to normal crude-processing capacity. It will also support MOL’s ability to supply Hungary and neighbouring fuel markets.
