ABB will combine automation, electrical, and energy technologies in integrated solutions, said automation technologies division head Dinesh Paliwal.

"These solutions will help the customer improve output and achieve new targets," he said.

Located about 100km southeast of Bangkok, Sriracha refinery is Thailand's largest single-site refinery. It has a total capacity of 220,000 barrels per day and is one of the most complex oil processing facilities in the country.

ABB will refurbish a crude oil distillation unit at the refinery to increase capacity from 16,000 to 24,000 tons per day, and revamp related equipment. In addition, ABB will install two new process units for removal of sulphur compounds from flue gasses and purification of kerosene, including upgrade of electrical and automation systems.

A task force from ABB's oil and gas business unit in Italy will manage the project over 23 months, beginning with extensive pre-shutdown activities to balance the workload and minimise unit downtime.