The coker is said to convert the heaviest portion of crude oil into valuable liquid products during the refining process. Later, these products again will be converted into gasoline or diesel fuel.
The remaining product generated during the process will be sold as petroleum coke that can be used in industrial applications.
CHS refining, pipelines and terminals senior vice president Jim Loving said: "The new coker allows the refinery to process a larger variety of crude oils, thus delivering the best value to our owners and customers by purchasing the most cost-effective crude oil available.
"We’re also able to meet increased product demand while creating an even safer operating environment for our employees."
According to the company, it had started construction of the new coker unit in March 2013 and took around 2.8 million construction man hours to complete the project.
The firm had started operating new coker unit at its refinery in Laurel of Montana in 2008.
Upgrades at each refinery will help the company to produce 160,000 barrels per day by 2019, said CHS.
McPherson refinery vice president Rick Leicht said: "Replacing our previous coker, built in 1952, was essential for the refinery’s continued operation."
Image: CHS Refinery at McPherson, Kansas. Photo: courtesy of PRNewsFoto/CHS Inc.
