---
title: "NORSI's Technological Dead End: Sanctions Block Catalytic Cracking Unit Repairs in Kostovo"
description: "The NORSI refinery in Kostovo cannot promptly repair its KK-1/KK-2 catalytic cracking units and AVT-6 control systems: sanctions block Honeywell UOP and Axens parts, no domestic equivalents exist, and parallel imports take 12–18 months."
date: 2026-08-27T07:44:18.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/norsi-kostovo-refinery-sanctions-catalytic-cracking-repair-uop-axens
tags: [oil-refining, sanctions, lucoil, honeywell-uop, axens, kstovo]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# NORSI's Technological Dead End: Sanctions Block Catalytic Cracking Unit Repairs in Kostovo

![Catalytic cracking unit of NORSI in Kostovo with cracks and a lock: sanctions block repairs](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/27/remont-npz-kstovo-sankcii-oborudovanie-uop-axens/remont-npz-kstovo-sankcii-oborudovanie-uop-axens-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- The KK-1/KK-2 catalytic cracking units and AVT-6 control systems at NORSI (Kostovo) depend on patented equipment from Honeywell UOP and Axens.
- Sanctions prohibit the supply of original rotors, blades, and catalysts; no domestic equivalents for high-temperature compressors exist.
- Parallel imports through third countries, due to secondary US sanctions, take 12–18 months.

The NORSI (Nizhny Novgorod Neftorgsintez) refinery in Kostovo cannot promptly restore its damaged catalytic cracking units and control systems. The root of the problem lies in the plant's deep technological dependence on Western engineering companies.

### The Core of the Problem

The KK-1 and KK-2 catalytic cracking complexes, as well as the AVT-6 control systems, are built on the patented platforms of Honeywell UOP (USA) and Axens (France). Following the imposition of sanctions, the supply of original rotors, compressor blades, and chemical catalysts has been prohibited, and no domestic equivalents for high-temperature heavy cracking compressors are produced. The only available way to keep operations running is cannibalizing components from parallel and decommissioned lines, which merely delays full technological paralysis.

### Recovery Timelines

According to estimates cited in Forbes materials, attempts to establish parallel imports through third countries (China, Turkey) are hampered by secondary US sanctions, stretching the delivery of non-standard equipment to 12–18 months.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: What equipment is installed at the Kostovo refinery?
**A:** The main catalytic cracking units and control systems were designed and equipped by American Honeywell UOP and French Axens.

### Q: Why can't Russian spare parts be used?
**A:** High-temperature heavy cracking compressors, automation systems, and catalysts have no direct domestic equivalents, so a complete rebuild of the technological line is required.

### Q: Does parallel import help restore the refinery?
**A:** Only to a limited extent: large specialized equipment is manufactured to individual specifications, and parallel imports through third countries are hampered by secondary US sanctions and take 12–18 months.