A study on energy and environmental management techniques used in petroleum process industries

Abstract

Petroleum process industries are one of the most energy- and emission-intensive sectors throughout the world. There are natural gas processing plant, crude oil and condensate fractionation plant, liquefied natural gas plant, liquefied petroleum gas plant, etc. that create environmental pollution by processing and handling of petroleum products. The study critically reviewed and discussed the energy and environmental management including pollution control of petroleum process industries of Bangladesh. They produce both gaseous (process gas, waste gas, etc.) and liquid (produced water, waste oil, grease, etc.) pollutants. The study found that the liquid pollutant like waste water is more hazardous and its treatment process is highly complicated due to its higher salinity, more corrosivity and grease-containing characteristics. As part of energy management, the rational use of energy and energy flow diagram of the petroleum industry is presented. Finally, a time frame measure which can be implemented in order to save energy is outlined. The study concluded that the rational use of energy and proper environmental management are essential for achieving energy and environmental sustainability of process industries.