Refineries are one of the largest sources of energy and are important to accommodate the ever-growing energy demand of the modern world. However, refinery emissions are often high and include air and water pollutants. For instance, the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that an individual refinery produces is estimated to be between 0.8 and 4.2 million tons annually. This wide range of CO2 emissions points to the differences in emissions based on a refinery’s operation. Refineries in Alberta can identify emission factors and reduce emissions through several source mitigation strategies, including updating existing infrastructure and utilizing new technologies.
This article will discuss common refinery emission factors, methods to reduce those emissions, and how working with a trusted local provider of refinery components can provide the engineering expertise and technology to limit emissions.
During refinery operations, equipment issues may contribute to increased emissions. Some of the common factors that contribute to emissions are:
Though the potential for refinery emissions is high, there are several strategies Alberta plants can use to mitigate emissions for safer and more efficient operations.
Mitigating emissions—and the resulting pollution and global warming—is becoming an increasingly important consideration for citizens, legislators, and refineries in Alberta. Alberta and other provinces are part of the National Air Quality Management System which sets the standards for industrial emissions. The emission standards established for these provinces have become more stringent, with approximately only half the emissions currently allowed compared to 10 years ago. As such, refinery operators and engineers have been seeking ways to mitigate refinery emissions. Some of the main emission mitigation strategies are discussed below:
Updating refineries may significantly reduce emissions by limiting leaks, seal issues, and inefficiencies in refinery operations. The steps needed for updating refineries can be complicated. Updates often need to be built seamlessly into existing infrastructure while components of the refinery are still in operation. For some of the equipment, utilizing an additional seal will help to limit emission vapours. Tubing and valves connecting to new equipment should be checked to make sure that there are no potential leaks. Further, the type of valves should allow for the separation of chemicals without leaks. Finally, the material and design of tubing should work with the chemicals being utilized, and the temperatures and pressures in that component of the system.
One of the best methods to limit emissions is to have a robust leak detection and repair program. Quickly identifying and repairing leaks will not only limit emissions but prevent the leaks from growing (which will result in even more emissions). Being able to quickly get replacement components and materials—tubing, valves, and seals—will allow for repairs to be made with minimal fugitive emissions.
New technology is currently being implemented at Alberta refineries to reduce emissions. One of the most promising of these technologies is carbon capture, whereby carbon is captured from emission sources and stored rather than released into the atmosphere. Implementing new methods and the corresponding technology requires an understanding of their influence on the existing infrastructure. When installing new components into the infrastructure, quality seals, valves, and tubing should be selected to withstand temperature and pressure needs and prevent leaks. An experienced Field Advisor can help you select the components best suited for your operational needs.
Refineries have begun to adapt their capabilities to limit overall emissions. An example of this includes utilizing liquefied plastic waste (rather than crude oil). This would complete a carbon circle and thus limit the overall number of hydrocarbon emissions.
These strategies for mitigating refinery emissions are beneficial for the environment and for protecting our resources. To best understand how to implement these strategies, partner with a local provider of refinery components and advisory services that also has Alberta’s standards and regulations in mind.
Partnering with a local provider of refinery components can help with the implementation and installation of emission-reducing components. For 50 years, Edmonton Valve & Fitting has provided professional support and an extensive local inventory of Swagelok products to Alberta plants. By understanding the existing infrastructure, the chemicals utilized in the refinery process, and the methods being utilized, Field Advisors from Edmonton Valve & Fitting can help with the selection of components and make suggestions about how best to minimize emissions. As a local provider, Edmonton Valve & Fitting will also have a team nearby to help consult during the implementation of components and the maintenance of those components to provide long-lasting emission reductions. Finally, as laws and regulations on emission change in Alberta, the Edmonton Valve & Fitting team can provide input to help you adapt to new policies.